Agenda Document Pack - Midlothian Council - 28/06/2022
Midlothian Council · 28 June 2022
Back to Midlothian Council — 28 June 2022 and its agenda
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Notice of Meeting and Agenda Midlothian Council Venue: Please Note - This is Special meeting of Midlothian Council being held virtually via MS Teams, Date: Tuesday, 28 June 2022 Time: 10:30 Executive Director : Place Contact: Clerk Name: Democratic Services Clerk Telephone: Clerk Email: democratic.services@midlothian.gov.uk Further Information: This is a meeting which is open to members of the public. Privacy notice: Please note that this meeting may be recorded. The recording may be publicly available following the meeting. If you would like to know how Midlothian Council collects, uses and shares your personal information, please visit our website: www.Midlothian.gov.uk Page 1 of 22
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1 Welcome, Introductions and Apologies 2 Order of Business Including notice of new business submitted as urgent for consideration at the end of the meeting. 3 Declaration of Interest 4 Deputations 5 Minutes No items for discussion 6 Questions to the Council Leader No items for discussion 7 Motions No items for discussion 8 Public Reports 8.1 BLCC and PHCC Merger Paper Mar 2022 - FINAL 3 - 22 9 Private Reports No items for discussion 10 Date of Next Meeting Page 2 of 22
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Special Council Meeting 28 June 2022 Merger of Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council and Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council Report by Annette Lang, Education Manager, CLL and Employability Report for Decision 1 Recommendations Council is recommended to; approve the proposed merger of Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council (BLCC) and Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council (PHCC) to create Bonnyrigg and District Community Council (BDCC) and to amend the Council’s Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils accordingly. 2 Purpose of Report/Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to outline the consultation process undertaken as part of the proposed merger of BLCC and PHCC and the resulting feedback. Date 17/06/2022 Report Contact: Name Annette Lang Tel No 07880279937 annette.lang@midlothian.gov.uk Page 3 of 22
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2 3 Background/Main Body of Report 3.1 BLCC and PHCC contacted Midlothian Council via Communities Lifelong Learning and Employability (CLLE) to propose a merger of the two community councils. 3.2 The proposed change will reflect the actual nature of the communities and reduce confusion over which Community Council represents the town's residents. It will provide a more unified voice within the whole of the Bonnyrigg area, create a single resilience coordination in times of difficulty and provide stronger representation to Midlothian Council and other statutory bodies. 3.3 The proposal will see the creation of a new Community Council, Bonnyrigg and District Community Council, with the community council boundary covering the existing BLCC and PHCC boundary (Appendix 1). 3.4 BLCC discussed and agreed to progress the merger at their community council meeting on 8 Oct 2020 (Appendix 2). They formally contacted CLLE on 2 Dec 2020 (Appendix 3) to ask the merger be progressed. PHCC discussed and agreed to progress the merger at their community council meeting on 13 Jan 2021 (Appendix 4). They formally contacted CLLE on 14 Jan 2021 (Appendix 5) to ask the merger be progressed. 3.5 The public notice of the proposed merger was publicised on the Council website and to both CCs on 18 Feb 2021 (Appendix 6). This signified the start of the 90 day public consultation period and included details on how to make representations. 3.6 Both community councils used their meetings, mailing lists and social media to advertise the proposal and an article was published in The Advertiser on 1 March 2021. The Council promoted the Public Notice via social media on 5 March 2021, 30 March and 12 May 2021. 3.7 2 representations were received, 25 Feb and 26 Feb 2021, both in favour of the merger: “As a Bonnyrigg resident, I am just writing to register my full support for this proposal, which I consider to be long overdue”. “I think the merger of the two community councils is a great idea as it will far better represent the greater Bonnyrigg area”. 3.8 BLCC held their final vote at a special meeting on 23 Sep 2021 and formally notified CLLE on 28 Sep 2021 that the proposal to merge with PHCC was carried unanimously (Appendix 7). PHCC held their final vote at their public meeting on 13 Oct 2021 and formally notified CLLE on 27 Jan 2022 that the proposal to merge with BLLC was voted in favour at their meeting. PHCC were advised to ratify the decision at their next quorate meeting on 9 Feb 2022 and Page 4 of 22
