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Minutes of Meeting Thursday 3rd October 2024

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Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday 3rd October 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall starting at 7.37pm.

Apologies:  Duncan Fraser, Cllr David Fraser, Cllr Chris Ballance

Present: Andy Fraser, Iain Stewart, Graham Mackay, Mark Hedderwick, Mary Graham, John Graham(secretary) Cllr Emma Knox       

Minutes of Meeting  3rd September 2024: Proposed: Mark Hedderwick, Seconded: Graham Mackay

Police Report: Written Community report received and circulated 6th September 2024. Comment was made of the Police Scotland Flyers for foreign visitors which should be more available in such as petrol stations and other accommodation. Cllr Knox to look into this.

Matters Arising:

  • Black Bridge replacement – Further information is awaited from Highland Council on this.
  • Kilmorack Dam Substation out of hours working on connection to Wester Balblair. The Secretary will chase Sally Cooper for an update.
  • 400KV OHL More information is awaited but MH reported on access discussions to the line via Aigas Forest.
  • Roads damage and repair. MH and GM reported that no repairs have been done and concerns remain. .
  • 400KV OHL. Information is scarce at the moment but concerns have been raised on some of their access plans. Ongoing
  • Scottish Hydro Community Fund. The Secretary reported that Teanassie School had asked about further funding for swimming lesson transport. However Ward Discretionary cannot be used for recurring expenditure. The Secretary had suggested that the Hydro Fund may very well fit the bill but the school expressed concerns that funding from SSE may not be politically acceptable to many parents. It was considered that an application from the Community Council could bypass those concerns. Approved.
  • Ballach Wind Farm initial approach – Concerns were expressed but early days yet so a watching brief for now.
  • Tree Danger . Previously brought to the Community Council’s attention, GM had identified two sites by what3words and the Secretary will pass them on to John Taylor.

Chairman’s Business

  • There was a discussion about co-opting an extra Councillor to replace Steve Byford and keep numbers up. For now the CC will see how things proceed with absentees.
  • Duncan Fraser has an ongoing illness issue and is unable to attend meetings. Due to the summer break he has only missed three meetings so well within the six allowable absences. However the Secretary pointed out that he was still looking after Treasurer’s business and there for is still active. It was agreed that is a reasonable absence and accepted by the Community Council members. Proposed Andy Fraser and seconded by Iain Stewart
  • CLG – Discussion in under way to bring this back shortly
  • Caulternich/A831 Junction’ The Chair had received representation that this turning is dangerous and needs some consideration. Sight lines need improving and consideration should be made in widening the road at that point. A restricted speed limit at that intersection was suggested. Concerns was expressed at the 55 cars exiting the Kilmorack Substation development one way system at going home time. The Secretary to raise the possibility of interim measures with John Taylor.

Secretary

  • The Secretary asked for agreement for presentation items for Steve Byford on his retirement. These were approved and the Secretary to proceed to order them.
  • Due to Steve long service it had been suggested that something more would be fitting. After some research John Stewart, after discussion with Steve’s wife and daughter, considered a chainsaw carving of his dog who has recently passed away would be appreciated. The Secretary asked if this was appropriate from CC funds or if we could raise the cash via contributions. This was agreed with all Community Councillors offering to contribute.
  • The Provost has invited the Chair and one other to a Remembrance Day Parade in Inverness but as this conflicts with our own service at Wester Balblair that would prove difficult.

Planning – No applications

Treasurer:

  • Monthly report was submitted with the balance at £2280.80.
  • It was brought to the CC attention that this years the Altyre and toll cutting exceeded the grant by £93.91 although we were carrying forward a surplus from the last two years of £307.30 so still in funds. Fuel costs have risen but weather increased the frequency of maintenance.
  • CC At the Inverness Forum it was suggested that Discretionary Funding could be applied for.

ANOB:  Community Council Review 2024/25 has been circulated. The Chair felt that the option for all Councillor to individually respond would be preferable than one response. All agreed.

Meeting Closed: at 21.24hrs (9.24pm)

Next Meeting: Thursday 7th November 2024 at Kilmorack Community Hall at 7.30pm 

Signed:

Andy Fraser, Chairman