Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 2^nd February 2012 at the ‘Kirk’, Wester Balblair at 7.30pm

Present: Steve Byford(Chairman), John Stewart, Duncan Fraser, John Graham, Mary Graham.

Cllr. Helen Carmichael

Apologies: Clare Cauldwell, Cllr. Drew Hendry

Community Members: Alisdair Stewart, Ron McLaughlin

Minutes of the previous meeting Thurs 1st December 2011 were taken as read and accepted as a true and accurate record. Proposed by John Stewart and seconded by Steve Byford – Approved.

Matters arising:

• ·         Beauly Toll safety rail. An application to the ward discretionary fund should be sent applying for £540 to pay the costs of a wicket fence – JG
• ·         Lights and Bollards – This was reported on and the conclusion was that these may be replaced as part of SSE re-instatement of the island. SSE to be contacted by the HC liaison officer.
• ·         Boundary Commission – A letter has been sent and Cllr. Helen Carmichael was able to confirm that the objections had been well received by the Boundaries Commissioner.
• ·         Beauly Mossford – Letter to be sent to Energy Consents asking for extension of final date for objections.
• ·         Cannich Road White lining – email from Richard Evans. Will be discussed by TEC services as a priority for this year – JG
• ·         Red Squirrels – emails had been received confirming that a licence from SNH had approved moving the Red Squirrels, Alistair Stewart confirmed he had spoken to the ecology officer, Jenny Brice, and the work had taken place along SNH guidelines.
• ·         SSE – Lisa Kelly and Noel Cummins – will be attending next meeting

Planning Matters:

• ·         Balblair Quarry extension application. The committee is liaising with Aggregates about the new Core paths – JS

• ·         Lower Leanassie – Martha Crawford has applied for planning for a bungalow at Lower Leanassie. Local residents have not expressed any adverse comments. Martha used to live at Cluanie Farm and is well known to the area. The committee raised no objections.

Ice and Maintenance – Steve Byford reported that ice and snow and late gritting continued to be an issue as well as drains and culverts. The council is shortly to have a meeting on this and a 12 member sub committee will be formed. KCC will present their views and the suggestion that should funds be made available the Community could possibly take over time critical services themselves. Cllr. Helen Carmichael will report to Mike Steven on the state of ditches and culverts at Broallan.

Internet – John Graham had spoken to Calum MacDonald of Highland Wifi and had a price for an area wide radio wifi provision at around £1000 per household. HIE had announced a Scotland wide upgrade starting 2013, subject to contracts being signed this year with BT. Cllr Helen Carmichael reported moves to access fibre optic cables provided as part of the Pathfinder School Project. The Committee concluded that no action should be taken until future options were clearer.

Kilmorack Cemetery parking – complaints had been received on the state of the bus pull-in(JS), where the children wait for the bus, and also questions about the provision of a bus shelter(MH). After confirming who actually owns the land, representations (John Stewart) would be made to Aggregates as to whether we could be provided with some materials for improvement and Steve Byford would approach a local wood yard as to the possibility of a wooden bus shelter

Web Presence – High Society/Highland Life, the Highland Councils community web site will include details of local Community Councils. We will be able to list meetings there.

Cllr Helen Carmichael left 9.30pm

Finance:

Funds were in good stead and no sums outstanding.

Correspondence: Beauly – Mossford Technical Summary

Future Meetings: John Graham would circulate a suggestion of future meetings in advance of the next meeting.

AOCB:

• ·         First Responders – Alan Hogan has expressed a wish to come to a meeting to talk to us about First Responders. As SSE would be at the next meeting, John Stewart would liaise to arrange a suitable time.
• ·         Bin collection – John Graham brought the new start date of 2^nd April to the attention of the Committee and expressed his concern at problems that may occur at the cumulative collection site at Teanassie School and for that matter at other points in the Braes. Contact would be made with Highland Council and our concerns voiced.
• ·         Glen Affric Car Parking Charges. We have been advised by Piere Lebrun of Cannich that FCS may be considering car park charges at Glen Affric. Whilst this may affect Tourist Businesses in the Braes it was felt that no further action was needed at the moment but a watching brief will be kept.

Meeting Closed: 10.10pm

Signed: