Meeting Minutes, 28 February 2023
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Cowan, Peter Hayman, Robin Jones, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, Councillor Eva Bolander, DF, TD, TMcK, GM, Police - PCs Rob Wilson and Sean McFadden
Apologies: Carla Arrighi, Gary Atkinson, Niall McColl, Ros Wardley-Smith; Councillors Philip Braat, Christy Mearns and Angus Millar,, GW.
1. POLICE REPORT
PC McFadden reported that police would be taking part with other agencies in a ‘Week of Action’ in w.b. 20 March to make the Trongate area safer and cleaner. This would include ‘awareness’ sessions for food delivery cyclists. Tam said he would ask City Centre management to include himself and the two MCTCC Vice-Chairs (Gary and Scott) in briefings. ACTION: Tam
Police are being issued with Naloxone nasal sprays for use to counteract the effects of heroin overdoses.
Tam will take up with PC Wilson the issues of buskers and Delmonica’s. ACTION: Tam
PC Wilson said Parking Enforcement had stepped up patrols in the Candleriggs area but police recognised that retailers were often just trying to run their businesses which included loading and unloading. Tam said that if the 109 flats were built on the NCP car park in Ingram Street parking problems would become even worse.
Connolly’s bar has publicised its spend of £15k on soundproofing following complaints from neighbours. Councillors were unsure whether this money had been spent but no complaints had been received in the past week.
TD showed a video of a taxi going the wrong way up Candleriggs.
2. WARD COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Eva said Miller Street is included in the (non-funded) ‘Avenues Plus’ plan connected with the re-design of George Square. It would be part of an important walking route.
She had been working with young people on art projects and helped avoid the Merchant City Festival being made bi-annual in the recently passed Council budget. Culture was one of the larger employers in Glasgow.
3. PLANNING
GCC has approved (renewed the approval of?) the complete demolition in a conservation area of 4-8 Dixon Street to make way for a proposed 21 storey building (serviced apartments?). Peter said such a tall building would create a major wind tunnel.
Parking strategy - Gary due to have attended a meeting on 25 February and to report to MCTCC. ACTION: Gary
Scott is due to meet the project team at the Briggait about its re development plans. ACTION: Scott
Scott asked Eva what was happening with waterfront developments as all had gone quiet recently. Eva said she would check the latest situation and advise. ACTION: Eva
Neighbouring Calton CC has invited MCTCC members, especially those keen on developing green spaces in the city centre, to a public meeting in Havannah Street on 27 March at 7 pm. There may be an opportunity to convert vacant land next to student accommodation blocks into a community park.
4. LICENSING
Eva said she had been taken aback by a report that Glasgow Council may approve the opening of all pubs to 1 am. It had taken no such decision.
Tam said he had no objection to the application by Bar 91 in Candleriggs to extend its operating hours to 1 am seven days a week. Deadline for objections is (was) 2 March.
Scott reported that GCC’s film office had declined Filmy Locations Ltd’s application to film car and motor bike chases in Cochrane and Montrose Streets on 17 March.
However, it planned night time shooting (with a chase and fight between two actors) in Tontine Lane between 5 pm and 4 am on 7/8 March. The Film Office said it could not stop this since Tontine is a private gated lane. Scott will contact Filmy’s Location Manager about whether it had received owners’ permission. ACTION: Scott
5. OSBORNE STREET PBSA
Teri Porter of Porter Planning, Ahsan Afzal of Ambassador/Nova Living (developers and investors) and Neil Haining of Mosaic Architects gave a presentation on their proposal for Purpose Built Student Accommodation in Osborne Street/Old Wynd and were questioned by attendees.
The plan comprises 270 studio units in a building stepping up from 7 to 11 storeys with an external roof terrace and is part of plans to double the city centre population of around 20,000 by 2035. Mr Haining said the mural of Billy Connolly (’75 BC’) would be covered up but it was only meant to be a temporary exhibit.
A public exhibition was held on 20 February. Deadline for feedback is 7 March. Details can be viewed on novaosborne.co.uk.
