Residents Meeting - Minutes

Sorry for the delay in posting the minutes of the meeting on Monday 25th June 2007. Please find the minutes below:

PERSIMMON/SCOTIA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION MEETING
JUNE 25TH 2007
HALLGLEN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Councillor John Patrick opened the meeting and stated that as a condition of residents deeds with regards to Greenbelt a R.A. must be formed. His understanding was that the developer had sold all green space to Greenbelt. He has experience of other areas having the same problems with Greenbelt and they have managed to negotiate through a Residents Association a scope of works from Greenbelt and a reduction in their bills
Alison McNeill introduced herself and stated the purpose of the meeting was to form a Residents Association and discuss Greenbelt.
A representative from the Bett Residents Association (Robert) stated that in their experience, Greenbelt would not be involved in any public meetings. They would not speak to more than two people at any time and any meeting had to be structured.
Setting up Residents AssociationRobert from Bett Residents Association: Bett R.A. should join with the residents here. Will discuss this with my R.A. members.
The under noted volunteered to form the committee:
Alison McNeill
Lynn Miller
Emma Hodgson
Elaine Whitmarsh
Jackie King
Claire Little
Derek Hampson
Dougie Bendall
Eimear Stassin
There were no objections to above volunteersCommittee FormedIssues with Greenbelt
John Leach 48 Achray Drive: When he bought his home he paid £150 to Scotia for Greenbelt fees, he then received a bill from Greenbelt for the same period that he had already paid for. When questioned Greenbelt claimed they had not received any money from Scotia.General discussion took place about varying initial fees to Greenbelt.
Greenbelt have been ask for a list of works but no one has received one.
Councillor Patrick stated that it was important to have a list of works from Greenbelt. He stated that in his experience with a bit of effort Greenbelt could be tied down to a list of works. He stated that Persimmons were responsible for all green lands and have sold these on to Greenbelt. He said the only alternative to Greenbelt is in theory that the council take over, but was unsure if that would be possible, that a bond may be required. He offered to make contact with Greenbelt on our behalf.
Gordon Hendry read out correspondence he had with council in May on the green lands issue. There was mention of the £300k available and residents could be entitled to a reduction in costs
Councillor Patrick said that it is up to the Residents Association to let council know what they want the plan and gain money to be used for. The money should not be used for any work that Greenbelt, Persimmons or the council are responsible for. A kick pitch area was mentioned as a possibility for use of the money.
A resident mentioned that he has seen detailed drawings from Persimmons, which give details of exactly what Greenbelt should be doing.He also voiced concerns that the pond near him was already starting to become overgrown due to lack of maintenance.
Elaine Whitmarsh voiced her concerns over lack of fencing and no life saving aids around the large pond, felt it is a danger to children.Resident: stated that he saw children swimming and wading in the pond he contacted Persimmons to ask if the area could be fenced off and has received no response.
General discussions about areas where plants have been planted poorly round the ponds and in other parts of the estate that Greenbelt claim no responsibility for.
Stated in Deeds that Greenbelt are legally responsibly for green areas and can not increase the prices higher than inflation for 0-5 year after this however are free to raise prices. It could be the case that if 100% of residents agree we could appoint our own factor. In the interim it was suggested that we push for a reduction in current fees.
General discussion that residents could make a big saving if they took over maintenance of grounds themselves.
MSP Margaret Mitchell offered to write to scotia/persimmons and greenbelt to find out exactly where the areas of responsibility lie and the exact policy for maintenance of grounds.
Jamie Wilson asked if tender could be invited by residents for maintenance of grounds.It was discussed that our ability to use someone other than greenbelt to maintain the land would depend on whither Greenbelt has paid for the land or not. If Greenbelt has paid for land it will be very difficult to replace them.
Councillor Patrick: Stated his understanding was that the land had been sold to Greenbelt and that there was no legal opportunity to put our own factor in place.It was asked if proposed kick pitch area is level with roadCouncillor Patrick: responded by saying no as A. they did not want play to go onto the road and B. They did not want light causing a nuisance.
Pamela McCormick raised a concern that as there had been a recent fire in one of the portaloos loos currently at the kick pitch site. It was felt that a low-lying area might attract vandals and the safety of children using the area, as it is not over looked.
Councillor Patrick: Final consultation is not yet in place.
Gordon Hendry stated that he had stayed in the area and had previous dealings with Greenbelt. That if you move home Greenbelt will expect you to pay a full year of maintenance no matter when you move.
Concern was raised about drainage at the back of the Scotia homes next to the woods. It was felt that the builders were dragging their heels, as sufficient drainage was still not in place.
Councillor Patrick said he would find out more information about this.
Colin Gallie stated that a copy of the drawings for all drains was available to view at council offices and they also hold copies of all plans for the area.
Alison McNeill asked if everybody had been charged the same amount per annum by Greenbelt.
£176 seemed to be the value most people had been charged others were unsure.
There was discussion on varying amounts initially paid towards Greenbelt when residents bought their homes. (£375-£75)
A suggestion was made of reducing the bills to £50 per annum.
Alison McNeill asked if there were any objections to the committee meeting with Greenbelt to negotiate a reduction in charges and a detailed scope of work.
No objections were made but a request that the scope of work should detail the cost of each job and that the quality of work should be agreed.
It was agreed that residents will check their initial fee to Greenbelt and the annual fee and would email the information to the Residents AssociationIt was asked what the legal position would be if residents don’t pay Greenbelt bills.
General discussion took place during which Margaret Mitchell MSP stated that she would investigate into how binding the contract is. She warned residents to take caution in not paying bills, that the sheriff officers could become involved. If you have already paid, as is the case for some Scotia residents and have been charged again then you have a good reason not to pay.
A point was raised that Mary, part of the legal team for Scotia, was aware that there is a problem with double billing and has told these residents not to pay Greenbelt.
Alison McNeill requested that this information be obtained in writing from Scotia.
Alan Rodger suggested that the residents agree a fee to pay Greenbelt.
Discussion we have no proof of what work has or has not been carried out so far.
General discussion took place of residents concerns regarding Greenbelt.
During which it was mention that the Scottish Executive web site includes debates re. Greenbelt high charging and lack of work. It was also mentioned that Greenbelt did not actually carry work out themselves but subcontracted it, leading to a variation in standard of work throughout the country.
Councillor Patrick will speak to planning department for clarification.It should be noted that plans for all properties and the estate are held at the local council planning office. These are available to photocopy.Margaret Mitchell MSP reiterated that she will check how residents are legally tied to Greenbelt and will write to all parties (Greenbelt, Persimmons, Scotia)
Alison McNeill closed the meeting by thanking Councillor Patrick and Margaret Mitchell MSP for taking the time to attend this meeting and also thanked all residents who attended.