Garve and District Community Council: meeting 5 July

Draft Minutes: 

Garve and District Community Council meeting held
5th July 2011 at Achnasheen Village Hall.

PRESENT:  Kenny Maclean (Chairman), Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Jean Hollingdale (Sec.), Pam Morrison, Sue Tarr, Alex Mackenzie, Bob Moir, Jennifer Haslam, Jock Logie, Ruari Matheson, Isobel Grant (Marybank CC), John Dykes (Natural Power), Fiona Milligan (Infinergy), Nigel McManus and Nicola Brookes (Eneco). 3 members of the public.

APOLOGIES: Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Robbie Bain (Ward Manager), Cllr. Jean Urquhart, PCs Alison Millar and Raymond Fraser, Matilda Urie (E-On).

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed everyone.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS: The Chairman attended the Ward Forum at Poolewe on 13th June 2011 with Pam Morrison – see report appended to minutes.  HC Community Benefit group meeting on 14th June 2011, decision to set up a programme of workshops to seek views on the HC’s new policy.  All CC’s to be invited. Went to Car Boot sale on 18th June 2011; thanks to CC members who helped. Chairman was unable to attend the Parent Council meeting on 20th June 2011. Chairman was unable to attend HC meeting on 23rd June 2011 which included new arrangements for CC’s. The next CC election will be held 16th Nov 2011;  formula for CC Grant has been adjusted; Garve and District grant will be reduced as follows - July 2011 £1120.17, July 2012 £1045 approx., July 2013 approx. £971.  Public liability insurance is deducted from this figure. Chairman was sorry he could not attend Aultguish Sheepdog Trials on 2nd July 2011. Chairman is aware of some petty crime within the area; any information would be welcome.  The Chairman would like to remind members of the public that Agendas and Draft Minutes are available at Post Offices, on line from the Sec or AGNV web site, although the best way to keep up to date with all Community issues is to come in person to the CC meetings and listen to the discussions.  The chairman requested that any email correspondence for G&DCC should be sent to gdcc@fsmail.net

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: for 7th June 2011.  Proposed Jennifer Haslam; Seconded Jock Logie.

MATTERS ARISING:
Blue Bins: these will be issued to those who haven’t already got one during August and September. Change in collection for bins, will be to alternate weeks i.e. Green Bin one week, Blue Bin second week, households will be notified by HC; new service will start from 3rd October 2011.  Not yet known what day of the week the collection will be.
G&DCC meetings: dates, times and locations of CC meetings for the coming year are now in Post Offices and Garve Village Hall notice board.
Road resurfacing: Luib road has been resurfaced still awaiting white lining. Resurfacing of part of the Little Garve road has been done.
Litter Bin for Grudie: ongoing.
Smiley sign: ongoing.
Trader’s Insurance: on going.
Radio Mast at Aultguish: no planning received to date.
Scottish Water: The Sec has spoken to Joanna Peebles. The new water pipeline construction is due to start within 3 weeks; the line will run from the Strathpeffer side over Forestry Commission land mainly in line with the cycle track along Loch Garve.  Letters will be put through the doors of anyone that will be affected. Copies of the drawings have been promised, so far not received. New build or new connection to the water supply are not metered, only businesses.  Anyone wanting a water supply connection should Contact Scottish Water Connection Department.  For information Helpline no: 08456018855. Jennifer Haslam commented the Scottish Water should have sent a representative to one of our meetings to inform the public. Sec. mentioned that they have been invited to attend.  Sec. to write to Scottish Water asking why it is necessary for this pipeline.
Lochluichart: the school bus incident and the sight lines (mentioned last month) has been highlighted to the Police, Education Dept and Roads Dept.
Pot holes at Strathgarve: ongoing.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  as of 5th July 2011. Treasurer’s Account: b/f £1005.71, less Hall rents £62.00, Sec. fees £200.00, Admin. Costs £8.20, balance £735.51. Senior Citizens Account: b/f £1352.33, plus Sales £30.00, Car Boot £30.00, less hire of hall for fund raising committee meetings £24.50, balance £1387.96. War Memorial: balance £170.86. Balances are approx due to interest not stated. The amalgamation of the three bank accounts is in hand.  We have received a letter from the Highland Council informing us our grant for 2011/12 will be £1120.17 the same as the previous year.  Insurance will be approx. £68.00 leaving us with £1052.00 to run the CC for the next year. Internet banking not going ahead as with single account it is not required. When asked about fund raising the Treasurer stated the balances are ok for the moment.  It was agreed to leave fund raising until next month.

