Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Thursday, 5 March 2015 at 10.30 am.

Present:

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

Officials in Attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Planning and Infrastructure
Ms C McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Reform, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr A Webster, Regeneration Adviser, Development and Infrastructure
Mr M MacLeod, Head of Planning and Building Standards, Development and Infrastructure
Ms K Hawthorne, Conservation Officer, Development and Infrastructure
Mr J Kelman, Principal Project Manager, Development and Infrastructure
Mr C Simpson, Tourism Co-ordinator, Development and Infrastructure
Mr B MacKinnon, Employability Team Leader, Development and Infrastructure
Mr N Young, Transport Planning Officer, Community Services
Ms G Cassells, Policy Officer, Climate Change, Chief Executive's Office
Ms T Urry, Area Community Services Manager (Inverness)
Mr G Reynolds, Inverness Events Manager
Ms L MacLennan, Townscape Heritage Strategic Project Officer, Planning and Infrastructure Service
Ms U Lee, Project Officer, Development and Infrastructure 
Mr J Rutter, Headteacher, Inverness High School
Mr P Finlayson, Quality Improvement Officer, Care and Learning
Mr S Wardlaw, Ward Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr D Robertson, Head of Accounting, Finance Service
Mrs L Dunn, Principal Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service
Miss J Maclennan, Principal Committee Administrator, Corporate Development Service

Also in attendance:

Inspector J MacDonald, Police Scotland
Mr J Macdonald Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
Mr F Nixon, Group Manager, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
Mr M Raeburn, Inverness BID, Community Safety Partnership

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, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the City and Area Gritting teams for their commitment and hard work in keeping the roads and pavements clear and safe through a long, and at times, extreme winter.  He was also pleased to inform Members that Skills Development Scotland had signed a lease for a property in Church Street, Inverness.  This was an exciting development for both Inverness and Scotland.

Concern was also expressed, in relation to the Timetable of Meetings for 2015, that City of Inverness Area Committee meetings had moved to Thursdays.  This change had not been highlighted to Members and clarification was sought as to the reasons for the change of day.  It was explained that the Timetable of Meetings had been agreed by the Highland Council and changes to dates required their approval.

Mr D Kerr, with the Chairman’s consent, apologised for his conduct at the Committee meeting held on 2 December 2014.  In this connection, as this related to the discussion relating to Developing Inverness as a “Coach Friendly” City, referred to at Item 16 of the Agenda, he pointed out the need for reports to contain accurate information.

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr A Graham, Mr A Duffy, Mr J Ford, Mrs G Sinclair and Mrs K Stephen.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 7 – Mr J Gray, Mr D Kerr and Mr R Laird (all non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr J Gray, Mr D Kerr and Mr K MacLeod (non-financial)
Item 9 – Mr J Gray and Mr D Kerr (non-financial)
Item 11 – Mr I Brown and Mr T Prag (non-financial)
Item 12 – Mr T Prag (non-financial)
Item 13 – Mr A Christie (financial) and Miss J Campbell, Mr R Laird, Mrs B McAllister and Mr K MacLeod (all non-financial)
Item 15 – Mr H Wood (non-financial)
Item 19 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 20a – Mr R A C Balfour and Mr H Wood (non- financial)
Item 20d – Mr I Brown (non-financial)
Item 21ii - Mr D Kerr (non-financial)

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

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

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and raised the following issues:-

