Agendas, reports and minutes

City of Inverness Area Committee

Date: Thursday, 30 November 2017

Minutes: Read the Minutes

Minutes of Meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee held in the Council Chamber, Town House, Inverness on Thursday, 30 November 2017 at 10.30am.

Present:
Mr R Balfour, Mr B Boyd, Mr I Brown, Mrs C Caddick, Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Graham, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R Laird, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam, Mrs E McAllister, Mrs T Robertson, Mr G Ross, Mr C Smith

Officials in Attendance:
Mr S Black, Director of Development and Infrastructure
Mr M MacLeod, Head of Planning and Environment, Development and Infrastructure
Mr T Stott, Principal Planner, Development and Infrastructure
Mr D Haas, Inverness City Area Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr G MacCormick, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Community Services
Miss J MacLennan, Democratic Services Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs L Dunn, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:
Mr M Smith, Inverness City Centre BID Manager
Mr P Strachan, Chair, Inverness City Centre BID
Ms J Cuddy, Vice Chair, Inverness City Centre BID
Mr G Morrison, Group Manager, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Ms J Murray, Manager, Victorian Market

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to Committee.

Mrs H Carmichael in the Chair

Business

1. Apologies for Absence
Leisgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mrs G Campbell-Sinclair, Mr J Gray and Ms E Knox.

Prior to commencement of the formal business, the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Ms J Murray, the new Manager of the Victorian Market, to the meeting.

2. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:-

Item 4 – Mrs H Carmichael (non-financial)
Item 7 – Mrs C Caddick (non-financial)
Item 8 – Mr K Gowans (financial) and Mr R Laird (non-financial)
Item 9 – Mr R Laird (non-financial)
Item 13(d) – Mr A Graham (non-financial)

The following Members also declared non-financial interests in any items in relation to their Council appointments which might arise during discussion but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that their interests did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion:-

Miss J Campbell – Member of Inverness City Heritage Trust, Inverness Community Safety Partnership, Victorian Market Stakeholder Group and Inverness Townscape Heritage Project.
Mrs I Mackenzie – Member of Victorian Market Stakeholder Group
Mr R MacWilliam – Member of Inverness City Heritage Trust and Inverness Townscape Heritage Project.

3. Appointment to Inverness Festival Association
Suidheachadh Dhreuchdan gu Buidhnean on Taobh A-muigh

The Committee AGREED to appoint Mr C Smith to the Inverness Festival Association.

In this regard, it was noted that Mr Smith would replace Mr B Boyd.

4. Inverness Business Improvement District Ballot for New Term from March 2018
Sgìre Leasachadh Gnothachais Inbhir Nis, Baileat airson Teirm Ùir airson 2018-2022

Declaration of Interest – Mrs H Carmichael declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of the Board of Inverness BID but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Joint Report No CIA/38/17 dated 15 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Area Manager.

In this regard, a Presentation was undertaken at the meeting by Mr P Strachan and Ms J Cuddy during which it was confirmed that the current term of office for Inverness BID ran until 31 March 2018 when a renewal ballot to extend the term for a further five years was to be held. If successful in achieving a ‘yes’ vote from the majority of City Centre businesses, BID would continue in existence for a further five years until 31 March 2023.

In this regard, the draft Business Plan had been attached as Appendix 1 to the report and reflected feedback from City Centre businesses, including a focus on adding value to the services provided by the public sector and an emphasis on developing the strategy for regenerating the City Centre.

In addition, a map of the BID area had been attached as Appendix 2 and it was noted that this would remain unchanged and would again cover all separate relatable properties in the heart of the City Centre, including retail, office, leisure and other commercial businesses.

It was also noted that, in the five year period to 31 March 2018, more than £1.125m would have been generated by way of BID levy paid by businesses and invested in the City Centre.

