Agendas, reports and minutes

A meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee will take place in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Thursday, 5 March 2015 at 10.30am.

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

Business

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. Police – Area Performance Summary 
Poilis – Geàrr-chunntas an Dèanadais Sgìreil

There is circulated Report No. CIA/1/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Inverness Area Commander which provides a local summary update on progress with reference to the local priorities within the Highland 2014-2017 Policing Plan.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise and discuss the progress report in relation to the five priorities – Road Safety, Alcohol and Drug Abuse/Misuse, Anti-Social Behaviour/Disorder, Crimes of Dishonesty and Protecting People.

4. Scottish Fire and Rescue Area Committee Performance Report 2014/15
Plana agus Aithisg Dèanadais Comataidh Sgìreil na Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn airson 2014/15  

There is circulated Report No. CIA/2/15 dated 13 February 2015 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue which details Fire and Rescue Service performance against the key areas of planned activity identified during the Ward consultation sessions.  

In this regard, activity areas were identified through a range of Intervention, Prevention and Protection activities delivered in partnership to reduce risk to the communities in the City of Inverness Area. 

The Committee is invited to comment and scrutinise the Area Performance Report as detailed.

5. Inverness Community Safety Partnership – City Centre 2014/15 –Evaluation Report 
Com-pàirteachas Sàbhailteachd Coimhearsnachd Inbhir Nis – Meadhan a’ Bhaile 2014/15 – Aithisg Mheasaidh

There is circulated Report No. CIA/3/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Inverness City Manager which provides an update on the progress with developing Operation Respect – City Centre for the Winter Festival period for 2014/15.  

The Committee is invited to note the evaluation available to date and the effectiveness of Operation Respect – City Centre for Winter 2014/15.

6. Public Space Amenity – Inverness Response Team                         
Goireas Àrainn Phoblaich – Sgioba Freagairt Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/4/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Inverness City Manager and Chief Superintendent of the Highland and Island Division, Police Scotland, which provides an update on the progress of the Inverness Community Safety Partnership initiative, namely the Inverness Response Team, designed to address local public space amenity issues on a daily basis.

The Committee is invited to note the success of the trial to date and the willingness of agencies to continue working jointly to address anti-social behaviour.

The Committee is also invited to agree to support the work of the Inverness Response Team as it develops further.    

7.Inverness Townscape Heritage Project 
Pròiseact Dualchais Cruth-baile airson Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis Ath- bheothachadh

There is circulated Report No. CIA/5/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines progress that has been made during the development phase of the Inverness Townscape Heritage project and also the proposed governance and management arrangements for the project.

The Committee is invited to:-

(i)   note progress with the preparation of the Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 2 Townscape Heritage bid; and
(ii)  agree delegated powers to the Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the City Leader, to agree the detail of the Stage 2 Town House Heritage application and submit to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

8. Update on Key City Centre Initiatives and the Inverness City Centre Development Brief 
Cunntas as Ùr mu Bhrath Leasachaidh Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis agus  Prìomh Phròiseactan Meadhan Baile

There is circulated Report No. CIA/6/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which highlights ongoing investment, fund raising and activity to address key priorities identified in the recent public consultation on the City Centre, including the development of tourism and cultural facilities, improvements to City Centre access and connections and the regeneration of Academy Street. 

The Committee is invited to:-

(i)    note progress on the delivery of City Centre initiatives, including investment and fund raising to develop cultural and tourism facilities, improve access and connections and regenerate Academy Street;
(ii)   approve the delivery of a pilot project aimed at achieving a better balance between vehicle movement and pedestrians on Academy Street which will be funded by a grant of £12k from the Scottish Government; and
(iii)  approve the timetable for publishing the updated Inverness City Centre Development Brief as set out in Paragraph 7.3 of the report.   

9. Draft Inverness Old Town Conservation Area Management Plan 
Pròiseact Dualchais Cruth-baile airson Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis Ath- bheothachadh

There is circulated Report No. CIA/7/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provides details of the draft Inverness Old Town Conservation Area Management Plan.

The Committee is invited to approve the draft Area Management Plan for public release and consultation to inform a final version for later approval and formal adoption.

10. Culloden Muir Conservation Area Designation, Character Appraisal and Management Plan 
Tiotal, Measadh Caractar agus Plana Rianachd Sgìre Ghlèidhteachais Blàr Chùil Lodair

There is circulated Report No. CIA/8/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure on the Culloden Muir Conservation Area Designation, Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

The Committee is invited to agree to further public consultation on the proposal for a revised conservation area designation at Culloden Muir.

The Committee is also invited to approve the draft Culloden Muir Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for public release and consultation to inform a final version for later approval and formal adoption. 

11. Attracting Business Tourism/Conferences to Inverness 
Taic-airgid VisitScotland/Co-labhairt – Cunntas as Ùr

There is circulated Report No. CIA/9/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Inverness City Manager which provides background on activity undertaken and proposed to attract Business Tourism and Conferences to Inverness, including the operation of the Subvention Policy which is supported by Inverness Common Good Fund. 

The Committee is invited to:-

(i)    note the roles of the main players and the benefits that Conference business can bring to Inverness and its businesses;
(ii)   approve the recommendations on future subvention funding as detailed in Section 3.4 of the report; and
(iii)  agree that an approach to the Inverness Common Good Fund for funding of up to £20,000 per annum to support continuing the above activities would be viewed favourably, subject to compliance with the governance standards set for the consideration of these applications. This would include the TBID providing full details of, and a proposed budget for, the range of activities proposed.  