• in relation to Operation Respect, clarification was sought regarding the use of Ferroguard Pole metal detection systems in 2014.  It was confirmed that information would be provided to Mr R Laird in that regard;
• with regard to the Festive Drink/Drug Initiative 2014, information was requested on the number of drivers caught under the influence as a percentage of the number stopped.  In response, it was confirmed that figures
• would be provided to Mrs C Caddick and included in future performance reports;
• the crime performance figures were, overall, encouraging;
• the reduction in journey times for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on the A9 as a result of increasing the HGV speed limit on dual carriageways was welcomed;
• reference was made to new measures to test drivers for drugs and information was sought on whether they were in use in Highland;
• further information was requested, and provided, on what Driving Ambition events entailed;
• in relation to the i6 Project, it was important to ensure that policing processes reflected the specific needs of individual communities;
• reference was made to vacant policing posts in the Aird and Loch Ness Ward and a timescale was sought as to when a full complement of staff would be in place;
• concern was expressed regarding speeding in the small villages surrounding Inverness and it would be helpful if the overall number of speeding detections could be broken down to give an indication of activity in such areas.  The importance of stopping and charging offenders was emphasised and a greater police presence in villages was sought.  In response, it was confirmed that the number of speeding detections could be broken down by Ward in future reports;
• concern was expressed that the report did not cover parking and reference was made to issues in the City Centre, particularly the Police’s handling of overnight buses on Ardross Street, displacement parking in residential areas and parking permits not being checked.  The tourist season was approaching and urgent action was required.  It was suggested that a Senior Police Officer be invited to attend the next Inverness Central Ward Business Meeting or that a report be presented to the next meeting of the Committee;
• the significant reduction in examples of excessive speeding as a result of the average speed cameras on the A9 was welcomed and anecdotal evidence regarding the driving experience was positive.  However, information was sought on whether there was any substance to the claims that side roads were being used as “rat runs”; and
• many homeless people also had serious drug problems and information was requested on how that was being dealt with and whether there was more that could be done.

The Inverness Area Commander having responded to the issues raised, the Committee NOTED 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; and AGREED that:-

i.   future reports include information on the number of drivers caught under the influence as a percentage of the total number stopped and the number of speeding detections broken down by Ward; and
ii.  a Senior Police Officer be invited to attend the next Inverness Central Ward Business Meeting to discuss parking issues.

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 had been circulated Report No. CIA/2/15 dated 13 February 2015 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue which detailed Fire and Rescue Service performance against the key areas of planned activity identified during the Ward consultation sessions.  Activity areas had been 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 report also included a briefing paper on the review of specialist equipment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• concern was expressed regarding deliberate false alarms and information was sought on whether they were recorded and what plans were in place to address the issue.  It would be helpful to carry out an analysis of the time spent on such matters by public safety services and for it to be used in court proceedings;
• in relation to deliberate fires, information was sought on whether there were any trends and what liaison arrangements were in place in relation to the recent spate;
• concern was expressed regarding staff availability in some areas, particularly Cannich, although availability in other rural areas was welcomed.  Information was requested on recruitment, how many days/nights pumps were off the run and the impact on the existing retained staff.  In response, it was confirmed that more detailed information, including day, night and weekend availability, would be provided to Mr F Parr;
• the Inverness area accounted for 57% of unwanted fire alarm signals in Highland and information was sought on the reasons for that;
• information was requested on the number of people attending fire setting courses;
• tribute was paid to retained fire fighters and the valuable contribution they made to local communities;
• clarification was sought in relation to Inverness Wholetime availability and whether this had ever been less than 100%;
• the provision of a new fire engine in Cannich was welcomed;
• the need for specific training rather than a broad-brush approach was emphasised; and
• the clear, informative report was welcomed and commended to others as a helpful style of reporting.

In responding to the issues raised, the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue confirmed that recruitment was actively taking place and sought the assistance of the Committee in raising the profile of the recruitment campaign, which was targeted at the stations most in need.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the Area Performance Report and the briefing paper on the review of specialist equipment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

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

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and raised the following issues:-

• much of the work involved was the responsibility of the Police and  information was sought on how much of the £95,000 contribution by Police Scotland was additionality.  In response, it was confirmed that the full amount was in addition to existing resources and information on the number of officers it equated to would be provided to Mr D Kerr;
• in relation to taxi marshals, the report lacked basic statistics and information was sought on why taxi firms were not contributing to the costs;
• information was requested on the contribution of Crimestoppers to the operation;
• whilst welcoming the scheme, which was a good example of partnership working, more raw data was required in future reports;
• in relation to street pastors, an explanation of diversionary activities was sought; and
• the provision of the specific Safe Zone van was welcomed although Members questioned why disassociation from the Police increased the number of people visiting it.

The Committee NOTED 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 had been 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 provided 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.

