Action notes - Ward Forum - Isle of Skye (Ward 11)

Meeting held on 3rd November 2008

Agenda

Attendees:

Councillor Ian Renwick (Chair)
Councillor John Laing
Councillor Drew Millar
Shona MacLennan, Leader Consultant
David Ashford, Lochalsh Youth Action Liaison Committee
M. A MacKenzie, Kilmuir Community Council
Annie Nicolson, Kilmuir Community Council
Judith Wallace, Sconser Community Council
Calina Macdonald, Minginish Community Council
R MacNeill, Waternish Community Council
Elaine Robertson, Waternish Community Council
Ian MacLean, Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association
Catriona Leslie, Portree Community Council
Julian Toms, Portree Community Council
Duncan Maclean, Northern Constabulary
William Wallace, Sconser Community Council

Officials in Attendance:

Jan Laing, Ward Manager
Liz Whiteford, Leader Development Officer
Annie Davidson, Youth Development Officer
Mark Crowe, Community Works Manager
Nicole Wallace, Leader Programme Manager

Apologies:

Councillor Fraser
Mrs Turkington, S&L Access Panel
Skeabost and District Community Council
Broadford and Strath Community Council
Staffin Community Council

Listed below is the action required and the outcomes resulting from discussion at the Eilean a’ Cheò Ward Forum meeting on 3rd November 2008 held at Portree Community Centre, Portree.

1.0 Councillor Renwick welcomed everyone to the Ward Forum Meeting.

2.0 Action Notes from Previous Meeting

The action note from the meeting of 22nd September was noted and the followed up actions from last meeting circulated. Councillor Renwick referred to the item 8.1 from the last meeting. Councillor Fraser had written to the Bank of Scotland and received a reply which Councillor Renwick read out. It was noted that Councillor Fraser intends to follow up this issue.

3.0 Skye Leader Development Plan – Shona MacLennan

Councillor Renwick welcomed and introduced Shona McLennan to the Ward Forum Shona is the Consultant engaged by the Skye Leader Steering Group to produce the Skye Leader Development Plan

A copy of Shona’s presentation is attached for information

At the conclusion of Shona’s presentation Nicole Wallace, Leader Programme Manager, gave a brief overview of the programme and introduced the Leader Development Officer, Liz Whiteford who will cover the Skye and Lochalsh area and will be the initial contact for groups interested in applying for Leader funding.

4.0 Winter Maintenance Programe – Mark Crowe Community Works Manager.

Mark Crowe gave a comprehensive presentation on the Winter Maintenance Programme covering issues including policy and priorities.

A copy of Marks presentation is attached for information.

In response to a question from Kilmuir Community Council regarding grit being washed onto the main road causing hazardous conditions – MC made assurances that this would be looked into.

5.0 Community Saftey Issues

Inspector McLean address the Ward Forum and explained that Skye is not experiencing any specific problems and the crime rate is down.

The issue of the cameras on the Skye Bridge is still being pursued but is competing with a range of priority issues

In terms of dealing with drug offences the police rely on information from member of the public and urged people to use the Crime stoppers confidential help line.

In response to a question from the floor regarding the departure of the Wildlife Crime Officer, Inspector Maclean informed forum members that there was a local officer who would be taking on this role.

6.0 Community Council Matters

The deadline for returning questionnaires was the 31st October although some forms are still coming in.

The following points were noted:

From a potential 95 Community Councillors – 36 questionnaires were returned
The biggest demand is for written information as opposed to attending a workshop
Information relating to Planning Matters for Community Councils was the highest demand
Weekday afternoons was the best time for workshops where they are to take place
The majority of respondents did not want to incorporate training into a Community Council Meeting
The majority of respondents thought that joint training with other Community Councils would be a good idea

A copy of the results are attached for information.

JL will be meeting with SLCVO in November to look at how this issue can be progressed with the potential for launching a training programme in the Spring 2009

7.0 Ward Discretionary Budget Update

A paper detailing the monitoring of the Ward Discretionary Budget was circulated to the Forum for information

The Forum was advised that elected members had agreed an application for funding from Portree CommunityCommunity Council in respect of replacement Christmas lights and additional lamp post decorations.

8.0 Review of Ward Forums

A report was circulated for information.

No questions were raised in this regard.

9.0 Schedule of Ward Forum Meetings for 2009

The schedule of proposed meetings was circulated for 2009 and agreed by the Forum members present.

10.0 Issues/Speakers for next Ward Forum Meeting

Education and Enforcement Officer
BT
Information relating to the empty buildings in Portree – a report to the Ward Forum.

11.0 Any other Business

Kilmuir Community Council – Concerns regarding the taxi making travellers wait for the late bus before making the journey north.

It was noted that this was raised at an earlier Ward Forum. The contract has been awarded to a new taxi driver and this issue should be resolved.

Mr Ashford – The cost of planning consent for erecting community notice boards is prohibitive to small community groups, in some cases the consent costs more than the boards – is it possible for this fee to be waived
Response to be advised.

Portree Community Council – can the Councillors ensure that proper consultation be carried out in relation to the future of a dedicated Gaelic school in Portree preferably including a secret ballot?

Councillors explained that people could exercise their right to write to the Council expressing their views and concerns regarding this issue.

Date of next meeting Monday 3rd Febuary 2009 in Broadford Village Hall (TBC)