Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Tuesday, 2 December 2014 at 10.30am.

Present:      

Mr I Brown, Mr A Graham , Mr R Balfour, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr J Crawford, Mr N Donald, Mr A Duffy, Mr K Gowans, Mr J Gray, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Laird, Mrs E McAllister, Mr K MacLeod, Mr F Parr, Mr T Prag, Mr G Ross, Mrs G Sinclair, Mrs J Slater, Mr H Wood 

Officials in Attendance: 

Mr D Haas, Inverness City Manager
Mr M MacLeod, Head of Planning and Building Standards, Development and Infrastructure
Mr J Kelman, Project Manager, Development and Infrastructure
Ms L Clarke, Planner, Development and Infrastructure
Mr C Mackintosh, Area Education Manager – South
Ms T Urry, Area Community Services Manager (Inverness)
Mr S Carr, Principal Policy Officer – Climate Change, Chief Executive’s Service
Miss J MacLennan, Democratic Services Manager, Corporate Development Service
Miss C Maragh, Administrative Assistant, Corporate Development Service

Also in attendance:

Mr M Smith, Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Inverness BID
Mr C Breslin, Strategic Planning & Design Manager, Scottish Canals

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to Committee. 

Mr I Brown in the Chair

Preliminaries

Prior to the commencement of the formal business, the City Leader conveyed the congratulations of the Committee to the Inverness Wildcasts American Football Team who had recently won their second UK Title on 20 September.

Congratulations were also conveyed to Mr Alan Michael (who had set up the ‘Mens Shed’ project in Inverness and had received a Sunday Mail Great Scot nomination), Mr Angus MacLeod who had won a Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod and the recipients of awards at the recent Best Bar None Awards.   

At this point, and in line with Paragraph 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, it was AGREED that Item 16c (Refurbishement of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness) should be considered in private in view of the fact that new and confidential information had been obtained.

It was also AGREED that Item 14 (Housing Performance Report) should be considered after Item 10 (Winter Maintenance Plan).   

Business 

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs M Davidson, Mr J Ford, Mr D Hendry and Mrs K Stephen.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Item 3 – Mr I Brown (non-financial)
Item 7 – Mr G Ross and Mr F Parr (non-financial)
Item 12 – Mr K Gowans (non-financial)
Item 16 – Miss J Campbell, Mr K MacLeod and Mrs G Sinclair (all non-financial) 
Mr D Kerr declared an interest in all relevant items as a Council House tenant.

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-  

3. Inverness Business Improvement District
Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis

Declaration of Interest – Mr I Brown declared a non-financial interest in this item as a BID Director but, having applied the test as outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.  

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/55/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which provided a summary of the activities of Inverness BID Ltd, operating as Inverness City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), for the period December 2012 to November 2014.   

During a presentation, further progress was highlighted in regard to a number of joint initiatives, including the following – Streetscene Amenity, City Centre Development Brief, Inverness Community Safety Partnership, BID Security Task Team and Taxi Marshalls, Marketing, Gull Management, City Flowering Project, BID Ambassadors and Business Professional Development.  

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this represented an excellent example of partnership working and as such was warmly welcomed;
• congratulations should be conveyed to the Highland competitors who had been successful in the Mod;
• consideration should be given to extending the current remit to include businesses on the west side of the River;
• there were huge opportunities in terms of social media and these should be explored through the marketing plan;
• the role undertaken by the Taxi Marshalls was extremely effective and the taxi companies should be invited to contribute financially to this ongoing service which benefitted all concerned;
• the location of the numerous refuse bins in the City Centre was causing concern and alternative arrangements should be considered wherever possible, with input from Ward Members and Ward Managers where appropriate;
• the possibility of additional funding and sponsorship should be investigated in addition to that already provided from the Common Good Fund; and
• the various events and activities which had been arranged in the City Centre and the liaison between businesses had created economic benefits for the whole area and this was welcomed.    

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.   ENDORSED the work as detailed in the report; and
ii.  NOTED the presentations provided by Inverness BID representatives at the meeting and the on-going development of partnership working.

4. Draft Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief
Dreachd Bhrath Leasachaidh Bhaile an Fhraoich agus Cheasag a Deas

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/56/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlined the content of a draft development brief for the Muirtown and South Kessock area of the City of Inverness which was required to guide land use and regeneration opportunities in the area.   