During discussion, Members welcomed the report and raised the following issues:-

• the multi-agency operation meant that issues were now being addressed in a much more joined-up way and Members commended all those involved;
• information was sought, and provided, on the point at which additional agencies became involved in anti-social behaviour cases and whether complainants received feedback;
• reference was made to instances of anti-social behaviour, especially on Saturdays when patrons frequented bars in the City Centre.  This could be intimidating to families and visitors and, whilst it might not be deemed serious enough to report, had a detrimental impact.  It was recognised that this was a multi-agency issue and there was also a role for the Licensing Board;
• Inverness was a tourist city and it was necessary to change the culture;
• information was sought on the number of respondents to the survey carried out on the Inverness Response Team; and
• the remit of the Response Team appeared to be expanding to cover wider anti-social behaviour issues and, if success could be demonstrated through monitoring, there was potential for it to include all anti-social behaviour issues in Inverness.  Anti-social behaviour had a significant impact on local communities and both the Council’s housing staff and housing associations were encouraged to report incidents.

The Committee NOTED the success of the trial to date and the willingness of agencies to continue working jointly to address anti-social behaviour and also AGREED:-

i.   to support the work of the Inverness Response Team as it developed further; and
ii.  that future reports include information on how the wider problem of anti-social behaviour was being addressed and how success was being measured.

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

Declarations of Interest – Mr J Gray and Mr D Kerr declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds of being Members of Inverness City Heritage Trust and Mr R Laird on the grounds of being the Chair of the Townscape Steering Group 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/5/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlined progress that had been made during the development phase of the Inverness Townscape Heritage project and also the proposed governance and management arrangements for the project. It was pointed out that the consultation event at the Ironworks had in fact taken place on 22 January 2015, not 29 January as stated in the report.

During discussion, Members welcomed the progress on the project and made the following comments:-

• to encourage maximum participation, sufficient warning and reminders should be given for the Members’ workshop planned for April/May 2015.  To emphasise its importance, it was also suggested that Members’ agreement to hold the workshop, in the absence of a City of Inverness Area Committee meeting prior to the submission deadline, should be added to the recommendations in the report;
• while acknowledging the considerable complexities and expense required to convert the upper storeys of some buildings into residential accommodation, creative and flexible solutions to the use of this space were required;
• renovation of the fabric of the buildings was the key element of the project. Other issues, such as traffic flows and road designations would be dealt with separately;
• engagement with the public, especially local residents and businesses, was vital and should be promoted in an imaginative manner;
• it was hoped that plans for the future of Inverness Railway Station would be made public in the near future;
• a phased approach to work on Academy Street was urged to minimise pedestrian disruption;
• improved communication between multiple owners of a building was sought; and
• as there was no Community Council for the area, local Members should be consulted on the final draft of the Stage 2 application.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED progress with the preparation of the Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 2 Townscape Heritage bid;
ii.   AGREED, in the absence of a City of Inverness Area Committee meeting before the submission deadline, that a workshop(s) be held during April/May for City of Inverness Area Members to help inform the final shape of the application; and
iii.  AGREED 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

Declarations of Interest - Mr J Gray, Mr D Kerr and Mr K MacLeod declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds of being Members of Inverness City Heritage Trust 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/6/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which highlighted 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. 

