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, 10 September 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. Recess Powers
Cumhachdan Fosaidh

The Committee is asked to note that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 25 June 2015 have not been exercised in relation to the business of the City of Inverness Area Committee.

4. Appointment of Depute Provosts
Cur an Dreuchd Leas-Phròbhaistean

Nominations will be sought at the meeting to appoint two Depute Provosts to support the Provost and Leader of Inverness and Area in the delivery of Civic Duties.

These appointments will support the work of the two existing Depute Provosts (Ms J Slater and Mrs B McAllister).

5. Appointments to Outside Bodies
Cur an Dreuchd gu Buidhnean air an Taobh A-muigh

a) Uniqueness and City BID

The Committee is asked to note that the Provost and City Leader, Mrs H Carmichael, has replaced the former City Leader, Mr I Brown, as the Council’s nominee to sit on the Board of both BIDs.

b) Inverness Town Twinning Committee

Nominations will be sought at the meeting to replace the former Provost, Mr A Graham, who has resigned from the Inverness Town Twinning Committee.

c) Highlanders Museum – Board of Directors

Members are advised that the Provost and City Leader has been invited to join the Highlanders Museum Board of Directors.

The Committee is invited to agree that the Provost and City Leader be appointed as a Board Director.

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

There is circulated Report No. CIA/36/15 dated 27 August 2015 by the Inverness Area Commander which provides a local summary update to Committee Members 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 and updates in relation to the 5 Priorities; Road Safety, Alcohol and Drug Abuse/Misuse, Antisocial Behaviour/Disorder, Crimes of Dishonesty and Protecting People.

7.Scottish Fire and Rescue Area Committee Performance Report 2015/16
Plana agus Aithisg Dèanadais Comataidh Sgìreil na Seirbheis Smàlaidh is Teasairginn airson 2015/16

There is circulated Report No. CIA/37/15 dated 24 August 2015 by the Local Senior Officer for Highland which provides an update to Committee Members on the progress against the priorities outlined in the Area Committee Plan for the City of Inverness 2015/16.

In this regard, activity areas are 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 attached to the report.

8. Education Scotland School Reports – Period March 2015 to June 2015
Aithisgean Sgrùdaidh Sgoiltean Foghlam Alba

There is circulated Report No. CIA/38/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Director of Care and Learning which provides details on Education Scotland’s inspections of schools in the Area during the period March 2015 to June 2015, for Members’ scrutiny and monitoring.

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

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

There is circulated Report No. CIA/39/15 dated 24 August 2015 by the Director of Community Services which invites Members to approve the projects delivered through the Scottish Government funding for Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets for the City of Inverness area, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   approve the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets (CWSS)/Safer Routes to School (SRTS) Projects detailed 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.

10. Advice and Information Services: End of Year Monitoring 
Seirbheisean Comhairle agus Fiosrachaidh: Sgrùdadh Deireadh Bliadhna

Members are informed that Advice and Information Services are recognised as a critical approach in alleviating poverty in the Council’s Programme and Single Outcome Agreement.

In this connection, there is circulated Report No. CIA/40/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Director of Finance which provides Members with the end of year monitoring of advice and information services in Highland for 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to note the:-

i.   level of support provided to customers across Highland in 2014/15, the continued increase in demand for these services and the pressures associated in delivering the intensive resource required to resolve complex cases;
ii.  positive impact of the Mental Health Project in addressing issues presented by vulnerable clients which has current funding until end of March 2016;
iii. positive impact of the Reaching the Unreached service in preventing households being evicted and avoiding additional pressures on the Council’s homeless services.  This service has Scottish Legal Aid Board funding until end of September 2016;
iv.  potential of the Midwifery project to support new and expectant mothers in the Highlands to maximise their incomes which has funding until end of May 2016; and
v.   outcomes being achieved in supporting Highland residents to mitigate the effects of poverty.

11. Winter Maintenance Priority Network – 2015/16                                         
Lìonra Prìomhachais Obair-gleidhidh a’ Gheamhraidh – 2015/16

There is circulated Report No. CIA/41/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Director of Community Services which provides Members with information on winter maintenance service provision and specifically invites the Committee to agree the priority network of Primary and Secondary routes within the Inverness Area.

