Minutes 10 December 2012

ARDGAY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on Monday, 10th December 2012 at 7pm in Ardgay Hall

Present: Elected members: David Hannah, Chair (DH), Peter Armstrong, Secretary (PA),

Alan Lawrence, Treasurer (AL), Phil Olson (PO), Betty Wright (BW), David Laver (DL), Bob Sendall (BS)

Also present: Highland Councillor Hugh Morrison (HMN)

Invited guest: June Ross, Highland Council Waste Management Officer

Members of the public: Teresa Langley (TL), Willie McLaren (WM)

Minutes Secretary: Mary Goulder (MG)

Apologies: Marion Turner (MT) – arrived 9.15pm

Item 1.  Welcome/June Ross, Waste Management Officer, Highland Council. DH opened the meeting at 7pm and asked June to address the meeting. The waste recycling programme introduced in this area in July is working very well indeed. Figures quoted indicated excellent compliance by the local community resulting in a greatly increased amount of waste being recycled.  From July to November 2011, 251 tons were collected with 400 tons gathered over the same period in 2012. Glass is still not collected at the kerbside but a large increase in the use of the local bottle bank has been recorded.  In a question and answer session June confirmed there is a container at the main Bonar Bridge recycling collection point which takes electrical goods and batteries.  The large problem with ‘Tetra Pack’ cartons is due to the composite material used in the cartons which makes them incompatible with standard recycling systems.  The company provided five recycle points to each Council in Scotland and even after it was pointed out to them the vast area that is covered by Highland Council, no further containers will be provided. The nearest point is Dingwall. June understands that Tetra Pack will provide labels for return of cartons; she will check if these are post –paid and send the link with information to the CC Secretary for circulation to members. JR/PA Action. A scheme operating at some supermarkets in the south now allows customers to collect points when recycling goods; a nationwide spread of this idea would be excellent. Asked about residents who do not comply with the regulations, June advised that the collection teams issue advice in the first instance but that regular misuse will lead to a visit from a Highland Council official and even the removal of the refuse collection service. The many types of glass, plastic and aluminium used by manufacturers is the cause for the limited types of these substances which HC can send for recycling at this time. It is hoped that over time better facilities will become available.  The best case scenario would be for a uniformity of packaging to be established. Local dissatisfaction at the ending of the collection service by GREAN was expressed but June explained that HC were required to drastically cut costs and by taking the service ‘in-house’ instead of subsidising GREAN, £500,000 has already been saved with further savings being made in the coming year. The issue of dumped bottles at the bottle banks will be addressed by HC should any offenders be reported by name. There is an active education programme running in the schools from primary through secondary levels. Schools themselves will need to meet new regulations in 2014 with regard to food waste with special collections being required for loads over 50kg. By 2025 only 5% of waste will be allowed in landfill. At present 46% is recycled; 70% will be the figure for 2020.  It was suggested that if new recycling plants need to be built, one should be placed in this area where jobs are badly needed. June’s presentation finished with her offer to write a piece for the next CC newsletter and the handing out of relevant booklets and leaflets.  With thanks from the Chair, she left at 7.40pm.

Item 2. Apologies. As above.

Item 3. Police report. PC Ian Forbes (Dornoch) gave a brief report comprising twenty-nine incidents in the Bonar Bridge/Ardgay area in the last month. These included a domestic, several road traffic offences, weather related problems, reported frauds, two suspicious persons and two breaches of the peace.  Two of the frauds related to cold calling by telephone – the public is reminded never to give out banking or password information. The speeding problem on the long stretch to the school needs particular attention, also at least one road crossing point should be placed for use of school children.  PC Forbes will take these matters back to his superiors.  He kindly donated a few bags with information on drink driving and drugs legislation, road safety and winter driving booklets, ice scrapers and hand operated torches for local distribution. He was particularly thanked for attending, being the first Police officer to do so for many months.  He was asked if a brief report could be made available, by email to the CC Secretary, for the monthly meetings should it not prove possible for a representative to attend each time.  PC Forbes left at 7.55pm.

Item 4. Minutes of last meeting. The Minutes of the November meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record; proposed by Alan Lawrence; seconded by David Laver.

