Agenda and minutes

Consider report by Service Director Assets & Infrastructure.  (Copy attached.)

1.1       With reference to paragraph 3 of the minute of 23 February 2021, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Service Director Assets and Infrastructure providing an update on the financial for the proposed woodland planting scheme on Lauder Common and seeking approval to formalise the grant funding and appoint a woodland planting contractor.  The report explained that Hugh Chalmers of Tweed Forum, acting as forestry agent for the Common Good Fund had obtained tenders from three experienced contractors with the lowest bid being received from Scottish Woodlands Limited.  The Chairman provided Councillor Linehan with the background to the proposal as this was her first Common Good Fund meeting.  In response to a question on fencing costs the Estates Surveyor advised that these costs were included in the budget but there would be some savings due to works by the adjoining landowner.  The Principal Solicitor advised that the paperwork was with the Solicitor for the Lauderhill Sheep Company and following a reminder she was hoping this would be returned by the end of the week.

1.2       The Estates Surveyor advised that separate to the above works she had been in discussion with Mr Middlemiss of the Lauderhill Sheep Company regarding general fencing works and would be seeking quotes for this work for which the Common Good Fund would be liable for 50% of the costs.  Proposals to upgrade the sheep pens were also awaited.  The Roads department were carrying out works on damaged cattle grids on the road over the Common.

            DECISION

            AGREED:-

(a)     to sign the Funding Contract with Scottish Forestry and Forest Carbon as detailed in the report; and

(b)     to appoint Scottish Woodlands Limited as the forestry contractor for the woodland planting on Lauder Common at a contract price of £138,989 plus VAT.

Under Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Chairman was of the opinion that the items dealt with in the following paragraph should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency, in view of the need to keep Members informed.

3.1       With reference to paragraph 4 of the Minute of 23 February 2021, the Estates Surveyor advised that the works had now been signed off with fencing works commencing next week and tree planting the week following and she had communicated this to all the tenants.  Work to the existing trees was being carried out this week.

3.2       With reference to paragraph 2 of the Private Minute of 2 February 2021, the Estates Surveyor advised that agreement in principle had now been reached with Mrs Douglas regarding the licence of the grazings known as Refuse Tips 1 and 2.  Spraying would be allowed to be carried out prior to the licence and Agreement being finalised and a legal letter would be sent confirming this

            DECISION

            NOTED.