The Committee is invited to agree the Winter Maintenance priority network of Primary and Secondary roads presented in Appendix B, to the report, for the 2015/16 winter service period.

12. Grounds Maintenance Performance Monitoring Report – Mid Season 
Aithisg Sgrùdadh Dèanadais a thaobh Cumail Suas Làraich – fios às ùr am meadhan na ràithe

There is circulated Report No. CIA/42/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Director of Community Services which details performance management information of the Grounds Maintenance Services from April to June 2015

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   scrutinise the performance management and remedial action information provided on the grounds maintenance service set out in this report; and
ii.  note the management action taken to address the performance issues identified and agree to review required service standards at future Ward Business meetings.

13. Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 30 June 2015  
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 30 Òg mhios 2015

There is circulated Report No. CIA/43/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Director of Community Services which provides information on how the Housing Section performed in relation to Scottish Social Housing Charter and other performance indicators during the first quarter of 2015/16.

The Committee is invited to scrutinise the information provided on housing performance in the period 1 April to 30 June 2015.

14. Street Naming – New Developments at Slackbuie, Inverness and Tomatin
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachaidhean Ùra san t-Slag Bhuidhe, Inbhir Nis agus san Tom Aitinn

There is circulated Report No. CIA/44/15 dated 12 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which asks Members to homologate decisions by the Community Councils, supported by the local Members, to name: five residential streets at Slackbuie that currently have built units and one street in Tomatin that currently has built units.

The Committee is invited to homologate the naming of the streets as follows:-

1. five residential streets at Slackbuie that currently have built units:

• Poppy Gardens (Gàrradh a’ Chrom-luis)
• Lily Bank (Bruach na Lilidh)
• Gorsebank (Bruach a’ Chonaisg)
• Ivy Crescent (Corran na h-Eidhne)
• Foxglove Crescent (Corran Lus nam Ban-Sìth); and

2. one street in Tomatin that currently has built units:

• Mill View (Sealladh a’ Mhuilinn)

15. Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief 
Brath-leasachaidh Bhaile an Fhraoich agus Cheasag a Deas

There is circulated Report No. CIA/45/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which outlines responses to the public consultation on the Draft Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief and presents a finalised version for Members’ approval.

Members are advised that this planning policy document is required to guide land use opportunities in the area and assist the Council, partners and community organisations in making any bids for funding to help regenerate the wider area.

i.   note the comments received during the Draft Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief consultation and agree the recommended Council responses contained in Appendix B;
ii.  agree for the Muirtown and South Kessock Development Brief, at Appendix A, to be adopted as statutory Supplementary Guidance subject to consideration by the Council’s Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee in November 2015;
iii. note that the development brief will be treated as a material planning consideration for development management purposes; and
iv.  agree for any minor modifications required to the Development Brief as a consequence of completion of the Habitat Regulation Assessment to be agreed by the Director with the Chair of this Committee, and referred to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

16. Capital Projects – Investing in Inverness and Area  
Pròiseactan Calpa –Tasgadh ann an Inbhir Nis agus a Sgìre

There is circulated Report No. CIA/46/15 dated 21 August 2015 by the Director of Finance which lists the capital projects included in the Council’s capital programme being delivered in the City of Inverness area in financial year 2015/16 and the in-year budgets for these projects.

The Committee is asked to consider and note the budgeted capital projects being delivered in the City of Inverness area in 2015/16.

17. Annual Reports 
Aithisgean Bliadhnail

a) Inverness City Heritage Trust 
Urras Dualchais Baile Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA/47/15 dated 21 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which informs Members on the work of Inverness City Heritage Trust (ICHT) during the financial years 2013/14 and 2014/15. 

Members are advised that particular attention is given to the total grant allocation to properties in Inverness Riverside and Crown Conservation Areas to date and during 2014/15.

The Committee is invited to comment and note the:-

i.   contributions made by the Inverness City Heritage Trust in delivering a programme of conservation work funded by grant assistance in Inverness since 2005;
ii.  work carried out in partnership with Inverness College, Historic Scotland and others to deliver two conferences for building professionals/ practitioners.  Also the work with Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Scotland and other building professionals to try and find realistic options for retention and repair of important city buildings and features; and
iii. current situation with regard to future funding from Historic Scotland for Inverness City Heritage Trust.

b) Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism BID: Progress Report
Sgìre Leasachaidh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis agus Loch Nis: Aithisg Adhartais

Members are advised that Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District (BID) was established following the successful ballot result on 14 March 2014.

