Agendas, reports and minutes

16. Standing Orders Relating to the Conduct of Meetings
Gnath-riaghailtean co-cheangailte ri GiulanChoinneamhan

There had been circulated Report No. HC/61/15 dated 20 November 2015 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development which outlined an amendment to the Council’s Standing Orders in regard to Standing Order 28 (Right of Reply) as part of the annual review which was a requirement of the Council’s Code of Corporate Governance.

During discussion, attention was drawn to a typographical error in Paragraph 1.1 of the report (Proposed Version) whereby the word “confirm” required to be changed to “confine”.

Decision

The Council AGREED the proposed amendment to Standing Orders as detailed, subject to correction of the typographical error as detailed and on the basis that an amended copy would be circulated to all Members in due course.

17. Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant Update
Cunnradh nan Seann Ghaisgeach

Therehad been circulated Joint Report No. HC/62/15 dated 4 December 2015 by the Head of Policy and Reform which outlined the work carried out by the partners to the Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant in the last twelve months and set out future priorities.

Specific reference was made and thanks conveyed to all those involved with the work which had been undertaken in relation to health and housing, education and employment and through the presentation of a Silver Award which had demonstrated excellent partnership working.

Reference was also made to the Freedom of the Highlands which had been granted to the Royal Regiment of Scotland and in regard to the World War 1 commemorative events which had taken place throughout the year. Future proposals included closer engagement with the private sector and the development of formal processes for partnership working.

In this regard, special thanks were conveyed at the meeting to Mrs C Caddick for the work which had been undertaken.

Decision

The Council AGREED to welcome the work of the Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership which had been undertaken to date, to support the ongoing work which had been outlined at Paragraph 5.8 to further develop partnership working with other Local Authorities and to endorse the future priorities which had been outlined at Section 6 of the report.

18. Veterans Champion
Curaidh nan Seann-ghaisgeach

It was advised that Mr A Duffy was currently on a leave of absence from his Council duties and would therefore not be able to undertake his duties as Veterans Champion.

In this regard, it was proposed to appoint a new Veterans Champion at the next available meeting of the Council in order to ensure continuity and that the duties associated with this position were undertaken.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint a new Veterans Champion at the next available meeting as detailed.

19. Dornoch Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Dhòrnaich

Declaration of Interest

Mr G Phillips declared a non-financial interest in this item on the basis of having previously provided professional services to two projects 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. HC/63/15 dated 8 December 2015 by the Director of Finance and the Head of Policy and Reform which requested consideration of an application of £100,000 over three years to the Dornoch Common Good Fund from Dornoch and District Community Association.

In this regard, it was confirmed that this application was for funding to support the development and construction of a new Community Centre at the Meadows, Dornoch.

Decision

The Council AGREED to grant £100,000 from the Dornoch Common Good Fund to Dornoch and District Community Association as a contribution towards the costs of the new Social Club build over three years, subject to the group getting permission to purchase the land and a full funding package being in place.

20. Board of Trustees of Dornoch Meadows Trust
Bòrd Urrasairean airson Urras Chluaintean Dhòrnaich

It was NOTED that the Trustees of the Meadows Playing Fields in Dornoch were responsible for the management of the Recreation Ground in Dornoch known as‘The Meadows’.

In this regard, Mr J McGillivray had been appointed as a Trustee in 2013 but had resigned from this position.

Decision

The Council AGREED to appoint Mr G Phillips to the Board of Trustees of Dornoch Meadows Trust.

21. Timetable of Meetings for 2016
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan airson 2016

The Council AGREED the following additional meetings for 2016 –

Highland Council (Special Meeting) –Thursday, 21 January
City of Inverness Area Committee (Extra Meeting) – Thursday, 28 January

The Council also AGREED the following revised dates for meetings in Caithness –

13 January
25 April
31 August
22 November

22. Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

It was NOTED that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 3 September 2015 was available in the Members’ Library and on the Council’s Website.

The meeting ended at 4.45pm.