Author: Shirley Leslie
Last saved by: Euan Robertson
Company: Dunrossness Community Council

DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Chairman			 		    	Clerk
Donald Robertson					Shirley Leslie
7 Toabsgeo			Ringesta
Virkie			Quendale
Shetland  ZE3 9JJ					Shetland  ZE2 9JD
Tel:  01950 460300					Tel: 01950 460868
							Fax: 01950 460922
                                           	           E-mail: clerk@dunrossnesscc.shetland.co.uk
				           www.dunrossnesscc.shetland.co.uk

Minute of Meeting of Dunrossness Community Council held in Dunrossness Primary School on Monday 25 April 2011.

PRESENT:
Mr D Robertson 	Mr I Garrick 		Mrs E Mainland  	Mrs S Malcolmson 
Mr R Mainland		Mrs F Mitchell  		Mr S Mitchell 		Mr M Tregonning
Mr R Nickerson		Mr J Ridland		Cllr A Duncan
		
APOLOGIES
Mr J Sinclair  	Cllr J Budge		PC Stuart Millar	
Mrs Pat Christie (Community Worker)

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs S Leslie (Clerk)	

11/01	COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS
	
It had been agreed at the previous meeting to co-opt Mr Martin Tregonning as Community Councillor for Exnaboe East.  The Chairman welcomed      Mr Tregonning to Dunrossness Community Council.

11/02	MINUTE

The Minute of the meeting held on 28 March 2011 was adopted on the motion of Mr Mainland, subject to the following amendments requested by Mr Nickerson:

	10/88/7 – Matters Arising: MV Good Shepherd/Grutness Pier: 
Cllr Budge had also been in attendance at the meeting in Fair Isle
	10/91/4 – Feedback from External Meetings: CT Scanner 
Meeting: It should be noted that Mr Nickerson attended the meeting 
on behalf of Dunrossness Community Council, not as an SIC Councillor.

11/03
25 April 2011 	 						page two of nine

11/03	POLICE REPORT 

PC Millar was unable to attend the meeting but had forwarded the Area Commander’s Bi-Monthly Report to the Clerk.  The report reads as follows:

As we move into the spring time I am pleased to report that our performance has remained strong. We have maintained a detection rate for reported crime of 68.3%. This is an excellent figure and shows the communities in Shetland continue to help us detect crime. In a lot of areas in  Scotland people would not report crime to the police but here I am assured that people will let us know when something is concerning them and with this level of community help we can ensure our patrols are worthwhile and communities are safe.
The Scalloway and Dunrossness Police Stations closed at the end of March. In both areas we are fully committed to ensuring there is continued policed presence and that the local officers will make regular patrols and continue to be involved in the communities. In Scalloway, PC Card will work out of the Lerwick Police Station. We open the new Police Office at Sumburgh Airport in the coming weeks where PC Millar will work from. The airport station is an exciting development for us as it will improve how we police the airport and southern islands area.
I am sure you will be aware of the national picture of the review of policing throughout Scotland. A consultation process is currently underway and I would encourage community councils and others to get involved in this where you have been invited to. It is important Shetlands voice is heard and I would want to encourage debate about maintaining policing resource here. Consultation documentation should have been sent out to community councils.
Looking ahead to the next two months we will work hard to ensure we maintain a good detection rate and prioritise our work around making communities safe by reducing crime, anti social behaviour and accidents on roads. Drugs still affect Shetland and we have had a lot of success in dealing with this. Again it is the public that help us to detect this crime and I would encourage any suspicious activity to be reported to us, confidentially if need be.
We are making good progress with planning towards the Tall Ships and will increase our policing numbers for the event. Our policing for this will include members of the Special Constabulary who work along side regular officers at various times. We are always keen to increase our numbers in the specials so if you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming a special constable please contact Sergeant Paul Daley at Lerwick Police Station. This is a very worthwhile way for the public to serve their community.

11/04/1
25 April 2011 	 						page three of nine

11/04	MATTERS ARISING

1. Road Matters 

a) Dunrossness Primary School to A970 Walkable Verge: There was nothing new to report.

b)  Fair Isle Roads: There was nothing new to report.

c) ‘Devils Elbow’, Channerwick: There was nothing new to report.  It was agreed the Clerk will contact SIC Roads Department for an update on all outstanding roads matters.

2. Grutness Car Park: There was nothing new to report. It was agreed the Clerk will contact Grant Gilfillan, SIC, for the contact details of who is now progressing this matter.

3. Levenwick Graveyard Access: There was nothing new to report.  It was agreed that the Clerk will contact Grant Gilfillan, SIC, for the contact details of who is now progressing this matter.

4. Fair Isle Fire Station: Cllr Duncan reported that Mr McLeod, Fire Estates Manager, is in consultation with parties in Fair Isle regarding this matter.

5. Scousburgh Sand Public Toilets: Mr Nickerson reported that he had asked Stephen Cooper, SIC, to progress the land issue if possible but had not heard back from him as yet.

