Agendas, reports and minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Thursday, 30 May 2019 at 10.00am.

Present:    
Mr R Balfour, Mr B Boyd, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr K Gowans, Mr J Gray, Mr A Graham, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R Laird, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr C Smith. 

Officials in Attendance:
Mr D Haas, Inverness City Area Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms F Shearer, South Area Care and Learning Manager, Care & Learning Service
Mrs MacLeod Mitchell, Gaelic Development Officer, Care and Learning Service
Ms A Tanner, Inverness City Heritage Trust Project Officer, Development & Infrastructure Service
Miss J MacLennan, Democratic Services Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs L Dunn, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Mr G Inkster, Group Manager, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

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

Mrs H Carmichael in the Chair

Preliminaries

Prior to commencing the meeting, the Chairman made the following announcements:-

• condolences were expressed in respect of Mrs Sheila Mackay OBE, former Depute Provost and District Councillor, who had recently passed;
• congratulations were conveyed to Milton of Leys’ Primary five-six football team on their great success in winning the Scottish Schools National Finals in Glasgow; and
• a warm welcome was extended to the exchange students from Augsburg and appreciation was expressed for the staff efforts in supporting their work placements within the Council.

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr I Brown, Ms E Knox and Mrs B McAllister.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 5 – Mr A Graham (Financial)
Item 6 – Miss J Campbell, Mr J Gray and Mr R MacWilliam (all non-financial)

3. Scottish Fire and Rescue Committee Performance Report for Q3 and Q4 of 2018-19
Aithisg Choileanaidh Comataidh Smàlaidh is Teasairginn na h-Alba airson C3 agus C4 de 2018-19

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/19/19 dated 30 May 2019 by the Local Senior Officer for Highland.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the Committee welcomed the positive performance information contained within the report, particularly in regard to Road Traffic Collisions which demonstrated that the collaborative working had been effective and it was hoped that this trend would continue;
• confirmation was provided that more local community briefings would be held on wildfires.  Wildfires were a significant drain on resources and although controlled fires by Estates were not licenced/regulated there was ongoing engagement and collaborative working to reduce this risk;
• further information was sought and provided in regard to whether there were any common factors/trends in respect of accidental dwelling fires and deliberate fires; and
• it was queried whether the role of the Fire and Rescue Service would be broadened to include rapid response to medical emergencies particularly in rural areas.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the attached City of Inverness Performance Report.

4. Education Report    
Aithisg Foghlaim

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/20/19 dated 21 May 2019 by the Area Care & Learning Manager.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• views were split with regard to the new report format.  The summary of the capital programme works was felt to be helpful but it was indicated that this should include all capital works. Some Members supported the broader reporting style with the synopsis of key highlights and advocated the suggestion of more tailored detailed briefings according to Associated School Groups (ASG) being presented at Ward Business Meetings.  However, in contrast, some Members expressed concern at this approach as these were private meetings and it was felt that it was important that this information was presented and discussed in a public forum to facilitate greater transparency and encourage parent engagement to achieve better outcomes.  In addition, although it was acknowledged that Inverness City comprised of six ASGs, it was felt that it was helpful to receive information on each of these as this enabled comparators to be made;
• concern was expressed that the purpose of the report was unclear.  The report duplicated information that was already reported to other Committees and indicated how other information could be accessed.  A request was made for future reports to contain attainment and performance information and also for benchmarking information to be incorporated;  
• confirmation was sought and provided that HMIE reports were issued to Members once they had been published;
• it was felt that the information contained within the Dashboard was unclear and further information was sought and provided on who uploaded the data to the Dashboard.  It was highlighted that there was a disconnect between the information reported at strategic committee level and that contained on the Dashboard and this needed to be addressed; and
• concern was expressed at the lack of a capacity within school rolls, particularly at Culloden and Smithton Academy, and that the increasing demands from new housing developments were not being factored into future projections.  This was unsustainable and additional capacity needed to be established.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the content of the report and the new format which would be further discussed with Members.