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that preparation of the draft brief – which had been circulated as Appendix A to the report - had been informed by Charrette Workshop events which had been held in February and April and which had provided the opportunity for local people to shape the future of the area and to discuss the priorities for regeneration. The outcomes of the Workshops had been brought together in the draft development brief and after a round of consultation and further Committee approval, it was intended that it would be adopted as a statutory part of the Council’s Development Plan. 

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-  

• this was an excellent and very comprehensive Development Brief and thanks were conveyed to the Officials for the work which had been undertaken;
• this was also an example of joint working arrangements and highlighted the importance and value of Charrettes;
• the proposals in relation to traffic calming in the area were welcomed;
• there was a need for representations to be made in respect of a Compulsory Sale Order for the B&Q site which had been vacant for a considerable period of time. In this respect, it was suggested that contact should be made with the Scottish Government to ask that powers be piloted to the Council in order that action could be taken;
• careful consideration required to be given to the size and scale of any future developments;
• there was a need for environmental improvements to be undertaken wherever possible and feasible in the area;
• there was potential in the area for some form of Marina development and this should be followed up, particularly in terms of the tourism benefits which could be achieved;
• there was a need for urgent communication with Network Rail to ensure that action was taken to repair fencing along the railway line in order to avoid any potential future accidents to pedestrians and wildlife in the area;
• consideration should be given as to whether the Carse Industrial Estate should now be redesignated as a retail area;
• it was considered extremely unlikely that there would be any future requirement for a South Kessock Ferry and references to this should be deleted; and
• residents within the community should be encouraged to become involved and make representations sooner rather than later as part of the process.        

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED Appendix A to the report as the content of the Draft Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief to be subject to public consultation.  

5. City Centre Initiatives
Iomairtean Meadhan Baile

A Verbal Update was provided at the meeting by the Head of Planning and Building Standards on the progress of City Centre Initiatives, including Improvements to City Centre Access and Connections, Development of Academy Street and its surroundings and redevelopment of key sites to provide Visitor and Cultural Attractions.  

It was also confirmed that there had been a considerable increase in private sector interest in the City, particularly in relation to Academy Street, and this was extremely encouraging. 

During discussion, Members welcomed the progress which had been made, particularly in regard to the development of Academy Street and the interest from the private sector, the proposals for the North Tower of the Castle and the meetings which had been held to try to secure a ‘City Deal’ for Inverness which if achieved had the potential to deliver very significant levels of investment. 

It was also requested that further information should be provided to a future meeting on the potential future use of the Midmills Building, joint working arrangements between Services for the ongoing maintenance of the Castle grounds and immediate environment, the possibility of arrangements being put in place to make owners of buildings in the City Centre responsible for the upkeep of the exterior of these buildings (including signage) and the feasibility of other measures being put in place to enhance the general appearance of the City Centre, including the planting of trees, etc.      

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise NOTED the position.

6. Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief
Brath Leasachaidh nan Innseagan agus an Ràthaig Mhòir

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/57/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlined responses to the public consultation on the Draft Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief which was required to guide land use opportunities and related strategic and local transport network improvements in the area. 

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the finalised development brief, a summary of comments received and recommended responses had been set out in Appendices A and B to the report and, after a further Committee approval process, it was intended that it would be adopted as a statutory part of the Council’s Development Plan.

In this regard, and with specific reference to Appendix A, a correction to the report was highlighted and it was confirmed that should proposals for an alternative development/s come forward, the requirements described and illustrated ‘should’ be satisfied (as opposed to ‘must’ be satisfied as detailed in the report).  

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:- 

• this was a very complex planning issue which would affect everyone in Inverness, including tourists;
• very careful consideration required to be given to the new road into the Inshes Retail Park which would filter traffic past Inshes Primary School;
• further details were required of proposed traffic modelling in future;
• it would be preferable if arrangements were in place in advance of the new UHI Campus opening in August 2015;
• regular liaison meetings with Transport Scotland were essential as the proposals progressed; and
• it was important that assurances were received from SEPA that there would be no repetition of the previous flooding in the area.  

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.   AGREED for the Inshes and Raigmore Development Brief, contained as Appendix A to the report, to be taken forward as statutory Supplementary Guidance including referral to the Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee in early 2015 for adoption;
ii.  AGREED for the Development Brief to be treated as a material planning consideration for development management purposes;
iii. NOTED the comments received during the consultation; and
iv.  AGREED the recommended responses as contained in Appendix B to the report. 