LOCHLUICHART WIND FARM TEST RUN: John Dykes of Natural Power gave a report on the 5th May 2011 test run for transportation of the wind turbines from Invergordon to the site near Glascarnoch. The extended trailer is 49m long and 4m wide. Two police vehicles and one HC vehicle accompanied the transporter.  The trailer had to be shortened to leave the port because of some bollards; it completed the remainder of the journey at full length without any shortening required. The Police reported traffic negotiation difficulties at Garve; they will be in charge of transport operations. The route follows the A9 to Tore and then joins A835 through to Glascarnoch.  There are five passing places identified to allow traffic to pass, Sgiach Services (A9) Duncanston (A9), layby west of Contin (some debate over where this was), and the Gorstan junction (A835) It was pointed out to Natural Power and Eneco that a report in the local press stated that a layby was to be built at Tarvie which could also be used as a bus stop. Natural Power and Eneco were unaware of this and will look into this report. Police would stop oncoming traffic at the passing places west of Contin and at Gorstan to allow lorries through. Issues will be resolved nearer to the commencement of the project when a detailed traffic management plan will be assembled.
Q: How many lorries in the convoy? A: Three lorries at once and three movements per day (there are 7 components to each turbine and 17 turbines in all). Q: As transportation will occur in the summer why not move the turbines through the night as there is almost no traffic between Garve and Contin during that period and it is light? A: It is not allowed.
Isobel Grant of Marybank CC was asked about their experience with the Fairburn Wind Farm.  The whole operation went very smoothly, transportation was timed for when the traffic was least. It was all done with amazing expertise.
Q: The traffic jam will be far too long and how long will it take to deliver all the turbines? A: About 4 to 5 weeks.
Other comments: The check rail will be a problem; two lorries will not pass with ease.  Why not transport at night, suggestion that Eneco/Natural Power talk to the Police; knowing when transportation will take place is most essential for the community; what contingency plans are there in case of a road accident between Contin and Garve as there is no alternative route; maybe Eneco should take a drive from Invergordon to Glascarnoch during August to gauge the amount of holiday and local traffic on the roads.
Eneco welcomed the feedback and said it was early days yet and there is much more work to be done.  Ferry traffic, long delays, best places for passing etc will be taken into account.
Update on contracts from Nicola Brookes (Eneco):  Turbines will be supplied by Siemens Wind Power; balance of plant services will be Jones Bros who will undertake the main civil engineering work. £3.5million will be spent, Eneco wants local contractors. They are holding a Meet the Buyer and Meet the Developer event provisionally 27th July 2011. It is a chance for the community to attend, and for local contractors interested in tendering. Looking at setting up Liaison Group in September after Meet the Developer event.
G&DCC Sec to write to Northern Constabulary with our thoughts on transportation during the bright summer evenings.

CORRESPONDENCE: By Post: Scottish Government Woodland Improvement Grant Dosmuckeran; Garden Catalogue; Highland Council New Financial Arrangements for CC’s. E Mails: Torridon and Kinlochewe CC mins; Eneco New Contracts; Lochcarron CC mins; Kyleakin support and Thank you; Strathpeffer CC Agenda; Sepa Review Magazine (now online); SCF asking for update; E-On update re-Judicial Review; June Ross HC update Blue Bins; From Rod?- passed to Eneco; E-On apologies unable to attend meeting.

AOB (MEMBERS):  Sue Tarr WRA update WRA is meeting with UNESCO on Biosphere project.
Jennifer Haslam reported the pot holes in the road leading down to Lochluichart Station, there are also pot holes around the school and Burial Ground in Garve; Sec. to inform Robbie Bain.
Bob Moir requested an update from TranServ about our issues on Station Road Garve, Sec. to contact TranServ. Also the trees in Stirling Drive Garve previously cut by the Hydro are now branching out into the road impairing visibility for drivers. Sec. to inform Robbie Bain.
Kenny MacLean reported part of the village shelter at Achnasheen had fallen off, he had informed HC and it has now been fixed.  It has been brought to his attention that the HC website is displaying an error regarding the office bearers for G&DCC.  Robbie Bain to be informed.
John Dykes (Natural Power) had to leave the meeting and was thanked for attending.

AOB (PUBLIC): Kerb outside Garve Village Hall has still not been repaired. Sec. to inform Robbie Bain. Overhanging trees along Station Road Garve have now become a hazard to the public walking along the pavement and also for drivers leaving their property.  Sec to contact TranServ.

