Agendas, reports and minutes

Present:

Mr I Brown, Mr A Graham, Mr R Balfour, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr J Crawford, Mrs M Davidson, Mr N Donald, Mr A Duffy, Mr J Ford, Mr K Gowans Mr J Gray, Mr D Hendry, Mr D Kerr, Mr R Laird, Mrs E McAllister, Mr K MacLeod, Mr F Parr, Mr T Prag, Mr G Ross, Mrs G Sinclair, Mrs J Slater, Ms K Stephen, Mr H Wood

Officials in attendance:

Mr S Black, Director of Planning and Development 
Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager
Mr D Haas, Inverness City Manager/Clerk
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing
Mr S Dalgarno, Development Plans Manager, Planning and Development Service
Mr S Hindson, Planner, Planning and Development Service
Mr C Howell, Project Design Unit Manager, TEC Services
Mr M Smith, Principal Engineer and Team Leader, Flood Team, TEC Services
Mr C Stephen, Ward Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr C Simpson, Tourism Co-ordinator, Planning and Development Service
Miss J MacLennan, Democratic Services Manager, Chief Executive’s Service
Miss J Green, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Service
Mr G Smith, Assistant Civic Officer, Finance Service
Ms L Mackay, Assistant Civic Officer, Finance Service

Also in attendance:

Ms F McInally, Active Travel Project Officer, Hitrans/Sustrans
Mr G Ambrose, Project Manager, Tourism Business Improvement District

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

Mr I Brown in the Chair

Preliminaries

Prior to the commencement of the formal business, there was a Minute’s Silence to remember the victims of the helicopter tragedy at the Clutha Bar in Glasgow. In this regard, tribute was paid to the outstanding response of the emergency services and the people of Glasgow.

Commemoration was also undertaken following the news of the death of Nelson Mandela.

At this point, and following the recent severe weather within the Highland area, thanks were conveyed to Council staff and engineers from Scottish and Southern Energy for their actions which had been undertaken within very challenging circumstances.

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 5 – Mr I Brown and Mr K Gowans (both non-financial)
Item 6 – Mr H Wood (non-financial)
Item 7 – Mrs M Davidson (non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr A Christie (non-financial)
Item 11(d) – Mr I Brown, Mr K Gowans and Mr F Parr (all non-financial)
Item 11(e) – Mr R Balfour and Mr K MacLeod (both non-financial)
Item 11(e) – Mr A Christie, Mr A Duffy (both financial)

3.  Membership of Working Groups and Outside Bodies
Ballrachd Bhuidhnean-obrach is Bhuidhnean air an Taobh A-muigh

The Committee AGREED the following changes to membership:-

Inverness Chamber of Commerce – Mr A Christie to replace Mrs C Caddick
Inverness Events and Festivals Working Group – Mr H Wood to replace Mrs C Caddick
Inverness Town Twinning Committee – Mr H Wood to replace Mrs C Caddick
Inverness Town Twinning Committee – Mr A Duffy to replace Mr K Gowans 

4.  Update on Development Briefs for Regeneration Sites in Inverness
Fios as Ùr mu Bhrathan Leasachaidh airson Làraich Ath-nuadhachaidh ann an Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-62-13 (3506kb pdf) dated 26 November 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which set out the work which would be undertaken to shape future regeneration and renewal in the Muirtown and South Kessock and the Inshes and Raigmore areas of Inverness. An update on progress with work at Longman Core and East Longman had also been provided.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that, following consultation with Local Members, the boundary for each development brief had been attached as Appendix 1 to the report. The timescales for preparation had also been highlighted and it was intended that the production of these development briefs would be twin tracked to ensure best use of resources in relation to publicity of events and statutory notices.

It was advised that the content and style of each development brief would be tailored to the particular circumstances and challenges which needed to be addressed and in this regard details of the approach and relevant issues had been provided within the report.