MCTCC Councillors and other attendees expressed concern at an over-concentration of student accommodation in the city centre, noted that students did not pay Council Tax and that it was important that services (e.g. doctors’ surgeries) kept pace with population growth. Eva said there should be proper proportionality between student and other accommodation.
Eva asked if the applicants had looked at non-student accommodation. Peter asked if the project could include accommodation for tourists but Mr Afzal said this would not be manageable. Robin said a proportion of developments should be ‘normal’ residential. Porter Planning said the site was too small to accommodate residential such as would comply with planning regulations. Attendees expressed support for more social housing but Eva said the Council could not force a private developer to build this, especially in view of high city centre land values.
Ms Porter said she would share a report by Savills on projected student accommodation shortfalls and another study on the benefits which students bring.
6. ‘MERCHANT CITY PARK’
Scottish Ministers have written to GCC to require the planning application for the site bounded by Candleriggs, Ingram Street and Albion Street to be referred to them - a process known as ‘calling in’ - for determination because of the possible impact on the future of the adjacent City Halls and Old Fruitmarket music and entertainment venues. This was welcomed by Community Councillors.
7. FRIENDS OF RAMSHORN
A meeting is being arranged to approve the draft constitution. A Website needs to be set up. More than 20 members representing half a dozen organisations have already agreed to take part. ACTION: Tam/Eva
8. TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer not present. Carla to update. ACTION: Carla
9. GRANT GIVING
Scott reported that a sub-group of MCTCC had compiled a plan (including criteria, scoring matrix and application form) to set up the Community Council’s first grant giving scheme, making use of some of the almost £10,000 in its funds, mostly from donations from film companies.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
MCTCC is taking part in a Ward 10 Litter Pick on 15 April. ACTION: Niall
11. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 31 JANUARY
Adoption proposed by Eileen Mills, seconded by Robin Jones. Approved.
NEXT MEETING (subject to confirmation): Monday 27 March, 6.30 pm in City Chambers.
Niall to be asked to issue a reminder 48 hours before the next meeting that it will start at 6.30 pm. ACTION: Tam /Niall
Community Litter Pick
Help tidy up the Merchant City, Trongate and Riverside areas - join us for a couple of hours to clear some litter - equipment and safety briefing provided; all you need to bring is a smile, enthusiasm, and a desire to make our area as welcoming as possible.
Meeting Minutes, 31 January 2023
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Angus Millar, PCs Rob Wilson and Sean McFadden, Gary Atkinson, Peter Hayman, Niall McColl, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, Ros Wardley-Smith, TD, BG, MG, CMcK, GM, IO, GS
Attended by video link: Ward Councillor Baillie Christy Mearns, EM, GM, GS
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
Apologies received from Ward Councillor Philip Braat, Carla Arrighi, David Cowan, AL
Tam welcomed attendees to MCTCC’s first meeting of 2023.
2. POLICE REPORT
PC Wilson said there had been very successful police crackdowns on drug dealers, with assistance from embedded officers in housing associations.
Community police had been liaising with parking enforcement officers on problems with pavement parking on Candleriggs and in surrounding areas. Enforcement officers were unable to do some work after 6 pm because of health and safety issues and had to be accompanied by a uniformed officer. They would be providing details to police of repeat offenders, which streets were affected and dates and times of contraventions. Street furniture may need to be moved.
Tam said drivers were often using Candleriggs as a ’rat run’, ignoring ‘No entry’ signs. Double parking and parking on pavements were widespread. Cars were double parked on Miller Street on Saturday night.
PC Wilson said extra funding had been provided under the City Centre Regeneration scheme for police to spend additional hours in February and March on parking and other issues such as anti-social behaviour, especially on the riverfront, from St Enoch south and Merchant City.
PC Wilson agreed with BG that the NCP car park in Glassford Street was a known drug dealing hotspot.
Replying to a query from AG about Virginia Street of Ingram Street Eva said this was under regular police surveillance.
TD complained about poor lighting on traffic signage and food delivery cyclists riding without lights after dark. PC Wilson said attempts to correct this had encountered a language barrier but the issue would be reviewed.
