Agendas, reports and minutes

The Highland Council

Minutes of Meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Thursday 29 August 2019 at 10.00am.

Present:

Mrs H Carmichael, Mr R Balfour, Mr B Boyd, Mr I Brown, Mrs C Caddick, Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mr A Christie, Mrs M Davidson, Mr K Gowans, Mr J Gray, Mr A Jarvie, Ms E Knox, Mr R Laird , Mrs B McAllister, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr C Smith

Officials in Attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Development and Infrastructure
Mr E Foster, Head of Corporate Finance & Commercialism, Corporate Resources
Mr C Howell, Head of Infrastructure, Development & Infrastructure
Mr D Cowie, Principal Planner, Development and Infrastructure
Ms S Barrie, Programme Manager (Property) Development & Infrastructure
Mr B Cameron, Housing Policy and Investment Manager, Community Services
Mr R Taylor, Roads Operations Manager, Community Services
Ms D Sutton, Amenities Manager (South) Community Services
Mr G Munro, Policy Assurance Officer, Corporate Resources
Mr K Forbes, Property Manager (Estates), Development & Infrastructure
Mr D Haas, Inverness City Area Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs L Dunn, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Superintendent I McClelland, Police Scotland 
Inverness Area Commander M MacInnes, Police Scotland
Mr B Beattie, Creative Services Scotland
Mr S MacKellar, LDN Architects
Ms J Murray, Victorian Market Manager

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

Queen’s Birthday Honours
Urraman Co-là-breith na Banrigh

Prior to the commencement of the formal business, the Provost reported that Mr N MacLeod had been awarded an MBE for services to charity and the Committee extended their congratulations.

Business

1.Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Miss J Campbell, Mr G Cruickshank and Mr A Graham.

2.Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 8 – Mr A Christie and Mr A Jarvie (non-financial)
Item 11.a – Mrs T Robertson (non-financial)
Item 11.b – Mr A Christie and Mr A Jarvie (non-financial)
Item 11.f – Mr R Balfour, Mr A Jarvie and Mr D Macpherson (non-financial)

3.Recess Powers 
Cumhachdan Fosaidh
    
The Committee NOTED that the Recess Powers granted by the Council at its meeting on 27 June 2019 had not been exercised in relation to the business of this Committee.

4.Presentation – Inverness Castle Project Update 
Taisbeanadh – Cunntas às Ùr mu Phròiseact Caisteal Inbhir Nis

A joint presentation was undertaken by the Director of Development and Infrastructure, Mr S MacKellar from LDN Architects, and Mr B Beattie from Creative Services Scotland.  During the presentation, an update was provided on the progress that had been made with the Inverness Castle project which had been given the working title ‘Spirit of the Highlands’.  Further, an update was provided on the project governance and partners; the vision and ambition for the visitor attraction; on funding being secured; and an outline of the Master Planning and Business Planning for the project which would be undertaken through a multi-phased approach.  In addition, an update was provided on the work that had been undertaken by LDN Architects to help inform the concept design strategy and also by Creative Services Scotland on how the key elements of the Spirit of the Highlands would be captured and distilled within the visitor attraction.

Following the presentation and during discussion, the undernoted main points were raised:-

• The Committee recognised that this was an exciting and challenging project and appreciation was expressed to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Mr F Ewing, for his work in ensuring Highland Council secured ownership of Inverness Castle; 
• It was recognised that one of the most challenging aspects of this project would be interpreting the Spirit of the Highlands.  It was emphasised that there was a need to ensure that exhibits would be dynamic and relevant.  It was suggested that there should be public engagement in this regard.  However, concern was expressed that key local cultures would not be recognised/represented and assurance was sought and provided that appropriate specialist bodies such as the School of Scottish Studies would be consulted; 
• It was also requested that consideration be given to the external areas of the Castle, including the potential for the gardens and using this as an opportunity to develop a green space for the City; and
• Assurance was sought and provided that steps would be taken to ensure that the building would be accessible.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the presentation.

5.Police – Area Performance Summary Report     
Poileas – Geàrr-aithisg Coileanadh Sgìreil

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/35/19 dated 14 August 2019 by the Chief Inspector Colin Gough, Area Commander.