Item 5. Matters arising. (1)  Christmas lights. BW recorded a vote of appreciation regarding the excellent display. Cllr Morrison confirmed that the lights are covered by HC insurance provided they were erected by a CC approved and qualified person. (2) Ronnie MacNeill’s retirement. DH has spoken with Sandy Chalmers of Creich CC with the suggestion to hold a buffet lunch at the Bradbury Centre at which a public collection could be taken towards a token of appreciation of Ronnie’s years of providing the school bus run. Awaiting a further response from Creich. (3) Culrain flooding/Archronie road works. Cllr Morrison and Cllr Farlow recently visited the Culrain spot and discussed with the landowner possible remedies.  These will be passed to Simon Young, Chief Engineer for HC as will the suggestion of a crash barrier for the bridge at the same site. The BT manhole cover at Ardchronie has now been fixed and the road is clear.  Cllr Morrison was made aware of the road surfacing problems being caused by the long-standing traffic diversion also at Ardchronie. Cllr Farlow is looking into complaints of speeding along Manse Road. HMN/GF Action. (4) Carbisdale Castle. PO attended the Creich CC meeting in November at which Keith Legge, CEO SYHA, outlined the current state of the building.  In brief, it is in serious disrepair requiring in the region of £4m – £6m; a sum well outwith the reach of the organisation.  Expenditure to date has secured the building as wind and watertight but major structural work is essential; interior repairs hindered by the need to adhere to regulations with regard to using old-style materials rather than modern equivalents. Further funding is being sought from private individuals.  The Association will make its decision on the future of the building in spring 2013.  (5) Creich CC meetings. While attending the November meeting PO noticed that a Police officer is regularly in attendance to make a report at the start of the meetings.  It should be possible for similar attendance to be achieved in Ardgay. He also noted that there is a designated Youth representative on the CC ensuring liaison with the Youth Club. This is worth considering in Ardgay. It was suggested that as well as sharing Minutes with Creich, it would be beneficial to do so with Lairg CC.  MG to ask Lairg CC members if they would agree. MG Action.

Item 6. Correspondence.  (1)PA advised receipt of a letter from Kevin Crowe in Durness in support of Ward re-organisation. HMN agreed that the present arrangements are not ideal but that the elected councillors strive to provide the best service possible.  DH expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the three Councillors in keeping abreast of, and help with, current local affairs.(2)Mrs Rhonwen Copley has written again in connection with the ongoing matter of the Oakwood Place/Ardgay Hill footpath.  The Secretary will write to her stating that the CC has been strongly advised by HC not to hold any assets or to take on liabilities. Following the advice, the CC is therefore unable to make any change from the situation reported in its March Minutes.  £800 remains set aside for the purpose of upgrading the existing path and would be available to any local group wishing to take on the responsibility. Any such group would need to re-apply to Balnagown for permission, owing to the change in personnel at the Estate. PA Action. (3) Millennium quilt. The quilt has now been taken to Migdale Hospital where it awaits the organisation of a small ceremony to hang it in the foyer.  Mrs Glennie will inform the CC once a date is arranged and members will be invited to attend.

Item 7.  Windfarms update. The former Achany Panel has had another name change and is now operating as the SSE and E.ON Community Funds Panel. It was agreed at the last meeting that the Kyle of Sutherland Apprenticeship Scheme would carry on with this title. Coire na Cloiche. BW has looked over the most recent planning application which she found confusing online. No obvious changes are visible. She noted that no record is shown for the two responses made by A&DCC although they are shown on the HC website.  DH and MT have a scheduled meeting next week with Edderton, Ardross and Creich for an update. Sallachy. While attending a meeting at Drummuie, DH gave a brief presentation regarding the CC negotiations with WKN. Kyle of Sutherland Apprenticeship scheme. It is hoped to place two more apprentices in the near future.  The scheme is now being administered through the Lairg Learning Centre.

Item 8. Glenmorie Bus Tour. Names were taken of those wishing to participate on 14th January.  PA will pass these to the Highland Council and liaise regarding the pick-up point and the tour itself. PA Action.