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3 have since confirmed that the proposal to merge with BLCC was passed (Appendix 8). 4 Report Implications (Resource, Digital and Risk) 4.1 Resource None 4.2 Digital None 4.3 Risk None 4.4 Ensuring Equalities (if required a separate IIA must be completed) This report does not recommend any fundamental change to policy or practice and therefore does not require an Integrated Impact Assessment. 4.5 Additional Report Implications (See Appendix A) See Appendix A Appendices Appendix A – Additional Report Implications Appendix B – Background information/Links Appendix 1 – proposed boundary map for BDCC Appendix 2 – Minutes from BLCC Meeting 8 Oct 2020 Appendix 3 – Email from BLCC chair Appendix 4 – Minutes from PHCC Meeting Appendix 5 – Email from PHCC Chair Appendix 6 – Public notice Appendix 7 – BLCC Note of Meeting 23 Sep 2021 Appendix 8 – PHCC Note of Meeting 10 Feb 2022 Page 5 of 22
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4 APPENDIX A – Report Implications A.1 Key Priorities within the Single Midlothian Plan Reducing the gap in economic circumstances Reducing the gap in learning outcomes Reducing the gap in health outcomes A.2 Key Drivers for Change Key drivers addressed in this report: Holistic Working Hub and Spoke Modern Sustainable Transformational Preventative Asset-based Continuous Improvement One size fits one None of the above A.3 Key Delivery Streams Key delivery streams addressed in this report: One Council Working with you, for you Preventative and Sustainable Efficient and Modern Innovative and Ambitious None of the above A.4 Delivering Best Value None A.5 Involving Communities and Other Stakeholders The proposal has been discussed at BLCC and PHCC meetings and communicated through email distribution lists, social media and The Advertiser. A.6 Impact on Performance and Outcomes None A.7 Adopting a Preventative Approach None A.8 Supporting Sustainable Development None Page 6 of 22
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5 APPENDIX B Appendix 1 – proposed boundary map for Bonnyrigg and District Community Council Page 7 of 22
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6 Appendix 2 – Minutes from BLCC Meeting 8 Oct 2020 BONNYRIGG AND LASSWADE COMMUNITY COUNCIL Minutes of the meeting held on 8th October 2020, held by Teleconference Present: Jan Irvine, Chair Diane Easton, Communications Secretary Bill MacDonald, Treasurer Marnie Crawford Rhona Matthews Darius Namdaran Owen Proudfoot Cllr Janet Lay-Douglas Apologies: Jackie Thompson Ruth Scott Sheila Metcalfe Cllr Derek Milligan ITEM 1/2 Welcome and Apologies Noted (i) Apologies noted as above. ITEM 3 Minutes of last meeting 10 September 2020 Agreed (i) The minutes were proposed (OT) and seconded (MC) as an accurate reflection of the meeting. ITEM 4 Matters Arising and Actions Noted (i) DE has circulated a Council report from February 2020 on the reasons for resuming the use of glyphosate for weed control. MC noted that the chemical is active for 10 minutes therefore not unreasonable for it to be used on pavements but questioned whether it should be used on in parks whether it will be exposed to children and animals. Action (i) DE to follow up with Midlothian Council DE Noted (ii) DE has replied to the visitor who made a complaint about weed killing and they have confirmed they have had contact and support from Council officials. Noted (iii) DE will put the proposal to draft subgroups to the November meeting agenda Action (ii) DE to draft proposals for each sub-group and bring to a future meeting for discussion. DE Noted (iv) DE noted she would add the item to request a report on the Residents Forum to the November meeting agenda. DM agreed to provide the report for the next meeting. Action (iii) DN to provide a Residents Forum report and bring to a future meeting for discussion. DN Noted (v) Temporary traffic lights should be in place at Hillhead/Elm Row, Lasswade in around two months. Noted (vi) Some concerns that the traffic lights might increase traffic levels Page 8 of 22
