You are on page 1of 3

HELMSDALE

AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL


Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2nd May 2013 at 7pm in the Community Centre Present: Stan Amey (Chairman), Barbara Jappy, (Treasurer), Penny Kane (Secretary), Malcolm Bromley, Alison Cowie, Paul Harrington. Councillor Deirdre Mackay 1. Apologies: Edward Mackay, Gerry Wood 2. Police report: No police present 3. Approval of Minutes of March meeting: Proposed by Alison, seconded by Malcolm 4. Matters Arising: Barbara reported that the damaged bridge at Kilpheder is on the list for repair 5. Councillors Report: Kinbrace Primary School is now down to one pupil who will now be attending Helmsdale Primary. Proper procedure will be followed meaning that the school could be reopened if there are children to attend it. Helmsdale Harbour has still not been dredged and this means that even yachts are finding it difficult to get in as they are at risk of grounding. Deirdre is meeting with Jimmy Grey convenor of the Highland Council to discuss this. Helmsdale River Board is meeting at Kildonan on 11th May at 2.30. Dredging is very costly and secondary to river conditions and tides silt from the river is flowing into the harbour because of the design of the harbour wall. There is a knock on effect on tourism/visitors and also to local economy. Scope of works has been defined and costed and will predict log-term maintenance requirements. Jean Sargent reported a friend wished to bring a yacht in but the draft was insufficient. Those responsible for the river do not at present contribute to harbour maintenance. Deirdre received a text to say dredging will start in June 6. Treasurers report: Books are currently with Lynne Murray. Penny reported that Mary Dudgeon had requested more funds from the Community Council to help with flower beds opposite Bridge Hotel. There is no money in the funds for further donations, and the Council reiterated that all requests for funding from the council or micro-grant money MUST be in writing. Money had also been requested as part of the revamp of the parking area. Penny has spoken to Claire Bell and there is no spare money as the budget is already very tight. 7. Development Officers Report: Stan wondered if there was any thought about setting up a cinema in the Community Centre as there is a very successful one in Dornoch Penny to contact Valery HOUSING Tenders have been returned and the contractor will be nominated next week Transfer of landownership is on-going The interested parties regarding the plots have been notified of the receipt and replies sent out.

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

You might also like