5. The 2020 Inverness Royal National Mòd
Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail Inbhir Nis 2020

Declaration of Interest – Mr A Graham declared a financial interest in this item as an employee of Bord Na Gaidhlig and left the meeting for the determination of this item.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/21/19 dated 17 May 2019 by the Interim Director of Care and Learning.

During discussion, Members recognised that hosting the 2020 Inverness Royal National Mod would bring a strong international delegation to the area and welcomed the wide-ranging economic and cultural benefits. 
Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the benefits of the Royal National Mòd taking place in Inverness in 2020.

6. Inverness City Heritage Trust Update 
Cunntas às Ùr mu Urras Dualchais Baile Inbhir Nis

Declarations of Interest: Miss J Campbell and Mr R MacWilliam declared non-financial interests in this item as Members of the Inverness City Heritage Trust and the Townscape Heritage Partnership Grants Sub-Committee and Mr J Gray declared a non-financial interest as Chair of the 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/22/19 dated 14 May 2019 by the Inverness City Heritage Trust Project Officer. 

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the Inverness City Heritage Team was commended for their work which was often very time consuming and their ongoing dialogue with businesses and building owners to encourage and support them in moving projects forward to ensure buildings of architectural and historical importance were properly restored and sustained for future generations.  Appreciation was also extended to the building owners for their support and commitment without which completion of these projects would not be feasible;
• continuing, further appreciation was extended to the team for their innovative work with limited resources and praise was extended for the specialist traditional building skills being utilised.  It was queried how the Council could help with addressing the specialist skills shortages to ensure continuity of this sector of the workforce; 
• the desktop study undertaken by the Inverness City Heritage Trust helped to identify the important buildings in and around Inverness and demonstrated the need for attention to be focussed on the City Centre.  The Academy Street project was an indication of the valuable heritage restoration works that were being undertaken;
• further information was sought and provided in regard to how Blue building plaques could be obtained and also on the Doors Open Days event;
• the value of the City’s built heritage was being recognised and the Leader of the Council proposed that wider discussions be held with Members with a view to the Council developing a strategic approach for sustainable investment in Council/Common Good Fund owned buildings of historical value.  She further highlighted the employability and philanthropic opportunities to assist with such projects; and 
• confirmation was provided that, although the Inverness City Heritage Trust was the only Heritage Trust in the Highlands, it might be feasible to extend the scope of their work across the wider Highlands.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-

i.  the progress of the ICHT during 2018/19; 
ii. that future activity beyond 2020 was dependent on securing funding from Historic Environment Scotland and
iii.that the Leader of the Council would hold wider discussions with Members with a view to the Council developing a strategic approach for sustainable investment in Council/Common Good Fund owned buildings of historical value.

7. Torvean Gateway: Torvean and Ness-side Development Brief Update    
Slighe Thòrr Bheathain: Cunntas às Ùr mu Bhrath-leasachaidh Thòrr Bheathain agus Thaobh Nis    