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7 through the town, particularly at peak times when the green priority will be from Hillhead. Noted (vii) We should continue to press Midlothian Council for a community hall. Noted (viii) JI has not received a list of pay points for rent payments etc, but has been assured there are plenty of pay points available. ITEM 5 POLICE REPORT Noted (i) Report not available in time for the meeting. Action (i) DE to circulate police report when it becomes available DE ITEM 6 REPORT FROM MIDLOTHIAN COUNCILLORS Received (i) Verbal update from J-LD noting that the Council is going ahead with charging for the use of electric vehicle charging points. Noted that a cross-party committee has considered several applications to the £80 000 poverty grant. Noted that the Council is planning to review the provision of Additional Support Needs in schools across Midlothian. Noted concerns from teachers nationally that they are not getting sufficient recognition during the pandemic. Agreed to have another look at reports of poor cyclist behaviour on the railway walk from Bonnyrigg towards Rosewell. Action (i) DE to note the Community Council’s appreciation of the efforts of teachers throughout the pandemic DE Action (ii) DE to forward the body of an email concerning cyclist behaviour on the railway walk to JL-D. DE ITEM 7 Proposal to merge with Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council [PHCC] Discussion (i) Comments that many people in the town did not know which Community Council area they belonged to. Comments that the town was divided during the pandemic response earlier in the year. A 90-day public consultation period would be followed by a 90-day period where the matter would be considered at a special meeting of Midlothian Council. Combining the two Community Councils would not exceed the maximum number of Community Councillors permitted by the constitution. BLCC now focusing on a resilience plan for the whole town and it would make sense to pool resources together. It would be important to honour the identities of each of the areas affected by the proposal (Lasswade, Poltonhall and Hopefield) in any future branding. Both Community Council areas have similar issues and problems therefore it would make sense to combine the two. A show of hands was unanimously in favour of the proposal. Action (i) DE will notify the Chair of Poltonhall and Community Council of the outcome of the vote before their next meeting DE Action (ii) DE will notify Catherine Duns in the Council’s Community Link team after the PHCC meeting DE Page 9 of 22
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8 ITEM 8 AOCB Noted (i) BLCC should order two poppy wreaths for Remembrance Day, one each for Bonnyrigg and Lasswade. Action (i) BM to order two poppy wreaths from Lady Haig factory BM Action (ii) JI to look into this year’s arrangements for a Remembrance Day ceremony. JI Noted (ii) BLCC still holds the details of 15 volunteers who are happy to be involved in any future resilience or relief effort. Noted (iii) Members from BLCC will be meeting officials from Midlothian Council to discuss a new resilience plan for the town. Agreed (i) That members from Poltonhall and Hopefield be included in the resilience plan meeting and discussions. Action (iii) DE to arrange the resilience planning meeting. DE Action (iv) DE to ask KM she would consider closing the Bonnyrigg Neighbourhood Help forum and direct enquiries to BLCC mailbox. DE Noted (iv) Due to ongoing Covid pandemic BLCC, in line with other Community Councils in Midlothian, has not yet held an AGM. The next Midlothian Federation meeting will be looking at the format of AGMs for 2020. Action (v) DE to add AGM item to agenda for BLCC’s November meeting DE Noted (v) The next MTRaP meeting will take place on 23 November. Please pass any questions to RM or DE. Noted (vi) Proposal to move the community noticeboard. Discussion on possible locations where it would be more visible to passersby. Action (vi) DE to ask Poltonhall and Hopefield CC if they would agree to moving the noticeboard. DE ITEM 9 PLANNING Planning item redacted. Meeting closed at 20:40 hours. ITEM 10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Noted (i) 12 November 2020, 7pm via Zoom Page 10 of 22
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9 Appendix 3 – Email from BLCC chair Page 11 of 22
