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CC MINS JUNE/AUG 09

Knockbain Community CouncilMinutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 16th June 2009 at Munlochy

PRESENT : Owen Smith (OS), Kate MacKay (KMcK). Willie Paterson (WP), Jill Tilford (JT), Isobel McCallum (IMcC).Apologies: Tony Morey (TM), Angela Biggar (AB), Elaine Jones (EJ). Visitors: Kathleen MacLeod (KMcL).

1. OS welcomed everyone and opened the meeting.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting: The Minutes of the meeting held on 19th May 2009 were approved - proposed by WP and seconded by JT.
3. Action Reports from Previous Minutes and Items not Covered in Agenda:

Bus Stops: WP reported he had spoken to Neil Munroe. Bus times for buses calling at North Kessock will be put in place in the village and also the times at the college will be checked.
4. Finance: No formal request had been made to the usual contractor to cut the grass at North Kessock. OS reported that it did not look like the work of the usual contractor. IMcC was not aware that the Council had done it and it is not known who had actually undertaken this work
5. Tennis Courts at Munlochy:Kathleen MacLeod spoke about her investigations:Ownership: Mountjoy (holdings) sold the land to a Mr Mackenzie who later gifted it to the community with trustees listed as: 1 Mountjoy Holdings (now represented as landowner Broadlands) 2 Capt J Cameron 3 Mr Paul (probably Michael Paul’s father) 4 An agent in Dingwall Broadlands are apparently not keen to be involved.Copies of the deeds have been requested from the Land Registry.The recent group who were involved three years ago have been contacted and KMcL is looking for information about the 1950’s and 1960’s and about a footpath connecting the tennis courts to the school. The idea is for the surface to be multi- sport so as to attract more usage and more funding opportunities.OS suggested contacting Tennis Co-ordinator (Highland or LTA Scotland).OS suggested inviting Tennis and sports reps to a future Community Council meeting.
6. Dog Fouling and North Kessock Play Park:OS reported it had not been possible to contact the fencing contractor regarding the erection of a fence around the play park as Mr Maclennan was away visiting his daughter in Thailand.No decision has been taken on the installation and emptying of dog bins.There is still one big missing in the park. Highland Council have said they would again replace the bin but could not keep continuing to do so in the future.
7. Planning:

(a) Craigton: OS reported that information about the damage to the road in Craigton caused by Caterpillar tracks had been sent to the Planning Department and TEC Services.

(b) Croft Downie: Planning permission has been granted subject to Conditions. OS reported that he is still to see the Conditions and be sent a copy of the Legal Agreement about use.(c) Black Isle Brewery: It was assumed that the planned expansion is on site.

8. Reports:

(a) A9 Artafallie Junction: The road markings at this junction cause confusion (matter for action by TranServ);

(b) Bellfield Road: Opposite number 6 – the tarmac is lifting in large pieces all along the edge – this could possibly be due to subsidence following Scottish Water’s excavations (?).

10. Dates of Future Meetings: (3rd Tuesday each month at 1930hours)

Tuesday 18th August 2009 at Munlochy

Tuesday 15th September 2009 at North Kessock

Tuesday 20th October 2009 at Munlochy

Tuesday 17th November 2009 at North Kessock

Tuesday 19th January 2010 at Munlochy

Tuesday 16th February 2010 at North Kessock

Tuesday 16th March 2010 at Munlochy.

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Knockbain Community CouncilMinutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 18th August 2009 at Munlochy

Present: Owen Smith (OS), Kate MacKay (KMcK). Willie Paterson (WP), Tony Morey (TM), Isobel McCallum (IMcC), Elaine Jones (EJ). Apologies: Jill Tilford (JT), Angela Biggar (AB).

Visitors: Kathleen MacLeod (KMcL).

1. OS welcomed everyone and opened the meeting.

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting: The Notes of the meeting held on 16th June 2009 were agreed. Action: EJ to type up as formal Minutes for approval at the September meeting.

3. Finance: OS confirmed that the annual grant had been received. All were concerned that there are several outstanding bills that have still not been paid. It was noted that no bill had been received for the recent grass cutting at North Kessock and it was still not known who had actually undertaken this work. EJ was concerned that the position of Treasurer was still not filled and KMcL suggested that it might be possible for the job to be shared by two people if no one was willing to take on the full role. OS confirmed that Linda Martin (LM) was willing to continue to produce the annual accounts at the end of the year. Action: OS to chase LM to update the signatories and to obtain cheques for the outstanding items. The chequebook should then be brought to each meeting to ensure that bills were paid promptly.It was not clear whether any funding was outstanding for the flowers at Munlochy. Action: KMcK to ask the postlady (Carole) whether any funding was being sought this year

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4. Action Reports from Previous Minutes and Items not Covered in Agenda:

(a) Community Council Boundaries: JT had managed to get copies of a map which outlines the area covered by Knockbain CC. These were handed out by TM. It was agreed that a copy of the map should be on display in each of the meeting rooms so for information and so that it was readily available at future KCC meetings. It was also agreed that the map should be displayed on notice boards. Action: OS to arrange for further colour copies to be produced, possibly A3 size for the meeting rooms.

