BALINTORE & HILTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 25th JANUARY 2022 At 7pm Via Zoom
1. Chair welcomed members to the meeting, postponed from 18 January.
2. PRESENT
Alastair Gill (AG) Chair
Brian Gallagher (BG) Treasurer
Leighanne Hodgkins (LH) (Defib Champion)
May Ross (MR) (Minute Secretary and Community Group Champion)
Alasdair Rhind (Cllr)
Derek Loudon (Cllr)
Coral Issacs (MOP)
3. APOLOGIES
J McCann
Fiona Robertson (Cllr}
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES HELD ON 24 NOVEMBER 2021
The minutes were unanimously approved.
5. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
5.1 TRAFFIC CONCERNS
BG and LH had met with Gary Urquhart (Highland Council) and Cllr Robertson and BG reported as follows:
· With regard to traffic on Main Street approaching the Spar Shop, Gary’s view was that the “smiley face” speed warning sign was preferable to a fixed slow sign. He agreed that a HC temporary unit (when available) could be located for a trial period (location to be decided) Cllr Robertson suggested applying for funding for a permanent unit(s)
· With regard to traffic calming on John Street, Gary was unable to identify any simple practical measures. He advised that the yellow vibration lines would not be suitable for low speeds and that road bumps would require technical evaluation and public consultation. He did however agree to review the practicality of providing a mirror to assist vehicles joining Main Street from John Street.
· It was decided that a further meeting would take place in the summer, when traffic would be busier.
Action: AG
6. POLICE REPORT/POLICE ISSUES
· No police report was available for the meeting.
· Cllr Rhind asked that a sensitive item discussed at the meeting should be redacted from the minutes.
Action: Minute Secretary
7. PLANNING
No planning applications for consideration in our ward.
8. TDDT report (Dave Macrae)
AG had circulated the TDDT report and thanked Dave for his comprehensive report.
9. LOCAL TRAFFIC ISSUES
This item was discussed under item 5.
10. CHRISTMAS WASH UP
AG thanked everyone involved in the Christmas Lights/Trees displays. He thought we should explore possible funding which may be available to buy some more lights.
Action: AG
11. FUNDING FOR 2022
As above, any type of funding should be investigated
12. CC MEMBERSHIP
It was agreed that new members were needed on the Council.
13. COMMUNITY GROUP UPDATE
SEABOARD CENTRE
POST OFFICE – it has been confirmed that there will be full operation by mid-March, exact date to be announced by the Post Officer
Fisherfolk Festival date 27, 28 and 29 May, assuming all is well.
John Ross Visitor Centre – Opening either 13 or 14 May
Balintore Harbour Toilets are now progressing and hopefully finished end of February early March.
BALINTORE RESIDENTS GROUP
CORAL gave up update on the various projects the group are involved with. She thanked the CC for their donation to the Santa Sleigh event, which everyone agreed was a great event for the community.
· No other updates available at the time of the meeting. The Hilton Historic Trust’s update can be viewed on the latest Seaboard Newsletter.
14. AOCB
· Coral brought to the attention to the meeting future plans regarding the Polytunnel.
· The forthcoming fire alarm legislation and the confusion caused, especially to elderly people was discussed.
· Repairs to the Brown houses are progressing, mainly on empty properties.
· LH will contact Norma Balfour regarding the change-over for the guardianship of the defib situated at the Seaboard Hall.
Action: LH