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/23/19 dated 30 May 2019 the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• thanks were conveyed to the Local Members and the Officers for a good report which highlighted a lot of exciting opportunities for the area; 
• it would be important that any difficulties were overcome and that partnership working was put in place from the outcome, especially in relation to the provision of public transport to and from the area; 
• this had the potential to be a major attraction for families in particular and as such it was crucial that both public transport and adequate parking facilities were in place from the outset;
• consideration should be given to ‘Park and Ride’ schemes if feasible;
• permanent arrangements for rowing, cycling and training for all age groups were imperative to ensure future and long term success;
• it would be important to get the balance of services correct from the outset as this was a unique area/destination;
• transport would be crucial but it was hoped that this could tie in with healthy lifestyles and as such not be car dependent;
• in terms of the transport infrastructure, it was suggested that consideration should be given to different aspects, such as a car free zone if possible;
• it would be helpful to examine what was currently in place in other similar areas in different parts of the country, especially in regard to cycling provision;
• it would be important to take account of the whole area in terms of future development, including the provision of housing, children’s play areas and wildlife, with consultation being undertaken with other agencies, such as SNH, where necessary;
• a combination of a range of uses which capitalised on what was already in place in the area would be the ideal in terms of presenting the best possible opportunities at the gateway to the City;
• it was essential that any further recommendations for future car parking and/or housing (in addition what was now being proposed) should come back in future reports for the Committee to enable consideration at that time;
• it would be helpful if any income generation proposals for the long term were also discussed with the Commercial Board; 
• the consultation which had been undertaken with local schools was welcomed;
• it would be essential that the current balance of green space within the development was preserved for the local community and that the height of any future development had to be in keeping with what was already in place in the area;
• it would be helpful to seek the views of the Inverness Community Safety Partnership in any future discussion on transport options;
• consideration should be given to arranging a further Members Briefing in order to allow the opportunity to further discuss any additional options to what was currently being proposed; and
• whilst welcoming all of the proposals in the report for this area, it had to be noted that similar proposals would be warmly welcomed in future for development on the east side of the City.            

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the summary of comments received on the Brief and AGREED the Council responses as set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and
ii.AGREED to update the adopted Torvean and Ness-side Development Brief to incorporate the revised Torvean content at Appendix 2, subject to clearance by Scottish Ministers.

8. Structures Progress Report 2018/19    
Aithisg Adhartais Structaran 2018/19

There had been Report No. CIA/24/19 dated 7 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, thanks were conveyed to the Officers concerned for the significant levels of work which had been undertaken within the current budget.

Also, and in relation to potential future projects, it was stressed that any consideration in this regard had to take account of the condition of current assets and any associated structural concerns which would need to be fed through to the Capital Programme in the first instance.  

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise NOTED the terms of the report as circulated.

9. Station Square, Inverness – Prohibition of Left Turn from Academy Street
Ceàrnag an Stèisein, Inbhir Nis – Casg air Tionndadh Clì bho Shràid na h-Acadamaidh    

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/25/19 dated 15 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• whilst agreeing with the safety concerns which had been highlighted in relation to the potential dangers of large vehicles reversing out of Station Square and into the live traffic on Academy Street, it was suggested that there should be a restriction of 3.5 tonnes (as opposed to the 3 tonne restriction which had been proposed within the report);   
• there was a need for consideration to be given as to what any new proposal would mean for coach drivers, specifically in terms of future alternatives to what was currently being undertaken;
• in terms of the development of Station Square, it was questioned as to whether there should be no left turn for any vehicles from Academy Street;   
• there should be consideration to the height of vehicles in addition to the weight;
• it had to be noted that this was a major Rail Station and as such there was a need to also focus on health and safety issues; 
• it would be helpful if contact could be made with groups regularly using Station Square, such as coaches conveying elderly and disabled people, in order to make them fully aware of the agreed future arrangements; and
• it was noted that the increase in weight limit (to 3.5 tonnes) would make the Road Traffic Order less onerous and it would not require to be re-advertised.     

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. NOTED the information contained in the report with regard to progressing with the proposed Road Traffic Order; and 
ii.AGREED to amend the proposed Road Traffic Order to allow for a 3.5 tonne weight restriction to be put in place (as opposed to the 3 tonne restriction which had been highlighted within the report).  

10. The Highland Council (Inverness West Link (A8082) Stage 1) (30mp and 40pmh speed limits) Order 2017
Òrdugh (Ceangal an Iar Inbhir Nis (A8082) Ìre 1) (casg-astair 30 msu agus 40 msu) Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd 2017

