Agenda and minutes

1.1    There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the Kelso Common Good Fund Sub-Committee held on 15 November 2022.  

         DECISION

         AGREED to APPROVE the Minute for signature by the Chairman.

1.2     Action Tracker

          The Action Tracker had been circulated.  In terms of the actions in respect of the Pinnaclehill Woodland, it was agreed that a site visit by Members was not required as the Tree Officer had undertaken an inspection visit.  As a result of the inspection visit, the Tree Officer had drawn up an extensive list of work required to be undertake as detailed in Appendix I to the Minute, which was likely to be costly.  During the discussion which followed, consideration was given to the possibility of undertaking the work in stages, commencing with the most urgent and spreading the cost over two financial years.  The Sub-Committee agreed that the Tree Officer be instructed to obtain costings for the work from 2/3 Tree Surgeons for consideration at the next meeting.  The matter would remain on the Action Tracker in the meantime.

1.3     Elected members were of the opinion that the Woodland Trust should be contacted to explore the possibility of them taking over the Woodland for the benefit of the Community or managing the woodland on behalf of the Common Good.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)  the site visit by members be removed from the tracker;

(b)       the Tree Officer be instructed to obtain quotes from 2/3 Tree Surgeons in respect of the work listed in Appendix I as soon as possible; and

(c)       the quotes identify those actions which were most urgent.

(d)       The Chairman write to the Woodland Trust and invite them to visit the Pinnaclehill Woodland with a view to taking over the Woodland or managing the woodland on behalf of the Common Good.

Consider report by Acting Chief Financial Officer.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Acting Chief Financial Services Officer providing details of the income and expenditure for the Kelso Common Good Fund for the nine months to 31 December 2023, a full year projected out-turn for 2022/23, projected balance sheet values as at 31 March 2023 and proposed budget for 2023/24.  Appendix 1 to the report provided the projected Income and Expenditure position for 2022/23, which showed a projected surplus of £7,749 for the year, which was less than the surplus previously reported in November 2022.  Appendix 2 to the report provided a projected balance sheet value as at 31 March 2023 and showed a projected decrease in reserves of £53,730.  Appendix 3(a) to the report provided a breakdown of the property portfolio showing rental income and net return for 2022/23, and actual property income to 31 December 2022.  Appendix 3(b) provided a breakdown of the property portfolio showing projected property expenditure for 2022/23, and actual property expenditure to 31 December 2022.  Appendix 4 provided a breakdown of the property portfolio showing projected property valuations at 31 March 2023.  Appendix 5 detailed the value of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund to 31 December 2023.  The Acting Chief Financial Officer highlighted the main points in the report and answered Members’ questions.  In response to a question about the Croft Park, Public Toilets, the Acting Chief Financial Officer confirmed that should the toilets be leased to the Rugby Club, it wold remain an Asset of the Common Good. 

DECISION

(a)     AGREED the proposed budget for 2023/24 as shown in Appendix I.

(b)     NOTED:-

(i)        projected income and expenditure for 2022/23 in Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)     the projected balance sheet value as at 31 March 2023 in Appendix 2 to the report;

(iii)    the summary of the property portfolio in Appendices 3 and 4 to the report; and

(iv)    the current position of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund in Appendix 5 to the report.