7. Inverness City Arts – River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme, Public Art Project
Ealain Baile Inbhir Nis – Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Abhainn Nis, Fios às Ùr mu Phrògram a’ Phròiseict

Declarations of Interest – Mr G Ross and Mr F Parr declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds that a family member was a local artist and as a Member of the Trades Council respectively but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/58/14 dated 16 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which confirmed that the full funding package was in place and highlighted the next steps in applying the funding towards project delivery. 

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that all artists had been appointed to agreed projects (apart from the Gathering Place) and there was now scope to develop a Childrens Feature as part of the project programme.

Specific details of planned community engagement and education were also highlighted, including proposals for an Open Day, engagement with Schools and stakeholders, consultation with Local Members and public events.     

During discussion, Members conveyed their thanks to all involved and suggested that where possible consideration should also be given in future to local arts projects and the use of cultural signage to teach and educate.

It was also considered that liaison should be undertaken with the groups who had contributed to the public arts programmes in order to obtain their views and opinions as part of the promotion of Inverness as a multi-cultural City. In this regard, it was confirmed that once the artists had developed their broad concepts, these would be informed by a series of public consultations and this would include the opportunity for discussion with and feedback from Members.        

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the approval of the Creative Scotland Stage 2 application to their Large Capital Projects Fund and that the contracts for the delivery of the River Connections Project programme were being let as appropriate.

8. Developing Inverness as a ‘Coach Friendly’ City
A’ Leasachadh Inbhir Nis mar Bhaile ‘Bàidheil ri Busaichean’

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/60/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invited Members to consider the Evaluation  on the Operation of Ardross Street as a temporary pick-up/drop-off point for coaches with a view to making the arrangement permanent. 

During a summary of the report, detailed information was provided on the review of the temporary solution which had been put in place in Ardross Street, consideration which had been undertaken of alternative locations and the proposal being put forward for the introduction of a permanent Traffic Order.

Details were also provided for a suggested new post of Coach Ambassador to be employed between April and October 2015 on a trial basis to act primarily as a liaison between the residents and businesses on Ardross Street and Coach Operators.     

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• there did not appear to be any other feasible locations so this proposal was welcomed;
• there was however concern about the impact on Ardross Street and there was a need for increased Police involvement in terms of enforcement of regulations where necessary;
• there was a need for more detailed information in regard to how the new proposals would operate, particularly in terms of whether there was to be any ‘waiting time’ allowed or whether Ardross Street would just be a ‘drop-off/pick-up’ location;
• there were concerns that to date coaches had been parked for considerable periods of time on Ardross Street and this was causing problems in the area;
• the proposed new role of ‘Coach Ambassador’ was welcomed as it was considered that this post could help to alleviate some of the problems which had been highlighted;
• consideration should be given as to whether it was feasible to locate coach stances in Bank Street, Huntly Street, the Bught Park area and/or other areas in close proximity to the City Centre as an alternative; and
• Ardross Street was an iconic street in the City and it was not ideal, not least in terms of tourism, to have coaches parked outside the front of the Cathedral.    

At this point, Mr I Brown seconded by Ms J Slater, MOVED that the recommendations within the report. 

As an AMENDMENT, Mr D Kerr, seconded by Miss J Campbell, moved that the item should be deferred to allow a more detailed report to be submitted to a future meeting. 

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 13 votes and the AMENDMENT received 6 votes with 1 abstention, and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:- 

For the Motion:

Brown, I; Caddick, C; Christie, A; Duffy, A; Gowans, K; Graham, A; Gray, J; MacLeod, K; McAllister, B; Parr, F; Prag, T; Slater, J; Wood, H

For the Amendment:

Balfour, R; Campbell, J; Crawford, J; Donald, N; Kerr, D; Ross, G

Abstention:

Laird, R

Thereafter, the Committee:- 

i.   APPROVED Ardross Street as the permanent Coach drop-off / pick-up solution for Inverness;
ii.   APPROVED the promotion of a permanent Traffic Order for Ardross Street;
iii.  NOTED that signage would be installed across the road network adjacent to the City;
iv.  NOTED that publicity would be produced promoting the use of Ardross Street as the Inverness City Coach Drop-Off / Pick-Up Location; and
v.   NOTED that an application would be made to the Inverness Common Good Fund Grant Sub-Committee to fund the recruitment of a Coach Ambassador. 