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• concern was expressed at remarks that had appeared in local press reports suggesting that there was no masterplan for Inverness, when in fact there was and it was being actioned.  Attention was urged on the finer detail of the plan, for example identifying the particular needs of individual streets;
• both the prospect of the Court moving out of the Castle and the renovation of the train station were interesting, if medium to long term, opportunities for improvement;
• the collective funding from the Highland Council and the Inverness Common Good Fund of £11.5m for various initiatives was welcomed;
• disappointment was expressed that insufficient bin storage had been put in place in the City Centre.  The plethora of bins could be an eyesore and occasionally block fire escape routes. Possible solutions included daily uplifts of bagged waste and use of communal bins;
• the Castle grounds required additional maintenance and policing to bring them up to an acceptable standard;
• the place-making plans were welcomed and it was hoped would include opening up the Station Square for through traffic, as it had been previously;
• a parking strategy was required, especially in view of the flatted developments that were being approved without adequate parking facilities and the limited spaces available in Rose Street car park;
• Bank Street coach parking should be reintroduced to avoid coaches dropping off/picking up in loading bays in the City Centre;
• clarification was sought on the timetable for the Inverness City Centre Development Brief;
• gratitude was expressed on behalf of the Inverness District Trades Union Council for assistance from the City Arts Working Group with the Workers Memorial;
• attention was drawn to the Children’s Feature which was to be added to the list of City Arts commissions and was to be funded from existing budgets. It was likely to be an informative and fun interactive water feature;
• several Members expressed concern at the rise in parking charges that had been agreed by the Highland Council and the detrimental impact this was likely to have on the footfall in the City Centre.  Attention was drawn to the number of people who travelled by car from elsewhere in the Highlands to make use of services in Inverness;
• housing should be the first priority when redevelopment of the upper floors of City Centre buildings was being considered, acknowledging, however, the cost constraints of this. It was confirmed that discussions were underway between Building Standards and various contractors to try to bring down the cost of conversion to residential use;
• information was sought by Mr Crawford from the Director on the uptake of electric bicycles which had cost £15k to purchase;
• it was explained that around 15,000 bikes had already been recorded by a digital cycle counter on the designated cycle route on Millburn Road in recent months;
• Inverness East Church on Academy Street would be enhanced if it was cleaned and it was hoped that any grants available for this would be signposted, if known;
• it was disappointing that the Planning Office was not to be relocated to the City Centre;
• confirmation that a pedestrian crossing was to be created beside Strothers Lane was welcomed;
• Reliance security vans should be asked to park less visibly at the Castle but additional disabled parking was required;
• bus lanes and taxi ranks in the City Centre would benefit from being streamlined; and
• a Dutch scheme to encourage young people to redevelop flatted accommodation themselves was recommended to the Director for his consideration.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED 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.   APPROVED 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;
iii.  APPROVED 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

Declarations of Interest - Mr J Gray and Mr D Kerr declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds of being Members of Inverness City Heritage Trust 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/7/15 dated 16 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which provided details of the draft Inverness Old Town Conservation Area Management Plan.

During discussion, Members expressed concern at the possibility of two separate consultations on Inverness Conservation Areas and it was clarified that priority was being given to an existing conservation area, which had been designated since around 1974 and for which there was a statutory obligation to review.  A new designated area was being proposed for the West side of the River Ness which incorporated Merkinch, but due to capacity issues it was not being progressed in the immediate future, there being around 30 already designated areas which required review.

The Committee APPROVED 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 had been 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.

During discussion, Members praised the work that had been undertaken on the designation and raised the following issues:-

• the condition of the battlefield was much improved on previous years and it was important to protect the visitor experience, both for tourists and for those visiting the battlefield as a war grave;
• confirmation was given that six weeks was the usual consultation period, after which the Plan would go to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee for formal approval on 3 June 2015. The Scottish Government would be informed but their input was not essential to the Plan’s adoption;
• dismay was expressed at the use of the word ‘Muir’, rather than the more traditional ‘Moor.’ It was hoped this would be addressed during the consultation period and several examples of the local use of ‘moor’ were cited;
• it was acknowledged that the designation did not prevent development, but helped to manage appropriate development; and
• other sources of historical research, including the options appraisal by Bradley Williams, an overseas student, would be included on the Council’s website as supporting documentation during the consultation process.

The Committee:-

i.    AGREED to further public consultation on the proposal for a revised conservation area designation at Culloden Muir; and
ii.   APPROVED 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

Declarations of Interest – Mr I Brown declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Director of both the City and Tourism BID, and Mr T Prag declared a non-financial interest as a member of the Board of Eden Court, but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

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

During discussion, Members praised the activity undertaken to date and raised the following issues:-

