Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the Nairnshire Committee held in the Chamber, The Court House, High Street, Nairn on Wednesday 13 March 2019 at 10.30 am.

Present: 

Mr L Fraser, Mr T Heggie, Mrs L MacDonald, Mr P Saggers
    
In attendance:

Mr D Haas, Inverness City Area Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr R Porteous, Road Operations Manager, Community Services
Mr S Duncan, Property Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service
Ms L Burns, Project Manager, Development and Infrastructure Service 
Mr R MacLeod, Principal Housing Officer, Community Services
Mr K Murray, Area Education Officer (South), Care and Learning Service
Ms L Taylor, Quality Improvement Officer, Care and Learning Services
Mr S Eastaugh, Access Officer, Development and Infrastructure Service
Mr S Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Inspector V Tough, Police Scotland (Item 4)

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

Mr T Heggie in the Chair

Preliminaries

Prior to the commencement of the formal business, the Chair advised that the press would be allowed to record the meeting since it was a committee meeting held in public and was not webcast.

In terms of Standing Order 8, the Committee AGREED to take an urgent additional item “Christmas Lighting and Decorations” during the meeting due to the requirement for local Community Councils and/or Community Groups where communities wished to deliver Christmas lighting and decorations to begin the process of raising funding.

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

There were no apologies for absence.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following Declarations of Interest:-

Item 3 – Mr P Saggers (non-financial)
Item 7 – Mr L Fraser and Mr P Saggers (both non-financial)

3. Nairn Courthouse Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Thaigh-cùirte Inbhir Narann

Mr P Saggers declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Highland Opportunity Investments Limited 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.

A presentation was made by Mr Stuart Duncan, Property Manager and Ms Laura Burns, Project Manager which provided an overview and update on the major works now underway at the Nairn Courthouse.  It was confirmed that following a structural condition inspection by engineers, substantial structural work was urgently required in order to stabilise the Courthouse steeple tower and repair water damage to the building.  It was anticipated that the length of time required for the project would be 48 weeks and that repairs would cost £809k.  An overview was provided of the proposed programme of works, during which it was confirmed that the removal of the steeple for repairs was currently scheduled to take place in July over a period of 3-4 weeks.  It was also confirmed that information boards providing details of the programme of works would be made available to the public.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

• Confirmation was sought, and received, that the scaffolding surrounding the Courthouse would be removed as work progressed downwards from the steeple tower at the top of the Courthouse;
• It was incumbent on the Council to ensure that the information boards containing the proposed programme of works would be available to the public to view and it was suggested that these should be displayed either within the Service Point or outside the Courthouse;
• Whilst disappointment was expressed that the owner and occupants of the adjacent building had only been given short notice of the proposal to erect scaffolding around the Courthouse, it was acknowledged that the urgency required to undertake the works had prevented this from being done sooner and it was unfortunate that an unintended consequence of proceeding with the works immediately was that neighbouring properties had not been informed sooner;
• Confirmation was sought, and received that the clock would be removed for protection during the works and put into storage prior to being reinstalled and that the potential to install alternative replacement flag poles would be investigated as part of the project; and
• It was suggested that once works were completed, there could be an opportunity to identify ways of making best use of the building.

Having thanked Mr Duncan and Ms Burns for their presentation, the Committee NOTED the presentation and AGREED that arrangements be made for the Project Programme information boards to be displayed to the public.

4. Police Scotland – Area Performance Summary
Poileas Alba – Geàrr-chunntas Dèanadais Sgìreil

There had been circulated Report No. N/01/19 dated 22 February 2019 by the South Highland Area Commander providing a local summary update on progress with reference to the local priorities within the Highland 2014-2017 Policing Plan.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

• Confirmation was sought, and received, that a review of officer attendance at community councils was currently underway to ensure closer police liaison with communities;
• Further information was sought regarding a breakdown of the numbers of sexual crimes reported which were historic and during the year to date, during which, it was explained that each crime committed over a separate date would be recorded and could account for a number of crimes being recorded over a number of years;
• In welcoming the report and the pro-active approach taken by the force, further information was sought, and received, regarding an increase in the number of stop and searches conducted and how the force undertook these; and
• Further information was sought, and received, regarding third party reporting of crimes, during which it was emphasised that the force held regular dialogue with support agencies and was thankful for the help they provided.

Having thanked Inspector Tough for his report, the Committee NOTED and scrutinised the progress report against the objectives set within the Highland and Islands Local Policing Plan 2017-20 Year 2, attached as Annex A to the report, for the period covering 1 April 2018 - 31 January 2019.

