Strathdearn Community Council

STRATHDEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Minutes of Meeting of the Strathdearn Community Council held in The Strathdearn Hall, Tomatin, on Tuesday 15th December 2009.

PRESENT:
Mrs Vivian Roden, (Chairperson), Mr. E Usborne, Mr. James Duncan, Mrs. Pat Wells, Mrs. D MacKay, Mrs. M Saunders, Mr. G Edwards, Mr. D Bryden

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs. E MacQueen (Minutes Secretary), Mr D Hendry (CDW), Cllr J Crawford, Miss R Robinson,(Strathdearn Primary School), 9 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

1. Apologies
Cllr T Prag, Mr. J Cameron Mackintosh, Mrs. A Glynne-Percy

2. Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting of 17th November 2009 were deemed correct by Mr. E Usborne, seconded by Mr. G Edwards.

3. Matters Arising
Smiley Face Road Signs
It was reported that as the Christmas Lights are currently getting priority from HC, there is a slight delay with the erection of the signs.

4. Strathdearn Primary School - Application to SCCT
Ms R Robinson spoke to the meeting, outlining the position re IT facilities at the school, and the current application to the Trust. Following her presentation, Mrs. Roden invited comments. Mr. E Usborne recommended that funding for SMARTBOARD only be made to the Trust, as supply of computers is the responsibility of HC. There was no seconder for this proposal. Mrs. V Roden recommended that the full application to the Trust be approved. This was seconded by Mr. D Bryden. There was no counter motion. Ms Robinson expressed her appreciation and left the meeting.

SECOND APPLICATION TO TRUST
A second application was put forward by the CDW for repair to the leaking roof of the old village hall. Request being made for £761 for sealant cover for a lifespan of two years. Clarification was sought re roof area to be covered. This application was approved subject to clarification by Mr. E Usborne and seconded by Mr. J Duncan. Mr. E Usborne noted that a list of payments made by the Trust since June 2006 was available.

5. Law and Order
It was noted that a marked police car was present in the village on the previous evening.

6. Road Safety Issues
It was noted that there are large pot holes in the Balvraid Road beyond Corrybrough. The meeting was informed that HC have this matter in hand.

7. Planning Matters
No current planning applications have been received.

8. CDW Report

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER OCTOBER REPORT

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA - A site meeting took place on Monday 1st October, attended by Ian Reid of Highland TEC Services who will be responsible for the upkeep of the new Area, and whose expertise in this particular field is greatly appreciated – and several potential suppliers, all of whom had expressed an interest in our project. There will be another meeting on Monday 22nd October – the date by which all suppliers have to submit their proposals. This meeting will determine which supplier(s) proposals will be submitted to the Community for final approval.

SPORTS FACILITY - After a site visit, I have been notified by HIE Inverness and East Highland that they will consider a grant of up to 15% of the cost of this facility. With this in place, I am now prepared to submit applications for other more substantial amounts of funding from other bodies, namely Sportscotland under the Building for Sport programme, Foundation for Sports and Arts, Robertson Trust, and these either have been or will be submitted by 22nd October.

SMILEY FACES - TEC Services are aware of our wish to progress this issue, but have pointed out to me that they have the final say on whether or not they are installed, regardless of who pays. I have a meeting with TEC Services this week to hopefully progress this matter. If there is resistance, I suggest we call on our Councillors for assistance.

9. Correspondence
Letter from HC re addendum to Environmental Statement submitted in support of planning application for Tom Nan Clach Windfarm.
H C - Housing and Property Services - Current Consultation
Infinergy – Tom Nan Clach Wind Farm and Community Benefit.

10. AOCB
Old Village Hall - CDW made the proposal that the Old Hall be closed for the months of January, February and March, and that the plumbing system be drained down. This was due to the fact that an electricity bill for £959 had been received. Hall Committee to make decision re this matter.
Mr. D Bryden raised the following points:
1.Any closure of the Old Hall would be a pilot Scheme.
2.Alternative facilities for hall users should be made available.
3.There should be an analysis made of the electricity bill.
4.A maintenance log should be made for the Old Hall.
5.Electricity Bill to be checked and cheapest supplier sought.

Strathdearn Community Plan
Mr. D Bryden suggested that a timetable for a revised village plan be made, in order to help inform HC Development Plan. It was agreed by those present that this was a good idea, as the current one was now four years old. The CDW suggested that grants for a new Plan may be available from LEADER, HIE, Scottish Government. Ideas and potential options to be brought to next meeting for further discussion.

Meeting Closed 9.00pm
Date of next Meeting 19th January 2010