In summary, it was confirmed that partnership offered by BID with the public sector offered both flexibility in delivery and engagement with a vital sector of the business community, often leading to a contribution either in kind or financially through the commitment of levy funds to the delivery of projects which made a difference.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • thanks were conveyed to all those involved with BID for the considerable level of work which had been undertaken over previous years;
  • it would be appreciated if consideration could be given to extending the boundaries of the BID area in future to include businesses on the west side of the River;
  • the Council and BID enjoyed a very productive relationship and this worked best when challenges were jointly addressed, such as tackling the reasons for empty properties in the City Centre, and it was hoped that this could be continued;
  • in terms of the funding currently received from the Common Good Fund, it would be advantageous for BID to investigate whether any other funding streams were available in future;
  • the current projects which had been undertaken by BID had been very successful but there was a need to introduce new initiatives/projects wherever possible in future;
  • there had been recent press reports which had incorrectly referred to the ‘Retail Park’ as the ‘Inverness Centre’ and it was important that this was corrected and not repeated in future;, there were many positive examples of development in the City Centre at present and this was welcomed; and
  • the City and surrounding areas had to be the subject of increased marketing in terms of being excellent locations in which to live and work and the involvement of BID in this regard would be much appreciated.

Thereafter, and having thanked the Chair and Vice Chair of BID for their presentation, the Committee AGREED:-

i. to endorse the draft Business Plan (Appendix 1 to the report); and
*ii. to recommend to the Council that support be given to the new 5 year term.

5. Scottish Fire and Rescue Area Committee Performance Report for 2015/16
Aithisg Coileanaidh Comataidh Sgìreil Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn na h-Alba airson 2015/16

There had been circulated Report No CIA/39/16 dated 17 November 2017 by the Group Manager for Highland.

In this regard, specific information was provided on the current figures for Quarters 1 and 2 of 2017/18 from the central Scottish Fire and Rescue Service performance management database against the key indicators and timelines of previous reports.

This included analysis of the detail in relation to accidental dwelling fires, deliberate fires, road traffic collisions and unwanted false alarm signals.

In addition, it was confirmed that the Service continued to actively deliver and refine its whole-time duty system and retained duty system recruitment and training processes to meet national and local needs (with a national recruitment campaign due to commence on 30 November).

It was also noted the area had been inspected by HM Fire Service Inspectorate and a report would be published and shared with the Committee in due course.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • in addition to the work already being undertaken on the issues associated with the burning of heather in rural areas, it would be appreciated if this could be increased wherever possible in order to make landowners fully aware of the impact on the Service when fires had to be attended, with a strong emphasis on prevention as a priority;
  • the Home Safety Fire Visits undertaken by Officers were highly commended in terms of the care and compassion shown to vulnerable residents and the thanks of the Committee were conveyed to all those concerned;
  • it would be helpful if Members could make the Service aware of any residents in their Wards who would benefit from Home Safety visits and this could be arranged at an early date;
  • the increase in the number of false alarm calls in July was disappointing as it placed a strain on resources but it was noted that work was ongoing with ‘Responsible Persons’ in the establishments where this had occurred so it was hoped that the situation would improve;
  • safety checks had been made on all Council buildings after the Grenfell Tower fire in conjunction with other agencies and this had been a positive experience for all concerned with no problems identified; and
  • it was confirmed that work was ongoing with residents in flats in the area to reinforce the need to keep exits and stairwells clear of obstructions at all times.

Thereafter, and having thanked the Group Manager for his presentation, the Committee otherwise NOTED the Area Performance Report as circulated.

6. Council Programme and City of Inverness Area Priorities
Prògram na Comhairle agus Prìomhachasan Sgìreil Baile Inbhir Nis

(a) Council Programme
Prògram na Comhairle

The Leader of the Council was in attendance at the meeting to discuss the Programme for the Council and in this regard she highlighted the links between the Programme and City priorities, particularly in terms of the opportunities which could arise from the BID proposals and which could support the case for more investment from both the private and public sector., 
In this regard, specific reference was made to the importance of identifying and addressing the key social equality issues in the area which had to be given a high priority, particularly at Ward level, with any action taken being closely monitored and assessed, through both performance measures and increased communication with other relevant agencies.