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/26/19 dated 10 May 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in terms of the proposed speed limits, it was felt that the natural place for the 30mph limit to take effect was just before the Queen’s Park Roundabout;   
• in terms of appropriate speed limits, it was suggested that Sections J and L within the report would be perceived  by drivers as 40mph zones and this was in fact most appropriate for this stretch of the road;
• there were already problems with speed limits within the City and Sections J and L would not work as 30mph zones;
• in contrast, and whilst acknowledging the concerns which had been raised, there was a need to encourage cycling and walking in this area and as such it was suggested that the proposal within the report for this to be a 30mph zone was appropriate;
• in terms of the current speeding issues, it was felt that the perception of drivers often was that a wider road allowed a faster speed limit;
• it was suggested that just lowering the speed limit would not encourage people to leave their cars and cycle/walk as an alternative; and
• in any future consideration of speed limits across the City, there were  locations, such adjacent to the Gaelic School, where consideration should be given to lowering the speed limit to 20mph on the grounds of health and safety. 

Thereafter, Mr A Graham, seconded by Mr R MacWilliam, MOVED acceptance of the recommendations within the report.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Jarvie, seconded by Mrs C Caddick, moved that Sections J and L should be 40mph - with the 30mph limit taking effect just before the Queen’s Park Roundabout.

On a vote being taken, the Motion received 8 votes and the Amendment received 11 votes, with no abstentions, and the AMENDMENT was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:- 

For the Motion:
Mr A Graham, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr B Boyd, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr J Gray and Mrs T Robertson.  

For the Amendment:
Mr A Jarvie, Mrs C Caddick, Mr R Balfour, Miss J Campbell, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr R Laird, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr G Ross and Mr C Smith.              

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the background to the proposed 30mph and 40mph speed limit orders and the representations received; and
ii.APPROVED the making of the: ‘The Highland Council (Inverness West Link (A8082) Stage 1) (30mph and 40mph Speed Limits) Order 2017’ – subject to promotion of the following amendment – Sections J and L to be 40mph - with the 30mph limit taking effect just before the Queen’s Park Roundabout.

11. Christmas Lights and Decorations 
Solais agus Sgeadachaidhean Nollaige

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/27/19 dated 14 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• it should be noted that Members had always had a very high regard for the work undertaken by the Lighting Service and there was now a need for that Service to liaise with local Community Councils and community groups in terms of the way forward for Christmas lights and decorations in future years;    
• any proposals for future action to be taken should be discussed at Ward Business Meetings in the fist instance;
• it was important to stress that lighting in the City Centre would remain as at present but there should perhaps be a focus on replacing/updating this lighting where necessary;
• in terms of what was currently being undertaken elsewhere, it was highlighted that the highly successful ‘Festival of Trees’ in Canada (whereby individual trees were sponsored by local businesses) should perhaps be explored as a future option for the City; and
• there was a need for clarification to be given to Community Councils in relation to the payment of VAT as part of Council invoices. 

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED that the Council had previously removed the £35,000 budget for the delivery of Christmas Lighting;
ii. AGREED to liaise with local Community Councils and/or Community Groups where communities wished to deliver Christmas lighting and decorations; and
iii.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.

12. Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 31 March 2019
Aithisg Dèanadais Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 31 Am Màrt 2019

