Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FILLING
STATION
The
application
to
the
BLF
is
in
the
process
of
being
put
together,
as
they
are
requiring
a
lot
more
information
than
was
originally
submitted.
As
a
consequence
of
this,
HIE
have
offered
to
meet
some
of
the
capital
costs,
which
in
turn
reduces
the
amount
requested
from
BLF,
making
the
application
that
much
more
attractive.
The
community
petrol
station
seminar
in
March
was
very
successful,
from
this
we
established
a
commitment
to
fuel
brokerage
totalling
some
1.75M
litres,
which
will
provide
the
basis
for
vastly
reduced
wholesale
purchase
price
RENEWABLES
ONSHORE
OFFSHORE
Balnacoil Wind Farm will be submitting their Planning application in May/June 2013 - subject to EIA. Planned meeting for CC representative in June 2013 date TBC Gordonbush advisory panel meeting for awards (year 2, round 2), took place Community Centre on Wed 20th March, and Helmsdale groups/organisations benefited to the tune of 20,435, this gives a total of 34,500 that Helmsdale has benefited from in the past year. The closing date for next round of applications is 31st July 2013. The Gordonbush Panel has been requested to provide a member to take part in a national advisory group with regard to community benefit from renewable energys. The contractor/consultant has been nominated to carry out the feasibility and engineering study for the harbour. We have signed up to a tripartite agreement with Wick and Lybster harbours with regard to marketing, development opportunities, and employment areas. I have recently had a meeting with the Highland Council Convenor, Jimmy Gray, who has his departmental team working with the offshore developers, to tie down their commitment as early as possible, so that Council can ensure that assets etc can be developed prior to the consent from government.
HYDRO
The preliminary feasibility report on 5 potential micro-hydro schemes in the community council area has been completed. This report will be discussed by the HDDT Directors at their meeting next week. From this they will identify the potential site(s) to undergo a detailed feasibility and engagement with stakeholders. From this, it is planned to hold a community/public information day, outlining the project 8. Helmsdale Environment Improvements: Penny read out an email from Claire Bell Bridgend Car Park: Although this remains extremely tight, our consultants are still advising that completion of the surfacing works (Phase 1) is possible by mid-July. The wall (Phase 2) would be carried out in September. Tenders will be issued tomorrow with a return date of May 24th. (This is a week behind the original programme).There are two obvious scenarios that could jeopardise our ability to start on site by mid-June: (1) Lack of contractor interest due to tight timescale resulting in no tenders being received; (2) Tenders received over budget resulting in delay whilst consideration is given to additional funds or adjustment to the scope (this is less possible). It is impossible to predict the tender outcome, but will update once known. We would have to reassess timetable if this happens, but will advise the Steering Group of the outcome. The layout is much the same as Sketch Proposal, however, for various technical reasons the Map Board and Interpretation Board are to be located on
the new paving area adjacent to the Toilet Blocks, and the Bike racks now in front of the toilet blocks. All Abilities Footpath This is currently being priced by three contractors. Due back 10th May. We will need to wait until the Bridgend Car Park tender returns 24th May, to see if we have enough budget to proceed with works. a) We have got permission from Transport Scotland, although still to formalise with a Path Agreement (required as land sale still on-going between H.C. and Transport Scotland) b) We have go ahead from TEC services re maintenance issues. c) We are awaiting reply from Highlife Highland on detail proposals. d) Penny has reported that the Football Club have agreed to the proposals. Interpretation Signs & Map Board a) Interpretation panel- final text now agreed. Sourcing images ready for handover next week to graphic designer. Finished designs due 1st week June. b) Map Board- 1st draft of actual map being circulated. Will be handing back comments tomorrow. Map designer will also be doing full panel graphics. Timespan currently helping to source images. Finished design due 30th May. c) Very tight deadlines for both, but aiming to have them installed last week in July. Notice Boards As agreed by Community Council, two boards to be installed on Community Centre 'Garden' Wall. This has been programmed for last week in July, although I may manage to bring it forward to May. 9. A.O.B.: Mary Dudgeon rang Paul to see if he could suggest anyone who could help with gardening. The contractors are already ruled out so Paul will contact SS Hydro who can find volunteers Bins: Coupers Yard still needs preparation to take the bins, so a temporary move is suggested down at the Harbour. Needs to be accessible and out of the wind against the wall. Deirdre will ask Richmond Clements to speak to Tony Usher, Gen Manager of Highland Council Harbours. Stan received a letter from Criminal Justice Sub-committee annual report. To remain on file. Council were sad to hear Dornoch Court closing Penny read letter from Dr M Main asking for money in support of flag raising day. As we made no donation last year agreed unanimously to send cheque for 100.00. (post meeting note PK has informed Dr Main) Penny read a letter from Mrs Tait asking for a donation in support of the Sutherland Sheep Dog trials which will be held in Brora on 17th August. Agreed to donate 50.00 Date of AGM 6th June 2013 at 7pm. PK to do posters August meeting -In view of all the important work being done around the bicentenary it was felt that it was vital to hold the meeting and to arrange proxy votes if Councillors not available in order to have a quorum and decisions can be made Meeting closed at 8.50pm Date and time of Annual General Meeting: Thursday 6th June 2013 at 7pm to be followed by regular meeting