5. Inverness and Nairn Local Access Forum Appointments
Cur an Dreuchd gu Fòram Inntrigidh Ionadail Inbhir Nis agus Inbhir Narann

There had been circulated Report No. N/02/19 dated 7 February 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

• It was confirmed that Eve MacDonald had withdrawn her application due to a change of circumstances;
• In highlighting that there were currently a number of vacancies on the Local Access Forum, it was suggested that Nairn Access Panel be approached to discuss whether there would be any interest in members filling these vacancies; and
• Following a request for further information, it was confirmed that mechanisms were in place to address non-attendance at local access forums and that a report on attendance would be submitted to a future meeting of the Inverness and Nairn Local Access Forum.

The Committee, having considered the applications submitted to fill the Access Taker vacancy on the Local Access Forum, APPROVED the appointment of Mr Peter Evans.

Urgent Item of Business

In terms of Standing Orders 8 and 9, the Committee AGREED to take the following urgent item of business at this point in the meeting due to the requirement for local Community Councils and/or Community Groups where communities wished to deliver Christmas lighting and decorations to begin the process of raising funding.

12. Christmas Lighting and Decorations

There had been circulated Report No. N/08/19 dated 19 February 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

• It was acknowledged that Nairn had been in a fortunate position previously in having its Christmas lights installed by the Council;
• It was suggested that there was potential to use money from the community discretionary budget for the installation of Christmas lights this year and that going forward there was potential for this to be delivered by Nairn BID;
• In acknowledging the work and funding which would be required to deliver Christmas lighting and decorations, it was emphasised that further liaison was required with the community to ensure this could be achieved;
• It was highlighted that the previous diversion of 50% of the Council’s Lighting service’s resources between November and January for the installation and removal Christmas lighting and decorations had reduced potential energy savings by £15k per annum;
• Further information was sought, and received, regarding the process for installing cross-street lighting on a public road, during which, it was explained that this type of request would require consent from the Council and that issues in relation to health and safety and the operation of cherry-pickers could be addressed as part of this process.

The Committee:-

1. NOTED that the Council had previously removed the £35,000 budget for the delivery of Christmas Lighting;
2. AGREED to Liaise with local Community Councils and/or Community Groups where communities wished to deliver Christmas lighting and decorations; and
3. NOTED that Health & Safety and general guidance would be published for communities to enable the safe erection of Christmas Lighting and Decorations in the future.

6. Nairn Common Good Fund – Budget Setting for 2019/20 and Quarter 3 2018/19 Monitoring Report
Maoin Maitheas Coitcheann Inbhir Narann – Suidheachadh Buidseit airson 2019/20 agus Aithisg Sgrùdaidh Cairteil 3 2018/19

There had been circulated joint Report No. N/03/19 dated 1 March 2019 by the Director of Corporate Resources and the Inverness City Manager.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

• The work undertaken by Nick Wright in relation to the Nairn Links Development Plan was commended and it was highlighted that a number of local organisations and groups had been brought together during the consultation process;
• Attention was drawn to the recently published list of assets held by the Nairn Common Good Fund, during which it was emphasised that it was important for interested members of the community to look at the list of assets and highlight to the Council any irregularities within the 12 week consultation timeframe;
• In welcoming the predicted outturn for the Nairn Common Good Fund for 2018/19 to be higher than the original budget, it was highlighted that work continued towards building up an investment fund;
• It was highlighted that positive discussions had been held between the Council, Team Hamish, NICE and Nairn BID, on progressing delivery of projects for the Nairn Links and that a project team was being formed which it was anticipated would work closely with interested parties to carry forward projects which had been identified within the Development Links Plan; and
• In highlighting that the draft budget for 2019/20 reflected both the investment plan and the Nairn Links Development Plan, it was emphasised that any decisions taken at this stage would need to be sustainable going forward and considered reasonable.

The Committee:-

1. APPROVED the Nairn Common Good Fund budget for 2019/20 detailed within the report; and
2. NOTED the position of the Nairn Common Good Fund as shown in the Quarter 3 Revenue Monitoring Statement against Budget.

7. Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 31 December 2018
Aithisg Coileanaidh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 31 Dùbhlachd 2018

Declarations of Interest:-

Mr L Fraser declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Sub-Contractor for the Housing Service in Nairn 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.

Mr P Saggers declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Nairn Citizens Advice Bureau Limited 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. N/4/19 dated 28 February 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

• Tribute was paid to Mr John Cowie, Maintenance Officer on his forthcoming retirement;
• It was highlighted that an increase in rent arrears compared to Quarter 3 2017/18 was due to a delay in Universal Credit payments;
• A request was made that further information be provided on the level of debt currently being written-off in relation to rent arrears; and
• A further request was made information be provided to Members at a Ward Business Meeting on any potential local implications arising from a proposal to allocate additional funding for people in arrears.