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10 Appendix 4 – Minutes from PHCC Meeting POLTONHALL AND HOPEFIELD COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF ZOOM ONLINE MEETING 13 JANUARY 2021 Present: J Aitchison, Chair, F Warner, D West, J Cameron, J Bernard, H Taylor Attending: J Irvine, D Easton, Cllr D Milligan, J Sumnor Apologies: P Atkinson, T Sime, Cllrs D Alexander and J Lay Douglas 1. Chair’s Remarks 1.1 Chair welcomed Hannah Taylor and Joan Sumnor to the meeting. Hannah had applied to become a member of the Community Council. 2. Minutes of Meeting held on 9 December 2020 and Matters Arising 2.1 Minutes were approved. Proposed by DW and seconded by JA. 3. Finance Report 3.1 No figures available but the most recent expenditure was £300 to sponsor the Bonnyrigg Christmas lights. 4. Secretary’s Report 4.1 It was noted that all relevant information received from Midlothian Federation of Community Councils was posted on the PHCC website. No other information to report. 5. Associated Members’ Report 5.1 Football was currently suspended as a result of the COVID guidance. 5.2 The club was continuing to support positive mental health. One-to-one targeted counselling/support was still being offered. The club was also working with Lasswade High School to deliver some sessions for support staff and senior pupils. 5.3 The menshed project was still going ahead and there was almost enough to kickstart the project. 5.4 It was also hoped to start a lunch club for senior citizens that would like to get involved in the lunch club which would include chair yoga/exercise as well as bingo activities. The Red Cross, health in mind and local church (and their new Chaplain) would all be involved in those projects. All of these organisations have people they support that could get involved. 5.5 Most activities were continuing in some shape or form. 6. Police Report 6.1 During the month of December 2020 in the beat area BD01 – Bonnyrigg, Lasswade, Poltonhall and District – there were 59 recorded crimes reported, of which 28 have been solved to date, with a solvency rate of 47%. During this time period, there were 252 calls to Police Scotland. INCIDENTS OF NOTE Page 12 of 22
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11 About 5pm on Tuesday 1 December 2020 officers stopped and searched a man on Park Crescent and found him to be in possession of controlled drugs. The man was charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Between 6pm on Thursday 3 and 9am on Friday 4 December at Cameron Crescent, Bonnyrigg unknown person(s) entered a building site and removed the insulation from one of the new build homes. Police enquiries were ongoing. About 3.30pm on Friday 4 December 2020 a group of children threw a snowball at windows at Eskdale Street, Bonnyrigg. No damage was caused to the windows. About 7.30pm on Friday 4 December 2020 at Bairds Way, Bonnyrigg a man was witnessed attempting to gain entry to numerous houses and vehicles. Police attended and traced the man a short distance away. He was charged and held in Police custody to appear at court the next lawful day. About 9pm on Friday 4 December 2020 at High Street, Bonnyrigg a man entered a parked vehicle and started to shout and swear at the occupiers of the vehicle. The man then started searching the vehicles going through bags in the process. The man was then told to leave the vehicle by the driver and when doing so he assaulted her. The man was identified by Police. He was charged with various offences and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. About 2.15pm on Saturday 5 December 2020 at Cameron Crescent, Bonnyrigg a black Vauxhall Corsa collided with two vehicles. The driver was found to be a 15year old boy. He was charged with numerous offences and a report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal. Between 2.30pm and 5.40pm on Saturday 5 December 2020 at Park Crescent Bonnyrigg a grey Hyundai l10 was damaged by unknown person(s) by scratching the front to the rear of the driver side of the vehicle. Police enquiries were ongoing. At 1.15pm on Sunday 6 December 2020 a silver coloured 4x4 vehicle hit a dog on Eldindean Road, Bonnyrigg and failed to stop. Police enquiries were ongoing. Between 6pm on Thursday 3 and 9am on Sunday 6 December at Cameron Crescent, Bonnyrigg unknown person(s) entered a building site and vandalised the new build homes causing thousands of pounds of damage. Police enquiries were ongoing. About 6.30pm on Sunday 6 December an unknown male threw a brick at the window of a property at Auld Coal Court, Bonnyrigg causing damage. The man made off prior to Police arrival. Police enquiries were ongoing. Between 9pm on Monday 7 and 11am Tuesday 8 December 2020 at De Quincey Road, Lasswade unknown person(s) entered an insecure building and stole tools and vandalised 3 lights, a quad bike and walls. Police enquiries were ongoing. On Saturday 12 December 2020 at 12.20pm a man entered Lloyds Pharmacy on High Street, Bonnyrigg and shoplifted. The man was later traced, charged by Police and a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. About 5.20am on Tuesday 15 December 2020 at Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg Police stopped a grey Volvo S40. The vehicle did not have a valid MOT and had two illegal tyres due to the tread being less than 1.6mm. The driver of the vehicle was charged and a report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal. About 11.15am on Tuesday 15 December 2020 a man entered Tesco Express, Rosewell Road and started to shout and swear at staff and customers. The man was traced by officers and charged. A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Page 13 of 22