During discussion the following main points were raised:-

• Appreciation was expressed for the recent Police attendance at the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council meeting.  It was highlighted that this area had been experiencing a high volume of local break-ins and the support and advice provided by Police Scotland had been helpful.  It was indicated that this was a tourist economy area and disappointment was expressed at the reducing local banking services and the profound effect of this on local communities;
• Alcohol and Drugs Misuse was currently included within Anti-social Behaviour and it was suggested that consideration should be given to reporting this separately;
• Concern was expressed at the increasing challenging road behaviour being frequently experienced on the B9006 and further advice was sought and provided on how this could be addressed;
• Appreciation was expressed for the ongoing Police presence and support in the City Centre and the positive impact this was having particularly in regard to shoplifting;
• Further information was sought and provided on the increasing number of Domestic crimes and it was emphasised that there was a need to drive out Hate crimes which must not be tolerated; 
• Concern was expressed that Highland was not receiving its fair share from the Proceeds from Crimes Fund and further information was requested on the Highlands financial contribution to the Fund and how much had been redistributed back to the area;
• Although the Keep Left campaign was welcome, there was a need to do more to promote and improve road safety in this regard; 
• An update was sought and provided on the search at the Leanach Quarry; and
• The Committee extended their appreciation to Chief Inspector Gough for his contributions to City policing and Community Planning.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED:-

i. progress made against the objectives set within the Highland and Islands Local Policing Plan 2017-2020 Year 2 and first quarter of Year 3, attached as Annex A to the report, for the period covering 1 April 2018- 30 June 2019; and
ii.that further information be reported back on how much the Highlands had financially contributed to the Proceeds from Crimes Fund and how much had been redistributed back to the area.

In accordance with Standing Order 9, with the consent of the meeting, Item 11 on the agenda was taken at this point.

11.Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Review of Priorities
Ath-sgrùdadh Phrìomhachasan

Declarations of Interest – 

Mrs T Robertson declared a non-financial interest in this item as the Chair of Special Needs Action Project but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/41/19 dated 16 August 2019 by the Head of Corporate Finance & Commercialism and Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion it was recommended, and supported, that there should be greater consultation with Members on the longer term investment strategy of the Inverness Common Good Fund.  It was indicated that there was a need to examine and ensure that the fund assets were being maximised and to consider the implications of future expenditure as well as wider issues such as BREXIT.  It was proposed that a Member workshop should be held in this regard (as detailed within the recommendations), with expert advice being sought as required, and although further discussion on this was welcome it was also highlighted that there was a need to ensure openness and transparency.  Therefore, it was suggested that a report on the outcome of the workshop should be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee to determine the long term strategy.   

Following discussion, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the progress to date of the Strategy agreed in 2014;
ii. NOTED existing expenditure commitments;
iii.AGREED that a Member workshop be held to consider the long term investment strategy of the Inverness Common Good Fund and that a report be submitted to Committee thereafter to approve the strategic outcomes and Action Plan;

iv. AGREED that the Committee instruct the Inverness City Area Manager to prepare a Feasibility Study at a cost of no more than £5,000 into the future use of the Town House based on the objective of ensuring that it continued to be used for the principal benefit of the Residents of the Burgh, with a focus on retaining the Town House as a Civic Hub for the City. All under the scrutiny of the ICGF Sub Committee, with a report on the outcome being brought back to this Committee in due course; and
v.  NOTED that annual Budget Setting reports would be utilised to keep the strategy for the Inverness Common Good Fund (ICGF) under review.

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

Declarations of Interest – 

Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as the General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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 him from taking part in the discussion.

Mr A Jarvie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a director of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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 him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/42/19 dated 19 August by the Acting Head of Revenues and Customer Services and Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion, the following main points were raised:-

• There was no evidence that there would be a 5% increase in uptake in the Scheme;
• Concern was expressed at the eligibility criteria that there should be no person in the household that had been in receipt of a wage within the last six months and it was suggested that this was too long a period and should be reviewed;
• It was felt that the application process was too complex and should be simplified;
• It was felt that it was too late to make changes to the Scheme for 2019/20.  Therefore it was recommended that there should be a holistic appraisal of the Scheme, which would include matters such as the application process, eligibility criteria, publicity/promotion of the Scheme etc., and that this should be undertaken as part of the wider review of the Inverness Common Good Fund; and
• It was proposed that the level of the single tier award should be increased annually in line with current Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) rate and it was indicated that it would be feasible to implement this with effect for 2019/20 raising the award to £84 and this was supported.

