HELMSDALE

AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4th July 2013 at 7pm in the Community Centre Present: Stan Amey (Chairman), Barbara Jappy, (Treasurer), Penny Kane (Secretary), Alison Cowie, Paul Harrington, Councillor Deirdre Mackay 1. Apologies: Edward Mackay, (Vice Chair), Malcolm Bromley, Gerry Wood 2. There was discussion regarding the fact that with 3 councillors missing there was not a quorum. It was agreed to continue the meeting, however apologies should be given to one person so that numbers attending will be known in advance. 3. Police report: PC R Stewart and PC C Wylie attended. No crime to report except a few speeding motorists. It was again reported that parking at the top of Trentham Street is still causing problems allowing people to drive safely onto Dunrobin Street. Deirdre will move forward to see if yellow lines could be painted. It was also reported that a car was being parked across the pavement in Old Caithness Road. This is forcing child cyclists and pedestrians onto the road. They also reported that police posts are not being filled following natural wastage and that because of this they are now down 4 posts. 4. Approval of Minutes of June meeting: Proposed by Barbara, seconded by Penny 5. Matters Arising: Evelyn McKenzie had written re her concern about not hearing from the Council about the grant the Council had agreed plus the offer of paying for the bus to take people up to the celebrations being held at Kinbrace School. Penny explained that she had written and Barbara will send the cheque on Friday. The Community Centre has lent Penny a printer, so new one not required The police have reinstated the Wednesday morning surgery at the Community Centre 6. Councillors Report: Deirdre has been in contact with Tony Usher who explained his rationale re the dredging system that will be used, and a meeting is to take place with the Harbour Users Group which is still concerned. Deirdre confirmed that the new traffic lights at Loth were due to road edge subsidence. PK to ask BEAR to August meeting 7. Treasurers report: Balance 472.77. The financial statement was sent to Phil Tomalin with the AGM and ordinary June minutes. PK to remind him we are due the grant 8. Development Officers Report: HOUSING We have another meeting with the contractor in 2 weeks time, to identify any further cost savings.

We are having a little trouble from SSE over the power supply, cost is the major problem, with the overhead power line and its proximity to plot 7. FILLING STATION RENEWABLES
NO UPDATE ONSHORE

Muirden Energy has been in touch regarding West Garty Farm Estate, I have asked them to get in touch with CC through the Secretary. Supplied them with email address. Gordonbush deadline dates for the next round of applications is Wed 31st July, with a decision on the 18th September.
OFFSHORE

NO UPDATE
HYDRO

The Directors have had some further financial works undertaken since the last CC meeting. This will be presented at their meeting next week. HARBOUR Dredging plan is on display in CC. However, this indicates that one of the dump areas is the other side of the east pier would this not come back into the channel/harbour over a short time? It is also indicated that plant equipment with a bucket will be used and not a vessel. 9. Helmsdale Environment Improvements: Stan expressed concern about the additional costs of works; Deirdre explained that the works were to do with the Highland Council and not the Community Council. It is the Community Councils job to make sure designs, wording etc accurate and what is required. The Council looked at pictures of the proposed panels which the steering group had already proof read and amended. The Council agreed that in the absence of a quorum that we would accept the recommendations of the steering group. Stan congratulated everyone for their input. PK to write to Anna and her team to express our thanks 10. West Garty Wind Farm update: There is no further news via the website and Penny was unable to speak to Ken McCorquodale. Muirden have expressed an interest in coming to a Council meeting, PK to invite to the next meeting. 11. A.O.B.: Stan wondered if there was a scheme where people could be released from employment for one day every 6 months to do community work Core Paths: PK to contact Matt Dent to discuss path by the river and the well. He had reported that this land was in private ownership but the Council felt that it was in public ownership as within 6 feet of the river. A letter from the Policed Divisional Commander was read out re single policing service for Scotland, supply of traffic wardens and closing of police stations. Deirdre to register the Councils concerns re the reduced number of police and police stations. Concerns were also raised that all police will be over on the west coast this week leaving this coast vulnerable. Barbara expressed concerns that the village dentist has left. Interviews are taking place for her replacement. PK again reported that serious problems had arisen with her ability to receive attachments to emails. Calls to the Yahoo helpline cost 1.53 per minute and she was on the phone for 40 minutes (post meeting note the problem is now sorted). As this only affected emails from Highland Council PK is asking the Council to foot any bill for this call. Council agreed to discuss at next meeting

12. Questions from the Public: Meeting closed at 8.10pm Date and time of next meeting: Thursday 1st August 2013 at 7pm If giving apologies please contact Penny so that we will know if we have a quorum