Agenda and draft minutes

Minute of Meeting held on 27 September 2017 to be approved (copy attached).

            The Minute of Meeting of the Innerleithen Common Good Fund Sub-Committee held on 27 September 2017 had been circulated.

DECISION

APPROVED the Minute for signature by the Chairman.

Consider update on progress towards the repair of the former Provosts Chain.

With reference to paragraph 3 of the Minute of 27 September 2017, the Chairman confirmed that Innerleithen Community Council and St Ronan’s Games Committee would be working together on a fundraising campaign to pay for the refurbishment of the chain and pendant.  The Community Council had asked for a second quote for the work required.

DECISION

NOTED

Consider update on the feasibility of letting office accommodation within Innerleithen Memorial Hall.

With reference to paragraph 2.2 of the Minute of 27 September 2017, officers gave an update on the feasibility of letting office space in Innerleithen Memorial Hall to raise revenue.  Ms Scrymgeour, Solicitor, confirmed that an investigation of the title to the             property had been carried out and that there appeared to be no burden within the deeds that would prevent or restrict the letting of office space.  Estates Surveyor, Mr Graham, confirmed that he had received a response from Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Live Borders, regarding the position as to whether office accommodation could be sub-let or released from part of the tenancy.   Mr Jackson had intimated that he would not be averse to considering an asset transfer if this was the direction trustees wanted to take.  It was the opinion of Members that there would be a demand for office space within Innerleithen and noted that Business Gateway would be able to assist in the identification of local businesses who may be looking for locations from which to operate.        It was recognised that these were likely to be business start-ups and that there could be a high turnover.  Reference was therefore made to the implications with regard to management of the venture.  Mr Graham advised that, in theory this could be taken on by the Estates section but there would need to be investigation of resource implications.  It was noted that as a commercial project there may be an implication with regard to rates. Refurbishment work would also be required to make the rooms fit for purpose.  Mr Graham agreed to put together a Business Case for the next meeting to demonstrate whether the project represented a worthwhile investment.  Councillor Haslam advised that Mr Jackson would be meeting with the Community Council to discuss how the hall could be refreshed in order to attract more use. In the meantime the Chairman drew attention to a Community Group who were looking for suitable premises to store good quality used clothing and had asked if a room would be available on a short term basis within the Memorial Hall.  Members supported this request in principle but pointed out that the approach needed to be made to Live Borders rather than to the Common Good.  The Chairman agreed to relay this information to the party concerned. 

      DECISION

      AGREED that a Business Case, for the letting of office space within Innerleithen Memorial Hall, be prepared by the Estates Surveyor for the next          meeting.

Thursday 1 February, 2018.

DECISION

NOTED.