Strathard Community Council
Approved Minutes of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
held at 7pm on Thursday 6th June 2024 at The Strathard Business Hub
Present: Paul Mackintosh (Chair), Nick Lester-Davis (Vice Chair), Joyce Kelly
(Planning), Catherine Cairns (Treasurer),Trevor Geraghty (Strathard
Community Trust), Natasha Sheppard, Gillian McEwan, Linda McColl
(Secretary).
In Attendance: Councillor Gene Maxwell (Scottish National Party)
Apologies: Andre Goulancourt
Residents: There were 2 members of the public in attendance.
- Members Present and Apologies for Absence
The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and gave the apologies.
- Adoption of the Draft Minutes of the AGM held on XX 2022
The unconfirmed minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on XX 2022 were
approved, having been proposed by Joyce Kelly and seconded by Nick Lester-Davis.
- Chairman’s Annual Report and Questions from the Floor
The Chairman’s Report was read by Paul Mackintosh. The full text is reproduced here:
Dear Community members,
As the chair of Strathard Community Council (SCC), I am pleased to present our
annual report for the year 2023/24. This report highlights our achievements,
challenges, and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life in our community.
Council Overview:
The SCC plays a vital role in promoting community welfare, fostering civic
engagement, and addressing local issues. Our dedicated CC members, Stirling
Council staff, Ward Councillors and volunteers work tirelessly together to create a
vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.
Community Events:
We attended and took part in several successful and challenging events, including the
Aberfoyle Gala Day, The Big Conversation, Campaign against Aberfoyle Nursery
Closure and Bringing Rural CC together as one. These gatherings brought people
together, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
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Infrastructure Improvements:
Our council collaborated with our local authority, National Park, FLS, SEPA, Scottish
Water, Police Scotland, to improve road safety, upgrade parks (still ongoing) and
enhance public spaces.
Notable projects included implementation of speed restriction measures such as zebra
crossings, upgrade of B829 outside Aberfoyle Primary School and installing new
speed bumps. Continued conversations around affordable social housing are taking
place with RSHA.
Environmental Initiatives:
We have assisted with the introduction of beavers into the Duchray Water
Community Engagement and Consultation:
We value community input and held regular meetings, surveys and focus groups.
Residents expressed their concerns, ideas and aspirations which guided our decision
making process.
Community Life Plans and the overarching Strathard Local Place Plan.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
SCC forged partnerships with our local school, businesses and SCT
Joint efforts included workshops, Flooding Group, Housing Group, Rural CC’s
Challenges and Future Goals:
Despite our progress, we faced challenges such as flooding, The Big Conversation,
DRT, and Housing.
Looking ahead, we aim to:-
Enhance public transportation options
Strengthen emergency preparedness
Influence new housing options
Appreciation and Acknowledgements:
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Community Councillors, volunteers, Community
Partners in particular to SCT, our 3 ward councillors, and Stirling Council staff.
Special thanks to Joyce and Cath for their unwavering support and commitment
Conclusion:
As we move forward, let us continue working together to build a resilient,
compassionate and thriving community. Your support and involvement are crucial to
our success.
Sincerely,
Paul Mackintosh, Chair SCC
There were no questions from the floor.
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- Treasurer’s Report
Highlights of the Treasurer’s Report for the year 2023-24 were read by Catherine
Cairns who had distributed the report to members prior to the meeting. See Addendum
1 for full details.
Money received this year included a Stirling Council Admin Grant and Minuting
Support Grant of £429.87 and £280 respectively. In addition there were 2 donations
from the Gala which came to £45. Total income for the period was £754.87.
Moneys out included hall hire of £120, minuting costs of £320, data protection
registration of £40, Scotways subscription of £20, a contribution to the Christmas lights
of £600, SCC leaflets at £58, Mail Chimp subscription of £196.19, membership of
Strathard Business Hub of £120 and postage expenses of £26.56. Total expenditure
was £1,501.55, making a deficit of £746.68.
Funds as of 1st April 2023 were £6,828.10. Funds as of 1st April 2024 were £6,081.46.
Outstanding monies. Claire has not yet cashed cheques for the Microsoft account so
these will come out of next year’s accounts. In addition approximately £300 worth of
items Claire paid for have yet to be cashed.
Councillor Gene Maxwell (GM) noted that SCC are one of the few CCs that do not
have an income stream from a source such as a windfarm or hydro scheme. While, in
the past, the structure of CCs as elected bodies, did not allow for the administering of
funds, CCs now have the ability to receive and administer funds. It was pointed out
that Strathard Community Trust (SCT) received a grant of c. £9,000 this year from a
small hydro scheme which was distributed to support community projects.
- Election of Office Bearers
Councillor Gene Maxwell took the Chair for the election of office bearers. GM thanked
members for their efforts over the past year.
5.1 The re-election of Paul Mackintosh as Chair was proposed by Joyce Kelly,
seconded by Nathasha Sheppard and approved by members.
5.2 The re-election of Nick Lester-Davis as Vice-Chair was proposed by Paul
Mackintosh, seconded by Joyce Kelly and approved by members.
5.3 The re-election of Linda McColl as Secretary was proposed by Gillian McEwan,
seconded by Catherine Cairns and approved by members.
5.4 The re-election of Catherine Cairns as Treasurer was proposed by Paul
Mackintosh, seconded by Nick Lester-Davis and approved by members.
5.5 The re-election of Joyce Kelly as Planning Representative was proposed by
Linda McColl, seconded by Natasha Sheppard and approved by members.
Members noted that there are currently 9 SCC members out of a maximum of 11.
- Date of Next AGM
The next AGM of SCC will take place on the 1st Thursday of June 2025.
ADDENDUM 1: Treasurer’s Report
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ADDENDUM 1: Treasurer’s Report
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ADDENDUM 1: Treasurer’s Report
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ADDENDUM 1: Treasurer’s Report
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