Agenda and minutes

Minute of Meeting held on 29 November 2023 to be approved and signed by the Chair.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of the Minute of the Meetings held on 29 November 2023. 

DECISION

AGREED to approve the Minutes for signature by the Chair.

The Chair had introduced two late papers that were to be considered as a matter of urgency.  The papers had not been available for circulation before late afternoon of 24 January 2024. There had been circulated copies of a consultation report from Jason Dyer, the purpose of which was to provide Members with a summary report on all work and consultations undertaken in relation to the Burgh Hall and recommendations for next steps.  The report was to contribute to the Levelling Up Fund bid to be submitted by 9 February 2024.  Copies of the minute of the Beneficiaries Group held on 23 January 2024 were also circulated.

An update from the last meeting.

The Chair shared the main points from the meeting of the Beneficiaries Group on 23 January 2024, the Minute of which has been circulated in the late supplement.  Apologies for that meeting had been received from Councillor Thomson and Begg.  The Levelling Up bid was discussed; officers were currently preparing a response to the UK Government’s request for information on costs and specification for the proposed work.  An update was expected in time for the next meeting on 28 February.  Jason Dyer had provided an update on his work to date, a copy of which had been circulated to Members and the Council website.  Mr Dyer highlighted the key priorities which included accessibility issues, social prescribing, creation of learning spaces and room hire, locations of the museum and library and public use of heritage space. Any feedback on the document was to be sent to Mr Dyer as soon as possible.  The Chair informed attendees of the project vision workshop to take place on Friday 9 February between SBC officers, Live Borders staff, Mr Dyer and Trustees.  A vision document was to be produced following the workshop to provide to the Levelling Up bid and all stakeholders, following comments/amendments.  Members agreed to the workshop.  The Chair sought approval to convene a working group to examine the governance of the Beneficiaries Group going forward. The membership was agreed as follows: the Chair, Peter Maudsley (Peebles Community Council), Sam Coe (Beneficiaries Group), Fiona Colton (Live Borders), Crick Carleton (Peebles Place Making Working Group).  It was highlighted that the Trust was the body with the decision-making power, into which the Beneficiaries Group reported and made recommendations.  An update on works to the Burgh Hall was provided.  The entrance foyer had been decorated following roof repairs.  Work had begun on curtain installation and once completed, the acoustics engineer was to return to install acoustic panels.  Enquiries continued in relation to heating and draft issues at the Minstrel’s Gallery.  The artwork by Susan Mitchell was discussed and how best to display them.  Gareth Smith was to provide costings for cabinetry at the next meeting in February.  A contract was to be drawn up between the artist and the Trust with input from SBC Legal department.  An update of action from the Beneficiaries Group meeting of 28 November was provided verbally.  A correction to the minute of 29 November 2024 had been highlighted:  Mr Dyer had not been engaged as a co-ordinator, but as a funding consultant. 

Before proceeding with the private business, the following motion should be approved:-

“That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the aforementioned Act.”

AGREED under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the business detailed in the Appendix to this Minute on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7A to the Act.

Consider Private Minute of the meeting held on 29 November 2023.  (Copy attached.)

Members considered the Private Minute of 29 November 2023.

Discussion on supply and installation of daylight projector with consideration of quote.  (Copy to follow.)

Members agreed to discuss the matter at a later date.