In answer to a question from Scott, PC Wilson said whether riding a cycle without lights after dark was illegal depended on the circumstances.
CMcK raised again the issue of over-amplified noise from buskers outside the Debenhams entrance, with groups using it as a shelter-cum-stage. Buskers often moved on to another location and it was difficult to track them down. PC Wilson said it was illegal to use an amplifier after 9 pm. A couple of formal warnings had been given to buskers on Buchanan Street.
Scott said that at a previous MCTCC meeting he had been told anyone who wished to complain about noisy buskers should lodge this through the Police Scotland Website. He had done so on 20 December but not received a response. PC Wilson said he would look into this.
MD said there was no cohesive inter-agency effort to stop late night noise from licensed premises and mentioned an example of breach of licence. He had called 101 many times and was told this was not a police matter. He believed it was up to Glasgow City Council to stamp this out. PC Wilson said officers researched information daily from their central command database and used information from GCC and the Community Council.
Tam said he would take up the specific issue of Delmonica’s with PC Wilson.
Tam said five people had been arrested on one night in Connollys. PC Wilson replied he could not comment as this case was before the courts.
3. PRESENTATION ON DISTRICT REGENERATION FRAMEWORK (DRF)
Ian Elder (IE) from Glasgow City Council explained the DRF proposals and urged residents to take part in a public consultation which will remain open until 3 March (See https://mctcc.scot/2023/01/22/public-consultation-district-regeneration-frameworks/). One of the districts being looked at is Merchant City.
Proposals in documents showed GCC’s commitment to sustainability through the circular economy, creation of a network of open spaces and active travel networks, and re-purposing of properties. GCC wanted to enhance the greening of Merchant City. Some funding was available but the DRF was not fully funded. It was unlikely to provide park space within Merchant City.
A focal point was the upgrade of the High Street station and surrounds and its connections with other parts of the overall scheme. There may be uses for the Union rail line but this was owned by Network Rail.
Tam said Council planners’ recommendation to approve the felling of 21 mature trees, the last such in Merchant City, in order to build 109 apartments on the NCP car park site in Ingram street was economic vandalism. A meeting of GCC’s Planning Applications Committee on 7 February was the most important event in the past 20 years of MCTCC. It was extremely disappointing that only four of the 143 objectors were being allowed a mere three minutes each to address the committee.
He said there was a perception that cars would be barred from Miller Street which would be pedestrianised, with a cycle lane. Eva said there had never been any intention to totally pedestrianise it.
In answer to a question from MD, IE said it was highly unlikely that Wilson Street
would be considered as a future ‘Avenue’. He promised to follow-up comments made at this meeting.
Mandy asked if traffic in Ingram Street would become even busier as a result of the changes. Angus said traffic restrictions around George Square were already in place.
4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ON 29 NOVEMBER
Adoption proposed by Niall, seconded by Tam. Approved.
5. TREASURER’S REPORT
In Carla’s absence Niall said MCTCC had £9,972 in the bank following donations from film companies who had used Merchant City.
Scott said a sub-group of MCTCC (the two Vice-Chairs and Niall) was meeting on 13 February to set criteria for grant giving and asked anyone with suggestions for projects to send them to MCTCC by that date if possible.
6. ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Eva said she would report back about the High Street redevelopment.
Complaints had been received about late night work on the Saltmarket bridge. Network Rail had tried to mitigate the disruption. The line was still being used during the day, hence the requirement for late night work. Scott said the Chair of Calton Community Council, in whose area the work was currently being undertaken, had told him it had received no complaints.
Eva said there were examples around the world of good use of disused rail lines.
Suggestions were invited for spending some of the £100,000 allocated for greening the city centre. These would have to take account of what utilities lay under the proposed street locations.
Scott asked if GCC had considered licensing buskers. Eva said she was not aware of this and did not know if GCC had the facility to do so.
Angus reported that the City Centre Transport Plan had been approved at the beginning of December, involving wider changes to the public realm and aimed at reducing through traffic in the city centre. There was potential for further reduction of traffic in Merchant City and the time might be right to engage again with the Community Council on this.