SCOPING AND CONSULTATION: No scoping reports, 1 Consultation - Dosmuckeran Forestry Plan, positive comments from CC, Chairman will reply.

PLANNING: Hydro Scheme at Achnasheen determined with conditions and Hydro Scheme at Luib determined with conditions. The planning application granted for Corriemoillie Windfarm is subject to a judicial review (Nov). Planning applications for electric pole and hydro scheme at Dosmuckeran not yet determined.
New Planning application Ref: 11/02023/MSC, Land to west of Hill Cottage Gorstan Garve, Erection of house and garage and formation of access road. No comments by G&DCC members; it was noted there is a livestock right of access track. No building warrants.

LICENSING APPLICATION: None

LOCHLUICHART COMMUNTY BENEFIT: The Chairman handed out papers to members (thoughts on setting up a trust). Chairman wanted to clarify whether it has to be a Trust.
Nigel McManus (Eneco) - agreement says it can be a Company Limited by Guarantee or a Trust. Suggested that a Company Limited by Guarantee has more democratic control, limited liability for members, greater flexibility, ease of administration, credibility, transacting with third parties. Where as a Trust is much less democratic and less flexible also less open.
General discussion followed; a member of the public suggested a Company Limited by Guarantee is the better way to go much more open. General agreement in the room.
Nigel McManus suggested G&DCC move forward to get a legal adviser.
Q: Would Eneco want one or three Trusts? A: What is general consensus about the money share? Contin and Marybank could receive money into their existing structures.
Isobel Grant (Marybank CC) commented SCF do the work, Marybank do not have a Company set up. At present 12 members make up the panel, 4 from Marybank, 4 from Contin and 4 from Muir of Ord, although this may change in the future. They find this works quite well - how the money is spent and the projects are discussed.  It is beneficial having the input from members and the sharing of information.
Sue Tarr agreed with the above (having a wider geographical spread on the board) because of her experience with WRA, but not against just Garve & District.
Q: Would Eneco send money direct to Marybank and Contin? General Comments were that it would be better for Contin and Marybank to receive the money direct without LCT handling it; then no need for Contin and Marybank to be represented on board / trust. A: Eneco could send the money direct.  Eneco’s job is to help G&DCC with the set up of the Company.
Q: Liaison needed between Eneco, Contin and Marybank? A: Eneco agreed they would.
Chairman asked what the next step was – hold a drop in session for the public to give opinions on the Trust / Company? Member of public felt a drop in session would not be much use; members of CC agreed; CC has been elected to take decision and has kept public informed about meetings etc.
Eneco agreed to find suitable legal advice and then G&DCC would work with the solicitor to produce a draft legal document to put before the community and all parties.
Motion: That Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer act as liaison with solicitor and report back to CC on progress proposed by Ruari Matheson; Seconded Pam Morrison; All in favour.
Pam Morrison asked if we would need to have a meeting at short notice during this process to keep members informed; Chairman said he would call a special meeting if need be (1.2 of Standing Orders). Eneco said that progress can be reported at the Meet the Developer event to be held later in the month. The event would be advertised in local newspapers. Anyone wishing more info on the Lochluichart Windfarm can contact Eneco -
Email enquiries enquiriesuk@eneco.nl  or www.lochluichart-windfarm.com

E-ON COMMUNITY BENEFIT: E-On unable to attend the meeting. Will be holding a Public Meeting in Garve Village Hall on 23rd Aug (date to be confirmed).

INFINERGY COMMUNITY BENEFIT: Fiona Milligan – re LEO, still chasing govt departments for confirmation in writing that electricity discount would not affect social benefits. For those on meters with prepaid keys, the discount will only be possible if the meter is changed back to a quarterly reading. Unfortunately some people have prepaid meters if they have experienced payment problems – these are unlikely to be able to change back and would not get a discount.
Jean Bailey asked if the scheme operating on the Isle of Wight had had any problems about the discount – answer none.
Infinergy planning application to be submitted at end of summer. Copies of the Environmental statement will be available at Garve PO and Achnasheen PO and a copy for G&DCC.
Hydro Schemes: no update on possible community benefit.

