Minutes of Meeting On26 Feb 2014

Tel: 01463 790282 (Chair)

MINUTES OF MEETING ON26 FEB 2014

1 / Members present: I Williams, I Brill, L Williams, M Unwin, Rachel Arkell (aka Campbell), Gillian Spalding, R Fraser, E Fraser,
In attendance: Cllr K Stephen, Cllr R Balfour, Cllr J Crawford, Norma Duncan
Apologies, Police Rep
2 / Minutes of previous meeting:
Proposed: I Brill Seconded: R Arkell
3 / Matters arising:

Consultation on A96 Duelling – IW has responded on behalf of BCC with preferred route (Option 1A or 1B) and comments.
Woodland Plan has been received – MU has taken comments back to BVT, and a more detailed plan, including actions has now been prepared. This will be circulated to BCC members after it has been discussed by BVT at their meeting on 20 March.
Playpark work is ongoing and a meeting has taken place between the management committee and the Highland Council advisor to develop proposals (see below).
Sycamore Tree – located in the community woodland, this has now been taken down leaving an 8ft stump for future carving. Ideas brought forward for this relate to a selection of woodland animals. RA to bring sketches to next meeting.

4 / Police Report. Police report has been received – minimal activity: 6 road safety calls (2 requiring further police action); 2 antisocial behaviour calls, both linked to drug abuse; 3 calls relating to theft. Please note that these statistics cover a wider area than just Balloch.
5 / Report from Highland Councillors.
RB: Following the Highland Council vote to reduce their Service Points from 13 to 9, there will be a 15 month consultation period.
Norbord are putting forward plans to restructure and expand their operation. These will go to public consultation.
6 / Report from Chairman.
BCC membership of the Community Woodland Association is due for renewal (£30)
Bus Improvement Fund – there has been some correspondence relating to this, much of it to clarify what the money is for. BCC input related to the choice of bus shelters that will have electronic information boards, and stated a preference for the bus stop opposite the Balloch shop.
Playpark: the meeting with the Highland Council officer resulted in a positive reaction to the proposals.No climbing equipment will be allowed (due to height restrictions relative to surrounding houses) and clarification on ownership of the land is being finalised (at present the land is registered to the Highland Council and no deed of gift or similar has been found) In the meantime there will be:
1)An initial consultation with direct neighbours to gauge their reaction.
2)Questionnaire to parents, this will include a question related to activities for a wider age group than just children.
The Highland Council officer will collate the answers and obtain 2-3 proposals from relevant companies.
Culloden Battlefield development (Viewhill) – Ms Norma Duncan contacted the BCC on the understanding that the Reporter in this case had issued a “notice of intent” and that there was therefore a further 12 week consultation period during which any new factors could be put forward for consideration. It was unclear when the 12 weeks started and a general discussion failed to identify any significant points that had not already been raised. The BCC raised objections at the time, but the Chair undertook to write to relevant MSPs regarding this and has subsequently done so. The answer received would appear to confirm that the decision has been made and does not mention any further consultation time.
7 / Treasure’s Report
Highland Council insurance fee of £88.19 has now been paid.
8 / Secretary’s Correspondence

Service Points: Correspondence relating to the closure of these received from Cllr Dave Fallows and Cllr Carolyn Wilson and has been circulated to BCC members
Invitation to a meeting with the Inverness Civic Trust to discuss dangerous and derelict buildings was received fromCllr David Stewart, but at too short notice to action.
Correspondence promoting renewable energy for communities was received. BCC do not wish to pursue this.
Notice received of the fifth review of Local Government Electoral Arrangements – proposals for Councillor Numbers.

9 / AOB
Concerns were raised regarding the new car park by the school of Forestry regarding maintenance and availability for public use. BCC to keep a watching brief.
10 / Next Meeting:
Wednesday 26 March 2014 at &:30pm.