Minutes of the Meeting of 4th December 2001 held in the Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty.
PRESENT: Councillors Anne Short (in the Chair), Jenny Fyfe, Trish McIver, Douglas Cooper, Margaret Binnie, Wilf Taylor, Alan Hunter, Sandy Thomson, Michael McBean, Alex Davidson and Freida McKenzie from Highland Council's Protective Services Dept.
1. APOLOGIES for absence were received from Highland Councillor, David Alston, Susan Christie, Tanyella Allison and Charlie Davidson.
2. Minutes of Meeting of 31st October 2001
The Minutes were approved by Margaret Binnie and seconded by Alex Davidson.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
3.1 Scottish Southern Electricity Company had planned an underwater
cable that would have provided a back-up system for Cromarty when
power cuts occur. This proposal stimulated a number of objections
from businesses and organisations. No further developments can
be made until Scottish Southern meet with those involved to resolve
the issues raised.
3.2 Sandy apologised for not attending the meeting on the Community
Council Concordat, but gave a brief report on its contents.
4. Cromarty - Nigg Ferry Update
Margaret reported that Highland Council had advertised tenders for the ferry route. Anne added that David Alston is scheduled to meet with Andy Thom and Councillor Richard Durham on Wednesday 12th December.
5. Issues for Discussion with Protective Services
5(a) Grass-cutting Schedule
Freida McKenzie commented upon the grass-cutting schedule that
involved 24 "amenity cuts" per year. This could be
taken down to 20 and this would release funding for other areas.
She confirmed that removing the Courthouse and Shore Street cuts
from the schedule would allow the foot of the Denny to be added
to the list. She was not yet able to state that the roadside
grass on the Shore Road at the west of the town would be cut.
A decision on this will be delayed until a new Director for the
combined Roads and Protective Services Dept. is appointed.
5 (b) Bottlebanks To Be Re-located
Freida reported that she is looking at the East End of the
Links and the carpark at
the Mace. A reply is expected on this issue from the shop owner.
5 (c) Chimney Covers To Deter Seagulls
Protective Services does not take action about seagulls. However,
Freida supplied some helpful leaflets outlining preventive measures.
She also suggested contacting Joyce Kirkwood in the Housing Dept.
5(d) Car Repair Issue
Freida reported that someone locally has been reported to trading Standards for repairing cars with permission. Work carried out at Gordon's Lane was also discussed as an area of potential concern.
5(e) Public Toilets
Anne Short asked for an assurance that the toilets at the Links will be in place before 11th May the date of the Street Fair and launch of the Miller Community Events Programme. Freida agreed to investigate this and re-assure the Community Council that this matter is in hand.
6. Treasurer's Report
6.1 Jenny Fyfe reported that the balance is £4166.32. This includes Guidebook sales: £1623.85, £39.27: the Regatta, £2000.47: Cromarty Trust and £456.41: Millennium. The Miller Account has a current balance of £4467.44.
6.2 Following the discussion about Cromarty Trust funds at the last meeting, Jenny sent John Nightingale a report of last year's expenditure and has since received a cheque for £1725 for this year.
6.3 Concern was expressed about the Community Council's finances; the annual grant is insufficient to cover the cost of secretarial services plus election costs. It was agreed that a joint meeting with Resolis Community Council should be held in the New Year to plan jointly for the May elections. It was also agreed that all future payments (excluding the Secretary's honorarium and expenses) should be formally proposed and seconded at Community Council meetings.
7. Hugh Miller 2002 Report of Steering Group
7.1 Alan reported on meeting of 11th November that mainly focussed
on media coverage with David Ross present. A number of strategies
were explored with David Ross investigating several possibilities
and reporting back to the Group.
7.2 Alan also reported on a meeting with Lester Borley from Cromarty
Arts Trust. A number of issues were discussed including the Eathie
Bothy, accommodation for the conference, the Hill/Adamson exhibition
at the Old Brewery in August and interpretation panel on Miller.
It was agreed that Lester should be informed that a notice-board
on Cromarty will be designed and centrally located by the Community
Council and that his proposal (visual provided) could be accommodated
within the Miller Cottage garden.
7.3 It was agreed that a subcommittee comprising Margaret Binnie,
Wilf Taylor, Jenny Fyfe and Trish McIver should proceed with detailed
costings and make an early application to The Cromarty Trust for
support.
8. Community Action Group Update
Sandy Thomson reported that funding is now in place for a Development Officer and an advert will be placed shortly.
9. Highland Councillor's Report
9.1 Anne Short informed members that David Alston had reported that it looked as if a new or upgraded school would be paid by Highland Council rather than from a PPP bid.
9.2 Sandy Thomson reported on the Digital Community competition. The Community Council was pleased to learn that Cromarty was included in the area proposed by Highland Council.
10. Common Good Fund
10(a) Victoria Hall Heating: Anne Short reported on the Victoria Hall heating issue.
10(b) Library Railings: Alan agreed to measure the Library railings with a view to seeking an estimate.
10(c) Application from Adult Learners Group: A grant of £500 for the Adult Learners Group was approved.
10(d) No developments were agreed on the subject of the picture for the fountain repair.
11. Planning Applications
Planning application was received re Jemimaville Post Office.
12. Youth Issues
No report.
13. Cromarty Trust Funds
It was agreed that two new seats for the Mains and Bank Street should be obtained.
14. Correspondence
14.1 Newsletter from Fortrose Academy.
14.2 Report from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise.
14.3 Newsletter from Highland Archaeologists.
15. Any Other Competent Business
15(a) The lack of road signs in Cromarty was raised and it was agreed that this should be included the agenda for the next Environmental Meeting on 30th January.
15(b) Concern was expressed about the free-roaming pigs at the Sutor. It was agreed that this matter should be referred to Frieda McKenzie.
15(c) It was agreed that Trish would collect the Christmas tree and lights for Cromarty.
15(d) It was proposed that a group photo should be taken before the May elections.
15(e) It was agreed that the latest plans for Forsyth beds should be investigated.
15(f) Jenny reported on the Ross and Cromarty Community Councils Conference and indicated that the issue of drugs misuse was particularly well presented. Anne agreed to join the Ross and Cromarty Drugs and Alcohol Forum. Discussions at the conference also focussed upon the Ross and Cromarty Community Council Concordat and the Digital Community Project.
15(g) Sandy reported on the recent BICCA meeting, at which it had been agreed that the Association should continue with two themed meetings per year.
15(h) It was proposed that the Board of Directors of "Cromarty 2000" company should be wound up.
15(i) The "Plan Your Community" results were noted and it was agreed to display a copy in the Post Office.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place on Monday 14th January
at 7.00pm at the Hugh Miller Institute.