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12 About 7pm on Friday 18 December 2020 on Dobbies Road, two unknown person(s) threw a stone at the rear window of a white Citreon Picasso causing it to shatter, before running from the area. Police enquiries were ongoing. About 2.30pm on Saturday 19 December 2020 police executed a warrant at a property at Dobbies Road. Police located and seized a significant quantity of cash and numerous drugs. Two men were arrested and charged and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. About 9.50pm on Saturday 19 December 2020 on High Street, Bonnyrigg whilst officers were on mobile patrol they witnessed a silver Volkswagen Golf drive carelessly by speeding and driving on the opposing side of the carriageway. The driver of the vehicle was issued with a fixed penalty notice and charged with careless driving. About 9pm on Thursday 24 December 2020 on Polton Gardens, Lasswade unknown person(s) smashed two windows by unknown means. Police enquiries were ongoing. About 1.30am on Thursday 31 December 2020 an unknown woman snapped off a windscreen wiper blade from a grey Peugeot 3008 which was parked at Myre Court, Bonnyrigg. Police enquiries were ongoing. There have been numerous calls relating to paring issues within the surrounding areas of Lasswade Primary School with parents parking in restricted areas or Blue Badge areas without displaying their Blue Badge. There have been numerous calls relating youth disorder in the Bonnyrigg area particularly within Old Market Place, Dalhousie Avenue, Dalhousie Place, Eskdale Terrace, Sherwood Terrace, Burnbrae Primary School, Harmony Crescent, Bannockrigg Terrace and Bonnyrigg Primary School. Police have been pro-actively patrolling those and other areas in response to this. If any person has any information about the incidents listed above, or indeed any other crime, please contact your Community Policing Officers PC Jonny Cassidy and PC Chris Howarth via 101 or email Jonathan.cassidy@scotland.pnn.police.uk Christopher.Howarth@scotland.pnn.police.uk 7. Midlothian Councillors’ Report 7.1 Cllr DM said that regarding COVID everything continued to move on an hourly basis often conflicting with previous guidance and any thoughts about things reopening in February was a pipe dream. Until at least 30% of the population had been vaccinated then it was not likely to happen. It was noted that the full Council was meeting on a weekly basis and all immediate decisions regarding COVID were taken on cross party lines. When asked about mass vaccination in Midlothian he said that one at Gorebridge and possibly at the Bush were being looked at. 7.2 During the cold weather it was noted there were 29 road workers, a number of landscapers and other staff who could be pulled in to help with road gritting etc. The reality was that there were 9 gritters available which required 9 HGV drivers. It was accepted that there had been a failure to keep the grit bins topped up but all should now be topped up. With a yellow snow warning from 12 midnight an emergency meeting would be convened at 7am to ensure the roads were passable with priority on bus routes, main routes and doctor surgeries. At the end of the month 1 ton grit bins were being looked at being ordered and the public would be asked where they should be strategically placed. Page 14 of 22
