March 2010 minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 15TH MARCH 2010 IN CULBOKIE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

PRESENT: Roger Piercy (Chair), Hamish MacCulloch (Vice Chair), Les Robinson, Moira Grieve, Colin Craig, Joan More, Sally Falconer, Carlton Rocke, Councillor Isobel MacCallum, Police Constable from Fortrose and 2 visitors.

APOLOGIES: Joy Winnick and Councillor David Alston.

CORRESPONDENCE: The correspondence received and listed was read and distributed accordingly.

The Chair invited the Police Constable to speak to the meeting and if there were any question to be addressed to the police.

The Police Constable reported that things were quiet in the area and overall it was relatively peaceable, this could largely be due to the weather, and that the Police were doing their best to keep on top of things especially in Muir of Ord area. Speeding has been an issue but not a problem in Culbokie area - speed checks are done occasionally. There were discussions between the Community Council and Police Constable regarding some of the speed limits in the Ferintosh area generally.

It was also brought to the notice of the Police Constable that "pot shots" had been taken at the notice board placed on the end of Culbokie Post Office - it is showing bullet holes in the glass.

The subject of arrow road markings was once again raised, these markings refer to arrows marked at the roundabout approaching the A9 from the South with turnings to the North and to Dingwall, also the lack of white lines at the side of some roads. The Police Constable will report on these discussions.

The Chair thanked the Police Constable for taking the time to attend Ferintosh Community Council's meeting.

AMENITY AREA IN BALNATUA: The contracts which 15 residents share with Highland Council and Roy Homes. Roy Homes have not taken up with Highland Council re-adoption of this area. At this time the residents just want to make the Community Council aware that they are talking about their amenity area. The Community Council will keep this in mind for future developments. Discussions then took place regarding this item.

Core Paths Gaelic-English Signs: The question asked , Is the Community Council content to have Gaelic signs on core paths ? The response was that it is not in favour and felt the money could be better spent elsewhere.

FEGR: Work party to work on footpath - Corntown to Sewerage works- this will take place on 20th March. Bird ringing will take place on 27th March in Culbokie Woods. There is a wild life convention taking place on 15th May more details of this event to follow.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS;

Ward 9 & 10 Meeting. Community Markets - This item was brought up at the Ward meeting, and discussions were held regarding budgets, allotment developments and community markets in Scotland. At a meeting Kirsty, Community Market Organiser, agreed to look into rotation of the community market and also the option to have a co-operative on the Black Isle. Discussions followed regarding this topic including the finance incurred re payment to the community market organiser for time spent on this item. Councillor MacCallum pointed out that Ferintosh Community Council could be reimbursed for any charges. Councillor MacCallum also pointed out that it was thought that the markets etc should eventually be sustainable and not subsidised.

Re-surfacing of Culbokie Post Office Car Park & Extension of the Car Park: Although there has been nothing to report on this item, it was agreed that it should remain on the list in case it is forgotten.

Constitution and Community Council Model Standing Order: Mike MacMillan is at present going through the paperwork.

Bus Shelter at Culbokie Post Office: Roger wrote to D. Summers and received a reply stating that he was going through the waiting list sometime next week. The question of whether it would help to give justification for the shelter was put, and would funds from "Wind Farm Funding" be used.

Flashing Speed Limit Sign - Culbokie: Les and Carlton are in the process completing application for funding. Treasurer to supply bank details and if required latest audited accounts.

Safe Routes for Schools: After the start of term paths were not cleared but it was appreciated that weather conditions had been exceptional but it was felt that it was not good for the children to have to use the main road.

Culbokie Re-cycling Point - Forestry Car Park: The actual car park is not safe to use, enquiries to be made to the Forestry Commission on this subject.

Residential Caravan - Leanaig : The reason this is still on site is because the owners have been told that they have 3 months to appeal.

Four Houses at Highfield Park: Another meeting will take place with members of Planning Committee.

Cairn Housing (East): Nothing to report on Cairn Housing application for block of flats. Church of Scotland is also interested in this site.

There are no further developments on items 9, 10, 14 and 15.

AOCB: The possible funding for some bird boxes as reported at last month's meeting is no longer required.

The Secretary wrote to Stagecoach regarding lack of bus service in this area. On March 22nd there will be a Ward Forum meeting and a representative of Stagecoach is expected to be in attendance.

As reported to the Police Constable bullet holes have appeared in the glass doors of the notice board in Culbokie and Roger intends to take this matter further.

PLANNING MATTERS: Planning application for a house and out buildings at Seaview, Culbokie. After some discussion it was agreed that the house was not an issue but questions regarding whether the out buildings were for commercial us and if so would there be an increase in traffic.