9. Proposed Addition to List of Roads          

a) Old Edinburgh Road to Temple Crescent
Seann Rathad Dhùn Èideann gu Corran an Teampaill  

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/61/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invited Members to recommend to the Community Services Committee adoption of the carriageway spur road which extended from Old Edinburgh Road to Temple Crescent.

The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Community Services Committee the adoption of the carriageway spur road fronting numbers 152 to 160 Old Edinburgh Road and 59 Temple Crescent as outlined in Appendix B to the report.  

b) Cycletrack and Footpath
Ceum-rothairean agus Ceum-coise

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/62/14 dated 14 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which invited Members to recommend to the Community Services Committee adoption of the following:-  

1.  Cycletrack from its junction with the Cul De Sac to Nos. 109 to 123 Ashton Road, Inverness to the U5227 (Ashton Road/Churchill Road conjunction to Beechwood Park North Footpath/Cyclepath)
2. Footpath and Steps from 1 above to the access footpath and steps to the Golden Bridge over the A9 Trunk Road.

The Committee AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the Community Services Committee the adoption of the cycletrack and footpath as outlined in Appendix B to the report.

10. Winter Maintenance Plan for 2014/15
Plana Cumail Suas a’ Gheamhraidh airson 2014/15 

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/63/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provided information on the Winter Maintenance preparations and arrangements for the 2014/15 Winter period for the area.

In this regard, detailed information was provided in relation to the current policy (which had been attached as Appendix 1), forecast/decision making, operatives, vehicles and plant, treatments, salt, provision of grit/salt bins, co-ordination and support for other Services, exceptional conditions and community self-help.  

During discussion, the importance of having sufficient resources, including footpath tractors, in place during bad weather periods was highlighted, as well as a programme for consulting with communities in this regard.   

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the Winter Maintenance Plans for the Inverness City and Area for 2014/15, which included the priority road maps as presented in Appendix B to the report.

11. Carbon CLEVER Update
Fios às Ùr mu Chàrbon CHIALLACH

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/64/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Head of Policy and Reform which provided Members with an update on a number of Carbon CLEVER projects which were under development or had been implemented in the Inverness area, including a feasibility study into the potential of an Inverness Car Club.

During a summary of the report, detailed information was provided on the feasibility study on the Car Club (which had been attached as Appendix 1 to the report) and updates provided on a number of Carbon CLEVER projects, including the Millburn Road Cycling Corridor, Carbon CLEVER cycles, the Energy Saving Expo, the Carbon CLEVER Conference, Community Grant Fund, Commonwealth Games Legacy Cycle Rack, LED Street Lighting and the Green Bus Fund.    

During discussion, Members expressed their thanks to Officers within the Carbon CLEVER team for the work which had been undertaken and particularly welcomed the proposals in regard to an Inverness Car Club which it was suggested could be of considerable benefit to the area. In this regard, it was agreed that both marketing and behavioural change would be crucial to any future benefits. 

Reference was also made to the introduction of the Carbon CLEVER bikes which had been very well received and it was suggested that consideration should be given to the provision of stances in Huntly Street if possible which would be especially useful during the tourist season.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.   AGREED that the Climate Change Team with stakeholders should develop a tender proposal in relation to an Inverness Car Club; and
ii.  NOTED the progress of the Carbon CLEVER projects in Inverness as detailed and as outlined in Section 3 of the report.

12. Primary School Roll Pressures in Inverness
Comasan Bun-Sgoiltean Inbhir Nis

Declaration of Interest – Mr K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that a family member attended Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.   

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/65/14 dated 21 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which identified some emerging issues as a result of increasing school rolls at Primary Schools in Inverness. 

In this regard, the purpose of the report was to highlight some of the further work which would be required to fully explore these matters and the types of solutions which would require further consideration.

During a summary of the report, information was provided in relation to Inverness City Primary Schools and the main pressures in the next five years were highlighted in regard to Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis, the Charleston Academy Associated School Group (ASG), Culloden Academy ASG, Inverness High ASG, Inverness Royal Academy ASG and Millburn Academy ASG.  