Item 9. KOSDT update. Lynsey Burns is leaving her post as Development Officer this month. The Kyle of Sutherland Kid’s Film Club is up and running as is the Cycle Club which is planning training. The opening of the cycle repair shop to be incorporated with the development at Ardgay Garage is eagerly anticipated. Notice boards for the villages have been ordered. Applications have been made seeking external funding to continue the Development Officer post. Transport funding to the Bradbury Centre has been concluded. Arrangements are being made for the handover of duties from Lynsey to Trust members to cover the interim period before a new Development Officer is appointed. Hall slots continue to be used and local groups should be encouraged to make use of the facility.  KOSDT is now a registered charity.

Item 10. Insurance cover. Highland Council insurance covers CC members when attending meetings or involved on CC business. A&DCC policy shows business equipment is covered to the amount of £656 which is believed to be the computer and printer currently in the possession of the Secretary.  Toilets – cleaning and maintenance: clarification is needed as to whether Jeanie Sparling is an employee of, or a sub-contractor to, the CC. As a sub-contractor she would be responsible for her own insurance cover.  The anomaly whereby HC owns the toilets but the CC maintains them should be clarified in writing.  New flooring is required before next season.  DH will discuss with Housing & Property Services and report at the next meeting. DH Action.

Item 11. Treasurer’s report. The Treasurer’s Account balance stands at £1599.60 with outstanding liabilities of £201.77; Projects Account at £4119.01 with outstanding cheques totalling £117.45. The Toilets Account stands at £665.65 but with no further expenditure expected in this financial year £660 will be transferred to the Projects Account. The Newsletter was £4.50 in credit prior to costs incurred by the winter edition. Applications have been made for grants to cover the costs for the next three years.

Item 12. A&DCC Small Grants Application Procedure. A new application form was passed round and approved.  This will be available on the website with guidance information. The grant initially will be for amounts up to £250. Further information will be on the website or available from any CC member. PO Action.

Item 13. Endowment Trust. All agreed in principal that it is a good idea to establish a trust to ensure funds will be available after windfarm benefits cease.  Such a trust must be completely separate from the CC with different personnel. The first step would be to obtain endorsement from the community and then to identify such a person/people to act as Trustee/s.  An insert could be put in the next newsletter inviting involvement; replies could be placed in the CC box by the notice boards. DH Action.

Item 14.  Newsletter. Winter edition is available and online. Printed copies have errors due to paper slippage at the printers during the print run.

Item 15. Any other competent business.  a. ScotRail. PA advises a cheque will come from ScotRail in respect of the plants for the station displays. b. Easter Ross Partnership. HMN will be attending the next meeting. Any relevant issues should be passed to him. DH pointed out the ongoing problem that Ardgay misses out due to confusion as to which area it falls in.  School children in particular are left out of plans, e.g. Ardgay pupils at Tain Royal Academy were not invited to the recent Sutherland Youth Conference. c. Signage at railway station. A member of the public has pointed out that fixed signs at the station promote businesses no longer in existence. HMN advised that John Clark can remove any identified to him. PO/PA Action. d. Jubilee Hill. Apparently an issue here has been resolved although the CC is not aware of what it was. Cllr Morrison will enquire. HMN Action. e. Dog fouling. TL was advised to report the incidents she witnesses at the school playing field to the Head Teacher at Gledfield Primary School. TL Action.

Item 16. Plans for 2013. It is hoped to address the following matters in the coming year: an endowment trust, Community Council Open Shop, Tuiteam Bridge. Cllr Morrison offered to enquire further into the ongoing problems with repairing the bridge. HMN Action.

Item 17. Date of next meeting. There being no meeting in January, the next meeting will be held on Monday 11th February at 7pm in Ardgay Community Hall. PA will book the hall. PA Action.

Item 18.Beinn Tharsuinn funding applications (private session). There were three applications to be discussed.  The following awards were approved: Sutherland Agricultural Society – £1,000; Ardgay Badminton Club – £256.40; Bradbury Centre – £1,050. MG will advise Phil Tomalin, Company Secretary. MG Action.

The Chair wished everyone a happy Christmas and New Year and the meeting closed at 9.20pm.

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