May 2010 minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 17TH MAY 2010 IN CULBOKIE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

PRESENT: Roger Piercy (Chair), Hamish MacCulloch (Vice-Chair), Bruce Morrison, Sally Falconer, Joan More, Les Robinson, Moira Grieve, Cllrs. Isobel MacCallum and David Alston, Mike MacMillan, Police Constable Callum Macrae (Fortrose) and 2 visitors.

APOLOGIES: Colin Craig.

The Chair invited PC Macrae to speak to the meeting. He stated that whilst speeding was always an issue the police do try and go out with speed guns on occasions, and that they do what they can.

Vandalism is not an issue on this side of the Black Isle. The police were aware of dog barking issue and on investigation found that there was a responsible owner and the issue has been rectified.

There were no questions for the Police Constable and the Chair thanked him for taking the time to attend the meeting.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES: The minutes of meeting held on 19th April were read and with apologies from the secretary for typing errors i.e. bus shelter item should read £4500. Under FEGR it should read Highland Council will make charges for walks also thanks to Lesley Robb. The minutes were approved by Sally Falconer seconded by Bruce Morrison.

CORRESPONDENCE: Correspondence received by secretary was read and items distributed.

Roger thanked lady who wrote regarding missing Culbo road sign - he reported to Bryan Stout and sign has now been replaced.

Transition Black Isle are publicising gardening courses which consist of 8 training days and should anyone wish to take part they can contact Sheila Wickens who is running the course.

DCM: Nigg Fabrication Yard, if successful, will pursue renewable energy.

Highland Council: Meeting in Council Offices, Fort William on 18th May 2010 re erection of houses, Highfield Park. Councillor MacCallum reported that this was deferred for a meeting with SEPA.

FEGR: Joan reported to meeting that a lady was coming to train members of the group on how to find squirrels and bats later in the year. Martin Hind would also show the same for fossils depending on the tide and time available to himself.

Joan also reported that wooden steps would be made for path at Conon, the wood is at present being treated.

THREATENED CLOSURE OF LIBRARIES AND INVERNESS MUSEUM: Councillor Alston stated that at the moment this was not a proposal but was just out for consultation and for radical ideas on ways of savings in the library service he also stated that over the next couple of years Highland Council will have to make cut backs of 12%, and suggests the consultation be looked at as a whole.

Discussions then took place among the community council members i.e. cost of running the buildings, having amenities under one roof and off loading assets. However, all agreed that Inverness Museum should not be closed. Roger asked that ideas should be sent to himself and to the secretary by 1st June so that a response could be put together from Ferintosh Community Council.

CONSTITUTION & COMMUNITY COUNCIL MODEL STANDING ORDERS: At the AGM 2 years ago Mike Macmillan volunteered to look at the constitution for Ferintosh Community Council. Mike informed the meeting how he became involved in Community Council. He stated that there was a short, medium and long version and brought attention that there was going to be paperwork coming out on the new model constitution.

1st Consultation: Set out to deal with boundaries. No change for this Community Council.

2nd Consultation: Draft of code of councillors. The material was not clear at all i.e. declared interest.

Model Standing Order: Not a lot to concern community council.

Constitution: According to the report there should be 8 councillors including representation for Kinkell.

Roger stated that only in last few months has this come to our attention - it was always thought there should be 12 and have tried for 3 x 4 but have been unable to maintain this balance. We take who we can get from the whole area and all are well represented.

The period for consultation ends on 30th June 2010 - Mike will submit to community council his "take" on it, and asks whether there is anything the community council would like to see in the material that will go in Ferintosh Community Council's name.

Roger: We are moving to a situation when all community councillors stand down and elections will take place and would therefore like to propose that Highland Council will conduct elections.

Bruce: Asks regarding postal voting system.

Mike: No. There would only be an election if there are more nominations than spaces.

Bruce: It would seem to be very bureaucratic and very formal with greater onerous just to run the community council with more barriers than before.

Mike: No that is not the case.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS:

Ward 9 & 10 Meetings: The same applies.

Re-surfacing Culbokie Post Office Car Park & Extension to Culbokie Post Office Car Park: There has been no further developments to date, but please bear in mind that jobs can be brought forward if people would take on funding.

Constitution & Community Council Model Standing Order: This item has been dealt with on the Agenda.

Survey on Older People's Facilities: Nothing to report.

Bus Shelter at Culbokie Post Office: Nothing further to date. The question was asked whether anyone wanted to take on Scottish Community Foundation Funding Source to obtain the funds for this. Discussions regarding the placing and design of the shelter then took place. Les Robinson would take on this, but later, as he has other things which require his attention. Les also has a leaflet showing a variety of suitable shelters.

Flashing Speed Limit Signs - Culbokie: Nothing further to report audited accounts now to hand.

Safe Routes for School: Nothing further to report.

Culbokie Recycling Point: Highland Council definitely own the area on which the re-cycling bins sit.

Roger stated that the best way forward was to arrange a meeting on the site.

Cairn Housing (West)& Moray Developments Submission East of School Croft: Nothing further. Talks are ongoing with Findon Hall.

Cairn Housing (East) Development of Old School Building: Councillor MacCallum to have discussions with John McHardy and will know by next meeting.

Second £1000 Donation from Ward 9: Delay due to confusion. Email received from Councillor Angela Maclean - Roger to fill in application form.

Bus Problems Culbokie to Dingwall & Inverness: Roger will write a piece for the Noticeboard publication letting people know the details of where to make contact with bus company. Also details of dial-a-bus. Transport Forum are delighted with the progress made so far with awareness of required details.

Culbokie Shop Noticeboard: There is progress, but nothing to report at this time. When the time comes one of the locking mechanisms will require attention.

Fairburn Wind Farm Benefit Fund Distribution: Roger has corresponded with Nick Addington stating that the community council could have projects for which we could apply - he is unhappy with that situation - and suggested we wait until after August meeting and see what is left over. Then we can apply.

The Highland Development Plan Scheme 2010: Link to web site found where all responses can be seen. A request has been made for a copy of the Scheme.

Residential Caravan Leanaig: This item still in system.

Four Houses - Highfield Park: This item covered under Correspondence on the Agenda.

Items 19 - 21 To be removed.

AOCB: Consultation Change in Community Care NHS leaflets requested copies received and distributed.

Editor of Noticeboard: Questions as to whether paid adverts are allowed. The current layout is on a single A3 and there would be no space if allowed. It was discussed whether there would be enough editorial to increase the size, or whether a different sponsor for each month could be considered.

Culbokie Community Market: Just about broke even by taking £168.

PLANNING MATTERS: There were no matters to be discussed.