There had been circulated Report No CIA/28/19 dated 9 May 2019 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• there was a need for further and more detailed information to be provided in future in relation to the HRA Capital Programme Inverness & Area and specifically in regard to the delays associated with the ‘amber’ ratings within this programme;   
• it would be helpful if statistics in regard to all Quarters for the year could be provided in future;
• housing allocations represented the bulk of casework for many Members and as such information in this regard should be provided in future reports;
• it was hoped that early intervention in respect of void properties could be implemented in future with a view to enabling such properties to be brought back into use more quickly;
• thanks should be conveyed to the Housing staff for the excellent work which was being undertaken;
• it was hoped that the planned programming in respect of heating system failures would mitigate any potential future overspend in this regard; and
• it would be helpful if consideration could be given to presenting the performance indicators for housing management in actual numbers (as well as percentages) if possible in future.     
• Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-
• i. the information provided on Housing Performance for the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019; and
• ii.the position of the HRA Capital Programme for Inverness as detailed.
• 13. Inverness Common Good Fund
• Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis
• a)Inverness Common Good Fund Grants
• Tabhartasan Maoin Mathas Coitcheann Inbhir Nis
• There had been circulated Report No. CIA/29/19 dated 14 May 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager. 
• During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-
• •thanks should be conveyed to the City Manager and Hilary Tolmie for the considerable work which had been undertaken in respect of the proposals to revise the current administrative arrangements for processing applications;   
• in relation to the future scrutiny of grant awards, the proposal in respect of two Members of the Sub Committee visiting and witnessing the work of organisations to verify the validity of applications and following this up with presentation of a cheque for any award granted (with associated promotion/publicity) was questioned and it was suggested that this was not required and should not be part of any future policy;      
• in relation to the above, it was also highlighted that currently applicants could contact Members if they so wished and it was considered that this was sufficient;
• it was suggested that there should be specific limits set for any future grant applications;
• it was imperative that account was always taken of the original principles pertaining to the Common Good Fund; and
• in light of the issues which had been raised at the meeting, it was suggested that further consideration of this item should be deferred to allow a Special Meeting of the Common Good Fund Sub Committee to be arranged in the first instance and a further report to be submitted to the next meeting of the City Committee thereafter.     

The Committee AGREED TO DEFER consideration of the options to revise the current administrative arrangements for processing applications for financial assistance in light of the issues which had been raised at the meeting - on the basis that a report would be submitted to a Special Meeting of the Inverness Common Good Fund Sub Committee in the first instance to allow further consideration and thereafter to the next meeting of the City Committee.

b) Discretionary Scheme for Winter Payments 2019/20
Sgeama fo Ùghdarras airson Phàighidhean Geamhraidh 2019/20

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/30/19 dated 15 May 2019 by the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Resources and Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion, thanks were conveyed to the Officers concerned for the very professional and efficient administration of this Scheme.

It was also highlighted that the ‘energy cap’ had recently been lifted and this could cause considerable additional hardship for those persons on low incomes. As such, it was suggested  that, in view of the fact that the Scheme had been underspent in the previous year, consideration should be given to now increasing the proposed payment of £82 by 10%.

Thereafter, the Committee AGREED TO DEFER consideration of the single tier payment of £82 as proposed within the report until the next meeting – on the basis that the opinion of Members was that if possible (and within affordability limits) the proposal should be for the payment to be increased by 10% for the 2019/20 Scheme. 

c) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/31/19 dated 14 May 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager. 

The Committee NOTED the financial monitoring report to 30 April 2019 and that overall expenditure was within agreed budgets.

Specifically in relation to the Inverness Common Good Fund Core Spend Monitoring Statement, it was also AGREED that a further and more detailed report should be provided on (i) Winter Payments (to include reference to cash used from the Benevolent Funds) and (ii) the Central Support Charge.

d) Grants and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/32/19 dated 17 May 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager. 

In this connection, there had also been circulated a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet A.

The Committee:-

i.  AGREED the following action in respect of the applications as circulated – LOC MNR 2020 (grant of £17,500), Special Needs Action Project (deferred for further clarification on business planning aspects), WASPs Trust (grant of £65,000) , Eden Court (grant of £13,148), Scottish Canals (grant of 50,000) and LCC Live Events (grant of £17,000);
ii. AGREED to refuse the Accessable proposal;
iii.NOTED the current status of capital projects;
iv. NOTED the cost to undertake the work to the Rose Window was £14,675.27 and would be paid from the Other Properties Budget;
v.  APPROVED  the overspend on the Ness Islands Improvement Works Project from the Other Properties Budget; and
vi. APPROVED an additional £6,500 to the Whin Park Improvement Works Project

14. Approval / Homologation of new Street Names 
Aontachadh ainmean ùra Sràide

There had been circulated Report No CIA/33/19 dated 20 May 2019 by the Acting Head of Policy & Reform.

The Committee APPROVED one new street name for the former Kinmylies Building as ‘Achmore Court’.