(b) Dog Warden: EJ reported that Nel, the Dog Warden had put up signs in various locations that had been identified as problem areas. Nel was also making regular patrols as requested.

5. Correspondence: Correspondence and literature for the following was distributed:

v A letter of thanks from North Kessock Football Team and a photograph showing the team in their new strip – which was part funded by the donation from Knockbain Community Council;

v Scottish Health – outlining details of a review;

v Holyrood Matters – newsletter from Rob Gibson;

v Royal Navy – invitation to attend a presentation taking place at The Town House on 15th October;

v NHS Team Update;v HIE Review – update;

v Highland Council Quality Awards 2009 – opportunity to nominate an individual, a service or a team.

v The Community Councillor – newsletter from the Association of Scottish CCs.

v Scottish Ambulance Service – opportunity to provide feedback on the discussion document which outlines the future strategy for the service. Details at www.scottishambulance.com/futurestrategy

v Grants Online – the website has been updated.

v Black Isle Swimming Pool – copy of correspondence sent to Planning by the Black Isle Swimming Pool Foundation about the proposed major housing development planned at Fortrose.

6. Munlochy Tennis Court:KMcL gave an update on progress. She had been advised that it was a lengthy legal process to get new trustees in place; this would be ongoing as individuals needed to be replaced as the years pass. She suggested that the Community Council could become the new trustees (albeit recognising the risk that the CC could cease to exist at some time in the future). She also suggested another option could be to ask Highland Council whether they would be willing to take on the land ownership and associated maintenance and to increase the amenity area for use by the public – she requested that if this was the preferred option, would the Community Council make the formal request initially. KMcL said she had seen a letter from some years back to Highland Council regarding land ownership and asking whether they were involved with the tennis court and the old curling pond. Kathleen also reported she had seen some old plans that showed a footpath leading from the back of the school canteen down to the tennis court – there is now no trace of this footpath existing. OS reported that there was a real example of where a similar approach has already been taken – the recreational area at Charleston had originally been leased from the landowner (which was Broadlands) by the Community Council for a peppercorn rent of £5pa. There was subsequently an agreement with Highland Council who now maintain the area and the area was extended to cover the defined length between the two burns, no one is aware however of any formal documentation.KMcL reported that the field at Munlochy was apparently gifted to the community but the Tennis Court documents do not mention anything about the field and they are “foggy” regarding the curling pond. The curling pond area is overgrown and looks quite dangerous currently, the pond will need draining. The fence is much newer (1960s?) and there may be scope for the fence to be pushed back to increase the available area.KMcL also confirmed that the plans for a ‘Safe Route to School’ will be going ahead – planning permission has been obtained and the land has apparently been gifted by Broadlands. These plans will not have any impact on the Tennis Court area.IMcC asked Kathleen to obtain all the documents and to pass them to her. IMcC will then pursue the first step which is to get the land transferred. IMcC thought it would be better if the Community Council owned the land and for this to be the CC as a body rather than named individuals. All gave the commitment that the Community Council would act in line with legal advice and agreed for the Community Council to become the Trustee if applicable.Action: KMcL to provide the documents and to confirm that there are no living trustees. IMcC to then pursue.All agreed that they would like to see the area opened up in such a way to maximise the opportunity for different sports / activities and therefore maximise the number of families using it as well as being a facility for the school. It was hoped that there would be scope to apply to various sources for funding. IMcC mentioned that there had been a separate request to get the field drained so that it was more suitable for football – there would be benefits in ensuring both projects were combined or run in tandem.Next Steps:- Documentation gathered- Get legal ownership sorted- Have meeting on site to agree possibilities (eg two tennis courts providing a large enough hard surface for other sports; whether there should be further hard surface area; sort out the drainage; etc)- Get community fully involved- Apply for fundingIt was agreed that the Schools Active Sports Coordinator should be invited to a future meeting to discuss the above. This could be the October meeting at Munlochy but this could clash with half-term and therefore the November meeting may be more appropriate – this would also provide more time for progress with the legal arrangements to have ownership of the land transferred.
7. North Kessock Play Park: OS reminded everyone of the discussion that had taken place at the June meeting. It was agreed that a quote should be obtained from the fencing contractor incorporating the following:- Play equipment to be fenced in;- Need to leave enough space for people to get past the fenced area;- The fence along the edge of the park to be replaced providing a safer barrier from the road;- Post and wire fencing should be the best option (robust but provide visibility). Green Rylock was suggested as the best option;- Gate needed into the play area, with appropriate closing mechanism and signage;- A separate quote should also be obtained for the repair of the broken boards around the site of the Bellfield Play Park.Action: OS to obtain a quote ready for the September meeting.The implications for grass cutting and strimming will need to be reviewed in due course. Nothing has been heard back from the ‘Green Gym’ conservation people at Munlochy regarding the trees in the park. Action: OS to contact them again.

8. Footpaths:TM brought along the Core Paths document and various leaflets with details of ‘Black Isle Network’ walks. The leaflets show only high level detail but the routes are way-marked. OS reported he had produced a series of ‘blow by blow’ descriptions a few years ago together with hand drawn maps. Action: OS to bring these to the next meeting.