Date of next meetings:
Tuesday 2nd August 7pm Garve Village Hall
Tuesday 6th September 7pm Achnasheen Village Hall
Tuesday 4th October 7pm Garve Village hall

Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 9.45pm


APPENDIX
Report on Ward Forum held in Poolewe Hall on Monday 13 June 2011
The evening was split into two sessions, firstly HC Social Care and NHS integration followed by HC winter roads maintenance.

Kenny MacLean attended on behalf of G&DCC accompanied by Pam Morrison and Helen Murchison, chair of Lochcarron CC.  Several other CC’s from Ward 6 were in attendance along with representatives from local schools.
The first Session (5.00pm – 6.30pm) was attended by around 25 people.  All four Ward Councillors attended (Cllr Greene chaired both sessions) along with Robbie Bain (Ward Manager), Rod Richards (HC Social Work) and Alison Phimister (NHS Highland).

The session started by both Rod Richards and Alison Phimister taking the audience through a slide show and giving everyone an update on the progress towards full integration (which is the amalgamation of social services and NHS services) by April 2012.  The intention is “improved quality while reducing costs”.  It would also be “a one stop shop” for everyone’s requirements.  There was an explanation about the difference in the kinds of care required between children and adults.  It was explained that to give an adult 30 minutes care at home twice a day costs around £20 compared to a day in hospital which costs around £240.  The decision to integrate services follows several reports namely “Evaluation of Integrated Children’s Services Report (2007)”, “Scottish Older People’s Assembly Report (2010)” and feedback from users of the services.  Joining services together means the pooling of funds and expertise.  There have been lessons taken from North East Lincolnshire and Torbay.  For instance Management costs were reduced by £250,000 following integration.  The need for hospital beds were reduced from 750 to 490 as more care was able to be done at home.  GP consultations were able to be made sooner rather than later.  Hospital consultations via televideo conferencing were made possible.

The Highlands are split into several areas such as Mid and West Ross, Inverness and Skye & Lochalsh and the geography of each area would have to be taken into account.
At the moment there is much work on the legal, human resources and finance side to be done.  A full progress report will be presented to HC on 23rd June 2011.  It is still intended to begin full integrated services from April 2012.
Points raised from those present included:
Reduced bureaucracy welcomed but are we not creating new mini ones?
Would elected HC members have time to be on the new joint panel?  (Doubtful)
Managers would still be responsible for budgets?  (Yes)
Accountability?  (Management)
Bringing budgets together is good, money might go further.  (That is intention.)
Too many details are being asked of patients now from different departments.  (The intention is to make this a “one stop shop” where all details are held on one database.)
Schools could be brought into the process.

Following a tea break, the second session (7.00pm – 9.00pm) began.  This regarded HC winter roads maintenance and HC’s Ian Hay and Mark Crowe joined the Ward Forum.  There were around 50 people in attendance for this session.
The gentlemen took the audience through a series of slides explaining the area and the difference in priority routes.  There are 6,711 KM of roads in the Highlands covered by 120 routes.  1,118 KM of these routes are in Mid and Wester Ross (Garve westwards).  This is covered by 33 routes which are co-ordinated from Dingwall.
Under the Roads (Scotland) Act of 1984, section 34 states: “A roads authority shall take such steps as they consider reasonable to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians over public roads.”
Priority 1 (A832 and A890) roads are first to be treated, priorities 2 and 3 roads are then treated, then priority 4 roads.
Treatment is between 6.00am and 9.00pm.  There is no money or manpower to treat the HC roads on a 24/7 basis unlike the trunk road (A835).

Treatment of the roads is based on weather forecasts received at 12 noon every day.  HC solely rely on this forecast.  They went on to explain that the temperature sensor on your car is the air temperature outside; the ground temperature is often 2-3 degrees cooler so +2 degrees air temperature actually means the road is 0 degrees so you should drive accordingly.
Points raised from those present included:
Change priority route system and make all roads priority 1.  (Cost to treat all roads equally would be “enormous”.)
Sub contractors need a £5 million public liability.  (HC are looking for more sub contractors to help in the worst conditions but very few came forward last winter.)
Lack of information from HC regarding road conditions.
Salt shortages.  (Start of last winter 40,000 tonnes of salt were in storage, this time it will be around 65,000 tonnes with some stored undercover in Kishorn.)
Gritter drivers were doing a great job in difficult conditions.
Years ago all roads were single track, now most are double track which in effect means there are two lanes to plough and treat i.e. twice as much road surface to maintain.

On their journey back from Poolewe, Kenny, Pam and Helen concluded that the Ward Forum had been worth attending, had been informative and very interesting.