Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Tuesday, 3 June 2014 at 10.30 am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/
Director of Corporate Development

1.  Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

2.  Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting.  Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest.  Advice may be sought from officers prior to the meeting taking place.

3.  HIE Overview of Inverness Area Economy
Sealladh Coitcheann Iomairt na Gàidhealtachd is nan Eilean air Eaconamaidh Sgìre Cathair-bhaile Inbhir Nis

A presentation will be undertaken at the meeting by Mr Martin Johnson, Area Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

4.  Inverness City Centre Action Plan
Plana-gnìomha airson Meadhan Cathair-bhaile Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA-15-14 (608kb pdf) dated 21 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines details of a proposed Action Plan for Inverness City Centre which contains a package of priorities for maximising footfall and optimising the role of the City Centre as the key regional destination for retail, commercial and social activity.  The report also summarises feedback received during two recent consultation events aimed at gathering views on the priorities for the City Centre and shows how these views have been considered in drawing up the Action Plan.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the outcome of the recent City Centre consultation events in
    Appendix 1 and agree the three priorities for the City Centre in paragraph
    5.4 and Table C of this report;
ii. review and consider the initial actions (identified in Appendix 2) for
    delivering the three priorities to inform the next version of the City Centre
    Action Plan;
iii. agree for officers to incorporate the Action Plan into a review of the
    Inverness City Centre Development Brief and reflected in other relevant
    strategies;
iv. agree that the Action Plan and the priorities identified are used to inform
    future capital programme bids; and
v. agree for the Inverness Task Force to coordinate the delivery of the City
    Centre Action Plan.

5.  Inverness City Arts
River Ness River Connections – Public Art Project Programme
Ealain Cathair-bhaile Inbhir Nis – Fios às Ùr mu Phrògram a’ Phròiseict

There is circulated Report No. CIA-16-14 (488kb pdf) dated 22 May 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which provides an update on the curatorial progress of the River Ness – River Connections Public Art Programme and invites the Committee to release the balance of funding allocated from the Inverness Common Good Fund.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the progress being made towards the appointment of Artists as
    recommended by the  Evaluation Panel and the refining of the procurement process for
    the following projects;
•    The Gathering Place
•    Rest Spaces
•    Sculptural Destination
ii. note the progress being made on the remaining elements of the River Connections
    Project Programme; and
iii. agree the release of £0.190m from the £0.250m budget agreed in principle previously
    from the Inverness Common Good Fund 2014/15 Budget, to be utilised under the
    governance of the ICArts Working Group for the purposes of the delivery of the River
    Connections Project programme subject to Creative Scotland approving the Stage 2
    funding application.

6.  Marketing Inverness
Margaideachd Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA-17-14 (488kb pdf) dated 20 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which provides an update on the delivery of actions from the marketing action plan for Inverness and outlines a way forward that is currently under consideration by the Inverness Partnership Marketing Group.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the marketing activity already delivered by the Inverness Partnership Marketing
    group; and
ii. endorse the approach agreed by the Inverness Partnership Marketing group to
    delivering future activities on the basis that any funding awards would only be made
    following applications to the Highland Council or the Inverness Common Good fund and
    as such would be subject to the governance and approval processes already in place.

7.  Inverness Royal Academy Associated School Group Overview
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean Co-cheangailte Acadamaidh Rìoghail Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA-18-14 (764kb pdf) dated 20 May 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provides an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Inverness Royal Academy Associated School Group (ASG), and provides useful updated links to further information in relation to these schools.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and note the content of the report.

8.  Community Challenge Fund – Area Update
Maoin Dùbhlan Coimhearsnachd – Fios às Ùr a thaobh na Sgìre

There is circulated Report No. CIA-19-14 (482kb pdf) dated 19 May 2014 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which provides Members with an opportunity to consider the interest at a local level in the Community Challenge Fund, launched in January 2013, and also to discuss how the Fund could best be promoted and utilised within the local area.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.  note the take up of the fund to date in the City of Inverness Area;
ii.  note the changes made to the fund and the approach to promoting the Fund agreed at
    Council in March 2014;
iii. consider what other potential services Members could envisage communities taking on
    locally; and
iv. consider how best the Community Challenge Fund could be promoted and used to best
    effect within the City of Inverness Area.