• the opportunity to continue match funding conference delegates from the Inverness Common Good Fund was welcomed, in recognition of the additional money spent by delegates brought to the City and Area. It was
• hoped that conference delegates might return to the area for leisure visits;
• it was important to attract conferences of all sizes, not only the larger ones, and where possible outwith the main tourist season. One drawback of Eden Court as a venue was that it tended to be busier during off-peak seasons, and quieter during their height of summer, when fewer bed spaces were available for conference delegates;
• Members queried whether Eden Court was more or less expensive than other venues with similar capacity, taking into account the need for additional equipment hire costs at other venues;
• clarification was received that the £20,000 of funding being sought from the Inverness Common Good Fund, and recommended in the report for approval, was a continuation for up to three years of funding that had already been agreed for the Tourism BID to undertake work to attract conferences to Inverness, much of which was long-term in nature;
• it was queried whether the reported £43,000 underspend on the Subvention Conference and Grants budget for 2014/15 could be used to fund the further two years of the Tourism BID;
• many hotels in rural areas around Inverness were suitable for conferences and were easily accessible with appropriate transport;
• community schools and centres were suggested as possible lower-cost conference venues, although it was acknowledged that one of the aims of the projects was to attract business to the private sector;
• the ability of Inverness to compete for conferences against other cities was hindered by the capacity of the A9 and the high cost and infrequency of flights, to London in particular. Action on these issues was urged; and
• Members offered help with hospitality events if required.

The Committee:-

i.    NOTED the roles of the main players and the benefits that Conference business could bring to Inverness and its businesses;
ii.   APPROVED the recommendations on future subvention funding as detailed in Section 3.4 of the report; and
iii.  AGREED 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

Declaration of Interest - Mr T Prag declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Board Member of the Highlanders Museum, 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 Joint Report No. CIA/10/15 dated 12 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Manager which sought 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.

During discussion, Members welcomed the proposal for both tourists and local people and made the following comments:

• the proposal represented an important step in realising the access potential for Inverness Castle and it was hoped that there would be similar speedy progress in bringing the proposal to fruition in partnership with other agencies for this to be a major attraction for Inverness;
• there had already been significant public money spent on the building over recent years to create suitable office accommodation and on the round tower and information.  This raised public accountability issues and information was sought on how much these works had amounted to;
• on the displacement of staff from existing office accommodation clarification was sought on where would they be relocated to and at what cost;
• the report made no reference to a Business Plan in support of the application for funding from the Inverness Common Good Fund and it was queried whether High Life Highland was preparing one.  In particular, it was unclear how estimates of visitor numbers had been reached and it was expected this information should form part of a Business Plan;
• the development proposal raised the opportunity to maximise visitor footfall to the neighbouring Inverness Museum but no mention had been made of this;
• it was unclear what kind of displays might be erected in the Castle building and it was queried whether this had been considered yet;
• Castle Hill itself was a superb viewing platform and it was queried whether Historic Scotland might have concerns with the proposal;
• although forecast visitor numbers were high at 26,500, this only represented 3% of the annual tourist visitor numbers to the city and it was hoped that ambitions could be higher;
• further information was sought on arrangements and materials that would be used for safety balustrades; and
  it was welcomed that disabled access could be possible to some parts, although not all, of the tower; and
• further clarification was sought on timescales for the viewing platform to be operational.

Thereafter, the Committee:

i.    APPROVED the Common Good Fund investment in the measures outlined in the report to carry out the alteration/refurbishment of the North Tower, Inverness Castle; and
ii.   AGREED that information on the costs of previous works on the Castle building and the Business Plan for the development including estimates on visitor numbers and the levels to be charged for entry fees be circulated to the Committee.

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

Declarations of Interest -

The following Members declared non-financial interests in relation to this 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 -

Mr R Laird and Mrs B McAllister - Chair and Board Member respectively of the Merkinch Partnership
Miss J Campbell and Mr K MacLeod - Board Members of Merkinch Enterprise

and

Although Mr A Christie had previously declared a financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being General Manager of Inverness and Badenoch and Strathspey Citizen’s Advice Bureau, he was not present during this part of the meeting.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/11/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which set 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.