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise NOTED the position.

(b) Developing Local Priorities – City of Inverness and Area, Prìomhachasan Sgìreil Baile Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated Joint Report No CIA/40/17 dated 8 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • this had to be viewed as a strategic and ‘live’ document which was focused on clear priorities as identified in the five City Vision Themes (a place to live, a place to learn, a place to thrive, a welcoming place and a redesigned Council);
  • it would be especially important to measure improvement at a local level;
  • there had been real growth in the population in the area and this had had a significant effect on schools, public transport, etc;
  • there were real challenges in relation to the condition and capacity of local schools in some areas and this had to be addressed as a matter of priority, with a crucial role for Local Members in this regard in terms of securing funding wherever possible for improvements;
  • there should be consideration given to any viable opportunities available in regard to the Inverness Airport Business Park;
  • addressing challenges at Ward and community level was key to making real progress in changing outcomes, particularly in relation to the delivery of services;
  • monitoring and evaluating the proposed City Priorities was essential in terms of improving lives;
  • it was imperative that the issues related to the poverty agenda were at the forefront of the Council’s Revenue and Capital budgets;
  • in terms of the proposals for localism, it was concerning that despite the fact that the City of Inverness area raised 34% of Council Tax in the Highlands and approximately 95% of parking charges, it only received 14% of the overall Roads Maintenance budget and as such there had to be a focus on reconsidering the budget process in this regard. It was therefore considered that, in addition to having power over how money was spent in their areas, Local Committees should also have power over how money was raised locally. As such, there should be a direct relationship between where money was raised, who set it and where it was spent;, there was a need for a focus on bringing the current number of empty properties in the City Centre back into use wherever possible;
  • improvements to parking at the Railway Station and in the provision of Public Conveniences should also be considered in terms of making the City Centre as welcoming as possible for visitors; 
  • it was recognised that there would be significant issues in terms of re-basing budgets and a commitment was given that discussion would be undertaken on this following the budget process and as part of future discussions on the localism agenda. As part of this process, there would need to be input from all Members of the Council and an acceptance that this was being considered at a time of shrinking resources and a reduced workforce;
  • it was envisaged that the Programme for the Council would look markedly different in future and it was imperative that all Members worked together to ensure that addressing poverty and inequality was at the heart of all proposals being taken forward; and
  • the commitment to start the process of discussion on the re-basing of budgets after the completion of the current budget process was welcomed in terms of addressing the need for a direct correlation between who was making decisions and who would be affected.

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise NOTED the links between the Council’s Programme and the City Priorities and AGREED the City Priorities for submission to the Council.

7. Draft Inverness East Development Brief
Brath-ullachaidh Inbhir Nis an Ear

Declaration of Interest – Mrs C Caddick declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Member of the Inverness Airport Development Board but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CIA/41/17 dated 15 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

In this regard, the draft Inverness East Development Brief (IEDB) (Appendix 2 to the report) had been circulated separately.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • this was a very positive report and the feedback from Transport Scotland in this regard was welcomed;
  • there was strong support from local residents for the B variant to be selected as the preferred route for the road;
  • the focus on connectivity issues as part of the proposals was essential;
  • there were however real reservations about the building of 4 storey buildings and it was suggested that this particular proposal should be re-considered following the public consultation period;
  • it was hoped that the proposals for the ‘green corridor’ could be taken forward at an early date;
  • the timing of the building of schools to support this development was crucial;
  • the lack of sports facilities in the area was a concern and it was hoped that this could be addressed as soon as was possible;
  • whilst accepting the B variant as the preferred route, there was concern in relation to the extra pressure which this would place on the Inshes Roundabout;
  • further detail was required on the proposals for health care provision in the area;
  • it was hoped that all options for external funding would be explored in terms of what was to be provided for the area; and
  • there had been very good consultation undertaken with residents in the area and this was welcomed.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. APPROVED the draft Inverness East Development Brief at Appendix 2 for public consultation;
ii. AGREED to authorise Officers to make illustrative and presentational changes prior to publication, in consultation and agreement with the Chair of the Committee;
iii. NOTED that, from the point of approval by the Committee, the draft IEDB was a material consideration for the determination of planning applications;
iv. NOTED that comments received on the draft IEDB would be reported back to the Committee for its consideration, together with possible amendments, prior to completion of procedures leading to its adoption as statutory supplementary guidance; and
v. AGREED that the Council should formally write to Transport Scotland to set out its case for the B variant to be selected as the preferred route for the road.

