Most Recent PKCTG Meeting

Brian Martin (BM)                                P&K PTU Minibus Coordinator
Karen Thomson                                  NHS Voluntary Services Manager
Kathleen Coffey                                  Project Manager WRVS
Bob Gillespie                                       CVS
Colin Carr                                            CVS
Roger Clare                                        Compass Christian Centre

1.         Welcome and apologies for absence
The Chairman welcomed those attending. Apologies were noted.
2.         a. Minute of the PKCTG Meeting held 24^th August 2009
JB would like to amend the minute at section 7. to read “many Council budgets are being cut by 10%”. The minute was proposed by FM and seconded by DI
3.         Matters arising
a. Minibus Operators Group
CDW confirmed that following the launch of the MOG that there are now seven members. Public Liability Insurance is now in place for members wishing to access this cover. Vehicle insurance is still to be investigated.
Action:            CDW to follow up with Bill Wilson and Keegan Pennykid
b. CCA
CDW confirmed that CCA Members wishing to access the policy now have cover in place to 30.9.10 and that insurance certificates have been issued. P&K C have once again funded this policy. Publicity of the CCA continues in order to attract new members and volunteers. There is still a gap in transport provision in the Carse of Gowrie and CDW is trying to attract volunteer drivers in the area.
c. CT Directory
CDW confirmed that the CT directory information has now been collated. CDW and ACDW met with the printer and a first template has been created although the need for changes has now been highlighted. NDJ apologised to the meeting that not all the information was included and there is a need to make the document more user friendly. MC asked if text over colour could be avoided in the document, for ease of reading. JB commented that it took four or five drafts from the printer before P&K were happy with the Public Transport Map and that additional charges may be incurred after the second draft. The draft Directory will be circulated to P&K Access Group and the PTU for their comments as soon as possible.
Action:            NDJ and CDW to advise printer of changes.
d. Carse of Gowrie
CDW actively continues to try to recruit officers and volunteer drivers in the Carse of Gowrie. CDW will be attending a further event in Longforgan on 7^th November. She has written to the Community Councils requesting their assistance in this matter. NDJ stated it is important to find a solution to this service gap and the CDW is working hard in to achieve this. He also asked that any other gaps in the P&K area be brought to the attention of PKCTG.
Action:            CDW to continue to develop the CT requirement within areas identified.
e. Constitution
Following the SGM the Chairman confirmed he would take on board all the comments made and look into Incorporation. The Membership list with a note of those entitled to vote will also to be drawn up. He is sensitive of points raised by RDP and any amendments to the constitution considered necessary will be bought to the 2010 AGM.
Action:           NDJ to consider amendments to constitution
f. MiDAS
CDW confirmed that a MiDAS course took place on 23^rd and 24^th October 2009 with eight participants, all of whom passed. Evaluation from the course shows that taking the course to the community is very much appreciated. CDW confirmed that Charlie Bisset, our present driver trainer, has recently completed his renewal for a further 3 year DAT qualification. New enquiries continue to come in for further MiDAS courses. NDJ commented that MiDAS training continues to work well. PMcF commented that he was told by Colin McDonald that the Council would not recognise MiDAS passes unless conducted through the council. JB stated that a familiarisation session of about 10 to 15 minutes would be required to satisfy the council of driving ability, but it still needs to be decided how this will develop. There will be no cost incurred by the participant for the familiarisation session.
4.         Treasurers Report
RH spoke to his tabled report showing the financial position for April to September 2009 and indicated that he was reporting on Administration and overheads only. He stated that the cash position is healthy thanks to the P&K Council grant. The balance currently standing at £20,000, £2,000 of this is for project work. Expenditure against budget is good overall, with a favourable variant of £3,220 in the year to date. NDJ thanked RH for his report.
5.         CDW Report
CDW referred to her written report of recent activities and those of the ACDW. Enquiries for CT continue and publicity continues to attract new volunteers. CDW has been very busy preparing three funding applications on behalf of the Comrie Co Co Bus. CDW highlighted some of the events recently attended.
6.         Chairman’s Report
NDJ spoke of his thoughts on the future direction of PKCTG. We are an established resource for voluntary transport groups in the community offering education, training, best practice procedures, advice on current and proposed legislative change and can facilitate the disclosure process. PKCTG have achieved the formation of the CCA & MOG with on-going reviews of protocols and Insurance issues. Our main weakness is lack of staff time and inadequate representation on relevant outside bodies. Opportunities do arise within our area and beyond to promote our activities but core activities within P&K remain a priority. The Management Committee need to formulate the 2010/11 Business Plan quite soon and identify new initiatives which inevitably may have funding implications. NDJ asked for input from the members over the next two months which could help clarify the direction PKCTG should take in the next year or so.The constraints of time and funding do curb outside representation by staff although both NDJ and RH are prepared to extend their representative roles selectively as required. MC asked if PKCTG are to stay within Perth & Kinross. NDJ replied yes although some meetings and conferences are beyond the P&K area. There is an obligation to attend some events to which PKCTG contribute and bring back good ideas. CDW referred to LEADER LAG meetings held in Arbroath and Perth. The CDW only attends the Perth meetings due to lack of time and resources. NDJ suggested there may be a need to increase staff time in the coming year with the CDW stating that her role may need to be re-scoped. PMacF suggested looking at more volunteers to take up the slack.
Action:            CDW and NDJ to consider ideas from groups.
7.         Trustee Indemnity Insurance – change of position
A short discussion took place on this topic and the information sheets provided by CVS, Perth and Kinross. NDJ received these details as information only at this time and further advice from CVS is anticipated.
8.         AOCB
a.         JB referred to the CT Fund, confirming 10 applications from 10 groups had been received.             Confirmation/refusal letters should be posted to applicants’ week commencing 2.11.09
b.         JB announced his departure from P&K Council and his new role as Sustainable Transport Team Leader at Dundee City Council. Brian Martin will be the main contact at P&KC for PKCTG.  NDJ thanked JB officially for all the help and advice he has given the Group and the CT sector and wished him the very best in his new post.
c.         CDW gave a short update on Disclosure - Protection of Vulnerable Group Scheme.
d.         CDW announced that obsolete equipment is available to voluntary groups following the opening of new Community Campuses in P&K.
e.         CDW asked JB if there was any response to the Bus Stop enquiry following the opening of the     new Health Centre in Kinross. JB commented that planning for the Kinross Community Campus had not included planning for passenger transport. He recommended those with concerns contact Stuart D’All at the Area Roads Office.
9.         Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be Monday 25^th January 2010.
Action: CDW to notify interested parties and distribute relevant information.