Archive - 14th January 2008

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE DINGWALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN DINGWALL ON MONDAY 14th January 2008

PRESENT : Mr N Greenwood (Chair), Mr D MacDonald (Vice Chair), Mrs A Dingwall (Treasurer), Mr T Adams , Mr M Craig, Mr P Dicks, Mr G Harvey, Mr F Lees, Mr D Lockett, Mr I MacBeth, Mr G MacIvor, Mr B Simpson.

IN ATTENDANCE : Cllr A MacLean, Cllr M Paterson, Cllr P Cairns, 3 members of the public.

WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

APOLOGIES : Mrs A Gordon, Mrs A Campbell (Minutes), Cllr D Chisholm

1. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Clarification was asked as to whether the Police report should have been more detailed. It was observed that this was just a general report and it was not usual to note every thing that was said in the minutes, but if there was any particular item it could be incorporated in the accepting of the minute. Some members felt that anti-social behaviour including and relating to “boy racers/noisy exhausts” could be particularly identified as these were items that Dingwall residents had to put up with on a daily basis and been the subject of complaint on several occasions.

The Minutes were then approved on a motion by Mr D Lockett and seconded by Mr D MacDonald.

2. POLICE REPORT
No Police were able to be present. It was noted by members that it appeared the Police had especially taken action on the matter of “boy racers/noisy exhausts” and there seemed to have been an improvement but this matter could be clarified by the Police on their next visit.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING
3.1 Flooding event feedback
Treasurer reported the grant had been paid and there was still £220 in the fund. It was agreed to hold this money over to later in the year when it might be able to be used suitably, but in a more general and wider manner.
3.2 DingwallAcademy
The next meeting is on Thursday, 24th January, 2008.
3.3 Community Interest – Riverside Field / Old Academy
Liz Cowie (Ward Manager) had reported that enquiry had now revealed that for the Community Council to get notification of land/building disposals they would have to set up a Community Land Trust. After discussion members decided that as this was a reasonably lengthy process, they would leave the decision to the new Community Council following the election.
The Master plan would be followed up during the next weeks.
3.4 Children's Play Areas
Sect. would need to contact the Tulloch Wood Association to get the land search done.
3.5 Right of Way through Academy
Letter received from Scotways outlining their action in contacting the Highland Council. This had been discussed at Ward managerial level and the legal position was being further examined.
3.6 Dingwall Bus Stop
Nothing further to report at this stage.
3.7 Level Crossings
Response expected from Hugh Logan, Highland Council in the near future.
3.8 Ferry Road Picnic Area
Sub-Committee reported that a price had been received for erection of Benches and Tables which would allow them at present to order 3 or 4 to be built. They would hope to get a further quote locally, which might be cheaper and have them in position before the summer. Item 6.4 on the Agenda could have significant implications with regard to this and it was agreed that this Item should be discussed at this point.
G Harvey had spoken to Ebony Reid from “Green Gym” and passed the information to the Treasurer who would arrange a meeting.
Following discussion of Item 6.4 members agreed that with a further allocation of funds, they could extend the scope of what they were going to do and would hopefully bring further details to the next meeting. Any matter needing dealt with before then could be brought before the executive sub-committee.
3.9 Litter
In conjunction with Ian Hay it was agreed to re-launch the initiative in spring. Following observations at lunch time, members felt that until the school children could be brought into the scheme it was a waste of time, considering the litter that was deposited by them between the town and school.
3.10 Consultation re Development of High Street
A good number of Questionnaires had been received. These were being still worked on and analysed.
The Road Traffic Order is expected to be placed before the next Area meeting.
3.11 Cycle Ways Survey
Nothing further at the moment.
3.12 Stall at December Market
A Dingwall reported that she took a stall and had some of the Primary School Children entertain shoppers for 2-3 hours. A small amount of money had also been raised.
3.13.Ward Forum
Next forum meeting is on Wednesday 30th January in Council Offices in Dingwall, and the theme is “Community Care”.
3.14 Tourism Seminar
D MacDonald attending this seminar. The morning session was very relevant and ideas put forward that were felt could be useful for Dingwall.
3.15 Any Other matters arising
No other matters arose.

4. TREASURERS REPORT
Treasurer reported that there was £4256 at present. £2000 was being held as a minimum for the Ferry Point project and £220 for the Flooding. Also money had to be retained for the elections. It was agreed that the Sub-Committee would meet to agree donation/grants to local organisations before the end of the financial year.

5. PLANNING/LICENSING
5.1 Very few items were placed before the Council with no observations or objections.

6. CORRESPONDENCE
6.1. Agendas: Noted.
6.2.Dingwall Common Good Fund: It was agreed to Homologate the action of the Executive members in approving the allocation of money to the Museum.
6.3. NHS Highland: NHS Update. Noted
6.4.Highland Council: Ward 9 Discretionary Budget Application for C.Cs. Liz Cowie, Ward Manager, outlined that each Ward was allocating this money to the Community Councils, which had previously been the Discretionary Budget for each Member. The money was to be used for projects in the area or to give to local organisations which had previously received money from the local member’s budget. Sub-Committee to meet and Sect. to make an application. This money had to be allocated for particular projects before the end of the financial year.
6.5.Crown Estates: Newsletter Noted
6.6.Postwatch Scotland: Post Office Closures. Members were appraised of the current situation, which as far as Dingwall was concerned meant that the West End Post Office, Mill Street was due for closure. It was agreed that the Sect. would write to the Post Office and copy the letter to Postwatch Scotland and the Highland Council.
6.7.The Scottish Parliament: Ltr. P Peacock re post office closures. – Noted.

7.OTHER MATTERS ARISING:
7.1.Dingwall Council Elections: The Community Council were reminded that this was election year and the election process would need to be put into place for the election in April. It was agreed the Sub-Committee would meet to appoint a Returning Officer a.s.a.p.
7.2.Gritting and Salting: members expressed their disappointment at the dangerous state the roads and pavements had been in over the last days. It was agreed to ask Jim Tolmie and Ian Hay to the next meeting to explain the gritting programme.
7.3.Street Performance Licences: Following complaints from residents of “nuisance buskers” Highland Council members were asked how many licences had been issued. No one was aware of any but the matter would be pursued.

8. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be on Monday 10th March 2008 at 7.00 pm in the Council Chamber.
The AGM will be in April or May to coincide with the election of the new Community Council.

9. CLOSE
This meeting closed at 9.30 pm.