12. Viewing Platform, North Tower, Inverness Castle                        
Àrd-ùrlar Seallaidh, An Tùr a Tuath, Caisteal Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/10/15 dated 12 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Manager which seeks approval to gain the necessary funding to undertake the alteration/refurbishment works to create two viewing platforms, shop and access arrangements to the North Tower, Inverness Castle.

The Committee is invited to approve the Common Good Fund investment in the measures outlined in this report to carry out the alteration/refurbishment of the North Tower, Inverness Castle.   

13. Deprived Area Fund 2015/16 
Maoin Sgìre Bhochd 2015/16

There is circulated Report No. CIA/11/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which sets out the applications received for the Deprived Area Funds for 2015/16 and the background to the Fund, together with a summary of applications, the assessments and funding recommendations with reasons stated.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

(i) that decisions on any proposals for the use of any remainder of the Fund in 2014/15 should be remitted to the City Manager in consultation with the City Leader and Chair of the Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee, following assessment;
(ii) the recommendations of the Common Good Sub-Committee for the Deprived Area Fund 2015/16 as detailed in the report; and
(iii) that decisions on any proposals for the use of any remainder of the Fund in 2015/16 should be remitted to the City Manager in consultation with the City Leader and Chair of the Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee following assessment.

14. Landfill Communities Fund 
Maoin Choimhearsnachdan Tiodhlacaidh Sgudail
 
There is circulated Report No. CIA/12/15 dated 28 January 2015 by the Director of Community Services which invites approval of an application for Highland Council Landfill Community funding.

The Committee is invited to approve the application as detailed.

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

There is circulated Report No. CIA/13/15 dated 5 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which invites approval of a project delivered through the Scottish Government funding for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets for the City of Inverness area.

The Committee is invited to:-

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

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

There is circulated Report No. CIA/14/15 dated 23 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which provides an update on the progress made in respect of the decision taken by the Committee at the last meeting in December.  

The Committee is invited to approve:-

(i) Ardross Street as the permanent Coach drop-off/pick-up solution for Inverness;
(ii) the promotion of a Temporary Traffic Order for Ardross Street from 1 April 2015; and
(iii) the promotion of a permanent Traffic Order for Ardross Street.  

17. Application to European Green Leaf Award 

Members are advised that at the end of March 2015, the Council will submit an application to the European Green Leaf Award for Inverness, in collaboration with internal and external partners. This application will highlight the commitment and progress Inverness has made towards becoming a sustainable city.

In this regard, there is circulated Report No. CIA/15/15 dated 23 February 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which provides an overview of the application, as well as the topics covered under the six sections of the application.

The Committee is invited to note that:-

(i) the Council is submitting an application for Inverness to be considered for the new  European Green Leaf award; and
(ii) a draft of the application will be circulated by email to Members for any comments prior to the deadline of 30 March 2015.

18. Inverness High School Associated School Group Overview 
Sealladh Coitcheann air Buidheann Sgoiltean

There is circulated Report No. CIA/16/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides an update of key information in relation to the schools within the Inverness High School Associated School Group (ASG) and useful updated links to further information in relation to these schools.

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

19. Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 31 December 2014 
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2014
 
There is circulated Report No. CIA/17/15 dated 11 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on how the Housing Section performed in relation to the Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first nine months of 2014/15.

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

20. Inverness Common Good Fund 
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) City Events and Festivals – Review of 2014 Events and Proposals for 2015
Tachartasan agus Fèisean a’ Bhaile – Ath-sgrùdadh air Tachartasan 2014 agus Molaidhean airson 2015

There is circulated Report No. CIA/18/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Inverness City Manager which provides an update on the 2014/15 Events and Festivals Programme and previews the 2015/16 Events and Festivals Programme.

The Committee is invited to:-

(i) note the activities staged in the second half of 2014;
(ii) endorse the activities of the Events and Festivals Working Group and confirm that the activity meets with the aims and objectives of the Inverness Events and Festivals Action Plan; and
(iii) agree the Events and Festivals proposed programme and budget of £320,000 for 2015/16.

b) Budget Setting for 2015/16 and Capital Programme
Suidheachadh Buidseat airson 2015/16

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/19/15 dated 20 February 2015 by the Director of Finance and the Inverness City Manager which invites Members to set the Revenue Budget for the Inverness Common Fund for the financial year 2015/16.

The Committee is invited to agree:-

(i) the Common Good Fund budget for 2015/16 as detailed within the report;
(ii) to develop detailed cash flow forecasts for major project expenditure to permit the most appropriate investment exit strategy to be agreed with the Fund Manager;
(iii) to maintain a general reserve of £2m and reallocate the remaining uncommitted sum of £1.6m to a Property Investment Fund; and
(iv) to note that Officers will continue to monitor projected cash flow for the Common Good Fund, in particular through the Capital Projects Monitoring Report, with an emphasis on the utilisation of surplus revenue either within projects or as an opportunity for investment.  

c) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There is circulated Report No. CIA/20/15 dated 18 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which presents the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as of 31 January 2015 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to note the terms of the financial monitoring report as presented.

d) Grants and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

There is circulated Report No. CIA/21/15 dated 11 February 2015 by the Inverness City Manager which sets out the current applications for grant 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.

The Committee is invited to:-

(i) consider the applications for funding;
(ii) approve the amendment of the grant award from an annual waiver of rent to a one-off grant of £9,500; and
(iii) scrutinise the current status of capital projects. 

21. Minutes  
Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes are circulated for noting or approval as appropriate:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 2 December 2014 for noting (pp.224-238);
ii. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 9 February 2015 for approval (pp.239-249); and
iii. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 27 January and 27 February 2015 for approval (will follow).