June 2008 minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 16TH JUNE 2008 IN CULBOKIE PRIMARY SCHOOL.
WELCOME: The Chair welcomed both Community Council members and visitors present.

PRESENT:Roger Piercy (Chair), Hamish MacCulloch (Vice Chair), Dave Scott, Joy Winnick, Colin Craig, Joan Morel, Moira Grieve, Sally Falconer, Les Robinson, Howard Russell, Councillor David Alston and Councillor Isobel MacCallum, Pam Draper, Donna Dingwall, and two members of the community.

APOLOGIES: Sheila Maher and Carlton Rocke.

MINUTES: 1.Under “Planning” Caravan (2) Newton of Kinkell.  Should read “Further enquiry to be made as to whether the owners should pay council tax.
    2.Under “AOCB” Launch of The Noticeboard Newsletter Jean Hogben incorrectly spelt in the minutes.  Apologies for this error.
With the above corrections the minutes for meeting held on Monday 19th May 2008 approved by Dave Scott and seconded by Sally Falconer.

FERINTOSH ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP REPORT: At the meeting on Wednesday 11th June it was agreed that the £1000 from ward fund be put into “kitty” for footpath in Conon area.  Sheila has been progressing this.  The footpath will be treated as a low key project i.e. for local people who do various walks. The group is going to plan an amphibian  workshop later in the year. Martin Hinds was in attendance for most of the meeting there are several targets to be met by him i.e. running courses and surveys etc.
Plastic bottle tops are still needed, these are coming in slowly, a bucket was provided at the Community Market in which people could deposit the bottle tops.  It is planned for a picture to be made from the tops for a re-use effort.
Another fungi walk will take place October time.
The group continues to meet on the second Wednesday of each month.
           
FAIRBURN WINDFARM: At a meeting of Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconon Community Council some time ago this was discussed.  Community gain was also discussed, there were difficulties with regard to how it would be divided.  The idea was also put forward that perhaps one project could be set up. Permission has now been granted for 20 turbines and further meetings will now take place and the Chairman has informed Roger that they will keep Ferintosh Community Council informed on the outcome. SSE expect road modifications for transporting the turbines, details of modifications been given and likely to take place this time next year.   An idea was put forward on setting up a team to liaise  with regard to the impact this will have on the community. Roger will try to establish routes and a time scale.

POSSIBLE SITES FOR YOUTH CAFÉ: Roger was informed by Robbie Russell that there was a possibility of siting a cabin at the east end of Culbokie to at least get started:-
He as found two sites :-1.  Wooded area next to the old school.    2.   Site beside bottle bank/football pitch. With regard to the wooded area next to old school he did not know who was the owner of this area. The meeting discussed at length the sites suggested and it was thought that the wooded area was owned by Findon Hall. Les confirmed that the date of the next meeting was 17th June in Culbokie school and that others were not aware of the sites discussed. The meeting then talked at length on the above along with Councillor Alston i.e. as to whether the Highland Council would support the community in this matter.   Les stated that it was thought that volunteers would not be able to support two evenings.  If it    comes down to an older group of children then wider discussions need to take place to sort out the fundamental issues which may arise.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS (SPREADSHEET).: 
Earthbank at entrance to Culbokie School.   The secretary reported to the meeting a conversation with Ian Hay TEC Services in which it was stated there was still some confusion regarding responsibility for this piece of ground, but he will do his best to come back with more information.
Culbokie Village Signs.   Roger has photographs of  original designs taken by John, the    Community Council wish to thank him for allowing the photographs to be used for the final design.   The Chairman gave Margaret Currie the go ahead with the final design. The Treasurer has now received invoice for £526.64 from McBride Signs for this work.
Culbokie Old Primary School site/Cairn Housing.   There is nothing to report on this matter to date.
Community Market.   Thanks expressed to Andy Scott for repair to card table.  School bag drops are taking place for next market and bookings for stalls have been received. Joy informed the meeting that the volunteer group were only willing to do the work entailed for the first six months and it was also felt that for the three dates i.e. 16th August, 20th September and 18th October more community councillors would be needed to help.   It was agreed that discussions be held a later date regarding future markets, and that perhaps it would be worth speaking to Avoch (who are interested in a Community Market) to discuss alternate months.
Ferintosh School Speed Limits.   The order for the 20 mph speed limit has been    approved.   As to the 30 mph limit there is nothing more to report although it is still    live.
LEADER+ Planning Gains.    Reduced list of wish list now complete five new priorities have been asked for which Roger will put into final version.  Colin pointed out to the meeting that it must be certain these items can be achieved through planning gain.
HSCHT.  No reply to date regarding our enquiry as to who would be available to attend Ferintosh Community Council meeting.  Colin will enquire at Planning Forum meeting in Golspie.
Culbokie Post Office Car Park.   Ian Hay informed secretary that they could find no evidence that this area belonged to the Highland Council.   Councillor Alston will speak to John McHardy to ask for a legal search be made to establish who the ground belongs to.
Carn Mhor Houses.  This item is ongoing.
Data Protection Act.   Roger will complete the registration form.
Community Council Constitution.  Awaiting Michael MacMillan remarks – ongoing.
Culbokie Post Box.   Secretary sent second letter on this subject with the result that the Chairman received telephone call from Jamie Bremner, Dingwall stating that the letter has been forwarded to a Mr Greg Donaldson who would deal with the matter. This item is ongoing.
Directional Signs Ferintosh Free Church.   The secretary to contact Ian Hay to explain that the signs were required to be placed on the B roads and not on the main A9.
Closure of Phone Boxes.   The forms have been completed and submitted.
Moray Firth Partnership.   Roger has completed and forwarded membership form.
Survey on Older People’s Facilities.    The questionnaire was circulated.  Joy has received 4 responses and 3 are in hand.  Joy asks please can she have remaining responses, if there is a problem regarding the questionnaire please get in touch and    it can be talked through.
Norwood Homes Enforcement Appeal.  The Chairman responded to this with the views of the Community Council.
Signs Balnabeen Community.   This is ongoing.
Community Newsletter.   This item is ongoing.
Donation to Halls Water Heating.  This item is ongoing.
Donation to Ferintosh School Choir.  This donation of £50 has been sent.

PLANNING MATTERS: Application has been made for erection of chalets for holiday housing at Drynie Park.  After discussions it was agreed that no objection could be made with regard to this application.

AOCB.Street Sweeping:  The secretary to contact department of Community Work Office to ask whether there is any reason why Culbokie cannot have their streets swept.
Wyvis View Signs.    The signs have disappeared since the traffic caming has been installed a the West end – enquire whether signs can be re-instated.
Re-Cycling Point.   There are a lot of black rubbish bags being left at side of the rubbish bins – contact  TEC Services regarding the emptying of the bins more regularly to avoid the dumping.
Cycle Path.   It was brought to the notice of the meeting the lack of signage for using the the old A9.   It was decided to wait until the work is completed.
Bus Stops.   It was felt that these should be placed more conveniently at Mulbuie and Ferintosh.