MINUTES OF MEETING AND AGM OF KILTARLITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2006 IN KILTARLITY COMMUNITY HALL AT 7.30 PM

Present

Mr H D Maclennan (Chairman), Mr R MacLean (Secretary), Mrs D Ward (Treasurer), Mr C Gibson, Mr N Grant, Mrs M Hanson, Mrs E Ramsden, and Mr E Tomlinson, Secretary of CAP, and Mrs F Greenlaw.

Apologies

Mr S Murphy, Mr T Hunt.

1. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 2006, had been circulated to members and were approved on the motion of Mrs D Ward, seconded by Mrs M Hanson.

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Year of Highland Culture

We had been able to apply for some funding still available and had received a small grant of £2626 (or 13% of eligible costs) payable when relevant expenses were incurred. The Secretary and Mr Scott Russell had attended a meeting of local groups in Inverness.

Ramblers’ Association

The Ramblers’ Association request for a further financial contribution had now been received and we had contributed £200 from the Fighting Fund towards the shortfall for the advertisement they had published in the national press during the height of the pylons campaign.

Application for a ban on drinking in public places

It was hoped we might in the New Year be able to have a speaker from Dochcarty Residents Association.

Road Issues

Highland Council TEC Services had responded to our concerns as follows:

wild growth alongside the school footpath might be cut if work schedules allowed; the street light positions could possibly be moved when due for replacement;

speed bumps were not possible but a’ smiley’ sign was – it was agreed we should ask for one;

a zebra crossing would cost £12k and should be pursued through the ‘safer routes to school’ scheme – agreed we should consult the School Board on this and that a developer contribution might also be sought;

the idea of extending the 20 zone would be investigated though increasing its distance from the school might reduce its effectiveness;

dog fouling signs can be erected but additional bins normally come from councillors’ discretionary budgets.

We had had no response as yet to our representations regarding Fanellan road flooding, reflectors at the Black Bridge, stones falling on the A833 from both Belladrum and Beaufort walls and mud on local roads.

The Secretary reported that following a complaint forwarded by the Community Council about the large A833 lay-by ‘no overnight parking’ sign being painted over, a new one had been provided.

Scottish Water

Alison McGee Highland Council Convener had replied to our letter and shared our concern about the problems of water supply.

Affordable Housing

Our concern that the larger than original number of houses to be built had been further increased by the Battan development would be noted by the Planning Committee. A stone wall was beyond the means of Albyn Housing but they would continue to be responsible for the wooden fencing proposed and this type had not proved a problem in other places.

SPP6 Consultation

We had submitted a response as agreed to this document on renewable energy.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

The Treasurer reported that the current balance in the bank, which included the Fighting Fund and Pylon Pressure money, was £2535.27. She had succeeded in her application for help with this year’s Christmas Party and we would receive £200 from Highland Council’s local discretionary fund.

5. CORRESPONDENCE

1.Postwatch Scotland - noted

2.Bago – noted

3.Moray Firth Partnership – noted

4.Countryside Alliance – agreed as requested to write to Jim Fitzpatrick MP making case for importance of retention of local post office

5.HIE Network Report – noted

6.Disability Equality – new responsibilities and duties of public bodies including community councils noted

7.Click and Mix website workshop – agreed to bring to attention of Margie Hemmingway

8.Water consultations - noted

9.Various Newsletters and Circulars - noted

6. HIGHLAND COUNCIL MINUTES/AGENDAS

The following items were noted: Badger Policy; four house rule - proposed reconsideration; approval of Culmill chalet and wind turbine development (proposal for dwelling house removed); approval of Bruiach Farm steading development in entirety with no recognition of Kiltarlity CC objection to additional houses – agreed to raise this with Mr Polson.

7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

It was agreed to query further the two-house development at 4 Culburnie as regards density, road access and conformity with the Local Plan. Concern was expressed at the prospect of an application to build about 25 houses on the Balgate Sawmill site and it was agreed this was contrary to the Local Plan.

8. NEW ELECTRICITY POWER LINE

Members of the Pylons Public Inquiry sub-group reported to the meeting on various aspects of the ongoing process.

9. CHRISTMAS PARTY

D Ward reported that the arrangements which had been made and were now being finalised. The Chairman appealed for members to help on the day if possible.

10. KILTARLITY CORE PATHS CONSULTATION

It was noted that this would take place on Tuesday 21 November in the Hall.

11. COMMUNITY COUNCILS – FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The Secretary had attended the meeting of the Renewing Democracy and Community Planning Select Committee to which CC representatives had been invited and at which changes to CCs arising from the new electoral arrangements and wards had been discussed. However, no firm conclusions as to the future of CCs had been reached and Highland Council was waiting for the Scottish Executive to report on the review they had conducted. The position was noted.

AOCB

Mrs Margo Maclennan hoped the CC would be able to be a partner in a traditional dancing project and might want to apply for a grant of £100. It was agreed this would be considered on receipt of an official letter.

Two tons of gravel had been bought to enable Kiltarlity 2000 to complete the War Memorial improvements. It was agreed we would meet the £20 cost of the gravel.

It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the Community Council on Wednesday 17 January 2007 in the Community Hall at 7.30 pm.

…………………………………………. Chairman

………………………………………….. DATE