Work was continuing on the post-pandemic city centre recovery plan, taking into account changes in the retail sector and re-purposing of vacant properties, liaising with relevant agencies.
Christy (on video link) said she was discussing installation of traffic cameras or zebra crossings in Merchant City to make it safer for pedestrian to cross side roads. This was being costed.
There was more work to be done on easing problems with parking on pavements.The population was growing hence a forecast increase in the number of vehicles.
Three businesses in Candleriggs (Spitfire, FA’s? and Bar 91 had been told to remove exterior seating from pavements (She later reported none had complied and legal action against them was being considered).
MD asked Angus if he had been correctly quoted in the press that pubs may be allowed to stay open to 1 am rather than midnight. Angus said this was correct but he had been speaking in his role as Chair of the City Centre Task Force and believed this could be a way of revitalising the night time economy.
Hospitality businesses were struggling, he added. This would allow greater flexibility and not all premises would be able to take advantage. He was aware of the possible noise impact and it would be a matter for GCC’s Licensing Committee.
MD said such a move would not boost the economy and merely redistribute wealth by diverting cash to bigger pubs and night clubs.
Scott said even if such a move went ahead it should not include amplified music to be played until 1 am.
Niall said there was a real risk that residents living near licensed premises would suffer even more from early morning noise. They might move out and what good would that do to the local economy?
MD complained about raised kerbs at bus stops, including Glassford Street. There were no warning signs and alighting passengers risked injury.
Scott said there would be a litter pick in the MCTCC area on 15 April. Details would be posted on the Website and volunteers were welcome.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 28 February, City Chambers
Have your say on proposals for student accommodation on Osborne St – come along to Granite House, 31 – 33 Stockwell Street on 20th February between 2 – 7pm to see what is being proposed for what is currently a gap site.
Glasgow City Council's Decision re 65-97 Ingram St
Residents have reacted furiously to Glasgow Council’s decision to destroy what they claim is the final opportunity for a community park in the city’s heart.
On the casting vote of its Chairman, the Council’s Planning Applications Committee (PAC) voted after a three hour public hearing to agree planning officers’ recommendation of approval for a seven storey building of 109 apartments on the site. This is currently a car park opposite the historic ‘A’ Listed Ramshorn Church.
Almost half the 14 members of the Committee failed to turn up for the hearing, described by Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) as the most important event for local residents in the past 20 years and the culmination of its four year fight for the area’s first green space.
The decision means 21 horse chestnut and cherry trees will be felled. The site, sold by the Council to its own arms length property company, is also home to the world famous mural ‘Fellow Glasgow Residents,’ showing a variety of wild animals and birds peeking through what appear to be holes in a wall.
Tam Coyle, Chair of MCTCC which was one of 143 objectors, commented: “We are devastated and angry at the outcome. It’s ironic since Glasgow was host of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Summit and its leaders have regularly spoken about how determined they are to boost the greening of the city.”
He added: “It has now ruined the last remaining opportunity for a community park in the very heart of the city. No other site is available.”
An acoustics expert told the hearing that residents of the new flats would have legitimate grounds for complaint about noise from the adjacent City Halls and Old Fruitmarket entertainment complexes which host well over 200 events a year and that this could put their continued existence in doubt.
Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns commented: “I’m bitterly disappointed that Councillors have voted to obliterate the last available open space in Merchant City and putting world-renowned music venues under significant threat of closure.”
She went on: “Unfortunately there is now no chance of ever creating a park here, despite the area crying out for it. The Council says it wants to encourage families and children to live in the city centre yet there is nowhere for them to play or gather. We need new homes but these should be prioritised in appropriate locations”.
Mr Coyle noted that Glasgow had recently come 68th and last in a survey of the greenest cities in Britain carried out by university scientists from England and Australia.
The PAC’s vote was 3-3 but carried on the casting vote of Councillor Ken Andrew (SNP Hillhead).
