Agenda and draft minutes

As the last meeting on Wednesday 27 March 2019 was inquorate, no formal decisions could be taken.  However, there was an informal discussion including the Community Council representative to obtain their input.   This meeting was to formally agree the way forward.

Consider appointment of Chairman.

Councillor Fullarton, seconded by Councillor Hamilton, moved that Councillor Hamilton be appointed as Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

DECISION

AGREED that Councillor Hamilton be appointed as the Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

To consider draft Asset List in terms of the Council Report dated 31 January 2019.  (Copy attached).

There had been circulated copies of a draft Asset List prepared by the Principal Solicitor in terms of the Council Report by the Service Director Regulatory Services dated 31 January 2019 on the duties placed on Scottish Borders Council in respect of common good assets by Part 8 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and recommended actions to ensure compliance with such duties.  The Principal Solicitor reported that the draft asset list had been produced in compliance with the Act, using current heritable property registers together with information available regarding moveable items.  Following approval of the asset list by the Common Good Sub-Committee, the Council would publish the proposed list of common good assets and undertake a 12 week public consultation period.  Following the consultation period, the Sub-Committee would reconvene to agree the finalised Common Good Asset Register.  The Register would then be published within six months from the end of the consultation period.  There was a full discussion on each of the items on the Asset Register.  The use of “Royal Burgh” in the title for Eyemouth was queried and it was agreed that this be clarified before deletion.  Members advised the Harbour Trust, Museum or Library may hold information on other items that would belong to the Common Good Fund which included the Lord Provost Chain.  It was proposed that the Principal Solicitor contact Live Borders to ascertain if this was the case and if any other moveable items were known.  If any items were identified, which should be included on the Register, it was agreed that powers be delegated to the Principal Solicitor to update the draft register as appropriate in consultation with the Sub-Committee Members.  It was noted that any items identified in the future could be added to the Register at a later date

DECISION

AGREED that powers be delegated to the Principal Solicitor to update the Asset Register if required, in consultation with the Members of the Sub-Committee, following her discussions with Live Borders.

Verbal Update by the Pensions & Investments Manager.

The Treasury Business Partner reported that a fund had been set up which included the three items from the Register but there were no cash reserves.  This situation would remain unless cash donations were received at a future date.  The Sub-Committee noted that no income would be generated from these items.  The assets on the register had been set up from the most recent valuation and any depreciation would be covered by the revaluation reserve. 

DECISION

NOTED the position.

The date of the next meeting to be agreed.

It was noted that a further meeting would be held in October after the 12 week consultation period.

DECISION

AGREED that a further meeting would be scheduled in October.