Minutes of the meeting of the 23rd January 2002 held in the Hugh Miller Institute, Cromarty.
Present: Councillors Anne Short (in the chair), Trish McIver, Alan Hunter, David Alston, Wilf Taylor, Sandy Thomson, Margaret Binnie, Michael McBean, Tanyella Alison and Charlie Davidson. In addition Sheila Maher the Black Development Manager, Sgt Nicholson on behalf of Black Isle Police, Martin Gostwick and four members of the community.
Apologies for absence: Alex Davidson, Douglas Cooper, and Jenny Ffyfe
1. Welcome
Sheila Maher, Sgt Nicholson, members of the community and the new secretary, Maria Peter
2. Minutes of Meeting of 4th December 2001
Approved by Alan Hunter and seconded by Wilf Taylor.
3. Matters arising from minutes not covered elsewhere
Alan Hunter gave assurance that the measurement of the Library Railings is in hand.
4. Sheila Maher Black Isle Development manager
Sheila gave a brief history of her background. Sheila was born
and bought up in Edinburgh, later moving to Glasgow and then on
to the Black Isle. She was originally a teacher of Geography and
has two grown up children.
Sheila then went on to talk about the 1999 Strategy for the Black
Isle Partnership and explained that this included the following
areas for focus: development of a website, survey and inventory
of skills on the Black Isle, maximising opportunities for local
produce, wild-life corridors, waste and transport.
Committee has expanded from 13 to 46 and the Black Isle Partnership
is seeking representation from each Community Council. AGM is
in April. Other Challenges: Small Business and Youth representation
Sheila invited help, ideas and support form the community, one
point of contact and asked, "what the community wanted of
her?"
Key contact in community will be Anne Short
Meetings with Susan Christie, Michael Mckean and Duncan are being
arranged
5. Vandalism and Police Report
Sergeant Nicholson was invited to reply to the letter from Pete Clunas, which detailed current public concern under the following headings
5.1 Community Policeman
The letter asked if the community policeman would be able to
have more of a presence in Cromarty?
Sgt Nicholson explained that this is a resource issue, however
he would see if or how the issue of resource could be addressed.
5.2 Vandalism in Cromarty
Sgt Nicholson asked for community help in this matter. In order to police vandalism he asked that people would not only make him aware of vandalism but also make formal statements and provide the information that is needed to take action
5.3 Dog Fouling
Sgt Nicholson stated that the challenge of policing here is
the ability to provide proof in a court of law.
Sandy Thomson reminded everyone of a successful "awareness
building" campaign run last year to by the University of
Abertay and Cromarty primary school on "Think before you
Flush" and wondered if it would be useful to use this example
for a campaign on the implications of dog fouling.
5.4 Speeding Cars
Pete Clunas asked if speed bumps could be considered. This
was put to the committee.
David Alston suggested supporting a 20-mile per hour speed limit.
Trish McIver suggested talking with the contractors who will be
putting in the pumping stations for Cromarty and discussing whether
speed bumps could be constructed at the same time
Fortrose speed bumps were discussed as examples of traffic calming
in action.
Sandy Thomson gave examples of using subliminal cues to slow traffic
i.e. flower beds, road narrowing.
5.5 Summary reply to letter
Sgt Nicholson stated that there is an intention for high profile police presence in Cromarty to support the issues raised, including drug enforcement
6. Notice Board Update
Wilf Taylor showed examples of the proposed signage to be erected
at the car park. Size will be 3ft by 2ft. Cost £600
including VAT. He asked the committee for approval to go ahead
with contacting the sign company. This was approved.
He proposed that the monies would come from the Cromarty Trust
or an application form "Awards for All" The community
council will make the planning application on behalf of Cromarty.
This will be discussed at the meeting with John Duncan.
7. Hugh Miller 2002
Alan Hunter advised that an updated programme would be available
by the next council meeting.
He asked for volunteers to share the workload for the day of celebration?
Current requirements are brochure distribution, sorting out marquees,
Treasure Hunt, car parking and stalls.
Alan also asked for ideas for the Opening and Closing Ceremony.
There will be a Hugh Miller 2000 group meeting on Friday Feb 1st
8. Cromarty Nigg Ferry
David Alston advised the committee that there are two formal expressions of interest and the parties have been invited to tender by Feb 2002.