8. Inverness City Centre Development Brief
Cunntas às Ùr mu Mheadhan a’ Bhaile

Declarations of Interest –

Mr K Gowans declared a financial interest in this item as an employee of UHI but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

Mr R Laird declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Member of Inverness Civic Trust but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CIA/42/17 dated 14 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

In this regard, the Inverness City Centre Development Brief (Appendix 1 to the report) had been circulated separately.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • in terms of the place making guidance for development on Upper Bridget Street, it would be important to ensure that proposals for a high quality landmark were taken forward, including the demolition of the existing buildings on the site;
  • it would be important to provide clarification in relation to the links between Farraline Park and Rose Street in the development brief;
  • it was essential that the colour palettes previously agreed for shopfronts were used in any new developments; and
  • use should be made of the Design Review Panel, in conjunction with Architecture and Design Scotland, if necessary for any new developments. 

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. AGREED that the Inverness City Centre Development Brief at Appendix 1 should be taken forward as statutory Supplementary Guidance to the Development Plan, including referral to Scottish Ministers for formal adoption; 
ii. NOTED the comments received during the draft Inverness City Centre Development Brief consultation; and
iii. AGREED the recommended Council responses contained in Appendix 2.

9. City Centre Development Update
Cunntas às Ùr mu Mheadhan a’ Bhaile

Declaration of Interest – Mr R Laird declared a non-financial interest in this item as Chair of the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CIA/43/17 dated 19 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, it was suggested that investment in City Centre properties by private owners would be welcomed.

It was also noted that the Townscape Heritage Project was progressing well and visible improvement, particularly in relation to Academy Street, was expected soon. However, it was regrettable that this progress had been impeded in certain circumstances through the lack of co-operation from private owners of buildings and it was hoped that this situation would improve in future.

Thereafter, the Committee otherwise NOTED progress and AGREED the next steps in delivering City Centre improvements as detailed in Sections 3 – 6 under the following themes - Visitor and Cultural Attractions, Access and Connections, Academy Street and surroundings and New Office and Residential Accommodation

10. Draft Inverness City Centre Wayfinding Strategy
Dreachd Ro-innleachd Lorg-slighe Meadhan Baile Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated Report No CIA/44/17 dated 16 November 2017 by the Director of Development and Infrastructure.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • the strategy for wayfinding was welcomed which was very important especially for tourists and in addition to providing information and guidance would contribute towards the development of a brand for Inverness;
  • it was possible that future developments could include the use of electronics to incorporate different languages;
  • the Wayfinding Strategy was part of the many positive changes happening in the area;, thanks were expressed to the Head of Planning and Environment and particularly to the Urban Designer for their involvement in the workshop and congratulations were expressed for an excellent outcome;
  • the importance of plaques to improve the wayfinding experience was emphasised specifically in relation to highlighting particular sites of historic significance;
  • with regard to the development of plaques, an explanation was sought and received that the Inverness Civic Trust had given consideration to the placement of plaques and that information could be requested in relation to potential funding sources;
  • it was suggested that it would be appropriate to seek Smart City funding for this project; and
  • so that signs were legible it was requested that white lettering on grey signs be avoided.