In addition to the work on the development briefs, it was also noted that work was also progressing in partnership with the public and private sectors in relation to other regeneration sites, including the Longman Corridor and the City Centre.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• consultation on the proposals was key to their success and there was a need for members of the public to be engaged at an early stage and for their contributions to be closely considered;
• liaison with key partners and community groups was also crucial and it would be helpful for Members to have a complete list of those to be consulted in January 2014 in order to ensure that there were no omissions;
• it would be helpful if further consideration could be given to the ‘Design for Change’ event, most particularly in terms of whether a more informative title could be found for the event;
• there was a need for communication to be undertaken with the owners of vacant buildings throughout the City Centre in order to try to get them back into use and in this regard specific reference was made to the former B&Q building which was currently lying empty and represented an ‘eyesore’ in the area;
• any consultation to be undertaken had to be extensively advertised and should include all businesses and residents in the relevant areas in order to receive feedback from all those who were likely to be affected;
• the delivery of leisure, tourism and housing led regeneration around the Muirtown Basin would be particularly welcomed;
• there was a need to ensure a good balance between residential and community/leisure development in all areas wherever possible;
• it would be important to work with current developers in order to achieve the best possible success in terms of future developments;
• consultation events should be planned at the most accessible locations in order to achieve high levels of attendance by members of the public; and
• there was an urgent need to ensure the investment of public finance in key areas, such as South Kessock, in order to provide the delivery of services in future and in this regard it was suggested that liaison should be undertaken with partners and other external agencies in the first instance.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.   ENDORSED the proposals for future work on development briefs for
    regeneration sites in Inverness;
ii.  NOTED the scope and content of the proposed development briefs; and
iii. AGREED that reports should be brought back to provide updates on the
    development briefs in line with the timescales set out in the report and that
    a list of community groups to be consulted should be circulated to
    Members. 

5.  City Centre Regeneration
Ath-nuadhachadh ann am Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis 

Declarations of Interest –

Mr I Brown and Mr K Gowans declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds of being Directors of Highland Opportunity Limited 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 their involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-63-13 (952kb pdf) dated 29 November 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which brought Members up to date with regeneration activity within the City Centre and emerging developments arising from the Scottish Cities Alliance and the Scottish Government’s recent published Town Centre Action Plan.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that the Scottish Government had proposed that a principle in favour of town centres, rather than a duty, should be placed on public bodies in that when decisions were taken which affected town centres, consideration should be given to the short, medium and long term impacts, with particular reference to local circumstances. In this regard, it was advised that further work was required to determine how this could be enacted in an open, measured and transparent manner across the public sector and it was intended that this would be progressed through the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities in the first instance.

Further information was also provided within the report in relation to the themes within the Town Centre Action Plan, including Town Centre Living, Vibrant Local Economies, Enterprising Communities, Accessible Public Services, Digital Towns and Pro-active Planning.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• the work being undertaken by the Council and its partners in order to realise the benefits arising from the regeneration initiatives was welcomed and represented a number of opportunities for Inverness and the surrounding areas;
• promotion of the needs of Inverness could be undertaken through the Scottish Cities Alliance and this was welcomed;
• there was a need to examine how current powers could be used more effectively in future;
• bringing jobs and agencies into the City Centre was paramount to future success and consideration should be given to business rates as part of this exercise;
• engaging the public in consultation could present challenges but it was crucial that this was undertaken if the work already in progress was to be enhanced;
• thanks should be conveyed to the Planning Officers for the work already in place and planned for the future;consideration should be given to encouraging property owners to bring vacant buildings back into use or examine different uses where this was possible;
• the use of compulsory purchase orders should be explored if this was considered feasible;
• there was a need for an update on what the current position was in relation to the Empty Homes Initiative;
• public sector bodies had to be encouraged to base their businesses within the City Centre where possible;
• many people were unable to use Retail Parks in out of town locations due to a lack of transport and it was therefore vital that every opportunity was taken to revitalise the City Centre;
• the provision of rates relief for businesses in the first year of trading should be explored as a possible option, along with further development of the Victorian Market if considered feasible;
• lack of parking spaces remained a concern, particularly for local businesses who faced competition from out of town Retail Parks;
• there was a need to address consistency of design, particularly in the City Centre;
• provision of free internet access was another area which could be explored in order to provide a pleasant and inviting environment for those visiting the City Centre;
• there was a need for more powers to be given to Area Committees where possible and also for regular statistics to be reported to Members in order to allow monitoring of progress;
• consultation with Inverness BID was particularly important and should be undertaken as a matter of priority;
• consideration should be given to the cost and practicality of arranging a ‘Mini Charrette’ with Malcolm Fraser to discuss issues in regard to the City Centre;
• affordable rents was another issue to be explored as part of any future proposals; and
• the proposals in the report represented a new and inclusive approach for the future and this was welcomed;                  

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  WELCOMED the regeneration activity within the City Centre and the
    emerging developments arising from the Scottish Cities Alliance and the
    Scottish Government’s recent published Town Centre Action Plan; and
ii. AGREED to engage with the Scottish Government on the implementation
    of the actions contained within the Town Centre Action Plan as far as they
    related to the City of Inverness and Area.