9.  Rural Poverty – Research Briefing
Bochdainn Dùthchail - Brath Rannsachaidh

There is circulated Report No. CIA-20-14 (499kb pdf) dated 12 May 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform, which provides Members with a summary of the methodology and findings of two research studies considering rural poverty published in 2013: A Minimum Income Standard for Remote Rural Scotland and Local Incomes and Poverty in Scotland.

The Committee is invited to note:-

i. the findings of both research papers; and
ii. that a rural proofing tool has been drafted, assisted by the findings of these research
    studies.  Work is ongoing to consider this tool in relation to a broader approach to
    assessing community impact which would take into account deprived urban communities,
    health inequalities and the impact upon equality groups.

10.  River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Tidal Section) Phase 2
Draft Parking Orders – Riverside Street
Òrdughan Parcaidh agus Trafaig, Ceum 2 a thaobh Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Abhainn Nis (Earrann a’ Mhuir-làin)

There is circulated Report No. CIA-21-14 (931kb pdf) dated 18 May 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which invites Members to approve the making and implementation of the draft Traffic Orders affecting Riverside Street, within Phase 2 of the River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Tidal Section) and note the programme for scheme delivery.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the making of the amended Traffic Order entitled “THE HIGHLAND REGIONAL
    COUNCIL (INVERNESS-CENTRAL CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 1988 (RIVERSIDE STREET,
    INVERNESS)” which amends parking restrictions on Riverside Street and removes the
    existing parking provision;
ii. approve the making of the Traffic Order entitled “THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL (RIVERSIDE
    STREET, INVERNESS) (OFF-STREET PARKING) DRAFT PARKING ORDERS – RIVERSIDE
    STREET” and recommend one of the following options:

    OPTION 1 - to establish the off-street car park as proposed in the draft Orders and
    not provide any reserved spaces for Waterloo Bowling Club during the bowling season.

    OPTION 2 - to establish the off-street car park as proposed in the draft Orders and
    provide Waterloo Bowling Club access to 12 number spaces during the bowling season
    (controlled by demountable bollards)

    OPTION 3 - to establish the off-street car park as proposed in the draft Orders and
    provide Waterloo Bowling Club unrestricted access to all 22 number spaces during the
    bowling season

iii. approve the inclusion of accommodation works within the curtilage of the Boys Brigade
    Club, to provide a private parking space to remove their objection; and
iv. note the programme for scheme delivery for completion in April 2015.

11.  Maintenance Programme for Roads and Bridges
Prògram Gleidhidh airson Rathaidean agus Dhrochaidean

There is circulated Report No. CIA-22-14 (66kb pdf) dated 19 May 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to approve the Maintenance Programmes for Roads and Bridges for the City of Inverness and Area for 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to approve the Maintenance Programmes for Roads and Bridges for the City of Inverness and Area for 2014/15.

12.  Public Space Amenity – Inverness Community Safety Partnership
Aithisg Bhliadhnail Com-pàirteachas Sàbhailteachd Coimhearsnachd Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA-23-14 (924kb pdf) dated 20 May 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement and the Inverness Area Commander (Highland Division – Police Scotland) which summarises the activities of the Inverness Community Safety Partnership (ICSP) since it last reported to Committee in April 2013 and provides information on the priority issues for 2014.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the ICSP priorities for the ICSP for 2014
ii. note the establishment of a new Operation Respect - Summertime
iii. endorse the evaluation report on Operation Respect – Winter 2013/14
iv. endorse the work of the Operation Respect Daytime Group

13.  Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme
Prògram Rothaireachd, Coiseachd agus Sràidean nas Sàbhailte

There is circulated Report No. CIA-24-14 (501kb pdf) dated 20 May 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to approve the projects delivered through the Scottish Government funding for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets for the City of Inverness area, as set out in Appendix 1.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. approve the Safer Routes to School (SRTS) Project listed in Appendix 1; and
ii. note that the Road Safety Unit will continue to work with schools to develop further
    SRTS Projects for future years.

14.  Education Scotland Reports – period March 2014 to June 2014
Aithisgean Foghlam Alba – Màrt 2014 gu Ògmhios 2014

There is circulated Report No. CIA-25-14 (474kb pdf) dated 21 May 2014 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which provides details on Education Scotland’s inspections of schools in the Area during the period March 2014 to June 2014, for Members’ scrutiny and monitoring.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and monitor Education Scotland reports through this report.