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• there was a need for further statistical information to come forward prior to detailed discussion being undertaken by Members and it was noted that this was in hand;
• discussion would be undertaken at Ward level and through the Education, Children and Adult Services Committee in the first instance in order to allow consideration of and feedback on proposals;
• as part of any future proposals, it should be recognised that general purpose areas within Schools were already fully utilised in many cases;
• in certain cases where there were significant pressures on School rolls, consideration should be given as to whether it might be more appropriate for the long term to build a new School as opposed to an annexe;
• this was about sustainability and priority had to be given to parents who had moved into an area and wished to place their child within a particular School;
• it was important that all options were considered in terms of future use of modular accommodation; and
• there was a need to consider planned and future housing schemes and developments and in this regard consideration should be given as to whether a full review of all Primary and Secondary Schools across the area was required.        

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:- 

i.  that work would continue in analysing the pressures affecting Primary Schools in Inverness as part of the Sustainable School Estate Review to allow the outcomes to be taken into account in any future review of the Council’s Capital Programme;
ii. that further consideration would be given to the measures required in relation to the immediate pressures affecting Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis as well as the longer term requirements for additional accommodation in order to meet the anticipated future demand for places; and
iii.that further discussion would take place with Head Teachers and at Ward level in order to keep Members fully updated. 

13. Education Scotland Reports – period November 2013 to October 2014
Aithisgean Sgrùdaidh Foghlam Alba – ùine Samhain 2013 gu Dàmhair 2014          

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/66/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided details on Education Scotland’s Inspections of Schools in the Area during the period November 2013 to October 2014.  

In this regard, specific and detailed information was provided in relation to the Cauldeen Primary School and Nursery Class and the Cannich Bridge Primary School and Nursery Class. Actions to be taken as a result of the inspections were also highlighted.  

During discussion, Members conveyed their thanks to the Head Teachers of both Schools and in particular to the retired Head Teacher from Cauldeen Primary School, Mr G Glass, for the reports which had been received. 

It was noted that a further inspection would be undertaken in relation to Cannich Bridge Primary School which had been going through a transition period at the time of the inspection and that further details on this would follow if necessary.        

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the terms of the report as circulated and the proposed actions to be taken.

14. Housing Performance Report – 1 April 2014 to 30 September 2014
Aithisgean Foghlam Alba – 1 Giblean 2014 gu 30 Sultain 2014                

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/67/14 dated 17 November 2014 by the Director of Community Services which provided information on how the Housing Section had performed in relation to the Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first half of 2014/15.  

In this regard, detailed information was provided on Repairs, Tenancy Management, Rent Arrears and Homelessness/Homeless Prevention. 

The Committee NOTED the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April to 30 September 2014 as circulated.  

15. Inverness Chamber of Commerce
Seòmar Malairt Inbhir Nis 

Members were advised that discussions had taken place involving Mr A Christie, the Inverness City Manager and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce regarding the nomination of Mr Christie to the Board for the term of this Council.

In this regard, it was confirmed that it had become clear that the Chamber of Commerce was not able to accept third-party nominees in this manner and so regretfully Mr Christie was unable to take up his post. However, all parties had  agreed that this would not hinder the on-going relationship between the Council and the Chamber of Commerce.  

The Committee NOTED the position as detailed.

16. Inverness Common Good Fund    
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis  

a) Review of Investment Strategy and Capital Planning – Progress Report
Ath-sgrùdadh air Ro-innleachd Tasgaidh agus Dealbhadh Calpa – Aithisg Adhartais  

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/68/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Director of Development and Infrastructure which confirmed the position of the Inverness Common Good Fund in relation to its ability to meet the commitments set out in separate reports on the Town House Works and the refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness.

The context of these contracts with regard to the work of the City Task Force had also been provided. 

The Committee NOTED:- 

i.   the recommendations made on the Town House Works contract and the contract for the refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street when considering relevant reports; and
ii.  that further reports would be presented to formulate a specific strategy for the Fund. 

b) Inverness Town House Works Programme, High Street, Inverness
Prògram Obraichean Talla a’ Bhaile, An Àrd-Shràid, Inbhir Nis 

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/69/14 dated 20 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Manager which sought approval to proceed to contract award to carry out comprehensive fabric works to the Town House, including full stone repairs and replacement, mortar re-pointing, roof repairs, rainwater goods renewal and window repairs and replacements.