The Committee also AGREED that consideration should be given to the cost and practicality of arranging a ‘Mini Charrette’ with Malcolm Fraser to discuss issues in regard to the City Centre.

6.  Cycling in a Carbon Clever City
Rothaireachd ann an Cathair-bhaile Càrboin Clis

Declaration of Interest –

Mr H Wood declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being the Chair of the Highland Cycle Campaign 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. CIA-64-13 (492kb pdf) dated 27 November 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development, Director of Transport, Environment and Community Services and the Head of Policy and Performance which provided details of the Council’s proposed approach for creating the right conditions for increasing cycling as a viable mode of transport in a Carbon CLEVER City.

The report also set out how the Council would consider the role of cycling and the future priorities for further increasing cycle use through the Inverness Land Use & Transport Strategy consultation and the Green Transport Strategy.

In regard to current projects, it was confirmed that in 2011 the Council had been successful in obtaining funding from the European Regional Development Fund for the Green and Active Travel Project which had helped to fund and deliver a number of the projects identified in the Active Travel Audits. In the Inverness area, these had included improved cycle parking infrastructure, cycle paths along Millburn Road and the Active Travel Map for the area.

In terms of recommended future projects and the next steps, it was noted the following projects were considered to have the greatest potential for enabling an increase in cycling to contribute to the national target of 10% modal share for cycling – arterial routes between the City centre and major destinations, interactive cycle maps website, electric bikes and sponsorship for the Etape Loch Ness event on 4 May 2014.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• in terms of future consultation, it was vitally important that as wide a range of views as possible was obtained;
• the proposals in the report represented a different type of living and as such were welcomed;
• the offer from Scottish and Southern Electric to install the infrastructure required for a pilot electric bicycle hire scheme in Inverness was appreciated and would be followed up as a matter of priority. In this regard, consultation would also be undertaken with current operators in the area in order to include them in future discussions;
• there was a need for a real impetus to take these proposals forward and ensure delivery;
• it was encouraging to see the importance which was being placed on cycling in the area as this could only be beneficial for health;
• the Inverness Partnership was already working on a lobbying document on this subject and it would be helpful if discussion/liaison could be undertaken with them at an early date;
• safety was paramount, especially in the City centre, and more education was required for both pedestrians and cyclists who would share public space in future; and
• there would be a need for more drop-kerbs and this should be included as part of any future discussions. 

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  NOTED the existing projects for improving cycling in the City and the
    potential to use both internal and external funding sources to implement
    these projects;
ii. AGREED the three recommended priorities for cycling infrastructure as
    detailed at Paragraph 3.1 within the report to be taken forward for
    feasibility, funding and implementation by Officers and partner organisations,
    with further progress reports to Members in future;
iii. AGREED that sources of area funding should be identified (e.g. Ward
    Discretionary Fund and/or Common Good Fund) for the remainder of the
    funds required for the electric bicycles scheme estimated to be £8,680 per
    annum for two years;
iv. AGREED that future cycling issues should be fully considered through the
    consultation for the Inverness Land Use & Transport Strategy for bringing
    further improvements, e.g. to link to the Millburn Road Scheme; and 
v. AGREED that methods for tackling travel behaviour and attitudes to
    encourage more cycling should be explored through the Inverness Land
    Use and Transport Strategy.

7.  Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District
Sgìre Leasachaidh Gnìomhachais Turasachd Inbhir Nis agus Loch Nisd

Declaration of Interest –

Mrs M Davidson declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Director of Destination Loch Ness 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 involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-65-13 (1231kb pdf) dated 12 November 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which outlined the importance of tourism to Inverness and Loch Ness and described the proposals to create a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) to develop tourism in the area.

In this regard, a correction to the wording within the report was highlighted whereby it was confirmed that the Committee was being invited to endorse the Tourism Business Improvement District Bid on the understanding that applications to the Common Good Fund of up to £20k per year would only be considered on an annual basis and subject to the usual safe governance on the use of the Common Good Fund monies.

It was noted that a Steering Group, which comprised Inverness and Loch Ness business members, was currently undertaking the development work necessary for creating a Tourism BID for Inverness and Loch Ness and was being supported with funding from BIDs Scotland (the national organisation for BIDs in Scotland), the Highland Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. Members of the Steering Group, along with the Project Manager and Project Administrator, had consulted with businesses in the Tourism BID area though a business questionnaire, public events, presentations and one-to-one meetings and responses received had been used to develop a draft business plan which had been attached as Appendix 1 to the report. Once produced, the final business plan would be put to a ballot involving all eligible businesses in the proposed Tourism BID area and if a majority voted in favour, they would then contribute towards it.