Mr Coyle commented: “This decision, waved through on the casting vote of one person, is a travesty. It sends absolutely the wrong signal about Glasgow Council’s long repeated mantra of wanting a greener environment for its citizens.”
Other objectors said the proposed development was out of context with existing buildings and hide views of the Ramshorn which dates back to 1720, and add to already serious traffic problems in the area, especially since the proposal had no provision for parking spaces.
Local resident David Hughes told the hearing that Merchant City was the only part of the city centre without a green space and that a park would boost the community’s health and well being,
Meeting Minutes, 29 November 2022
Attended by:
Tam Coyle (Chair), Niall McColl, Eileen Mills, Scott Thornton, MD, TD, IG, EL, TMcK, CMcK, GM, GW; Police: PCs Sean McFadden and Ian Macdougall; Ward Councillors Eva Bolander, Angus Millar and Philip Braat.
Attended by video: David Cowan, EM, JR
1. Welcome and apologies
Chair Tam Coyle welcomed attendees to the final meeting of the Community Council of 2022 and outlined the agenda.
Apologies: Gary Atkinson, Peter Hayman, Ros Wardley-Smith, Depute Provost Christy Mearns
2. Police Report
PC McFadden (SMcF) noted that sporadic parking problems in Candleriggs had been raised at the October meeting. There are few loading bays so vehicles had been parking on pavements or double parking. Police had been encouraging drivers to use on-street parking.
Scott said several cars were often parked on pavements in Ropeworks Lane.
Re Connollys Bar SMcF had spoken to colleagues in licensing enforcement about reported issues, especially on football match days.bThere had been 35 licensed premises inspections by police, mostly for noise complaints and anti-social behaviour, since the start of the year and no key management issues had been identified.
Tam said the situation had not improved in 18 months. Residents remained unhappy about noise and customers urinating on their doorsteps. Benches outside the premises had been removed to alleviate the problem of noisy congregations in the street.
Philip said 35 police visits so far this year seemed fairly high. PC McFadden replied it was not uncommon for one venue to be visited several times on a weekend night.
EL said that during TRNSMT festival goers had kicked in a panel on her close door and urinated in the stairwell. She had been told by the factor she had to pay around £200 as her share of the clean-up cost although police officers had assured her this was vandalism and she would not need to pay. She added that the cost should be met by concert organisers. SMcF said it was impossible to pursue the culprits since they had not been identified. Eva said she would follow this up. Tam said he’d spoken to DF Concerts who had promised stewarding around Mart Square/Jocelyn Square next year.
SMcF gave an update on the Polo Lounge/Revolver/Delmonica’s/Riding Room premises. These have shared exits and residents had complained about customers leaving noisily outwith licensed hours. A meeting had been held with representatives of the Scotsman Group (G1).
MD said this was not a police matter but a licensing one. He had received no response from the Licensing department and wondered why these premises were apparently being given special treatment. The Council’s noise control department was understaffed and its response was poor yet police were having to rely on its reports. He had been told the cost of identifying calls to the noise control line was too high. Tam and Angus said they were meeting Paul Stewart of Licensing soon and would raise this.
Re excessive noise from buskers SMcF reiterated the procedure that buskers making excessive noise were given a warning; subsequent transgression could result in confiscation of sound equipment. Complaints should be reported to 101 or via the Contact Us section of Police Scotland’s Website. Eva pointed out there is a Code of Conduct for buskers but the time may have come to move beyond that. Eileen said the problem had arisen every month at MCTCC meetings. In response to a question from Scott SMcF said a total of two community officers were responsible for the MCTCC area.
3. Presentation from Mosaic Architecture and Design re proposed development of student accommodation on corner of Hutcheson St/Trongate
Stephen Mallon from Mosaic said he had made a presentation to MCTCC on the same site three years in connection with an hotel, retail and a pub. He and his colleague Ian Gallagher of Iceni Projects explained the background, the developer’s credentials, context and details of the application. A further public consultation would take place in the New Year. There would be 173 bedrooms, an increase from the application for an hotel.
