Garve and District Community Council: meeting 25 June 2010

Draft minutes of meeting held at Garve Village Hall
25 June 2010

The meeting was opened by Robbie Bain who announced the results of the election for the new Community Council, new members were then asked to take their seats for a short meeting chaired by Councillor Jean Urquhart in order to elect the Office Bearers.

Present: Kenny Maclean, Steve Jones, Jean Hollingdale, Jean Bailey, Sue Tarr, Jennifer Haslam, Ruaridh Matheson, Jock Logie, Bob Moir, Alex Mackenzie, Jimmy Ruggles-Brise, Cllr Jean Urquhart, Robbie Bain and 17 members of the public

Apologies: Pam Morrison

Nominations for Chair: Kenny Maclean, proposed by Jean Hollingdale and seconded by Jock Logie. Steve Jones, proposed by Jimmy Ruggles-Brise and seconded by Jennifer Haslam. Voting was by secret ballot and Kenny Maclean returned as Chairman.

Vice Chair: Steve Jones unanimously returned.

Nominations for Secretary: Jean Hollingdale, proposed by Jennifer Haslam and seconded by Jean Bailey.

Voting was by secret ballot and Jean Hollingdale returned as secretary.

Treasurer: Jean Bailey, proposed by Sue Tarr and seconded by Jennifer Haslam.

The Community Council meeting was opened by Chairman Kenny Maclean, who gave a short speech to the public introducing the new council members and welcoming the new councillors.
Thanks were given to Robbie Bain for the election and also to Councillor Jean Urquhart for her help.

Thanks also to Moira Harris for entering her name in the ballot.

Thanks to Helen Grainge, Sheree Grant, Marion Taylor, Uisdean Menzies and John Urquhart, for all their hard work over the past few years.

Approval of the Minutes of the meeting 2nd February 2010 were proposed by Sue Tarr and seconded by Jennifer Haslam.

Matters Arising:
Rubbish in lay-bys at Old Church Garve and Grudie: should be cleared by council on a regular basis. This does not always happen especially at Grudie.  The bins were removed some years ago.  Councillor Urquhart will suggest to the Highland Council that the bins be returned.  Council to tidy up lay-bys. A letter will be sent to Network Rail about the rubbish tossed onto their ground at the Old Church lay-by.

Local Directory:  to be discussed later in the year.

Neighbourhood Watch: the signs have not been erected and have now gone missing. It was agreed that local residents will do their own watch and anything suspicious residents can contact Ronnie Ross, Achnasheen.

Bus Stops: Secretary to contact Transerve about bus stops and also answer questions about road surfaces, branches on roadsides, water on road surface, lack of white lines and low verges.

Achnasheen-Luib road surface: Secretary to contact Highland Council. Robbie Bain stated that they are looking into extra funding for repairing the surface.

Gritting:  Robbie Bain to pass on question about stocks of grit for coming winter.

Signage at Ledgowan: Jimmy Ruggles-Brise reported problems with people taking the wrong turning at Ledgowan. He has reported it and is waiting to hear response.

Achnasheen Primary School: The Highland Council are going to formally close Achnasheen Primary School. People are concerned about the future of the occupants of the schoolhouse. Jimmy Ruggles-Brise has sent a letter to Highland Council on this matter.

Community Council Consultation: Phase 1, CC boundaries – no change for Garve & District (discussed previously) Phase 2, CC Constitutions & Schemes – draft proposals available to view on Highland Council website and deadline is Wed 1st July. Brief discussion of some of the changes proposed and all agreed that the Community Council Quorum should remain at two-thirds of CC and not reduced to one third. Secretary to register objection.

Play area for Garve: Member of public stated that is unsafe for children playing in the street and there is no play area for them. Cllr Urquhart suggested that Secretary writes to HC and see if they would donate the present “football pitch” to the community for a play area. The area currently has holes in the ground which makes it unsafe, and no grass cutting has been done. Highland Council will be informed.

SSE Powerline Consultation: Secretary to invite Richard Baldwin, Environmental Project Manager to next meeting. Bob Moir raised some concerns about pylon route by Garve.

Corriemoillie Windfarm: E-on has changed the planning for access, no details available as yet.

Lochluichart Windfarm extension application: for further 13 wind turbines. Concerns raised that this would go against the original Highland Council planning decision. Members of the public are invited to make known their concerns at the next meeting.

Windfarm Community Benefit: Steve Jones has sent a document to CC, setting out information on setting up a Community Benefit Organisation. It was agreed this would be discussed at next meeting.

Wester Ross Alliance:  Sue Tarr informed the meeting that she was representative of CC on WRA, and also a Director. Unanimously agreed that she continue.

Ward Forum:  Kenny Maclean attended the recent Ward Forum in Lochcarron and gave a brief report – the topic was Highland Council Budget cuts.

Treasurer’s report: no report this meeting.

Planning Applications: Applications noted for Inchbae Lodge; The Cottage, Achnasheen; and Corriemoillie Farm.

Correspondence:  Community Council Consultation Phase 2

AOB: Jackie West has requested names and addresses of new councillors for the newsletter. News and Views – discuss at next meeting. Request for jam jars – please pass on to Kenny.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, 3 August, 7.30pm - Achnasheen Village Hall.