Other points raised in the discussion were:

§ Some of the wooden footpath signs are worn and are difficult to read and they would benefit from being refreshed;

§ There are no Core Paths in the Artafallie or Redcastle area;

§ There is a significant gap in that there is no link between the war memorial and Munlochy village. The road between these two is too dangerous to walk along. Potential routes were not obvious but it may be possible to use the old track from the Manse (thought to be very overgrown) and/or to walk alongside the burn from the bridge to the track (it is not known whether the farmer plants crops right up to the edge of the burn);

§ Once the Footpath Trust funding ceases (it was for 10 years), Highland Council will maintain the Core Paths only

;§ The old road between Rosehaugh and the ‘Pink Lodge’ is very overgrown;

§ It would be good to increase the awareness of the existence of local footpaths, once people are aware a path exists, a way-marked route is often sufficient for them to follow;§ OS regularly takes the cubs out for walks and bike rides to raise the awareness of paths.Future meetings to continue to monitor this issue and to discuss improvement opportunities

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9. Planning

(a) Fortrose Housing Development: TM raised the concern that the scale of the proposed development was excessive with 158 properties – this is over 30% more than was originally outlined. All agreed that a letter should be sent to Planning raising concern over the impact on the infrastructure especially the risk to the level of traffic passing through Munlochy – severe traffic calming measures would be required in order to discourage through traffic and encourage traffic to use the Tore roundabout junction. Funding for this should be sought from the developer as ‘Planning Gain’. The letter should also mention the understanding that the proposals do not impact on the proposed site for a Black Isle swimming pool. Action: OS

(b) : Resubmission of detailed plans to erect house, garage and outbuilding on land to the East of Maida Vale. All agreed that the building must be in a style that is in keeping with the area. No one has seen the plans so it was not possible to comment further.

(c) Viewing Plan Documents: EJ to contact Planning to find out how to ensure we can view appropriate plans – it should be possible to view some plans on-line once the Community Council has been registered with e-planning. Action: EJ

(d) Bellfield Development: OS reported he has put details of the Planning Conditions on display on the notice board at North Kessock.

(e) Croft Downie: OS to ask Planning for a copy of the Planning Conditions for the holiday chalet. Action: OS

(f) Munlochy: KMcL reported that the access to the playpark through the houses (originally sold as plots) and the new development is very overgrown. Locals are unclear as to who should be maintaining this area and do not know who to approach for action. Action: IMcC to make enquiries and clarify the situation.

10. Reports:

(a) Charleston: There are a growing number of potholes through Charleston, along to Woodlea and some are getting quite deep. The picnic area also has a lot of potholes

.(b) Drumsmittal Road: There are potholes by the pond.

(c) Mill Crescent: The road surface by the front gate of number 3 is breaking up and stones are now coming out of the tarmac. (This is the site where Scottish Water put in new mains).

(d) Evansfield Road, Munlochy: Potholes are regularly filled but get lifted as soon as there is heavy rain. The road needs to have improved drainage and be resurfaced properly. This is along the first section of road from the bend, towards Balnakyle

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11. Any Other Business:

(a) B9161 Junction with A9: TM raised this issue on behalf of JT. All agreed with the need for action to be taken to address the continued problem of the junction of the B9161 with the A9, there was another accident last week. There needs to be markings on the road [like at the Craigrory junction] so cars know where they should position themselves when making right turns. The accident occurred with a car that was coming from Munlochy along the B9161 and wanted to turn right going northwards on the A9. Action: IMcC to contact local police Inspector to obtain accident statistics for this junction and to then pursue via Gordon Sinclair at Transport Scotland.

(b) Allotments: TM had circulated copies of the Draft Highland Council Allotment Policy and all agreed with the approach set out in the document.

(c) Village Officer: KMcL queried why there is no village officer for Munlochy. IMcC reported that the officer for North Kessock had been introduced primarily to look after the A9 picnic area and that it was highly unlikely that a post would be introduced for Munlochy, indeed the existing post may be reduced.

(d) 20mph zone at Munlochy: IMcC reported that she was hopeful that Station Road would be included in a forthcoming pilot – this would mean that traffic on the road would be restricted to 20mph all the time. Station Road has been raised on numerous occasions as a safety concern.

(e) Munlochy Pre-School: KMcL reported that the money provided by the Community Council for security improvements had been put towards the cost of a secure storage facility for play items and towards the cost of a new decking area for them to play on. The original ideas of security lights or CCTV had been considered not suitable.

(f) Notice Boards: Concern was raised that the Munlochy notice board is not being viewed by people and all agreed that it needs to be moved to the new car park. Action: OS. KMcL suggested that the notice board outside the school would also be a good location for the display of information in addition to the new car park.

(g) ‘Speed Bump’ by the North Kessock Hall: OS reported that following the removal of the speed bump the stones which were beneath it are now beginning to lift and are beginning to leave a dip, creating another safety hazard. It was agreed to purchase some cold tar to cover the hazard. Action: OS

12. Dates of Future Meetings:

(3rd Tuesday each month at 1930hours)