Agenda and minutes

Minute of 12 May 2016 to be approved and signed by the Chairman (copy attached).

1.1       There had been circulated copies of the Minute of 12 May 2016.

DECISION

NOTED the Minute

1.2       With regard to paragraph 3 of the Minute, the Chairman referred to a communication from the Estates Surveyor giving an update with regard to the Ladhope Tree Planting project.  The planting design had been guided and approved by the Forestry Commission and the plans had been supported by the Langlee Community Woodland group.  Detailed planting design in terms of proportion of each species was being finalised in order to input public consultation which was still to be arranged.

DECISION

NOTED

Consider report by Chief Financial Officer (copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Chief Financial Officer providing details of the income and expenditure for the three months to 30 June 2016, full year projected out-turn for 2016/17 and projected balance sheet values as at 31 March 2017.   Capital and Investments Manager, Kirsty Robb, highlighted the main points of the report and appendices. Appendix 1 to the report provided a projected Income and Expenditure position which showed a projected deficit of £55 for the year and a projected closing cash balance of £6,478.  The projected Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2017, in Appendix 2 to the report, showed a projected decrease in the Revaluation reserves of £36,247 due mainly to the projected depreciation charge.  Appendix 3 provided a breakdown of the property portfolio.  There was no rental income and no property expenses for the properties owned by the Common Good.  With regard to non-property related income, the proposed budget for 2016/17 was based on a distribution to 2.0% from the Newton Fund Investments which would be subject to the overall performance of the fund.  An amount of £3,000 had also been projected for income received from donations from the Ladhope Estate and Ex Provost Mercer Bequest. There had been no requests for financial assistance as at 30 June 2016 leaving a total unallocated Grants budget of £2,000. The current position of the investment in the Newton Fund was shown in Appendix 4. The market value of Galashiels Common Good investments at 30 June 2016 had yielded a 6% unrealised gain on the total invested to date. Ms Robb advised that there would be a seminar for Trustees on 19 October 2016, at Council Headquarters.  In addition to the presentation of the annual accounts for the charitable funds and an update on Trust reorganisation, the seminar would be attended by Newton Fund managers who would be available to answer questions.

DECISION

(a)          AGREED the projected Income and Expenditure for 2016/17 in Appendix I to the report.

(b)       NOTED within the appendices to the report:-

(i)            the projected Balance Sheet value as at 31 March 2017 in Appendix 2;

(ii)          the summary of the property portfolio in Appendix 3; and

(iii)         the current position of the investment in the Newton Fund in Appendix 4.

Consider application for refurbishment of pool tables at Reivers Sports Bar, Galashiels (copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance from Mr Ian Middlemass, on behalf of Reivers Sports Bar, Galashiels.  A grant of £900 was requested to refurbish the pool tables at the Reivers Sports Bar and to improve the entrance to the hall to bring it up to a good standard.  Mr Middlemass and Mr Kieren Riddell, attended the meeting to provide further information and answer Members’ questions.  Mr Middlemass explained that £6,000 had been invested in pool tables at the Reivers Sports Bar and that last year there had been 3 major pool competitions in which the best players in the UK had taken part.  These competitions were of significant benefit to the local economy with the associated demand for accommodation and facilities.  With the success of the competitions around £450 had recently been donated to local charities and there were plans in place to raise more money and to become self-sufficient. The pool tables were also used by local young people and people with special needs, with coaching being provided and junior competitions being planned. The room was fitted with CCTV.  The popularity of the facility had led to the need to refurbish the tables. A committee and bank account had recently been set up and the group had also just affiliated with the Scottish Pool Association, with the result that the Reivers Bar was now on the Association’s list of venues. In response to questions Mr Middlemass emphasised that there was no bar in the pool hall and no under-18s were allowed in the bar area.  In this respect the room was the only facility available for young people to play pool within the Borders. Members indicated that they were in support of the development of this pool facility particularly as a resource for young people.  However they were not comfortable with the application in its present form, were concerned that the group did not yet have a club or constitution and did not believe the Common Good Fund to be an appropriate source of funding.  Mr Kenney advised the applicants to set up a club and to seek advice and affiliate with Club Sport Ettrick and Lauderdale.  This would then entitle the club and members to access financial assistance that was on offer through various schemes. The Chairman thanked Mr Middlemass and Mr Riddell for attending and wished them well with their project.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)          to support in principle the development of a club to promote the sport of pool at the Reivers Sports Bar; but

(b)          not to give a grant for the refurbishment of the pool tables as there would be more appropriate sources of funding available once the club was established.