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Action Notes - Ward Forum - West Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh (Ward 10)
Meeting held on 29 September 2007
Agenda
Present: Cllr Biz Campbell; Cllr Richard Greene; Cllr Audrey Sinclair; Cllr Jean Urquhart; Charles Macrae (Plockton CC); Katherine MacKenzie (Torridon & Kinlochewe CC); Richard Munday (Shieldaig CC); Lynn Frost (Shieldaig CC); Helen Murchison (Lochcarron CC); Gordon McLean (Contin CC) Lizzie Burns (Stromeferry & Achmore CC); Kenneth MacLean (Gairloch CC); Anne MacLeod (Coigach CC); Donald MacRae (Two Lochs Radio)
Officials in attendance: Robbie Bain, Ward Manager
Apologies: Allan Reid (Strathpeffer CC); Alison MacLeod (Applecross CC); Bob Cameron (Highland Council).
Introduction
Jean Urquhart welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited everyone present to introduce themselves.
Ward Function
Robbie Bain gave an introduction to the management arrangements for the Ward and invited discussion on Ward Forums and the format and content that Forum members might find most useful.
Various options for location of meetings were discussed and a decision was taken that it would be best to have meetings move around the Ward rather than remain at one fixed location.
The suggestion that the chair of the receiving Community Council be asked to chair the Forum meeting was welcomed, as was the suggestion that detailed timing and agenda-setting be conducted in consultation with the local CC.
After discussion the following programme of meetings was suggested:
Ward Forum #2 Poolewe mid-November weekday afternoon
Ward Forum #3 Kyle/Lochalsh late january Saturday
Ward Forum #4 Ullapool mid-March weekday afternoon
Ward Forum #5 Contin mid-May weekday evening
Ward Forum #6 Lochcarron mid-September weekday evening
It was agreed that this programme should be reviewed after a year and further decisions made on timings and venues.
It was agreed that a maximum of two substantive items form the basis of the Agenda.
For the Poolewe meeting it was suggested that a the substantive items might be a presentation on Council finances and a discussion on Ambulance Service Provision.
The advertising of the Forum was discussed and the suggestion put forward that Ward 6 was well-served with local radio stations and that these would provide a useful means of publicising Forum meetings.
Problems with finding the Ward pages on the Council’s website were raised and discussed.
Ward Scrutiny
The scrutiny function of the Ward Forum was described and discussed and the arrangements for disbursing the Ward Budget were explained.
The Forum was asked to note the consultation on the introduction of a 20mph school zone and extension of 30 mph zone in Achiltibuie and given the opportunity to raise any concerns.
Community Councils
Jean Urquhart led a discussion on Community Councils. Issues covered included the difficulty of getting people to engage with their community and be willing to stand for election to Community Councils and issues regarding how Community Councils are actually run.
The role of Councillors on planning matters was discussed.
Public Questions
No additional items were received for discussion or raised by those attending.
The meeting closed at 13.30