Development Manager's Report August 08

29/09/08

Development Manager’s Report

Prepared for AF Board Meeting on 14th August 2008

Items for Decisions
1. Trials Bike Club proposal
The club say that they have permission from Robin Vestey to cross the Lonan. Do we wish to agree in principle to an additional trial bike area on the east side of the Estate? If yes we will need to determine all practical details.
2. Appointment of Design Team for Lodge refurbishment
Do we need to invite tenders again?
3. Community Purchase of Ledmore Forest
Do the Board wish to pursue this potential acquisition? Estimated timescale 2 to 3 years, anticipated purchase price £600K to £1M. First step is to notify FCS of our wish to progress initial interest.
4. Appointment of Grant Sourcing Consultant
HIE have offered possibility of £4k to pay a funding consultant. Original offer complicated by recent change in match funding. Do we identify our preferred contractor? (or an HIE suggestion?)
5. Determination of selection process for chainsaw & log building courses
We have more applicants than places. On what basis do we decide who is offered a place or are all applicants equal?
6. Director & Key Staff Insurance
Should we spend c.£500/pa to a) protect Directors and/or b) to provide cover for Key staff?
7. Community Bushcraft course
Is it worth trying to create something to offer locals or is it too expensive? Who would pay? Who will organise?
8. Fun Day Raffle
We MUST draw the raffle and distribute the prizes before I drink them.
9. SCARF Research Project
We have until the 22nd August to decide and notify them whether we still wish to go ahead with this project. Unfortunately because funding for SCARF is coming to an end they now only have 7 months left to support groups through to completion and have no opportunity to provide finance for projects after that period.