FORTROSE & ROSEMARKIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 January 2003

PRESENT: Mrs M Balfour, Chairman; G Jack, Vice/Chair; J Cornwell, Secretary;

Mrs C Jones, Treasurer; Ms E Dalseme; M MacAndrew; P McLoughlin; R Nelson;

In Attendance: Cllr M Downie

Absent: J Crawford; I Noble; Mrs B Skinner.

The Chairman welcomed members to the first meeting of 2003 and later especially welcomed Mr Ewen Wylie, who was co-opted at the meeting on 11 December 2002.

3. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Pedestrian Crossing - The Chairman reported that there had been more objections to the proposed crossing. Cllr Downie responded that the proposal was on hold for the time being. Mrs C Jones suggested that a notice should be put up to inform residents, as many were not aware of the plan. Illegal parking on the High Street continues to be a problem, and the Secretary drew attention to the dangerous dark patch of roadway at the entrance to the Church of Scotland. Cars parked without lights and facing the oncoming traffic constitute a serious hazard.

Xmas Tress - The mindless destruction of the lights, probably by local children, led to a discussion of an alternative location

4. Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 December 2002. G Jack proposed and Mrs C Jones seconded adoption of the Minutes which were duly signed by the Chairman.

5. MATTERS ARISING:

Pavilion - The aims and constitution of the Football Club had been supplied to Property and Architectural Services and the price of the lease agreed. Responsibility for full repair and insuring of the building is still to be negotiated.

Derelict Caravans - Secretary has found a contractor and will ask for a quotation.

Golden Jubilee Trees - Secretary has written as instructed

Bridge Rosemarkie Burn - Quotation awaited

Scottish Civic Forum - The response to the consultation on Childrens’ Oral Health was sent to the Public Health Department of the Scottish Executive with copies to Highland NHS Board, Scottish Civic Forum, Scottish Water and the Highland Movement Against Water Fluoridation.

Greengates - Fortrose - More concern expressed by Cllr Mc Loughlin about motor vehicles using this wide public footpath. There is some doubt about the right of use by vehicles of the entry from the corner at Seafield to attend to grazing animals. However stones should be replaced if moved for this purpose.

6. POLICE MATTERS: No police presence. ( Secretary has been informed that the officer designated was taken ill that evening)

7. CORRESPONDENCE:

Highland Council and Area Committee Agenda and weekly Planning lists tabled for information.

Community Care Forum - Newsletter

Highland Council - Performance Report for 2001/2002

Newsletter of Association of Scottish Community Councils. This contains a report on a Bill to be introduced in the Scottish Parliament to establish stronger enforcement procedures on Dog Fouling in public places..

Highland Council - requesting comments on funding proposals and revised scheme for Community Councils. (Dealt with under AOCB)

Black Isle Partnership - asking to address and update the Community Council on the work of the Partnership. Agreed that either March or April meeting would be suitable.

8. FINANCE: Account awaited for cost of bus for Operation Angel

9. A.O.C.B.:

Civic Participation - The Secretary had received the final report of the Local Government Committee event at Glasgow and confirmed the following recommend-

ations, which were tabled for members at the December meeting.

Ÿ Purposeful, early, public consultation to enable citizens to participate in identifying policy options and to influence decision making.

Ÿ Civic Education should be provided by the education sector in the community, schools and colleges aimed at encouraging voting.

Ÿ Responses and evidence given in consultations should be published and reasons given where the public’s preferences are not followed.

Ÿ Proportional Representation and multi-member wards are preferred by a majority of those taking part in the event.

Renewing Democracy and Community Planning - (November meeting AOCB)

Members completed a questionnaire on funding proposals for Community Councils so that a consensus view could be sent to Highland Council. The priority is clearly for an increase in the annual precept.

Members agreed that the revised Scheme and draft Model Constitution be studied by a sub-committee of the Chairman, Vice Chairman , Secretary and Dr Nelson and their conclusions will be discussed at the February meeting.

Cathedral Clock - The failure of the chimes at Hogmanay and its regular inaccuracy were criticised and the Secretary will write to Historic Scotland.

Village History - P McLoughlin had been researching village background and suggested that a sub-committee could usefully collate recollections of older residents, such as the building of the cricket pavilion, for an up to date historical pamphlet.

Youth Services - P McLoughlin also felt that there are inadequate facilities for youth activities in the community. He thought that a sub-committee should be formed, not necessarily from the Community Council, to explore options and premises.

Members agreed that the idea merited encouragement and should be pursued.

10. PLANNING:

Application No 02/00590/FULRC Install Satellite Antenna, 69,71,73, High Street, Fortrose. (Co-op Store). This is a Co-Op Bank project.

Tree Felling - Rosehaugh Estate Office has applied for permission to remove 7 over-

hanging and dangerous trees on the A 832 between Avoch and Fortrose. Agreed.

11. Date of next Meeting Wednesday 12 February 2003

Meeting closed at 9:50 pm