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13 7.3 There was a question whether or not resilience was working. It was, but it was clear that some people were reluctant to go along to Bonnyrigg Rose FC or the charity club foodbanks for fear of people seeing them asking for help because they had to queue outside. There was now a single number to call for help if people were struggling financially and they would be passed to the benefits section to ensure that benefits were being paid and be put in touch with the income officer to ensure all claims were correctly submitted. Help with compiling a CV was also being offered for people who were now having to look for other jobs and example was given of a former pilot who was now working at the checkout at Morrisons. 7.4 The Bonnyrigg Christmas lights included reindeers which were put in the community garden in Lasswade as well as in Bonnyrigg and a new addition were Victorian lamps. Alison Wright, Head of Adult Social Care had spoken to a friend who kindly donated Christmas trees to nursery homes and Midlothian Council lighting department had agreed to instal the lights for them. Bonnyrigg Christmas Lights Committee had covered the cost of the lights and local schools were involved in decorating the trees. It was such a shame that despite being the 30th year of the Bonnyrigg Christmas lights it was not possible to have a normal celebration. It was hoped to make up for that and have a great day at Christmas 2021. 7.5 Cllr JLD was unable to access the meeting but sent the following report. The Cross Party Working Group for Education had an assessment update for the senior phase. External consultant and DHT for Newbattle summarised work being undertaken to review processes in order to deliver the national certification model for qualifications in 2020-21 in a consistent and equitable way across our secondary schools. There had been a great deal of collaboration and information sharing including Lasswade High School Chair of Parent Council. Schools were still awaiting guidance from the SQA but there was a push for the date of submissions of grades to be moved to the end of the current academic session to create more learning time in school. Funding was available and consideration was being given to use it for study sessions to improve grades for young people post lockdown. Foundation Apprenticeships have also been impacted, i.e. started late, online tuition and changed again. All schools were open (no hubs) with the percentage of the school roll in attendance in the week to 15th were Lasswade Primary – 16%, Bonnyrigg Primary – 11%, St Mary’s Primary – 13.8%, Burnbrae Primary – 13%, Hawthornden Primary – 18% and Lasswade High School – 5.1%. 7.6 A new domestic abuse (ANI New Code Word) scheme had just been launched and was being delivered across Scotland from Boots the Chemist. There were already awareness raising campaigns in our area such as the Safe Spaces Scheme which was delivered from some of our smaller local pharmacies. The ANI scheme was designed to work alongside those already existing. For local residents it was available at Boots in Dalkeith High Street, Cameron Toll and Straiton as well as a long list of pharmacies in Edinburgh. 7.7 Cllr JLD had been in communication with the Council/Roads Department since October about the Distributor Road bus shelter. There was a safety issue with the proposed original location that has been rectified by the developer and the bus shelter was now being made and a timeline requested. 8. Any Other Business 8.1 The co-option of Hannah Taylor was agreed and she was now a full member of PHCC. 8.2 As the Committee was in quorate the proposal to go ahead with the merger with Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council (BLCC) was agreed. Chair advised he Page 15 of 22
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14 would send a letter to Midlothian Council advising of the agreed merger and ask for the 90 day consultation process to begin. 8.3 There was a question raised about the help being given to children from low income families. For key workers’ and vulnerable children in school Midlothian Council was providing a free packed lunch from the school meal service. For all other children and young people from P1-S6 who were entitled to free school meals because of low income, BACS payments would continue as the current 4 week cycle. Payments were only to parents/carers where a pupil was eligible for free school meals. The amount given was £44.10 per primary pupil and £48.30 per secondary pupil. 8.4 Cllr DM was asked about the provision of broadband to low income families. It was reported that 3,500 Chrome Books were to be issued to families with a further 300 on order and awaiting delivery. Because of connectivity and broadband issues the Chrome Books came with dongles linked to Midlothian Council. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting would be held on Zoom on Wednesday 10 February 2021 Page 16 of 22
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15 Appendix 5 – Email from PHCC Chair Page 17 of 22
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16 Appendix 6 – Public notice Page 18 of 22