15.  Housing Performance Report – 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean 2013 gu 31 Màrt 2014

There is circulated Report No. CIA-26-14 (585kb pdf) dated 21 February 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on housing performance indicators during the year of 2013/14.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April to 31 March 2014.

16.  Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Review of Investment Strategy and Capital Planning
Ath-sgrùdadh air Ro-innleachd Tasgaidh agus Dealbhadh Calpa

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA-27-14 (583kb pdf) dated 26 May 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which confirms the existing investment strategy for the City of Inverness Common Good Fund (ICGF), the current governance arrangements and sets out a revised investment strategy in the context of existing and potential financial commitments.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. note the progress to date on the review of the Strategy;
ii. consider existing expenditure commitments;
iii. consider the option of establishing a City Investment Fund as outlined in paragraph 5.3;
iv. if the option to establish a City Investment Fund is agreed, then consider the funding
    options and scale of annual investment in this Fund, as outlined in paragraphs 5.3 and
    5.4; and
v. note further reports will be presented to formulate a specific strategy for the Fund.

b) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There is circulated Report No. CIA-28-14 (475kb pdf) dated 15 May 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which presents the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as of 30 April 2014 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise the financial monitoring report.

c) Grant and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

There is circulated Report No. CIA-29-14 (546kb pdf) dated 15 May 2014 by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which sets out the current applications for funding to be determined and the current status of capital projects.

In this connection, there is circulated separately a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet A (13043kb pdf).

The Committee is invited:-

i. consider the applications for funding;
ii. scrutinise the current status of capital projects; and
iii. note that expenditure of £0.009m due against the Replacement of Gas Boilers;
    Inverness Town House project will be drawn from Town House Maintenance budget.

d) Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of Item 11(f) on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

e) Inverness Common Good Account Sites and Premises Transaction Report
Làraich Chunntasan agus Aithisg Gnothachais Maoin Math Choitcheann Inbhir Nis

There is circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/30/14 dated 22 May 2014 by the Head of Property Partnerships which summarises the property transactions recently approved by the Head of Property Partnerships, under the Highland Council’s Scheme of Delegation, after consultation with local Members as appropriate and in accordance with policy, together with a statement on the current position in respect on Inverness Common Good fund rents and tenant arrears, if any.

The Committee is invited to note Inverness Common Good transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships, under delegated powers, during the period from 25 November 2013 to 21 May 2014, and the position regarding the tenant rent roll as a 23 May 2014.

17.  Street Naming – New Housing Development at 1 Kintail Crescent
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Taigheadas Ùr aig 1 Corran Chinn t-Sàile

The Committee is invited to homologate a decision by the Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement, taken in consultation with Inverness Ness-side Ward Members and Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather Community Council, to name a street that was formerly the site of a public house at 1 Kintail Crescent and includes a new Council housing development as “Kintail Terrace”.

18.  Burial Ground Commutation Fund: Work Programme 2013-16
Maoin Co-iomlaid nan Cladhan

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA-31-14 (71kb pdf) dated 20 May 2014 by the Area Community Services Manager and Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement which provides an annual update on the Burial Ground Commutation Fund Work Programme.

The Committee is invited to note the progress made during 2013/14 and to approve the rescheduled Work Programme for 2014/15.

19.  Membership of Outside Bodies
Ballrachd Bhuidhnean bhon Taobh A-muigh

a) James Cameron Community Centre Service Review Group
Buidheann Ath-bhreithneachaidh Seirbheis Ionad-Coimhearsnachd Sheumais Chamshroin

The Committee is invited to agree the following three appointments to the James Cameron Community Centre Service Review Group:-

Mr G Ross
Mr D Kerr
Mrs B McAllister

b) Highland Military Tattoo at Fort George
Tatù Armailteach na Gàidhealtachd aig Gearasdan Dheòrsa

The Committee is invited to appoint one Member to represent Highland Council on the Tattoo Management Board.

c) Inverness Area Sports Council
Comhairle Spòrs Inbhir Nis

The Committee is invited to agree that Ms J Slater replace Mr R Laird as a Member of Inverness Area Sports Council.

20.  Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There are circulated Minutes of the Meetings as follows:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 4 March 2014 for noting;
ii. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 28 February (468kb pdf) and
25 April 2014 (466kb pdf) for approval;
iii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 6 March 2014 (481kb pdf) for approval; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on
25 February (1015kb pdf) and 12 May 2014 (934kb pdf) for approval.