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, 3 December 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. Inverness Business Improvement District Annual Performance Report     
Aithisg Dèanadais Bhliadhnail Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Report No. CIA/57/15 dated 14 November 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which provides a summary of the activities of the Inverness Business Improvement District Ltd, operating as Inverness City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), for the period November 2014 to December 2015.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   endorse the work detailed in this report; and
ii.  note the presentation provided by Inverness BID representatives and the on-going development of partnership working.

4. Event Tourism – The Way Forward     
Tachartasan agus Fèisean a’ Bhaile – Ag Obair ann an Com-pàirteachas

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/58/15 dated 23 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and Inverness City Area Manager which provides background on activity connected with making the City and Area a vibrant place for both local communities and visitors. It reflects on the support provided by the Inverness Common Good Fund (ICGF) and Partners, as well as the outputs from the recent Events Tourism Charrette lead by Professor Joe Goldblatt of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the roles of the Council, HIE and other Partners, the progress made to date and the benefits that events can bring to the City of Inverness Area and it’s businesses;
ii.  approve the recommended approach to developing a strategy for the future development of events in Inverness and area; and
iii. note that progress will be reported to the City of Inverness Area Committee early in 2016

5. Victorian Market, Inverness – Action Plan – Market Management 
Margadh Bhictòrianach, Inbhir Nis – Plana-gnìomh – Stiùireadh Margaide

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/59/15 dated 4 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Area Manager which updates Members on the preparation and initial implementation of an Action Plan focussed on improving trading conditions for the Victorian Market (the Market) and the City centre. It details a proposal to prepare and offer a Tender to the open market. Specifically the report sets out the:

• status of the Market within the City;
• Terms of Reference used in structuring the Feasibility Study (the Study);
• how the Market works;
• how the utilisation of a third party operator could improve performance; and
• the risks and the benefits.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the report and the Feasibility Study attached, relating to the potential of Private Sector management of the Victorian Market, Appendix 1 to the report;
ii.  agree to instruct officers to draft and publish an Invitation to Tender for a contract for the management of the Victorian Market described within this report and the Feasibility Study, for a duration of five years, planned to commence on 1 April 2016; and
iii. note that further reports will be made to the City of Inverness Area Committee on progress with a Tender Report being prepared and presented to the City of Inverness Area Committee for approval as appropriate as soon as practicable in 2016.

6. Town House Works Programme Phase 2, High Street, Inverness 
Ceum 2 de Phrògram Obraichean Thaigh a’ Bhaile, Àrd-Shràid, Inbhir Nis

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/60/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Area Manager which seeks approval to proceed to contract award to carry out comprehensive fabric works phase 2 to the Town House. The works will include full stone repairs and replacement, mortar re-pointing, roof repairs, rainwater goods renewal, window repairs and replacements.

The Committee is invited to agree in principal subject to full Council agreement that work is done to:-

i.   proceed to contract award for the repairs outlined in phase 2 at a cost of £1,752,908.16;
ii.  proceed with phase 2 including the Castle Street elevation;
iii. proceed to tender for phase 3 in 2016 total estimated project cost of £4,200,000 for all three phases; and
iv.  proceed with third party funding applications with Historic Scotland.

7. Inverness Town Twinning Committee – Action and Financial Plan for 2016
Comataidh Baile-cèile Inbhir Nis – Plana Gnìomh agus Ionmhais airson 2016

Members are advised that the Inverness Town Twinning Committee (ITTC) exists to give substance to the Council’s long-established policy commitment to maintain town twinning partnerships and activity programmes with Augsburg, St Valery and La Baule.

These three civic partners have very different community profiles and the twinning relationships have differing and fluctuating emphasis. Forward planning of activity is not straightforward, calling for budgetary planning that combines a blend of commitment and discretionary flexibility. Proposals currently under discussion indicate that 2016 could be a busy year.

In this regard, there is circulated Report No. CIA/61/15 dated 7 November 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which reviews activity prospects and presents proposals and budget requirements, which the Council is now invited to consider and approve.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   approve a budget allocation to the Inverness Town Twinning Committee of £5,000 from the 2015/16 Inverness Common Good Fund Twining Budget;
ii.  approve an allocation of £1,000 from the 2015/16 Twinning budget and that the Provost, the City Area Manager or a Ward Manager and the Civic and Facilities Team Leader accept an invitation to visit Augsburg as detailed in the report;
iii. agree to the Provost extending an invitation to the Mayor of Augsburg as detailed in the report including agreement to the estimated costs; and
iv.  note that a further £4,000 will require to be allocated from the 2016/17 Twinning budget to the ITTC, and that an application will be made for a Civic Dinner in respect of the Visit by the Mayor of Augsburg set for 2016.

