Present -Chairman G Becher, E Woodcock, N Davis, S Williamson, D May, S Swinley, J Edwards, C Gilbert (Locality Manager Fife Council East Area), Cllr P Douglas and two members of the public.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Minutes- The minutes for 20th January had been previously circulated. It was agreed to amend the wording of the minute of the Treasurer's report for greater clarification.
Instead of "It was not appropriate to fundraise further as there was a limited financial 'pot' available to all the local organisations", the amendment was, "When asked about the extra fundraising the Treasurer responded that the Community Council had deliberately not tried to raise funds except for special occasions such as the Millenium, Bonfire Night, etc., because the disposable income of residents available for charitable causes is limited, and in a small village, if a new fundraiser enters the market then the effect will be to reduce the funds available for all other local good causes for which village clubs and societies raise funds".
20mph Speed Limit- Concern remained about the proposed 20mph zone in Osnaburgh Court. In response to a communication from Colin Stirling which stated there had been no adverse comment from the Community Council in July 2004, the view was that the present proposal for Osnaburgh Court was not included in the original Traffic Engineering Order and therefore there would not have been adverse comment from the Community Council as the original plan had been examined by the previous Chairman and the Treasurer. It was assumed the total plan was the Traffic Engineering Order. There was no reason to think otherwise. There had been no adverse comment from the incoming Chairman as he only learned about the new proposal at the same time as residents were being informed a few days in advance of work beginning in Osnaburgh Court.
There was a heated discussion about the timescale and short notice of the different plan and what liaison, if any, there was between Traffic Management and Fife Police.
There was astonishment when Cllr Douglas stated that the Local Authority and Transportation do not have a statutory duty to consult.
It was agreed that David May would compile a questionnaire for the residents of Osnaburgh Court and also invite additional comment.
There was no objection to an outline planning application for an agricultural residence in the donkey field in Station Road. The Community Council had not objected to a previous application on this site. There was no objection to the rebuilding of the burned out farmhouse at Pittormie. Application for 5 bedroomed house to the rear of 29 Main Street- It was agreed that although access problems had been addressed and there was no objection to a suitable dwelling on this site, the Community Council objected to this application. The Secretary was instructed to lodge a formal objection with Development Services on behalf of the Community Council giving as reasons that what was presented was unacceptable, disproportionate to the site and its surroundings and would overlook properties on three sides. Bearing in mind the original outline application (which was withdrawn), was for two houses, a five bedroomed house and occupants would generate similar vehicle movement as two houses.
Cllr Douglas drew attention to the Draft St Andrews Local Plan and that it included a proposal to build 70 houses south of Osnaburgh Court in the years leading up to 2016. Fife Council would be holding consultation meetings throughout the area. The Secretary had a list of dates and venues and it was agreed to put one in the shop and include information in the Dairsie News Column to encourage residents to attend. Fife Council was inviting responses by May 2nd. It was also agreed that Dairsie Community Council would hold a Special Meeting after Fife Council's Consultation meeting in Cupar on 19th April. This would be arranged for Thursday 21st April in Memorial Hall to include comments from residents before compiling the Community Council's response.
The Treasurer reported that the Current Account held £318.44 and the Savings Account £298. The Hall rent was £60. He recommended that there was £240 to distribute. It was agreed to donate £140 to Memorial Hall, £25 towards the Parish Newsletter and £75 to the Pitcairn Trust.
A letter from Fife Council regarding Community Council Funding stated that the annual grant would remain the same as last year-£317.54.
Correspondence - Various leaflets and information were available.
Rights of Way -Jill Edwards reported attending a meeting in Cupar Library regarding maps, core pathways and old rights of ways. Jim McLean of Fife Council was present. There was a query about the path to Todhall and the walk to Foodie past Todhall. There was a new right to roam but Fife Council wanted to re-establish negotiations with local landowners. Jill was delegated to draft a letter for the Chairman to sign. In due course other paths would be looked at.
Garage Ownership - Ownership of all the garages and plot of land behind the school had still not been established.
Dog Mess - Norma Davis was concerned that a bag of dog excrement had been deposited on her doorstep. It had been reported to the police and dog warden It was not a Community Councillor's responsibilty to tend the nearby dog bins even if they were full. Any problems regarding dog mess should be reported to the Dog Warden, Environmental Services.
The next meeting will be chaired by the Vice Chairman.