Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Chairman welcomed those present and summarised progress to date with emphasis on the desirability of an early public meeting . After discussion it was agreed that we should aim at a date in January 2005 with details to be finalised at our next meeting in November.
Sites: As there was still no decision regarding the Glebe site, the chairman asked for a vote to omit this site from the agenda for the public meeting unless significant information becomes available prior to that time. It was agreed to follow this course.
Mike Lloyd reported favourably on the W Ritch site and showed a copy of the professional survey he had carried out. He also advised the meeting that he had looked over the glebe site and is of the opinion that it will require considerably more preparation than the Ritch site and that there would be the additional cost of a new road into the glebe. Maitland Mackie made the point that with the use of modern machinery, grading difficulties could be readily overcome. He went on to suggest that if a new playing field were also created alongside the hall it might allow the sale of the present playing field, thus providing additional capital. The exact position regarding ownership of the present playing field will require to be investigated with Aberdeenshire Council. Action.
Ken Gordon reported that following discussion with Bob Scerbo, Chairman of the Community Association, and subsequent discussion with Community Councillor, John Loveday, it has become apparent that settlement of various outstanding issues is some time off. In view of the present situation the committee felt that it was pointless proceeding with the community land as a site option. It was agreed that John Loveday would be asked to address the proposed public meeting on this matter. Action.
Costs: Colin MacBain was able to report on a number of matters, as follows:-
1. British Gas would only consider piping natural gas to the village if a large commercial user such as a distillery was placed locally.
2. Self-build was investigated and proved to be inappropriate for tackling the present project due to the size of the job, the various insurances required and the level of supervision necessary.
3. Initial enquiries had been made on a geothermal heat installation and it was established that grant aid between 30% and 50% is available for such projects. Further research will be necessary in due course. Action
4. Architect Ian Duncan declined to quote due to the hassle he had experienced on previous village hall projects. At least one further quotation has been arranged and details will be made known at the earliest opportunity. Action.
Duncan MacInnes reported having received a response from Willie Lippe indicating that the budget cost plan of November 2003 had escalated to £671,800, and that a projection to the third quarter 2005 indicated a further £20.000 rise to around £690,000. As no indication of costs for the refurbishment and extension of the existing hall had been given, the secretary was to obtain same from Mr Lippe. Action.
Finance: The chairman suggested that as a grant would be available from Aberdeenshire Council to carry out a professional valuation of the present hall site, we should contact Keith Newton requesting him to progress this very significant source of finance for the hall project. Duncan MacInnes to liase. Action.
Duncan MacInnes reported that Walter Taylor and Neil Ironside indicated their willingness to attend and address a meeting towards the end of November. In the meantime the secretary expressed appreciation to Yvonne MacDonald for her assistance in accessing “Fund Finder” at Gordon Disability Action Limited centre at Blackhall. Although one of the sources identified, Tudortrust, list village halls under current funding exclusions, material had been very quickly obtained from Community Fund and had been passed to Ken Gordon for scrutiny. We are grateful that access to “Fund Finder” is to be made available to us on an ongoing basis and also very much look forward to the professional assistance of Aberdeenshire Council staff.
AOCB: Les Anderson reported that he had been pleased with the www.daviot.org press coverage in the Inverurie Advertiser. Further updates have been carried out on the website including location sketches of the Glebe and Ritch sites. Les reminded the meeting that if we require any additions or alterations to the website, they should be directed through him and he would be pleased to co-operate.
The next meeting was set for Monday 22nd November 2004 at 7.30 in Daviot Village Hall.