Cittaslow Linlithgow Steering Group

2.12.09 Lowport Centre

Present: Phil Murray (Chair), David Tait, Ken Richardson, Provost Tom Kerr(part)

AGENDA

1.Apologies

2.Minutes of Previous Meeting

3.Matters Arising

4.Cittaslow Linlithgow Financial Position

5.Options for the Way Forward

6.Any Other Business

1.Apologies: Jean Long, Alan Young

2.Minutes of Previous Meeting

Accepted as an accurate record

3.Matters Arising

All covered by subsequent Agenda items

4.Cittaslow Linlithgow Financial Position

PM reported as follows:

(1) the subscriptions deficit of £3000 for 2008 and 2009 previously notified to Group members had, after further discussion with Fed Bonham at Cittaslow Mold, been modified to £1500, Cittaslow Linlithgow having paid for its 2008 subscription alongside payment of the assessment fee in June 2008

(2) Notwithstanding this welcome adjustment, the principle of our straitened financial circumstances remains unchanged- payment of our outstanding 2009 subscription of £1500 would leave us with a working balance of only £228

(3) The International Committee of Cittaslow International at their November meeting had deferred consideration of the Cittaslow UK proposal to amend the subscription allocation arrangement, until the meeting scheduled for Korea in June 2010

(4) At he same meeting, the Committee also gave some preliminary consideration to ‘reducing the current moratorium on subscription payments from the existing 3 years to 2’- PM reported that he was unaware, until reading the note of that meeting circulated by the UK delegate, that such an arrangement even existed

(5) An approach from Berwick Cittaslow who share Linlithgow concerns as to how to raise the funds to pay the 2009 subscription

Subsequent discussion on how to approach this concern included

· the possibility of a further approach to WLC for support-DT expressed serious reservations on this option(Tom Kerr in joining the meeting at a later stage confirmed that in the current climate WLC funding on the required scale is highly unlikely for the foreseeable future)

· Seeking clarification re the subscription moratorium arrangement referred to above with a view to Cittaslow Linlithgow taking this option in relation to the 2009 subscription request. Action: PM to approach Douglas Ritchie for guidance

· Submitting a proposal to the York Cittaslow UK Board meeting whereby a token subscription for 2009 be made (£200-300), reflecting the lack of input from Cittaslow International/Cittaslow UK in 2009, as a result of the various internal upheavals/disruptions. Such a payment would confirm continuing Linlithgow commitment to principles/objectives of Cittaslow, while simultaneously buying time for us to try and source alternative funds in 2010 sufficient to secure future viability. Action: PM to draft and submit such a proposal at York meeting on 16.1.10

· Liaise with Perth Cittaslow, the most significantly funded Cittaslow UK member to learn lessons from them on effective fund raising. Action: PM to arrange meeting pre-York with Douglas Ritchie; DT/KR to attend if available.

5.Cittaslow Linlithgow-Options for the Way Forward

All subsequent discussion is obviously conditional on a satisfactory outcome in relation to the funding issues outlined above-if they cannot be resolved, subsequent elements will have to be reviewed.

PM reported a favourable response from Linlithgow Climate Challenge to the prospect of joint working/activities starting with participation in either of the events marking the Copenhagen Conference (PM to attend Wave demo in Glasgow/Tom Kerr to attend tree planting event at Beecraigs both on 5.12.09)

Ken summarised current progress on his/Jean’s/Alan’s deliberations regarding the preparation of a straightforward aide memoir on what Cittaslow is all about, for use when approaching other local groups. This was generally well received and together with a draft paper entitled ‘Why support Cittaslow’ tabled by PM will form the focus for further refinement, prior to an initial meeting with LCC. Action: KR/JL/AY

6.Any Other Business

(1)-PM advised of an approach by Cittaslow International seeking participation by member towns in the European Commission’s Covenant of Mayors, specifically committing their communities to achieve 20% CO2 emissions reduction by 2020.

Action: PM to approach Rona Gold in her capacity as WLC Climate Change Officer to develop this proposal, possibly in consultation with Linlithgow Climate Challenge

(2) PM reported that Cittaslow UK as part of the co-ordinated events programme for Cittaslow UK towns had suggested the weekend of 23-26 April for a co-ordinated Springclean/litterpick type event. Action: PM to liaise with Ron Smith new chair of Burgh Beautiful and relevant WLC staff.

7.Date of Next Meeting-to be confirmed- probably after Cittaslow UK board Meeting in York 16.1.10 PM attending