Tam said that in principle the Community Council opposed student accommodation. MCTCC had recently been given presentations on several similar projects. Students were transient, don’t pay Council Tax and contributed little to the city long term. There should be a greater emphasis on social housing. Mosaic said students spent in the city during their time there.
MD said several buildings of architectural significance had been on the site before. The presenters said they were merely changing the use of the site, not its footprint.
Scott asked if there had been an assessment of the medium to long term requirement for more student accommodation. He quoted an article in The Herald in which a Glasgow University professor stated that plans for city living were being driven by developers and not by Glasgow City Council.
Eva said there may be an overdue concentration of student accommodation in the city centre. Higher demand may be being driven by new tighter legislation on short term lets.
Scott noted another application for student flats was pending for Osborne Street. Tam said a further application for student flats was pending for the former Archaos night club building in Queen Street, opposite the MCTCC area. Community Council representation is being led by Broomielaw CC.
4. Minutes of meeting of previous meeting of 25 October
Adoption proposed by Tam, seconded by Eileen.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer not present.
6. Upcoming Planning Application Committee re proposed development at 65-97 Ingram Street car park
Eva (a member of the Committee) reported a public hearing as well as a site visit would take place on Tuesday 10 January.
Procedures for this were discussed, with several Community Councillors including Tam, Eileen and Scott expressing disappointment at the short time objectors (a total of 143 objections have been lodged) would be allowed to speak (Clarifications of the procedures were provided in subsequent exchanges with Ward Councillors and GCC).
7. Elected members’ reports
Angus reported on plans to regenerate the city centre and the ‘Golden Z’ area project (Sauchiehall/Buchanan/Argyle Streets). This involves re-purposing of properties, most of which GCC did not own, and filling vacant properties. New powers provided by the Scottish Government could help as could Compulsory Purchase Orders, funding and tax changes. Retail would not have the same footprint as previously. GCC wants to become more pro-active to vary the mix of retail, hospitality and residential.
The increased need for student accommodation had been driven by a decline in the private rental sector and perhaps an under-assessment by universities of student numbers following Covid. There may be areas outwith the city centre which were more suitable.
The City Transport Transport Plan was due to be approved shortly.
GCC was trying to improve the licensing system for outdoor seating of hospitality outlets with a single point of contact for businesses, code of conduct for good neighbourliness, and a system for residents to report issues. Candleriggs was a priority.
Eva said work was underway to create a more permanent refuse bin store in Virginia Place.
Philip said he continued to have concerns about arrangements for spaces in streets outside cafes. The 2 metre distancing rule needed better enforcement.
He congratulated MCTCC on achieving a public hearing and site visit re Ingram Street. Tam said there was a risk that noise complaints from residents of the new apartments would cause the closure of the adjacent City Halls and Fruitmarket entertainment venues.
Tam said the Christmas lights switch-on in George Square had impacted residents on Miller Street. Several local residents said they had not received notification about the switch-on nor received the tickets they used to be allocated. Philip said he had understood the central lights switch on would be replaced by smaller local events.
JR asked who should she speak to about cladding issues and the government grant scheme since she was concerned about the safety of her home and surroundings buildings in Bell Street. Angus asked her to email Ward Councillors. The local MSP might also need to be involved.
Tam reported on licensing that there had been an application from Merchant Square for Hogmanay from 6 pm to 1 am. There were no objections.
He said the first meeting of Friends of Ramshorn had been held and good progress had been made on the constitution.
Next meeting: Tuesday 31 January 2023 - City Chambers
Public Consultation - Proposed erection of student accommodation, Trongate/Hutcheson St
The second public consultation event for the proposed demolition and redevelopment of the site on the corner of Hutcheson St/Trongate will take place this Wednesday, 11th January, in Metropolitan Bar, Candleriggs, between 12noon and 7pm. The proposal has been updated following feedback from the first public consultation.