The relationship with the Inverness City Centre BID was also highlighted within the report, together with the necessary next steps to seek support for the creation of the new TBID.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• this was an extremely positive initiative for the area and should be strongly supported;
• consideration should be given to involving representatives from Inverness Botanical Gardens, the National Trust for Scotland and the operators of buses and taxis within the Steering Group if possible;
• there was a need for a stronger focus on attractions in order to encourage people to remain in the area for longer periods;
• there could be a role for High Life Highland in future in regard to the utilisation of leisure facilities and this should be explored;
• thanks should be conveyed to all those involved in undertaking the excellent development work and it was hoped that there would be a positive result from the ballot;
• the removal of trees from the sides of Loch Ness in order to enhance the visitor experience would be extremely helpful and it was suggested that this should be pursued with the relevant agencies; and
• there was a need to reinstate a Conference Team if possible in order that work could be undertaken to further promote Inverness and the surrounding areas as an attractive Conference venue for the future.             

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i.  ENDORSED the Tourism BID Business Plan on the strict understanding that
    applications to the Common Good Fund for up to £20,000 per year should
    only be considered on an annual basis and subject to the usual strict
    governance on the use of Common Good Fund monies; and
ii.  AGREED TO RECOMMEND to the full Council that support be given for
    the creation of the Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement
    District.

8.  Housing Performance Report – 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013
Aithisg Dèanadais a thaobh Taigheadais – 1 Giblean 2012 gu 30 Sultain 2013

Declaration of Interest –

Mr A Christie declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being 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 his involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-66-13 (1051kb pdf) dated 22 November 2013 by the Interim Director of Housing and Property which provided information on housing performance indicators for the first half of 2013/2014.

During a summary of the report, specific information in regard to Repairs, Anti-Social Behaviour, Tenancy Management, Rent Arrears, Homelessness and Homeless Prevention was provided. 

During discussion, it was suggested that it would be helpful to receive further information on the percentage of reported anti-social behaviour cases which had been resolved within locally agreed targets.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the information provided on housing performance in the period from 1 April to 30 September 2013 as detailed within the report.

9.  River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Tidal Section) Phase 1 
Amendments to Traffic and Parking Orders
Sgeama Dìon Thuiltean Abhainn Nis (Earrann a’ Mhuir-làin) Ceum 1
Òrdughan Parcaidh agus Trafaig

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-67-13 (1143kb pdf) dated 26 November 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environment and Community Services which, following further consultation with the local community, invited approval of the publication of draft amendments to Traffic and Parking Orders relating to Huntly Street, Inverness.

In this regard, specific and detailed amendments to parking provision and traffic direction had been highlighted within the report and within Appendices A, B and C.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

• on balance, the revised proposals represented the best solution for all concerned and proved that the Council had listened and acted upon the previous objections which had been received;
• although the increase in disabled parking spaces was welcomed, further consideration should be given to their location as some appeared to be very remote from the bridge;
• a copy of the revised proposals should be sent to Park Community Council as a courtesy and to fully inform them as to the new situation;
• there was still confusion in relation to the number of parking spaces available and it might be helpful to defer making a decision at the present time to allow further consultation;
• consideration should be given to the location of a pedestrian crossing outside the supermarket on Young Street;
• there was a need to improve the areas around the riverside and these proposals were the best way forward and would complement the Streetscape work which had already been undertaken; and
• it was noted that the current Road Traffic and Parking Orders would remain as originally advertised pending the agreement to the revisions which had been recommended.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED the publication of draft amendments to the following Orders which contained revisions to the previously approved traffic management and parking in Huntly Street, Inverness:- 

i. The Highland Council (Inverness Permit Parking) Order 1999 (Various Roads,
    Inverness) Amendment Order 2012;
ii. The Highland Regional Council (Inverness – Riverside West) (General Traffic)
    Order 1984 (Balnain Street, Friars Place, Greig Street, Huntly Street,
    Inverness) Amendment Order 2012; and
iii. The Highland Council (Huntly Street, Inverness) Restricted Parking Zone
    Order 2012.