The Committee AGREED in principle - subject to full Council agreement - that work be done to:-

i.   proceed to contract award for the repairs outlined in Phase 1 at a cost of  £1,196,730.27;
ii.   proceed to tender for Phases 2 & 3 in years 2015 and 2016 with a total estimated project cost of £4,200,000 for all three phases; and
iii.  proceed with third party funding applications with Historic Scotland.

As agreed at the start of the meeting, following item was considered in private at the meeting.

c) Refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness
1-5 Sràid na h-Eaglaise – Ath-leasachadh Oifis

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/70/14 dated 19 November 2014 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Manager which sought approval to proceed to contract award to carry out a full internal refurbishment and external façade replacement in relation to 1-5 Church Street, Inverness.

Following discussion, the Committee AGREED in principle - subject to full Council agreement - that work be done to proceed to contract award for refurbishment as outlined in the report at a cost of £1,867,119.

It was also AGREED that a further report in this regard should be submitted to the full Council on 18 December on the basis that discussion would also be undertaken in private at that meeting.

d) Annual Report 2013/14
Fìor Shuidheachadh Buidseit 2013/14

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/71/14 dated 19 November 2014 by the Director of Finance and the Inverness City Manager which presented the audited accounts for the Financial Year 2013/14. 

The Committee NOTED the Inverness Common Good Fund Annual Report for 2013/14 as presented.

e) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/72/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which presented the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as at 30 September 2014 and the projected year end position.

The Committee NOTED the financial monitoring report as presented.

f) Grant and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

Declarations of Interest – the following Members declared non-financial interests in the following item but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude their involvement in the discussion –

Miss J Campbell – Member of Merkinch Centre Management Board and Director of Inverness and District Friends of ARMS
Mrs G Sinclair – Chair of Inverness Women’s Aid
Mr K MacLeod – Board Member of Merkinch Enterprise 

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/73/14 dated 18 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which set out the current applications for grant funding to be determined and the current status of capital projects. 

In this connection, there had also been circulated a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet A. 

The Committee AGREED the current grant applications for funding as follows – 

• Highland Rugby Club - £10,000; and
• Merkinch Community Centre - £15,000 (subject to match funding being approved by the Resources Committee from the Capital Discretionary Fund).

The Committee also APPROVED expenditure of £15,000 towards replacing the Town House Car Park Barriers.

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

The Committee RESOLVED that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of Item 16(h) 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.

h) Inverness Common Good Account Sites and Premises Transaction ReportLàraich Chunntasan agus Aithisg Gnothachais Thogalaichean Maoin Math Choitcheann Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/74/14 dated 11 November 2014 by the Head of Property Partnerships which summarised 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 NOTED Inverness Common Good transactions approved by the Head of Property Partnerships, under delegated powers, during the period from 13 June 2013 to 10 October 2014 and the position regarding the tenant rent roll.

17. Street Naming – New Housing Development off Balloan Road, Hilton, Inverness
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachadh Ùr Taigheadais far Rathad Bhaile an Lòin, Baile a’ Chnuic, Inbhir Nis

The Committee HOMOLOGATED the decision by the Inverness City Manager to name a new street “Balloan Gardens” which had been agreed at an Inverness Ness-side Ward Business Meeting and following consultation with the Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather Community Council. 

18. Inverness Ness-side Ward Discretionary Funding
Maoineachadh fo Ùghdarras Uàrd Taobh Nis Inbhir Nis

The Committee APPROVED expenditure over £10k for Ward Projects as follows:-

i.   Play Equipment for Balloan Road play area - £20,845.90; and
ii.  Inverness Royal Academy – Sustrans Safer Routes to School Implementation Fund.  Ward contribution - £25,000.  

19. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings as follows:-

i.   City of Inverness Area Committee held on 2 September 2014 – NOTED;
ii.  Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 29 August 2014 – APPROVED;
iii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 17 October 2014 – APPROVED; and
iv.  Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 10 November 2014 – APPROVED – subject to the following correction –
Item 7 – Civic Hospitality Requests - Financial Declaration of Interest made at the meeting by Mr A Graham had been on the grounds of being an employee of Bord Na Gaidhlig.

The meeting ended at 4.30pm.