Apologies: Ian Campbell (IC), Steph Pirie (SP)

Summary of items discussed

Actions agreed

1.

General updates:

Abernyte mobile phone coverage:  Angus Forbes, Councillor, has investigated and fedback that this situation is difficult to improve because the computer-generated information (which may not be accurate) shows Abernyte as having 4G mobile coverage outdoors and therefore is unlikely to be considered for further improvements as part of the Shared Rural Network.

FC advised that other areas covered by PKC have looked into Signal Boosters and he will forward relevant information to this group, when available.

ACRG funding application: Successful, £6114.80 received (does not include mower/ brush cutter as separate fund).  Discussion had on how to arrange buying equipment.  DS kindly offered to oversee and organise this.  Funds need spent by 31^st March 2025.  The grant application made is held on G Drive and contains links to preferred suppliers.    With no shed siting agreed as yet, FC kindly advised storage of bought equipment through PKC possible.

ES (Treasurer for ACIC) confirmed happy to act as Treasurer for ACRG also and advised on how best to approach purchasing. Need to use cheques, or purchase equipment personally and invoice ACIC for reimbursement (make invoice out to ACIC).   ES suggests spreadsheet be set up for mapping funds coming in and going out for ACRG. Group agreed good idea for clear records.

MP offered to store a powerpack at his home.

ACRG unspent monies: FC advised that funding can be rolled into next financial year as long as details of the underspend and a ‘spend date’ are agreed.

PKC statement requested: FC requested statement regarding plans, stage of purchasing equipment and future plans/ need for ongoing support from ACRG (IC has started this, available on G Drive).  FC explained that the funding for Resilience groups will end and potentially additional funding supporting community benefit will be needed.  Andy Scott (present) is our new support person.

Local map of blocked drains/ gulleys: MS has supplied map to FC and MP reported drains needing cleared and shared reference of these with FC.  FC advised local councillors (Angus and Alasdair) have copied of the schedule for PKC attending blocked drains and suggests community seek a copy of this.

Update on shed siting: IC has advised discussion has commenced. No further update available. 

IC to flag information at the forthcoming ACIC AGM on 5/2/25 and discuss how to go forward.

DS to prioritise purchasing and commence, if happy to.

JK to add ES to ACRG email distribution list.

ES to make spreadsheet and share with ACRG members only (membership at end of minutes)

MP to store a powerpack once acquired.

IC has started statement, JK to review also.

FC to follow-up.

JK to email councillors and request.

Roll item forward to March agenda (JK)

2.

Update on insurance of ACRG equipment: DS updated the group.  ACIC has insurance through Zurich until August 2025. There are some exemptions in this policy relevant to ACRG.  For example, power packs will need PAT testing. There may be a need for public liability insurance for verge mowing/brush cutter.  NG advised that if mowing done through TreeWorks, this would be covered.

MS queried if storm damage is covered.  Seems theft and accidental damage is covered but not a ‘library of things’.

NG sought clarity on what other local groups do and FC confirmed insurance is through the Councils.

MP raised that depending on the cost of the powerpacks, local residents housing these may need to declare them on household insurance.

NG raised that NFU may be a good insurance option in the future as they are more au fait with agricultural item insurance.

General discussion regarding the role of the ACRG.  All present agreed that the ACRG role is as Good Samaritans, for prevention/ maintenance and neighbourly support, not as first responders.  

General discussion that an information sheet or flowchart, or such, could be useful for local residents to highlight how to access support in times of extreme weather/ adverse events.  FC discussed an example of drought and no water, in this example calling the main council switchboard to access those who deal with private water supplied should result in water being supplied. 

FC advised PAT testing may be possible through PKC, to feedback.

DS going to discuss with EMc details of insurance and seek clarity on what a ‘library of things’ applies to in Zurich policy.

FC investigating having a council ‘stand-alone’ resilience group policy – to feedback in due course.

NG to explore and feedback.

If issues with insurance, FC will support agreeing a ‘work-around’ with PKC.

HMc to draft a key info-type sheet for Abernyte residents focussing on no power and flooding.  This will flag the role of contacting first responders and the role of ACRG.

FC to supply the emergency response number so that members of the ACRG have this, but requests this is not shared openly.

3.

Update on ACRG IT support: HMc updated the group that he has kindly set up a G Drive where all ACRG information is held together and this is accompanied by an email address.  View only access will be given to the whole group, and to the wider community when minutes shared.

Need to clarify at March meeting who will have access to this drive and a process/? rota for answering emails.  Include in March Agenda (JK)

4.

Attracting more members, mail shot: JK shared draft mailshot.  General discussion and amendments made.  Group OK’d for circulation.

JK to complete amendments and request circulation ahead of ACIC AGM on 5^th Feb 2025.

5.

6.

7.

Review of the ACRG strategy document:  Insufficient time to discuss. JK requested ACRG group members review the document sent with the agenda (in embedded link) and feedback comments please.

ACRG designated roles for members: Insufficient time for discussion.  FC highlighted that we need one or two ‘Duty Controllers’ who will know the phone number for the emergency response number FC will provide, and one or two people who know the shed combination lock.

AOCB

-          Trial use of flood barriers: FC offered to bring flood barriers for the RG and wider community to try using as a dry run. Date agreed:  Saturday 8^th March 10am outside The Beeches (top of Abernyte village)

-          Potential for ACRG fundraising for insurance costs: HMc highlighted the group could consider a fundraising stall at the next local fete to fund insurance of equipment. NG offered hedge cutting for donation.

-          Funding for equipment for local verge mowing:  FC updated the group regarding the funding for a mower is likely to be approved.  The group discussed the options for cutting, balancing the provision of ease of standing/ walking on the verge for walkers vs. biodiversity was noted by JE.  The group mooted cutting one side of the verge only.   FC advised the council cuts only junction areas and that there are set times of year for cutting to avoid impacting nesting birds. There was discussion that the local Farmers may own the verges.

-          PKC freebies & merger:  AS & FC kindly brought freebies for the group & wider community.  Merger forthcoming in PKC.

-          To share at ACIC AGM on 5^th Feb 2025 details of the ACRG:  MS requested report be given.

Next meeting date: Tuesday 18^th March at 7.30pm, Kirkton Craig.

ACRG to feedback comments please to JK.

Roll forward and include in March agenda (JK)

Roll forward and include in March agenda (JK)

JK to send FC location pin for The Beeches (done) & share date and time with wider community at AGM and in mailshot.

All present agreed good ideas.  To await further info on the insurance situation.

 FC requests map outline of what areas would be cut so that he can take this to PKC GreenSpace.

FC to advise on the times of year mowing allowed.

ACRG agrees wider community involvement needed – to raise at forthcoming ACIC AGM.

MS will bring maps and post-its to AGM to facilitate community feedback.

MS requested details of the mower NG wishes ordered and clarity needs sought re VAT payment for this.

FC will update on this in due course.

JK to provide on 5^th Feb 2025.

Group membership

Name

Designated role

Julie Kilgariff

Chair

Ian Campbell

Chairperson and Director of ACIC

Mary Shrimpton

Secretary and Director of ACIC

Esther Strickland

Treasurer and Director of ACIC

Henry McSorley

ACRG IT support

Danielle Smyth

ACRG Inventory lead / Director of ACIC

Jonathan Early

Tbc after meeting in March

Mike Pirie

Tbc after meeting in March

Steph Pirie

Tbc after meeting in March

Neil Gray

Tbc after meeting in March