In this connection, there is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/48/15 dated 19 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager and the BID Chief Executive which describes the progress for the period September 2014 to September 2015 with particular reference to the project activity undertaken.

The Committee is invited to endorse the continuing work and activities of the Tourism BID. 

18. Inverness Common Good Fund 
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There is circulated Report No. CIA/49/15 dated 25 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which presents the expenditure monitoring position for the Inverness Common Good Fund as of 31 July 2015 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to note the financial monitoring report.

b) Grants and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

There is circulated Report No. CIA/50/15 dated 21 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which sets out the current applications for funding to be determined and the current status of capital projects.

In this connection, there is circulated separately a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet A.

The Committee is invited to consider the applications for funding and scrutinise the current status of capital projects.

c) City Events and Festivals – Review of 2015/16 Events and Festivals Programme and Proposals 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. CIA/51/15 dated 26 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which updates Members on the 2015/16 Events and Festivals Programme and seeks approval of the proposed 2016/17 Events and Festivals Programme and the allocation of £335,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund Revenue Budget for 2016/17.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the review of the 2015-16 Programme and that this is in line with the Action Plan: and
ii.  approve the 2016/17 Events and Festivals Programme detailed in Appendix 1 of the report and the allocation of a budget in the sum of £335,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund Revenue Budget for 2016/17.

19. Carbon CLEVER Community Grant Fund 2015/16  
Sgeama Thabhartasan Coimhearsnachd Càrboin Ciallaich 2015/16

There is circulated Report No. CIA/52/15 dated 26 August 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which sets out the applications received for the Carbon CLEVER community grant fund in Inverness for 2015/16.  The report also details the background to the fund, together with a summary of applications, the assessments and funding recommendations.

The Committee is invited to:-

i. agree the funding recommendations from the Carbon Clever community grant fund as shown below;

Ref. No.        Applicant Organisation                            Recommended Award
11554          Fearnag Growers                                                 8,850
11568          Ardersier War Memorial Hall Association        6,790
11583          Abriachan Forest Trust                                        1,750
                                                                                 Total        £17,390

ii.   note that the revenue funding elements of Abriachan Forest Trust’s application, detailed at Paragraph 3.3 to the report, could be considered in a Ward 13  Business Meeting; and
iii.  agree whether to promote another round of funding this financial year (2015/16) or to carry the underspend forward to 2016/17.

20. Royal Regiment of Scotland – Freedom of the Highlands 
Rèisimeid Rìoghail na h-Alba – Saorsa na Gàidhealtachd

Members will be aware that the Council agreed on 18 December 2014 to confer the Freedom of the Highlands on the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Plans are in hand for events on 15 and 16 October 2015. 

In this connection, there is circulated Report No. CIA/53/15 dated 20 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which invites Members to note the arrangements planned for the City and agree the attendant cost.

The Committee is invited to note the arrangements being made and agree that £24,401.00 be allocated form the Inverness Common Good Fund Civic Hospitality budget towards the costs associated with the granting of Freedom Status agreed by Council on 18 December 2014 to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

21. Inverness City Centre - Proposed Wayfinding Project 
Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis – Pròiseact Lorg-slighe a Thathar a’ Moladh

There is circulated Report No. CIA/54/15 dated 28 August 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which summarises the outcome of a recent review and analysis of wayfinding in Inverness city centre and explains how people’s understanding of the city could be could be improved by adopting a Legible City approach. The report also sets out initial steps to develop this approach, including consultation with relevant stakeholders to produce a prototype map.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the proposal to develop a new wayfinding system in Inverness City Centre, based on a “Legible City” approach; and
ii.  agree to the appointment of a consultant to engage with and secure buy-in from relevant stakeholders, and develop a prototype map, funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund up to a maximum of £5,000.

22. Minutes  
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.   City of Inverness Area Committee held on 2 June and Special Meeting of the Committee held on 25 June 2015 for noting;
ii.  Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 29 May and 6 August 2015 for approval;
iii. Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 6 July and 18 August 2015 for approval; and
iv.  Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 17 August 2015 for approval.