Thereafter, the Committee:-

i. APPROVED the Draft Wayfinding Strategy for Inverness City Centre at Appendix 1 for public consultation in early 2018;
ii. AGREED to authorise Officers to consider the feedback from Community Links Plus stakeholders in finalising the Draft Strategy for public consultation as set out in Paragraph 4.4; and
iii. NOTED that a finalised version of the Strategy, together with feedback from the consultation, would be reported back to the Committee for consideration prior to its adoption as Planning Guidance.

11. Inverness City Centre Trade Waste Project
Sealladh-sràide a’ Bhaile – Leasachadh Ghoireasan

There had been circulated Report No CIA/45/17 dated 9 November 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • the progress made on the trade waste project was welcomed and the fair process for implementing the new requirements which included the support given to businesses was commended;, it was appreciated that consideration was given to issues raised at the previous meeting and that the project area had been extended to cover the Inverness BID area; and
  • assurance was sought and received that the project team would be able to effectively manage the roll out of the trade waste project across the City Centre by engaging with business and waste contractors.

Thereafter, the Committee APPROVED:-

i. the overall vision and objectives of the Inverness City Centre Trade Waste Project as provided in the report; and
ii. implementation of the finalised policy in accordance with the timeline provided.

12. Inverness City - Traffic Regulation Order Amendment and Tariff Update
Baile Inbhir Nis – Atharrachadh Òrdugh Riaghladh Trafaig agus Cunntas às Ùr mu Chìsean

There had been circulated Report No CIA/46/17 dated 20 November 2017 by the Director of Community Services.

In this regard, it was NOTED that this item had now been withdrawn from the agenda.

13. Inverness Common Good Fund
Maoin Math Coitcheann Inbhir Nis

(a) Annual Report 2016/17
Cunntasan airson 2016/17

There had been Joint Report No CIA/47/17 dated 24 November 2017 by the Director of Corporate Resources and the Inverness City Area Manager.

In discussion, concern was expressed regarding the overspend which had been due to additional work carried out by Internal Audit where failures had been identified. In this regard, it was suggested that the Council should be asked to repay these costs in terms of the proper management of Common Good Fund assets.

The Committee otherwise AGREED the final monitoring report and balance sheet for the Inverness Common Good Fund as at 31 March 2017. 

(b) Financial Monitoring
Sgrùdadh Ionmhasail

There had been circulated Report No CIA/48/17 dated 10 November 2017 by the Inverness City Area Manager.

The Committee NOTED the financial monitoring report to 31 October 2017 and that overall expenditure was within agreed budgets.

(c) Grants Sub-Committee – Proposal for Extension of Powers
Fo-Chomataidh nan Tabhartasan – Moladh airson Leudachadh Chumhachdan

There had been circulated Report No CIA/49/17 dated 17 November 2017 by the Inverness City Area Manager.

During discussion, Members raised the following issues:-

  • extending the powers of the Grants Sub-Committee to form a dedicated group for issues relating to the Common Good Fund was welcomed;
  • it was suggested that the maximum amount at which the Inverness City Area Manager could approve funding for Civic Hospitality under delegated power had been low for a number of years and that this should now be increased to £1,000;
  • in contrast, it was suggested that no individual should be able to spend as much as £1,000 for the purpose of Civic Hospitality and that therefore the current process and threshold for determining applications should remain in place;
  • in terms of good governance, any power to delegate expenditure on Civic Hospitality by the Inverness City Area Manager should be in consultation with the Chair of the Sub-Committee;
  • there was a need for some applications for grant funding to be determined urgently and the proposal within the report would allow this to be undertaken; and
  • in response to a query on the audit on the Common Good Fund, and specifically as to whether there had been any financial cost as a result of the inefficiencies identified, it was confirmed that this issue would be raised with the Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Resources.

Thereafter, Mr R Laird, seconded by Mr G Cruickshank, MOVED that the status quo should be maintained in relation to the threshold for applications for Civic Hospitality which could be determined by the Inverness City Area Manager in consultation with the Chair of the Sub-Committee.

