16 October 2024

Minutes of Meeting

Wednesday, 16 October 2024

Present:
Anne-Marie Gordon, Scott Gordon, Sean Gordon, Fahim Islam, Mozibul Islam, Robert Johnstone, Fatem Khatun, Elle Madden, Ms. Sulliman, Sandra Wood, Vickie Wood, Karen Finch (Community Council Liaison Officer - CCLO), Gogo Okafor (ACC), and Councillor Donna Clark.

Apologies:
Fiona Gordon, Sumaiya Khatun, Councillors Kate Blake, David Cameron, and Steve Delaney.

1. Welcome and Apologies

Karen Finch welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the newly established Community Council following the recent elections.

• Introductions: Everyone present introduced themselves.

• Apologies Received: As listed above.

2. Co-options and Associate Members

Karen explained the differences between co-opted membership and associate membership:

• The Community Council can have up to two co-opted members to reach the maximum of 16 members.

• There is no limit to the number of associate members, who can participate in specific projects or assist in general council activities.

Action:

• Include this topic on the next agenda.

3. Chairperson’s Report

Mozibul Islam circulated the Chairperson’s Report, summarising the following:

• Challenges in securing a suitable venue for meetings, resolved with Len Ironside's availability.

• Difficulties in appointing and retaining office bearers.

• Monthly police reports discussed with officer attendance when possible.

• Regular attendance and communication with councillors.

• Public attendance at meetings to voice concerns, which the Council addressed.

Action:

• A vote of thanks to Mozibul for his report.

4. Appointment of Office Bearers

Karen advised training is available for all roles, with online resources on CC governance to be shared shortly.
The Community Council nominated and seconded the following appointments:

• Chairperson: Sean Gordon

• Vice Chair: Vickie Wood

• Secretary: Anne-Marie Gordon

• Treasurer: Elle Madden

• Planning Officers: Fahim Islam and Robert Johnstone

• Licensing Officers: Fahim Islam and Robert Johnstone

5. Bank Account and Finances

Karen emphasised the need to open a bank account as soon as possible, noting issues with the previous account transfer. Funds from the 2024 annual grant will be transferred once the account is opened.

Actions:

1. Elle to investigate bank account options.

2. Bank signatories confirmed: Sean Gordon, Elle Madden, and Anne-Marie Gordon.

3. Karen to contact the previous Chair (Louise) regarding the status of the previous account.

6. Police Report

Karen circulated the Police Report in advance, summarising statistics for September:

• Calls to Police Team: 497 (an increase of 10 from the previous month).

• Individual Charges Recorded: 166 (a decrease of 10 from the previous month).

• Crimes by Type:

  • Drug Offences: 7 (-3)

  • Vandalism: 19 (-6)

  • Assaults: 22 (-8)

  • Thefts: 31 (+5)

  • Motoring Offences: 18 (-16)

The report also provided safety tips for internet browsing and online gaming.

7. Councillor Reports

Councillor Donna Clark shared an overview of her activities:

• Visits to sheltered housing complexes and daytime surgeries by appointment.

• Responding to constituent phone calls and emails.

• Collaborations with local groups and schools.

• Attendance at civic receptions and ACC meetings.

Issues Raised by Members:

• Request to resurface Hallfield Crescent.

• Concerns about low lighting levels in streetlights.

• Issues with e-bike riders wearing dark clothing, no helmets, and unsafe road practices.

Action:

• Donna will escalate these issues to the appropriate authorities.

8. Future Meeting Arrangements

• The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at 6:30 PM at Len Ironside Centre.

• Members discussed considering daytime meetings in the future.

Action:

• Karen to issue a pro forma regarding dates and venues for future meetings.

Chairperson for this Meeting: Karen Finch