CEDARWOOD, EDGAR ROAD, ELGIN
17th APRIL 2008 7pm – 9pm

Present
Steven Christie, Charles French, Heather Anderson, Elizabeth Miller, Michael Pirie, Bob Taylor, Robert Amos, Audrey Murray, Jean Walton and Harry Walton.

Attending
Iain Terry and Graeme Davidson [The Moray Council]

Apologies
Annie Cowie and Cllr Mike Shand

Welcome
The chair welcomed all to this month’s meeting, in particular he welcomed the two new tenant members from the Spey Coast Forum, Harry and Jean Walton.

March 2008 minutes
Heather thanked Audrey for taking the minutes in her absence.
Proposed by Bob Taylor
Seconded by Charles French

Matters Arising

1. Audrey has agreed to be Treasurer, £1,500 applied for on 17/04/08 from The Moray Council.
2. As from the 1st of April the Core Group will pay 40per mile for petrol allowance, this brings it in line with the rest of the council.
3. Basic computer training, date to be arranged, to take place in council training suite in Elgin High Street.

Correspondence

1. TPAS membership and reminder of their annual conference.
2. Bank statement
3. TIS, update on contact details from Core Group
4. Scottish Government newsletter on T.P.
5. E-mail from Anne Griffin – Community Champions – new text service regarding reporting vandalism to Grampian Police. You can now report vandalism by texting Grampian Police on 07739934444.

Treasurer Report
Bank statement dated 22/04/08 states the Core account has a total of £32.44.

Working groups feedback

1. Housing Best Value, The Moray Council are making ready for inspection in September. Minutes can be requested from the secretary.
2. Tenant Participation, David Wood from Spey Coast forum is the new Housing Sub-committee member, articles for the tenants voice to Graeme by 23rd April 08. TP Strategy, work ongoing. Minutes can be requested from secretary.
3. Northern Lights.  First meeting was held in Aberdeen on 16th April, a working committee was voted in ;
   Chair person: Eric Allan, Aberdeen City Council [O/Occ]
   Vice Chair: Charles French, The Moray Council [Tenant]
   Secretary: Lynda Spinks, Angus Council [Tenant]
   Treasurer: Heather Anderson, The Moray Council [Tenant]
   Main item discussed at this meeting was what items we wish to bring up and discuss with The Scottish Government.

A.O.C.B

1. It was drawn to a member’s attention that when rent is paid at one of the new Pay Points it can take 3/4/days for the money to reach the council, by which time the tenant will have been sent a letter informing them their rent is in arrears. How much is this going to cost the council in postage etc?
   Michael asked if the New Elgin forum was still active, Steven said he had not heard from them since October last year. The secretary word to the group but has heard nothing.
   The Moray Council Tenants Web Site, all information on forums and photographs to Charles as soon as possible.

NEXT MEETING TUESDAY 27th MAY, 7pm, CEDARWOOD, EDGAR RD, ELGIN