The Committee also HOMOLOGATED:-

i.  one new extended street name at Westercraigs as ‘Forester’s Way’;
ii. one new street name west of Torvean Golf Club as ‘Balphadrig Road’; and
iii.one new name for a flatted development off Kenneth Street as ‘Kenneth Buildings’.

15. Minutes 
Geàrr-chunntas

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

City of Inverness Area Committee held on 21 February 2019, 28 March 2019 and 25 April 2019 - NOTED; 
Victorian Market Stakeholder Group held on 26 February 2019 and 9 April 2019 - NOTED;
Inverness Events & Festivals Working Group held on 4 March 2019 - APPROVED; and 
Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 13 May 2019 - APPROVED.

In respect of the Minutes of Meeting of the Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 9 April 2019, and during discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• Information was sought and received in respect of the previous funding position and the discussions with Creative Scotland to investigate possible future funding sources for ‘The Trail’ project; 
• in terms of the ‘My Ness’ project, there was a need for further detail over the Fishermen’s Hut and specifically the statement which had been made that it was the responsibility of the Ness Angling Club to access sources of funding in this regard;
• further detail was also required in relation to the ‘Children’s Feature’, particularly in regard to concerns which had been raised over whether it was in the correct location in terms of health and safety;
• in relation to ‘Rest Spaces – Dress for the Weather’, and with a focus on good governance, there had been no specific reference to certain aspects of this particular project in previous Minutes of Working Group meetings and as such information was now required on whether it had been appropriate to class this as ‘street furniture’ in line with Permitted Development as opposed to seeking planning permission;
• requests for a Special Meeting of the City Committee had been made on two previous occasions in order to allow public debate on the governance of this project which was a matter of great importance to the City of Inverness but to date there had been no agreement to these requests and a further request was made at the meeting;
• it had to be highlighted that the Inverness City Arts Working Group had been charged with taking forward the various projects listed in the report and meetings of this Group had been open for any Member to attend;
• in terms of concentrating on process, and with specific reference to the ‘My Ness’ project, this was a contentious project which had resulted in a petition being received from around 3000 people in the local area, including local fishermen, who had concerns in relation to the physical, environmental and ecological risks associated with a high cost project of this size in the proposed location;
• it was acknowledged that the concerns in relation to the ‘My Ness’ project had been brought to the attention of the Leader of the Council and that a formal response was to be provided in due course;
• a considerable amount of work had been undertaken by Council Officers and external bodies in recent years on the various projects listed within the report. As such, and whilst acknowledging that this had not been an easy task, it had to be highlighted that nothing had been hidden in terms of information and Officers had made enormous efforts to adhere to the budgets which had been set with due process having been followed;
• there had been an open invitation to all Members of the City Committee to attend and become involved in the Working Group but to date this offer had not been taken up;
• in taking forward the projects which had been listed, it had to be accepted that it would be impossible for there to be no impact whatsoever on the River; and
• in terms of the concerns which had been raised at the meeting, it was suggested that an external review of the whole project should perhaps be considered.                   

In response, the City Manager confirmed that the Working Group was acting within its powers as delegated by the Committee and that advice was being taken on all aspects to ensure that the Council’s legal duties were being met.  

Thereafter, Mr J Gray, seconded by Mrs H Carmichael, MOVED the recommendations within the Minutes of the Meeting as circulated.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr R Laird, seconded by Mr R MacWilliam, moved that the recommendations within the Minutes of the Meeting should not be approved.

On a vote being taken, the Motion received 10 votes and the Amendment received 4 votes, with 3 abstentions, and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:
Mr J Gray, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr A Graham, Mr A Jarvie, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr G Ross and Mr C Smith.

For the Amendment:
Mr R Laird, Mr R MacWilliam, Mr B Boyd and Mr K Gowans. 

Abstentions:
Mr R Balfour, Miss J Campbell and Mr A Christie.  

The Committee otherwise APPROVED the Minutes of Meeting of the Inverness City Arts Working Group as circulated.   

The meeting ended at 4.30pm.