8. Inverness City Centre Parking Report and Draft Action Plan 
Solar Parcaidh ann am Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis

Members will recall that at the City of Inverness Area Committee meeting on 2 September 2014, the Committee agreed that a comprehensive and strategic study of parking provision on the west side of the River Ness be undertaken.  The scope of the study was widened to include the city centre as a whole and this report

In this regard, there will follow Report No. CIA/62/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

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

There is circulated Report No. CIA/63/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure 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/Safer Routes to School (CWSS/SRTS) Project 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. Culloden Muir Conservation Area Designation, Character Appraisal and Management Plan 
Ainmeachadh Sgìre Ghlèidhteachais, Measadh Caractair agus Plana Stiùiridh Blàr Chùil Lodair

There is circulated separately Report No. CIA/64/15 dated 2 November 2015 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure which presents the final post consultation proposals for the new Culloden Muir conservation area designation and the final draft of the Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan.  The report recommends that committee approve the new conservation area designation and adopt the conservation area character appraisal and management plan, Appendix 1 to the report, as non-statutory supplementary planning guidance.

The Committee is invited to approve the:-

i.   new conservation area designation and agree the formal advertising and notification to Scottish Ministers; and
ii.  Culloden Muir Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, Appendix 1 to the report, as planning guidance to be a material consideration in the determination of any future planning applications within the Culloden Muir Conservation Area Boundary.

11. Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 30 September 2015  
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 30 Sultain 2015

There is circulated Report No. CIA/65/15 dated 16 November 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 half of 2015/16.

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

12. Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for Inverness Area 2016/17
Prògram Calpa Cunntas Teachd-a-steach Taigheadais airson Sgìre Inbhir Nis 2016/17

There is circulated Report No. CIA/66/15 dated 16 November 2015 by the Director of Community Services which outlines the resources available to undertake capital investment to the Council’s Housing Stock in the Inverness Area and recommends capital investment projects for approval in 2016/17 following Member consultation.

The Committee is invited to:-

i.   note the resources available to undertake capital investment to the Council’s Housing Stock in the Inverness Area; and
ii.  approve the capital investment projects for 2016/17 following Member consultation.

13. Street Naming – New Housing Development in Inverness Ness-side 
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachadh Ùr Taigheadais ann an Taobh Nis Loch Nis

Members are invited to homologate the new street names which were agreed at Inverness Ness-side Ward Business Meeting. The streets are part of the Ness Castle development and the names follow the theme of Highland castles.  Ness Castle Drive is the new name for the existing road providing access to the Castle.

1.  Mey Avenue (Craobhraid Mey)
2.  Dunrobin Grove (Doire Dhùn Robain)
3.  Lochindorb Drive (Dràibh Loch an Doirb)
4.  Skibo Place (Ceàrn Sgiobaill)
5.  Eilean Donan Road (Rathad Eilean Donnain)
6.  Urquhart Street (Sràid Urachardain)
7.  Kilravock Gardens (Gàrradh Chill Rathaig)
8.  Inverlochy Crescent (Corran Inbhir Lòchaidh)
9.  Dornoch Road (Rathad Dhòrnaich)
10. Carbisdale Gardens (Gàrradh Chàrbasdail)
11. Ness Castle Drive (Dràibh Chaisteal Nis)

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

The Committee is invited to approve expenditure over £10k for Ward Projects as follows -

Play Equipment for Holm Park play area - £15,000

In this regard, it is confirmed that Ward Members have been consulted and are in agreement with this proposal.

15. Inverness Common Good Fund 
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Annual Report 2014/15
Fìor Shuidheachadh Buidseit 2014/15

There is circulated Joint Report No. CIA/67/15 dated 20 November 2015 by the Director of Finance and the Inverness City Area Manager which presents the audited accounts for Financial Year 2014/15.  Expenditure is within budget, income from both investments and commercial rents was higher than expected.  Fewer reserves than anticipated had to be realised to fund Major Projects which include important ongoing work on major Inverness assets including the Town House and 1-5 Church Street.

The Committee is invited to note the Final Monitoring Report and Balance Sheet for the Inverness Common Good Fund at 31 March 2015.

b) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There is circulated Report No. CIA/68/15 dated 13 November 2015 by the Inverness City Area Manager which presents the expenditure monitoring position for the Inverness Common Good Fund as of 31 October 2015 and the projected year end position.

The Committee is invited to consider and note the financial monitoring report.

c) Grants and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

There is circulated Report No. CIA/69/15 dated 18 November 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.

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

There is circulated Report No. CIA/70/15 dated 17 November 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. It 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; and

Ref. No.      Applicant Organisation                    Recommended Award
11793         Aultnaskiach Dell                                3,550
11803         Inverness Tennis & Squash Club     20,350
                                                            Total            £23,900

ii. agree whether to promote a final round of funding this financial year (2015/16) or to carry the underspend of £23,710 forward to 2016/17.

17. Minutes  
Geàrr-chunntas

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

i.   City of Inverness Area Committee held on 10 September and Special Meeting held 22 October 2015 for noting;
ii.  Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 8 October 2015 for approval; and
iii. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 9 November 2015 for approval.

18. Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’ Phobaill

The Committee is asked to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

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

There is circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/71/15 dated 12 November 2015 by the Head of Property Partnerships which summarises the property transactions recently approved by the Head of Property Partnerships, under the Highland Council’s Scheme of Delegation, after consultation with local Members as appropriate and in accordance with policy, together with a statement on the current position in respect on Inverness Common Good fund rents and tenant arrears, if any.

The Committee is invited to note the recommendations as circulated.