During consideration of the applications, Members expressed a range of differing views as follow:

• it was hoped that further consideration could be given to the application by Merkinch Enterprise IT Training which had a score against criteria of 21/30.  This was the second highest scoring application but was not recommended for funding.  Merkinch Enterprise provided a wide range of services and it was feared that both the organisation and its projects would be at risk without some financial support.  It was proposed that some level of funding be provided from the unallocated balance for the coming year;
• the IT training offered by Merkinch Enterprise was now also available from other providers and it was feared that there might be duplication.  The organisation had received substantial sums from the Council and on this basis it was deemed appropriate to wait until the situation with transitional funding had been resolved.  Making additional part fund payments would reduce the Council’s ability to address smaller applications from remaining unallocated funds which it was proposed would be delegated to the City Manager;
• it was requested that further consideration also be given to the application by Hilton Parish Church as it was a worthwhile project delivering its intended aims and it should be supported; 
• assessments should guard against duplication of services. There was a general concern about the assessment criteria and it was suggested that future and repeated funding should be assessed in terms of the value of the outcomes;
• concerns were expressed about organisations working in isolation from others and becoming dependant on grant funding and that this should be fed back to applicants; and
• there was support expressed for the proposal to delegate power to support some organisations with transitional funds as there was no guarantee of a future European Social Fund.

Responding to comments, it was confirmed that an undertaking had been given to the Common Good Sub-Committee to make a further assessment visit to Hilton Parish Church and deal with this application and related enquires as soon as possible under the recommended delegated powers.

Clarification was provided that the funding application from Merkinch Enterprise would be considered as part of the Transitional Funding for projects previously in receipt of ESF which would draw on funding from the 2015/16 budget which would not necessarily attract European match funding.  The Planning Development and Infrastructure Committee had agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Development and Infrastructure to confirm Council match funding from the Employability budget for the new ESF Programme 2014-2020.  Merkinch Enterprise was one of the organisations affected and would, therefore, be considered for funding from other sources.

The Committee AGREED:-

i.    that decisions on any proposals for the use of any remainder of the Fund in 2014/15 be remitted to the City Manager in consultation with the City Leader and Chair of the Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee, following assessment and with particular reference to Merkinch Enterprise’s application to assess whether it would be appropriate and necessary in the context of ESF funding;
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 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 had been circulated Report No. CIA/12/15 dated 28 January 2015 by the Director of Community Services which sought approval of an application for Highland Council Landfill Community funding.

The Committee APPROVED the application as detailed.

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

Declaration of Interest  - Mr H Wood declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds of being the Chairman of the Highland Cycling Campaign 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/13/15 dated 5 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which sought approval of a project delivered through the Scottish Government funding for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets for the City of Inverness area.

During discussion, Members welcomed the application which complemented the Council’s work towards achieving Carbon Clever and added to the Council’s ability to attract additional funding, the application to the European Green Leaf Award (Item 17 refers).  There were some 2500 cyclists currently using the Millburn Road cycle path per month and it was hoped that the arrangements for a safer route for Balloch Primary School could be replicated for other schools.

The Committee:-

i.    APPROVED the Safer Routes to School (SRTS) Project listed in Appendix 1 to the report; and
ii.   NOTED that the Road Safety Unit would 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 had been circulated Report No. CIA/14/15 dated 23 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which provided an update on the progress made in respect of the decision taken by the Committee at the last meeting in December to promote a Permanent Traffic Order to designate the use of Ardross Street as the permanent coach drop-off /pick-up location for the City of Inverness.  

During discussion, Members expressed the following views:-

• while accepting that a Permanent Traffic Order could not be in place for April 2015, it was considered appropriate therefore to seek a Temporary Traffic Order to cover the 2015 tourist season.  During this period the Coach Ambassador could gather information on bus numbers and movements and patterns of demand for bus parking which would be required information for the application for a Permanent Traffic Order at the end of the season;
• work should also continue to identify other Coach drop off points in Inverness as Cruise ship Coaches sometimes arrived as a convoy and numbers and timings could be unpredictable.  There were not enough spaces along Ardross Street to accommodate all coaches from a cruise ship and the option of using Bank Street as back-up should not be discounted.  This option would not impact on scarce car parking provisions;
• the Coach Ambassador should more accurately be titled Bus Marshall and the main duties should be to ensure that the flow of coaches dropping off passengers was not impeded, to minimise impact on local residents, visitors and office staff and to prevent misuse of disabled parking at the front of the Cathedral;
• it was unclear what the Coach Ambassador’s working hours would be but a sufficiently early start was necessary to ensure no vehicles were left in the Bus Drop Off areas after 10.00 am and as it was essential that all 11 spaces were accessible for Coaches. Details of working hours and days and some of the duties could be addressed by the Local Members and Officers in conjunction with Bid;
• it would be important for the Ambassador post to be responsible for building better liaison with Invergordon Port and with other coach operators so as to be prepared for coaches arriving on any given day and to ensure awareness of the Coach Drop off point at Ardross Street;
• it was welcomed that the waiting time had been reduced from two hours to one;
• it would be essential for careful route management to the Bught parking area; and
• given the timescales involved it would be better to start the process for the Permanent Traffic Order now.