28 November Community Council Meeting
Agenda
- Welcome (including to new Community Councillors) and apologies
- Minutes of previous meeting on 31 October
- Police report including E-bikes and Pavement parking
- Presentation by Fiona Campbell and Ewan Curtis, Glasgow City Council Planning Department, on MCTCC aspects of the ‘Golden Z’ project
- Other planning issues including St Enoch Centre, King Street Car Park, Student Accommodation, Cycle Lanes
- Ward Councillors’ reports including City Centre Strategic Plan, LEZ,Follow-ups on 28 September walkabout
- Drugs - ‘Safe Needle Bin’ pilot scheme
- Buskers
- Early morning bin collection noise
- ‘Complex Needs Drop-in Centre,’ Bell Street
- Licensing, including Der Berliner/Murphy’s Bar
- Meeting with MP/MSP
- GP surgery in Merchant City
- Treasurer’s Report
- Area Partnership representation
- Grant Giving Scheme
- Any other business
- Date of next meeting
Joining Instructions
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ufu-upzwtGNSRrsNfxkWEMhBwkD-cOWd-
31 October AGM and Community Council Meeting
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) & ELECTION MEETING
6:30 PM TUESDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2023
COMMITTEE ROOM, GLASGOW CITY CHAMBERS, 64 COCHRANE STREET, GLASGOW, G2 1DU
The Chair will officiate for the Annual General Meeting
- Record membership attendance and apologies received.
- Approve the presented minutes of the last Annual General Meeting (AGM 2022).
- Approve Chairperson’s annual report (written or minuted at the AGM).
- Approve Treasurer’s submission of Independently Examined Statement of Accounts.
- Demit of current office bearers and all other members.
The Independent Returning Officer (IRO) will now officiate for the call of nominations for the Community Council and the call for nominations for the election of Office Bearers
- Call of Nominations for the Community Council.
- Call for nominations for the election of Office Bearers and representatives:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary
- Minute Secretary
- Treasurer
- Area Partnership Lead Contact
- Area Partnership Substitute Contact
- Planning Contact
- Licensing Contact
The newly elected Chair will officiate for the remainder of the Annual General Meeting & Election Meeting
- Note continuation of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.
- Note the appointment of an Independent Examiner of accounts for the next year.
- Note the appointment of associate members.
- Review the Inventory and Additional Resources (see clause 8.7 of the Scheme 2018).
- Chairperson declares that a date in October of following year (2024) will host the next AGM.
The Independent Returning Officer duties are now complete. The Chairperson may now officiate for an ordinary Community Council meeting.
Monthly Meeting Agenda
- Welcome and apologies
- Approval of minutes of meeting held on 26 September
- Matters arising from September meeting:
- Safe drugs consumption facility
- Low Emission Zone
- Great Scottish Run - Lack of notice and signage
- E-bikes and scooters
- Flooding in and around Ingram Street/Candleriggs
- Other follow-ups on walkabout with Councillor Angus Millar
- Police report
- Planning:
- Purpose-built student accommodation (Dominus), Osborne Street
- ‘Merchant City Park’
- ‘Golden Z’
- House of Gods, Glassford Street
- New applications
- Licensing:
- Merchant City Village
- Night clubs opening to 4 am
- Short-term lets
- New applications
- Grant giving scheme
- Consultation on busking in city centre
- Any other business
- Date of next meeting
Tuesday 26 September 2023 at 6.30pm in the City Chambers, or online via Zoom
Everyone who lives in the Merchant City and Trongate area is very welcome to join us for our September meeting, either in person in the City Chambers, or online via Zoom
Agenda
- Welcome/Apologies
- Minutes of meeting held on 29 August
- Police report
- Elected members’ reports
- Drugs, including ‘Safe Consumption Room’
- Low Emission Zone
- Planning, including ‘Merchant City Park,’ student accommodation, Billy Connolly murals, ’Golden Z’ and King Street car park re-development
- Licensing including granting of occasional licences and report on Glasgow Council Licensing Forum
- Grant giving scheme
- Busking - Response to public consultation
- UCI World Cycling Championships
- Treasurer’s report
- Elections to Community Council
- Date of next meeting
Joining Instructions
In person: City Chambers, Glasgow - see Meetings page for directions
Online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ufu-upzwtGNSRrsNfxkWEMhBwkD-cOWd-