The Committee NOTED and scrutinised the information provided on housing performance for the period 1 April to 31 December 2018.

8. Nairn Housing Demand
Iarrtas Taigheadais Inbhir Narann

There had been circulated Report No. N/5/19 dated 28 February 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

• In welcoming the report, it was emphasised that public reaction to proposals for affordable housing was not always positive and therefore, it was important to use the analysis contained within the report as evidence of the demand for affordable housing in Nairn;
• In welcoming the Council’s affordable housing supply programme, it was highlighted that 378 applicants had requested to be housed in the Nairn area as their first choice;
• It was emphasised that many young families could not afford to live in Nairn;
• The availability of suitable land in Nairn for affordable housing would be an important issue going forward;
• A request was made that the report be submitted to the Committee on an annual basis; and
• The potential for the Council to release additional funding by taking a different financial approach as a way to address a lack of affordable housing was suggested.

The Committee, having thanked the housing team for their work, NOTED the information provided on housing demand in the Nairn area and AGREED that the report be submitted on an annual basis.

9. Nairn Roads Maintenance Programme 2019/20
Prògraman Càradh Rathaidean Inbhir Narann 2019/20

There had been circulated Report No. N/6/19 dated 27 February 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

• The inclusion of Queenspark Gardens within the maintenance programme was welcomed;
• Further was sought, and received, regarding the potential to seek funding from the Safety Barriers allocation to repair a number of damaged barriers including near Logie Bridge, the B9007 towards the boundary with Moray and on the approach to Drynachan Lodge; and
• Confirmation was sought, and received, that it was the intention of the roads department to seek dialogue with agricultural businesses regarding damage caused by heavy agricultural vehicles using minor roads.

The Committee, having thanked the roads operations team for their work, APPROVED the 2019/20 Roads Maintenance Programme for the Nairn area.

10. Nairn Associated School Group (ASG) Education Report Session 2017/18

There had been circulated Report No. N/7/19 dated 1 March 2019 by the Area Care & Learning Manager.

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

• The Chairman highlighted that all four ward members had recently attended a meeting of the Nairn Academy Parent Council to discuss the future of education;
• Concern was expressed regarding the current lack of detailed information available on the model to be used to provide an appropriate level of ASN cover in Nairn schools;
• Further information was sought, and received, regarding the proposed extension  of the Early Years programme at Auldearn Primary, during which it was confirmed that discussion would take place with the Council’s estates department;
• Tribute was paid to Nairn Academy for being the first school in Highland to achieve an LGBT Bronze Charter award and Jo Fitzpatrick for her written work on equality which was used in a Scottish Government Working Group paper on equality education;
• In response to a question regarding the Early Years programme, it was confirmed that an update from the next meeting of the Nairn Early Learning and Childcare and Expansion Board could be provided to Members at a Ward Business Meeting;
• In response to a question, it was confirmed that whilst there were currently no plans to look at the high school catchments areas between Nairn Academy and Culloden Academy, this could take place as part of the review into ASGs taking place as part of the Sustainable Education Highland Communities process;
• It was confirmed that, following the circulation of the agenda and reports for the meeting, Appendix 1 to the report containing a performance summary for 2017-18 had been updated with the most recent information available, copies of which were circulated to Members;
• Whilst the external condition of the Nairn Academy building might give the public a negative impression, it was emphasised that the provision of education was of good quality in Nairn and that the information contained within the performance summary compared favourably with the virtual comparator;
• In highlighting a recent presentation made to the Committee by the head teacher of Nairn Academy, the Chair commended the high percentage of pupils leaving Nairn and moving into positive destinations such as higher education, further education and employment; and
• It was highlighted that teacher interaction with pupils in Nairn Academy had been positive and that their commitment to extra-curricular activities had shown that they were willing to go above and beyond their duty to assist pupils in their education.

Having thanked the education officers for their report, the Committee NOTED the report.

11. Minutes of Previous Meeting
Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated and were NOTED Minutes of Meeting of the Nairnshire Committee held on 28 November 2018, which had been approved by the Council on 13 December 2018.

13. A.O.B.

In concluding the meeting, the Chair reminded Members that the Committee had previously been informed that any proposals for projects in relation to the Nairn Links Development Plan would require approval by the Committee and that a special meeting of the Committee could be called in order to avoid any delay to commencement of projects.

The meeting concluded at 12.30 pm.