In view of the decision to promote a Permanent Traffic Order to designate the use of Ardross Street as the permanent coach drop-off /pick-up location for the City of Inverness being made on 2 December 2014, and because inaccurate information had been presented at that meeting regarding Traffic Orders, the Committee AGREED unanimously to suspend Standing Order 20 in order to reconsider the matter.

Following discussion, Mr I Brown, seconded by Mrs B McAllister, MOVED approval of the recommendations

As an AMENDMENT, Mr D Kerr, seconded by Miss J Campbell, moved that the Committee should agree a Temporary Traffic Order and use the Coach Ambassador to gather the necessary statistics on bus numbers and patterns over the season to provide information for a Permanent Traffic Order.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 10 votes and the AMENDMENT received 7 votes and the MOTION became the finding of the meeting, the votes having been cast as follows:

For the Motion

Mr I Brown, Mrs B McAllister, Mrs C Caddick, Mr K Gowans, Mr J Gray, Mr D Hendry, Mr K MacLeod, Mr F Parr, Mr T Prag, Mr H Wood.

For the Amendment

Mr R Balfour, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mrs M Davidson, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Laird, Mr G Ross.

The Committee APPROVED:-

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

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

It was confirmed that a draft of the application had now been circulated to Members and comments were invited by 23 March 2015, prior to the application deadline of 30 March 2015.

The Committee NOTED that:-

i.    the Council was submitting an application for Inverness to be considered for the new  European Green Leaf award; and
ii.   a draft of the application had been 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 had been circulated Report No. CIA/16/15 dated 17 February 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provided 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.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• that the staff and pupils within the Inverness High School ASG be commended on the improvements achieved since the previous ASG report to the Committee in 2012, with specific reference to the percentage of positive destinations, leaver destinations into higher education and training, and also in regard to the rate of exclusions;
• clarity was sought on the relationship between the figures shown for the number of exclusions and number of pupils excluded as detailed in the report;
• there was a need to improve on the waiting times for assessments of children who might require additional support needs and to enhance the level of pupils support assistance currently available, particularly in primary schools within the ASG; reference was made to the importance of such support in regard to the impact on staff and pupils and on the longer term future of pupils requiring such support;
• it was highlighted that the number of pupils requiring English as an additional language was increasing and this would require a continuing resource which should be reflected accordingly;
• issues in regard to the limited curriculum at Inverness High School and in particular the ability to offer advanced highers;
• that the upgrading of the fabric of Inverness High School be considered as part of any future review of the Council’s capital programme and it was further suggested that there was a need to examine the school requirements for the whole of the Merkinch area;
• it was requested that in future, comparable data be provided between the current report and previous report submitted to the Committee to help indicate trends/differences;
• there was a need to focus and invest on the lower performing percentile (bottom 10%) and in particular, the performance of Looked after children;
• that the appointment of Mr J Rutter as Headteacher at Inverness High School and also the recent establishment of a parent council at the School be welcomed; and
• issues around the fact that user numbers at High Life Highland community centres within the ASG had decreased over the period 2011/12 to 2013/14.

The Committee NOTED the content of the report and AGREED that in future, comparable data be provided between the current report and previous report submitted to the Committee.

19. Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 31 December 2014 
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2014

Declaration of Interest – Although Mr A Christie had previously declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, he was not present during this part of the meeting.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/17/15 dated 11 February 2015 by the Director of Community Services which provided 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 NOTED 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

Declarations of Interest – Mr R A C Balfour and Mr H Wood declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Members of the Events and Festivals Working Group but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude their involvement in the discussion.

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

In discussion Members congratulated the Inverness Events Manager and his team on the success of the Programme in 2014/15 and looked forward to further success in 2015/16.