The Committee AGREED:-

i.  the level of the single tier award to those applicants that satisfy the eligibility criteria for the 2019/20 scheme be increased in line with current CPI rate to £84 and that the payment award be raised annually thereafter in line with CPI;
ii. an overall budget which recognised any increase in the single tier award to take into account the demand from ongoing welfare reforms and energy costs be provided; 
iii.that the criteria utilised for the 2018/19 scheme, as set out in paragraphs 7.2 to 7.6 of the report, be used as the basis for the 2019/20 scheme; 
iv. this discretionary scheme be made available to residents in the City of Inverness and the Landward areas of the seven City Wards; 
v.  to promote payment by BACS for this discretionary scheme as this was the most secure method of payment for recipients of the payment and the Council alike; and 
vi. there be an appraisal of the Scheme and that this be undertaken as part of the wider review of the Inverness Common Good Fund.

c)Common Good Fund Sub Committee – Annual Report 2018/2019
Fo-Chomataidh na Maoin Maith Choitchinn – Aithisg Bhliadhnail 2018/19

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/43/19 dated 9 August 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager. 

The Committee NOTED and scrutinised the work of the ICGF Sub Committee as described within the report.

d)Victorian Market Annual Report - Action Plan – Annual Review
Margaid Bhictòrianach – Plana Gnìomha – Ath-sgrùdadh Bliadhnail

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/44/19 dated 16 August 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion the following main points were raised:-

• The Committee welcomed the proposals and recognised the need for investment in the Victorian Market but concern was expressed at allocating this significant level of funding based on the information that had been presented and without further assurances;
• It was indicated that Appendix 4 was not a Business Case as it did not contain the required information in terms of the justification and the expected commercial benefit of the project.  It was therefore proposed that recommendation two should not be agreed at this stage and that a full Business Case should be submitted to a future meeting for approval;
• In addition to the above, it was felt that further research was required to be undertaken in terms of financial modelling to consider the value/return of the project to the Common Good Fund and that this should also be included in the workshop.  Therefore, it was felt that no further decisions could be made in regard to this project in the absence of this information;
• The vision was welcomed but disappointment was expressed with the way in which the report had been presented as it implied that it was a fait accompli;
• It was highlighted that the Action Plan had been approved a year ago and disappointment was expressed that further progress had not been made.  It was recommended that decisions should be informed and move in line with retail trends and further information was required on the associated risks;
• The Market was not a heated space and it was queried if/how this aspect would be addressed;
• In terms of branding, it was indicated that this needed to be linked to the corporate identity and it was also queried if this work was necessary and value for money;
• It was indicated that the future development of the Victorian Market was very important to the regeneration of the City and in view of this it was important that the project was able to be progressed.  However, although this view was supported, it was felt that there was not sufficient information to make an informed decision at this stage; and
• In contrast, it was felt that further information on the likely costs and a financial commitment towards these was required to be able to move the project forward.  Further information was sought and provided on the initial level of spend required to progress.  However, it was noted that the Market was an Inverness Common Good Fund asset which needed to deliver a return on any investment.  