As an AMENDMENT, Mr A Graham, seconded by Mr A Christie, moved that the threshold for such applications should be increased to £1,000.

On a vote being taken, the MOTION received 12 votes and the AMENDMENT received 6 votes, with no abstentions, and the MOTION was therefore CARRIED, the votes having been cast as follows:-

For the Motion:-
Mr R Balfour, Mr B Boyd, Mr I Brown, Mr G Cruickshank, Mrs M Davidson, Mr K Gowans, Mr A Jarvie, Mr R Laird, Mrs I MacKenzie, Mr D Macpherson, Mr R MacWilliam and Mr C Smith.

For the Amendment:-
Miss J Campbell, Mrs H Carmichael, Mr A Christie, Mr A Graham, Mrs T Robertson and Mr G Ross.

The Committee:-

i. AGREED to the Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee being re-named ‘The Inverness Common Good Fund Sub-Committee’ with immediate effect;
ii. APPROVED the revised Powers Delegated from the City of Inverness Area Committee as detailed within Appendix 1 - subject to the status quo being maintained in relation to the threshold for applications for Civic Hospitality which could be determined by the Inverness City Area Manager in consultation with the Chair of the Sub-Committee;
iii. AGREED that the new Delegated Powers detailed within Appendix 1 should be exercised as Full Delegated Powers; and
iv. AGREED that the new Inverness Common Good Fund Sub-Committee should be required to submit an Annual report to the City of Inverness Area Committee summarising the work of the Sub-Committee for the immediately preceding Financial Year.

(d) Grants and Capital Projects
Pròiseactan Tabhartais agus Calpa

Declaration of Interest – Mr A Graham declared a non-financial interest in this item on the grounds that a family member was a volunteer for Blythswood Care but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that his interest did not preclude him from taking part in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No CIA/50/17 dated 13 November 2017 by the Inverness City Area Manager.

In this connection, there had been circulated separately a copy of supporting documentation as Booklet A.

The Committee NOTED the current status of capital projects and AGREED to approve the following applications:-

The Shirlie Project - £34,200
The Royal Society of Edinburgh - £4,700
Blythswood Care - £20,000

The Committee also AGREED to approve the following applications from Inverness BID from the “Partnership Working” cost centre subject to the approval of the 2018/19 budget.:-

The City of Inverness Annual Floral Displays - £57,800
Operation Respect Easter/Summer 2016 - £6,025
Inverness Community Safety Partnership - £9,000
Inverness Gull Project - £12,000
Coach Ambassador - £9,750
Inverness Street Festival - £7,000 with the proviso that consideration is given by the applicant to Programme content with a view to ensuring progressive development.

14. Scottish Junior Football Association - Inverness City Football Club – Lease Extension – Bught Park, Inverness
Comann Ball-coise Òigridh na h-Alba – Club Ball-coise Baile Inbhir Nis – Leudachadh Aonta-màil – Pàirc a’ Bhucht, Inbhir Nis

There had been circulated Report No CIA/51/17 dated 10 November 2017 by the Inverness City Area Manager.

The Committee HOMOLOGATED the decision taken by the Director of Development and Infrastructure and the Inverness City Area Manager to allow an extension of the current lease of a Sports Pitch at Bught Park, Inverness, granted to Inverness City Football Club until 15 May, 2018.

15. Minutes
Geàrr-chunntas

The following Minutes had been circulated for noting or approval as appropriate:-

i. City of Inverness Area Committee held on 14 September 2017 - NOTED;
ii. Inverness City Arts Working Group held on 17 October 2017 - AGREED;
iii. Events and Festivals Working Group held on 18 September and 30 October 2017 - AGREED; and
iv. Inverness Common Good Fund Grants Sub-Committee held on 6 November 2017 - AGREED.

The meeting ended at 2.45 pm