The Committee NOTED the activities staged in the second half of 2014 and AGREED:

i.    that the activities of the Events and Festivals Working Group be endorsed and confirmed that the activity met with the aims and objectives of the Inverness Events and Festivals Action Plan; and
ii.   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 had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/19/15 dated 20 February 2015 by the Director of Finance and the Inverness City Manager which invited Members to set the Revenue Budget for the Inverness Common Fund for the financial year 2015/16.

The Committee AGREED:-

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.   NOTED that Officers would 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 had been circulated Report No. CIA/20/15 dated 18 November 2014 by the Inverness City Manager which presented the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as of 31 January 2015 and the projected year end position.

The Committee NOTED the terms of the financial monitoring report as presented.

d) Grants and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

Declaration of Interest – Mr I Brown declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Director of both the City and Tourism BID 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/21/15 dated 11 February 2015 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.

Arising from the report, Members were advised of an update to the figures detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. It was explained that following the completion of the Winter Payment Scheme it was anticipated the sum of £13,557 from this cost centre would be reallocated back to the Grants cost centre which would result in an underspend on the budget of £8,429 subject to any further decisions made by the Committee.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• discussion around the process for considering the Uniqueness Tourism BID Ltd; it was confirmed that the application would require to be submitted to the Committee for final consideration;
• in regard to the refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street, Inverness the implications associated with Skills Development Scotland’s proposals to locate a new centre in the premises; and
• clarification on the extent of the building wrap to be provided as part of the Inverness Town House Works Programme and welcoming the proposals in this regard.

The Committee AGREED TO DEFER the Hilton Parish Church and Uniqueness Tourism BID Ltd applications and:-

i.    APPROVED the following applications for funding:-

Operation Respect Easter/Summer 2015 - £5,550
Inverness Gull Project - £12,000
Inverness Community Safety Partnership - £12,000
Inverness Street Festival - £7,000
City of Inverness Floral Displays 2015 - £50,250
Coach Ambassador - £17,000
Castle Wynd Toilets - £16,000
Inverness Angling Club - £9,500

ii.   APPROVED the amendment of the grant award from an annual waiver of rent to a one-off grant of £9,500; and
iii.  NOTED the current status of capital projects as detailed in the report.

21. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

Declaration of Interest – Although Mr D Kerr had previously declared a non-financial interest in part of this item (21ii) as family members used Planefield Bowling Club, he was not present during this part of the meeting.

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings as follows:-

i.   City of Inverness Area Committee held on 2 December 2014 – NOTED;
ii.  Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 9 February 2015

Arising from the Minute, reference was made to Item 5: Deprived Area Funds 2015/16, and specifically the application by Merkinch Partnership. It was explained that the Minute was a correct record of the meeting, but that the information provided to Members in regard to the activities of the Partnership had been incorrect.  It was requested that the Minute be amended to reflect that point.

**Members were advised that if it was confirmed that the information provided to Members in this regard had been incorrect then an addendum to that effect would be added to the Minute.

**(Subsequently confirmed that the information which had been provided to Members at the Grants Sub Committee meeting on 9 February had been incorrect and an addendum was therefore added to the Minute of that meeting to highlight the correct position). 

Thereafter, a point was raised in regard to Item 10 of the Minute suggesting that the Sub-Committee’s decision to approve the purchase of Halberdier Uniforms for Civic Officers at a cost of £2,400 from the Common Good budget should not be supported by the Committee and that the decision be revoked. An amendment was proposed to the Minute in this regard.

Discussion then followed on the competency of challenging the decision taken by the Sub-Committee in connection with this item.

**Members were advised that it was understood the Sub-Committee had delegated authority to make decisions in respect of grants of less than £10,000 and therefore on that basis the advice was that the decision could not be changed.

**(Addendum – subsequent to this meeting, clarification was provided to confirm that it would have been competent for the City of Inverness Area Committee to have considered/discussed/challenged the decision taken by the Grants Sub Committee in respect of Item 10 of the Minute as above). 

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the Minute of the Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 9 February 2015 and AGREED that an addendum be added to the minute to correct advice that was given at the meeting; and 

iii. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 27 January and 27 February 2015 – APPROVED.

The meeting ended at 4.35 pm.