Following detailed discussion, the Committee:-

i.  AGREED to the continued development of the ‘Branding’ of the Victorian Market as described within the report to include, Marketing, Signage, Naming Appendix 3 to the report;
ii. AGREED that a full Business Case, including an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA), on the redesign of the Market Hall be submitted to a future meeting for approval and that further reports be presented to the City of Inverness Area Committee to progress the project programme as required; 
iii.AGREED that the value/EIA of the Project be considered at the workshop as part of the wider review of the Inverness Common Good Fund; and
iv. AGREED the updated Action Plan Summary as endorsed by the Victorian Market Stakeholder Group as detailed in Appendix 5 to the report.

e)Victorian Market –Market Hall Redesign Inverness
Margaid Bhictòrianach, Ath-dhealbhadh Talla na Margaid, Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated Joint Report No. CIA/45/19 dated 14 August 2019 by Director of Development and Infrastructure and Inverness City Area Manage

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• A number of Members expressed concern at approving this significant level of expenditure at this stage.  Members acknowledged and were supportive of the need for the Market to be redeveloped.  However, there was a need for greater information including a detailed Business Plan and an Economic Impact Assessment to analyse the value of the project planned to have been presented at the next Committee on 21 November 2019 which would now be included within the wider review of the Inverness Common Good Fund to ensure Members could make a fully informed decision planned for the next meeting.  On this basis it was recommended that the report should only be noted at this stage; and
• Further clarity was sought and provided on how long the tender process would take and the likely number of responses that would be received.

The Committee NOTED the report and that the Market Hall redesign would be reconsidered pending submission of a full Business Case (which would include an EIA).

At this point the meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12.45pm and reconvened at 1.30pm.

f)Inverness Events and Festivals - Review of 2019-20 to date and proposals for 2020-21    
Tachartasan agus Fèisean Inbhir Nis- Ath-sgrùdadh 2019-20 gu ruige seo agus molaidhean airson 2020-21

Declarations of Interest – 

Mr R Balfour declared a non-financial interest in this item as a member of the Northern Meeting Park 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 him from taking part in the discussion.

Mr A Jarvie and Mr D Macpherson declared non-financial interests in this item as directors of High Life Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interest did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/46/19 dated 16 August 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion the following main point were raised:-

• Further information was sought and provided on the legal position and the associated conditions of the Northern Meeting Park;
• The Chair of the Events and Festivals Working Group gave a summary of the work that had been undertaken to date to support the long term strategy and offset costs.  He explained that the key aim was to attract, develop, and nurture new events while providing greater support to community groups and securing use as a green space for school groups.  He advised that there was the potential to generate additional funds which could be utilised towards an agreed programme and investment of the facility through working collaboratively with partners and he sought the Committee’s support of the recommendations;
• This was a valuable asset which was underused but had the capacity to operate as a standalone facility through good management.  It was therefore suggested that consideration should be given to High Life Highland being given the opportunity to operate the facility with the incentive to generate and retain the profit.  However, it was highlighted that there were a number of organisations that had the skills to operate the facility and that, if this route was pursued, appropriate bids should be sought in this regard;
• It was queried whether utilisation of £115,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund to operate the Hogmanay event was the best use of expenditure.  It was suggested that the Hogmanay event should no longer be a free event and that these funds could be better utilised to change outcomes in people’s lives.  It was recommended that this issue should be considered as part of the wider review of the Inverness Common Good Fund;
• It was indicated that the Northern Meeting Park had a significant land value and this needed to be taken into account when considering any asset transfer;
• Concern was expressed that the Hogmanay event could not be delivered based on the reduced level of budget.  Although the events and the benefits they generated for the City were welcome, it was suggested that the programme was tired and in need of a revamp.  However, it was highlighted that the Events and Festivals Working Group had been tasked with reducing their reliance on the Inverness Common Good Fund.  It was stressed that the Hogmanay event being free was helpful and beneficial to families.  In addition, there was no evidence that this was a tired event with sustained annual audiences attending of approximately 10,000 people.  In view of this, it was suggested that given it was a high profile event, greater sponsorship should be sought to help make it more commercial;
• Further information was sought on the potential partners and the members of the Highland Games Committee;
• The historical importance of the Highland Games was emphasised.  It was indicated that the Council had been a poor custodian of the Northern Meeting Park and there must be an improved commitment to maintain the building;
• Further communications with community interest groups and wider public engagement was recommended; and
• It was requested that all information and research considered by the Events and Festivals Working Group on the feasibility of charging for the Hogmanay event should be circulated to the Committee.