9.1 Treasurers Report
Jenny Ffyfe reported the balance is £5109.06 this includes
Guidebook sales £1638.85, Cromarty Trust £2000.47,
Regatta £39.27, and Millennium £456.41. The Hugh Miller
account stands at £9309.82.
A surplus of £974 was reported
9.2 Guide Book sales
David Alston asked if there are sufficient stocks of guide book sales. Margaret Binnie confirmed availability of sufficient stock. Margaret stated that the style of the book was being reviewed. David commented on the commercial success of the guidebook.
10 Forsyth Flower Beds Update
Awaiting full plan from Sam Lowe. David Alston asked if we could appoint a local person to maintain the flowerbeds. The committee approved this. Need to gain update form Freida
11. Youth Issues
11.1 Charlie explained that in winter the school bus is often late and asked if some sort of shelter could be provided for the children. The committee will take this concern to John Duncan. Anne Short suggested that the community could apply for the B and Q You can Do it Award to fund a shelter. The details will go to the Cromarty Development Officer and the Youth Officer.
Anne Short also said that she would talk with Donald McIntosh and Duncan re the repair of the bus shelter.
Tanyella spoke about the optimism for Cromarty youth with the appointment and plans that Duncan has.
Charlie and Tanyella voiced concern over the service provided by the school Transport Company, and vandalism on the buses.
12. Town Yard
David Alston updated the meeting that the town yard is considered "surplus to use " by the housing department and it is proposed to put the building and land out to tender. The committee briefly discussed ideas for alternative use and asked for confirmation on who owns what? Anne Short to meet with John Duncan to discuss timings on coming up with a workable scheme.
13. Common Good Fund
An application from the Friday Club was discussed. There are two youth away days proposed a Winter Activities day and Dunkeld Visitors Centre. The Friday Club asked for contribution towards transport costs of £220. The actual cost of the day will be met by the parents/youth. The committee approved this.
14. Correspondence
14.1 Highland Council Cromarty Links Car Park 2002
14.2 Highland Council School Transport Contract
14.3 Highland Conservation Services footpath and construction
projects
14.4 Letter from Martin Gostwick to National Trust
Martin also updated the committee on the application for funding
for the Hugh Miller museum. Sandy suggested that Martin apply
to the Cromarty Turst. Alan Hunter, Margaret Binnie and Anne Short
are to support the application.
14.5 Letter from Pete Clunas
14.6 Letter from Mr AJ Caine re the quality of resurfacing on
the Braehead.
Anne Short to elicit support at next Highland Council meeting.
14.7 Letter form Innovations
14.8 Management scheme update form Moray Firth Partnership
14.9 Tree Festival update
14.10 Getting Involved in Planning Scottish Executive Consultation
to be an agenda item at next council meeting.
14.11 Email from Alex Davidson nothing to report form Alness
council meeting
14.12 Email from John Duncan to Fraser Mackenzie re future of
Town Yard
15. Any other business
Trish advised that she was approached by a resident of Townlands Park re the quality of workmanship during the current renovations. David Alston advised that the first step be for the resident to make a formal complaint to the council. The Residents Association can provide support.
Wilf advised that he had received complaints re condition of footpath up to the Sutors. A team of volunteers will work on this on Saturday 26th to meet outside The Brewery at 10am
Sandy gave the following update. Resolis wish to base their constitution on Cromarty's. Maria to send a copy of constitution to Caroline Taylor.
Sandy to arrange a joint meeting with Resolis to discuss elections
Cromarty 2000 company is in the process of being wound up
Malcolm Mkean has been appointed as the new Cromarty Application
Officer. It was suggested that Malcolm and Duncan be invited to
the next council meeting.
Michael McBean asked that a sensor light be installed at the same time as the library railing put up. David Alston felt this was a good idea
Anne Short was advised by Douglas Cooper of the condition of
the road outside the grave yard
The Police have advised Anne that one of the benches at the top
of the sutors has been pushed over.
Margaret asked for an update on the free roaming pigs. Freida to give update.
Date for next election to be agreed
Next Meeting Friday 22nd Feb at 7pm in the Hugh Miller Institute.