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17 Appendix 7 – BLCC Note of Meeting 23 Sep 2021 BLCC meeting to vote on merger proposal Thursday 23 Sep 2021, 7pm. Meeting was held over Zoom In attendance Diane Easton [Acting Chair; Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council] Bill MacDonald Liz MacDonald Owen Proudfoot Rhona Matthews Marnie Crawford Jan Irvine Sheila Metcalfe There were no apologies. The meeting opened at 19:00 hours. Chair DE welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that there was only one item on the agenda: the proposal to merge Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council with Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council. Noted that each person is attending as a member of the public rather than as a Community Councillor. Attendees would have the opportunity put forward any questions or concerns they may have on the proposal. The meeting will conclude by holding a show of hands. OP asked how it work with office bearers should the two Community Councils come together. A discussion followed and it was confirmed that the new Community Council would be promoted throughout the community and an election of office bearers would be held at its inaugural meeting. Key office bearers are Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. If more than one person wishes to stand for one of these roles then a ballot would be held. It was also noted that a number of other office bearer roles would be available. Noted also that BLCC will continue to engage with the community to attract as much interest as possible. MC asked how the new draft Constitution is coming along. DE noted that a meeting had been held on Thursday 2 September to which all members of both Community Councils were invited. During that meeting the latest draft of the new Constitution was reviewed in detail and some amendments were proposed. A new iteration of the draft Constitution will be circulated shortly. Again it will be possible to hold another meeting should members have any concerns. MC asked whether the new Constitution would be put for adoption at the new Community Council then sent to Midlothian Council's Legal Services Page 19 of 22
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18 Team, or whether it should go to Legal Services first. DE noted that she was not sure and would check this with Catherine Duns, the CLL Officer for Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council. Action: DE to check the order at which the new Community Council's Constitution will be put forward for adoption. DE asked if anyone else had any questions or concerns. It was noted that tonight's meeting had been advertised throughout Bonnyrigg via the Residents Info Forum, the BLCC forum, the BLCC website, Midlothian Advertiser and posters in the Community Noticeboard and the Coop's community noticeboard. One member of the public had asked a question as to the perceived benefit of the merger to residents of both Community Councils. BLCC replied* to the question but no further comment was provided by the caller. Additionally, no other members of the public have contacted the Community Council to voice any concerns. Following a positive discussion DE invited those present to vote on the proposal by a show of hands. To the question 'Do you wish not to proceed with the proposal to merge with Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council', there were no votes in favour. To the question 'Do you wish to proceed with the proposal to merge with Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council' there were eight votes in favour. The proposal to merge with Poltonhall and Hopefield Community Council was carried unanimously. DE thanked everyone for taking the time to attend the meeting and for their positive engagement in the discussion. Meeting concluded at 19:20 hours. * BLCC's reply to a resident's question via Facebook'[What would the merger mean or effect for the residents of each community?] 'There are currently two Community Councils in the Bonnyrigg area. Our aim is to reduce confusion over which community council represents the town's residents, give local people and groups one place to attend, and produce a more unified voice within the whole of the Bonnyrigg area. It will also help us create a single resilience co-ordination in times of difficulty and provide stronger representation to Midlothian Council and other statutory bodies.' Page 20 of 22
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19 Appendix 8 – PHCC Note of Meeting 9 Feb 2022 Page 21 of 22
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