The Committee:-

NOTED the 2019/20 update;
NOTED the research undertaken into Hogmanay and budget cutting;
APPROVED the 2020/21 Events and Festivals Action Plan;
APPROVED the 2020/21 Budget of £275,000 (Appendix 3) subject to the addition of a 10% contingency (£25,000) noting that the agreement of the City of Inverness Area Committee would be required prior to the contingency being allocated against expenditure; 
*AGREED TO RECOMMEND that Officers support the Events and Festivals Working Group to work with partners to deliver a programme of events in Northern Meeting Park to generate the additional income required to deliver the agreed programme; subject to ensuring that all reasonable steps were taken to ensure that any current users who might suffer detriment were given advice and support where appropriate; and
AGREED that all information and research considered by the Events and Festivals Working Group indicating that charging for Hogmanay event would not be successful be circulated to the Committee.

g)Financial Monitoring and Capital Projects     
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail agus Pròiseactan Calpa

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/47/19 dated 12 August 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager. 

During discussion, further information was sought:-

• and provided on the rationale to recover the run rate of the Inverness Common Good Fund Grants budget of £540,000 as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; and
• on the reference to ‘Event Office’ contained in Appendix 3 to the report.

The Committee NOTED the:-

i. financial monitoring report to 31 July 2019; and that overall expenditure was within agreed budgets; 
ii.current status of capital projects; and
iii.that further clarity would be provided in regard to ‘Event Office’ as contained in Appendix 3 to the report.

h)Grants Applications over £10,000
Iarrtasan Tabhartais thar £10,000

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/48/19 dated 8 August 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager. In this connection, there had been circulated separately a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet A.

The Committee NOTED the current status of capital projects and APPROVED the following applications:-

• Special Needs Action Project - £17,500
• Visit Inverness Loch Ness Ltd - £20,000
• The Ledge - £25,000

6.A9/A82 Longman Junction Improvement scheme – Preferred option consultation Summer 2019 
Sgeama Leasachaidh Ceann-rathaid an Longman A9/A82 – Co-chomhairle mun roghainn as fheàrr, Samhradh 2019

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/36/19 dated 14 August 2019 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion an update was sought and provided on the site investigations at the former landfill site and the environmental mitigation for the scheme (points 5 and 8 of Appendix 2 to the report).  It was further reported that a virtual reality model of the preferred option could be viewed on Transport Scotland’s website.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED and welcomed Transport Scotland’s progress with preparation of the A9/A82 Longman Junction Improvement scheme and AGREED to homologate the Council’s response to the recent consultation that was held on the preferred option.

7.Annual Area Capital Report 

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/37/19 dated 22 August 2019 by the Head of Corporate Finance and Commercialism. 

During discussion, further information was sought on the:-

• level of land compensation in respect of the South West Inverness Storm Water Relief and when this was likely to be received; and
• Whin Park Hydro Scheme.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the:-

i.  expenditure on each project in this Council area in 2018/19; 
ii. budget for each project in this Council area in 2019/20; and 
iii.cumulative spend for each project in this Council area for 2018/19 and 2019/20 to end of June; and
iv. that further information would be reported back to Councillor K Gowans on the outstanding sum of compensation due in respect of the South West Inverness Storm Water Relief and the likely date of receipt and to Councillor C Smith on the Whin Park Hydro scheme.

8.Housing Performance Report – 1 April to 30 June  2019
Aithisg Dèanadais Taigheadais – 1 Giblean gu 30 An t-Òg mhios 2019

Declarations of Interest – 

Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in this item as the General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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 him from taking part in the discussion.

Mr A Jarvie declared a non-financial interest in this item as a director of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 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 him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/38/19 dated 14 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• The improvement in the Culloden/Ardersier Ward in respect of Average rel-let time was welcome.  However, disappointment was expressed at the continuing impacts of Universal Credit and also the increasing level of homelessness and it was queried whether any further action could be taken to alleviate this;
• Disappointment was expressed that despite repeated requests, no action had been taken to secure the entrance door at 132-154 Glendale Terrace, Inverness and to repair the fire alarm.  A request was made for these works to be undertaken as a matter of urgency; 
• A request was made for further information on the actions that had been taken to accelerate voids; and
• In view of the increasing homelessness figures, it was queried why existing vacant properties such as Janitor Houses were not being utilised to ease this pressure.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the information provided on Housing Performance for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 and that that further information would be reported back to Councillor A Christie on the action that had been taken to accelerate voids and to Councillor R Laird on the security and safety maintenance works required at Glendale Terrace, Inverness.