10.  Street Naming - New Development at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Ainmeachadh Sràide – Leasachadh Ùr aig Muileann an Leighis, Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-68-13 (919kb pdf) dated 26 November 2013 by the Director of Planning and Development which sought homologation of a decision made by the Community Council, supported by Members, to name a street which currently had built units and a primary school taking access from it as ‘Leys Square’ (Ceàrnag an Leighis).

In line with the new Scheme of Delegation, the final decision on Street and Building Naming was now delegated to Area/City Committees. However, in this instance, the property had been handed over to customers on 5 December and a decision had been required at that time in regard to the name of the street.

In this regard, it was suggested that consideration should be given to commemorating the passing of Nelson Mandela through the naming of a street or building.

Thereafter, the Committee HOMOLOGATED the decision taken in relation to the naming of the street at Milton of Leys as ‘Leys Square’.

11.  Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

a) Financial Monitoring

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-69-13 (928kb pdf) dated 25 November 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which presented the expenditure monitoring position for the Common Good Fund as at 31 October 2013 and the projected year end position.

During a summary of the report, it was confirmed that financial activity on the Common Good Fund had been highlighted within Appendix 1 to the report. In this regard, it was advised that, further to the additional allocations made at the last meeting, total budgeted expenditure for the year of £2.286m would be met by income of £2.321m (including a transfer from Reserves of £0.356m). Projects totalling £1.543m would be met from Reserves in 2013/14 and at this stage in the financial year the overall budget was projected to be underspent by £0.5m.

It was also highlighted that there were two significant variances relating to project costs for the Refurbishment of the Town House and the Refurbishment of 1-5 Church Street and these had been detailed within the report.

Thereafter, the Committee NOTED the financial monitoring report as detailed.

b) Grant and Capital Projects

There had been circulated Report No. CIA-70-13 (991kb pdf) dated 25 November 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which set out the current summary of funds available for grants and the current status of Capital Projects.

In this regard, the current summary of funds available following the Grants Sub Committee meeting on 18 November had been detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, with the current status of capital projects highlighted within Appendix 2.

Also, in relation to the ‘Victorian Market – Installation of Photovoltaic Panels’ project, it was confirmed that the expenditure of £20,445.95 could be accommodated within the current approved budget for maintenance of the Victorian Market.  Members’ agreement was sought to increase the budget set for the ‘Victorian Market – Windows Replacement’ project due to the lowest tender received being above the budget estimate.

The Committee NOTED the funds available following the Grants Sub-Committee meeting and the current status of capital projects as detailed within the report.

The Committee also AGREED to increase the budget for the Victorian Market Windows Replacement project from £70,000 to £80,407.67 and to the installation of Photovoltaic Cells at the Victorian Market.

c) Exclusion of the Public

The Committee RESOLVED that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public should be excluded from the meeting during discussion of Items 11(d), (e) and (f) on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

d) Funding Requests from 2013/14 Budget

Declarations of Interest –

Mr I Brown declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being mentioned in the report 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 K Gowans declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Director 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 his interest did not preclude his involvement in the discussion.

Mr F Parr declared a non-financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Director of High Life Highland and left the room during discussion.

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/71/13 dated 25 November 2013 by the Inverness City Manager which detailed a request for funding from High Life Highland in respect of the Floral Hall, Inverness.

The Committee AGREED the application as presented.

e) Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau – Purchase of new premises in Inverness

Declarations of Interest –

Mr R Balfour and Mr K MacLeod declared non-financial interests in relation to this item on the grounds of being Directors of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau and left the room during discussion.

Mr A Christie declared a financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being the General Manager of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau and left the room during discussion.

Mr A Duffy declared a financial interest in relation to this item on the grounds of being a Member and Shareholder of the British Legion Club and left the room during discussion.

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/72/13 dated 26 November 2013 by the Corporate Manager which informed Members of proposals by Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau to purchase new premises in Inverness.

The Committee AGREED to defer consideration of the application pending further clarification of the project details.

f) Inverness Common Good Account Sites and Premises Transaction Report

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. CIA/73/13 dated 28 November 2013 by the Head of Property Partnerships which summarised 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 of Inverness Common Good fund rents and tenant arrears.

The Committee NOTED the terms of the report as circulated.

12. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

There had been circulated Minutes of Meetings as follows:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 21 October 2013 – NOTED;
ii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 17 October 2013 (47kb pdf)
    – APPROVED;
iii. Inverness Partnership held on 1 November 2013 (32kb pdf) –
APPROVED; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on
18 November 2013 (118kb pdf) – APPROVED.

The meeting ended at 3.40 pm