9.Winter Maintenance Plan 2019/20    
Plana Obair-gleidhidh Geamhraidh 2019/20 

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/39/19 dated 14 August 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

During discussion the following main point were raised:-

• It was highlighted that the condition of the roads was not solely due to winter and it was emphasised that there had been no subsequent increase in the Roads Maintenance budget, particularly to reflect the increasing levels of new housing in the City.  A number of other Members expressed a similar view that the budget allocation between the City of Inverness area and the rest of the Highlands was not equitable.  It was suggested that Members should continue to lobby their respective political groups for the distribution formula to be reviewed.  However, it was highlighted that this matter of ensuring a fair allocation of the Roads Maintenance budget for the City of Inverness area had been raised previously.  Disappointment was expressed that this had not yet been resolved and a plea was made for this to be actioned.  Concern was expressed that this issue, along with a number of others such as disaggregation of local budgets, particularly in regard to car parking income, and the localism agenda were not being progressed.In response it was clarified that these issues had been delayed pending implementation of the new organisational structure but assurance was provided that these were key priorities which would be taken forward with a view to disaggregated budgets being implemented with effect from April 2020;
• It was highlighted that Winter Maintenance was provided by a small team and the Committee commended them for efforts and the excellent service they provided;
• A request was made for the categorisation of Kirkwall Brae and Brudes Hill to be reconsidered and an explanation was provided in regard to how priority gritting was determined; and
• Further information was sought and provided in regard to Northbridge and how priority routes were prioritised.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the Winter Maintenance Plan for the Inverness Area, which included the priority road lists and maps presented in Appendices B & C, subject to the amendments in 5.8 and 5.9 as detailed in the report.

10.Remote Mower Options
Roghainnean Lomaire-feòir Cèin

There had been circulated Report No. CIA/40/19 dated 17 July 2019 by the Interim Chief Officer Resources (Community Services).

During discussion the following main point were raised:-

• It was recommended that the Council should give further consideration to implementing technological advances to undertake services;
• Assurance was provided that appropriate service maintenance agreements would be in place; and
• Concern was expressed at the proposal whereby the purchase costs should be shared equally with the Council and the Inverness Common Good Fund but it was clarified that the equipment would be utilised to provide an enhanced grass cutting service to the area, i.e. not solely used on the Castle and river bank areas.  On this basis, it was recommended that this arrangement should be formally recognised with a Service Level Agreement.  Similarly, given that this would be shared asset with the Inverness Common Good Fund, it was stressed that the equipment should be retained in Inverness and should not be utilised in other Council areas.

The Committee:-

i. NOTED the health and safety concerns associated with the cutting of steep banks including the Castle and River banks; and
ii.AGREED Option 3, as detailed in the report, being to part fund the purchase of a remote mower for the ongoing cutting of the Castle and River banks as well as other areas of steep banks and a contribution cost from the Common Good Fund of £20,000.

12.Homologation of new Street Names
Aontachadh Ainmean Sràide ùra

There had been circulated Report No CIA/49/19 dated 8 July 2019 by the Inverness City Area Manager.

The Committee AGREED to homologate the naming of new streets as follows:

-New commercial development, Inverness Airport
-New housing development, Tornagrain, Inverness 
-New Housing development, Milton of Leys, Inverness

13.Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings as follows:-

i.  City of Inverness Area Committee held on 30 May 2019 – NOTED;
ii. Victorian Market Stakeholder Management Group held on 14 May 2019 and 9 July – NOTED;
iii.Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group held on 3 June – APPROVED; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 5 August – APPROVED.

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

The Committee RESOLVED that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

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

There had been circulated to Members only Joint Report No CIA/50/19 dated 9 August 2019 by the Head of Development and Regeneration and the Property Manager (Estates).

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the contents of the report as detailed.

The meeting ended at 4.00pm.