6. Westvoe Beach South End Access: There was nothing new to report.  The Clerk will request a progress report.

7. MV Good Shepherd/Grutness Pier: Mrs Mitchell reported that the islanders are still not happy with the alternative arrangements made during the period when MV Good Shepherd is out of service due to its annual refit.  Although planes can be provided to transport freight to the islands, this only happens if the Snolda can not make it on her one free day per week and the planes can only carry approximately 500/600 kilos of fruit/veg/milk and occasionally bread.  There was only one boat sailing for the month for other freight items such as heating fuel.  Mr Nickerson reported that he had raised the point at the Ferries Board that there needs to be an additional boat available to make a crossing should the Snolda not be able to make the trip on her free day due to weather.  Mr Garrick enquired if the Community Council should be seeking a written contingency plan before the MV Good Shepherd’s next refit plan.  Mr Nickerson confirmed that SIC already make a plan for the refit period but unfortunately it does not take into account that the weather may not permit a sailing to Fair Isle on the planned day.  Mr Mitchell stated that the main problem appeared to be the lack of flexibility with the replacement vessel.
11/04/07
25 April 2011	  						page four of nine

11/04	MATTERS ARISING 

7. MV Good Shepherd/Grutness Pier (continued): Regarding Grutness Pier, it was reported that, having done test bores, it is now known what is required to repair the problems with the pier. 

8. BT Buildings, Scousburgh Hill: There was nothing new to report.

11/05	FINANCE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS 

1. South Mainland Community Association Senior Citizens Group – To assist with the costs of providing monthly meetings for senior citizens in the area: It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Garrick, seconded by 
Mrs Mainland, to award the sum of £600 as requested.  

It was noted that the ‘conditions of grant’ stated on the current application form, which the ASCC had put forward for use by all Community Council’s, states that grants will not be made on running costs.  Mr Robertson reported that he had requested at the ASCC meeting in October 2010 that this condition be removed and this had been agreed.  However, there have been no developments on this matter and the members of Dunrossness Community Council therefore agreed unanimously to revert to using their own grant application form, with the necessary child protection section attached.  

2. South Mainland Amateur Swimming Club – To assist with the costs of a member of the club from Dunrossness travelling to the Island Games in the Isle of Wight to compete as a member of the Shetland Isles Swim Team: It had been agreed at the Community Council’s previous meeting to award the sum of £250 towards the above, providing the application was made by the SMASC.  The Clerk reported that she had not yet received any financial details from the Club and the grant will not therefore be paid until this information is received.

3.  Fair Isle Community Hall – To assist with the costs of providing two days of activities for the bairns of Fair Isle during the Tall Ships Visit, the outcome of which will be a piece of film made by the bairns on the isle to commemorate and celebrate the Tall Ships Visit, tying it to elements of local stories, sagas and language: It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Garrick, seconded by Mr Mainland, to award the requested sum of £200.

11/06
25 April 2011	  						page five of nine

11/06	PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND PLANNING MATTERS

1.	To install new ‘H’ Pole structure for increase in electrical load, 
Meadowvale Hotel, Virkie by Scottish & Southern Energy, Inverness - There were no objections.

11/07	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS  

1. Association of Shetland Community Council Meeting: Mr Robertson and Mr Ridland had attended the ASCC meeting on 9 April 2011.  The following items were among those discussed:
a) School Closures – The proposed school closures were discussed.  Head of Education, Helen Budge, was asked to confirm the figures in relation to the forecast savings to be made, which she did.  Each Community Council represented at the meeting was asked to vote for or against the closures.  The votes were tied and the Chairman used his casting vote which resulted in those against the closures winning by 1 vote.  It was agreed that each community council represented at ASCC meetings should have one vote, not one vote per delegate attending.  
b) Ferry Fares – Yell and Bressay representatives were distressed at the level of ferry fares.
c) SIC Burial Officers – Ian Walterson expressed concerns at the fact that SIC intend to dispense with 30 part-time burial officers with resultant loss to the community of their intimate local knowledge.
d) Community Council Vacancies – It was noted that there are currently a total of 22 vacancies over 11 Community Councils.  
e) Community Planning in Shetland – There is to be a Focus Group meeting of representatives of Shetland’s Community Councils in Market House, Lerwick on 21 May 2011.

2. Mind Your Head Meeting: Cllr Duncan reported that Mind Your Head have a survey on-line which they would like as many people as possible to complete.  There is currently a shortage of responses from the male population.  The survey can be found at www.mindyourhead.org.  The next meeting is scheduled for 5 July 2011 at 6.15 pm.

3.  Police Board Meeting: Cllr Duncan reported that SIC have no policy yet on the current consultation.  It has been made quite clear that Lerwick Police Station must remain open 24 hours per day and progress is being made with regard to the necessary funding to make this possible.

4.	Public Participation Forum Meeting: Mr Ridland had attended.   
Mr Ridland reported that the main concern is the lack of communication between various agencies despite advances in technology.

11/07/5
25 April 2011	  						page six of nine

11/07	FEEDBACK FROM EXTERNAL MEETINGS (Continued)

5. New Abattoir Facility: Mr Ridland reported that the plumbing and electrics are currently being installed and that it is hoped that the new facility will be complete by end of June 2011.

6.  Local Service Delivery Group Meeting: Mr Robertson had attended a LSDG meeting on 19 April 2011 and reported as follows:
a) Most of the meeting was taken up with discussions on the updated Shetland South Community Profile.  Members agreed to proof read the document and return to Pat Christie for collation and finalising prior to the next meeting, which will be held on 5 July 2011. 
b) Janette Budge had attended and gave the Group an update on the work of the CLAN charity and progress with the new accommodation in Aberdeen, CLAN Haven.  CLAN Shetland currently have 8 volunteers and 2 therapists helping anyone affected by Cancer (Tel. 01595 720320; website: www.clanhouse.org for further information).  Janette also advised that fund raising events are continuing and that funds raised for the Charity can be ear-marked for the Shetland branch if desired.

11/08	CORRESPONDENCE 

1.	‘Thank you’ letter from Dunrossness Inter-Church Fellowship Day 
Care for grant received: The letter was noted.

2.	SIC letter ref. Contact Details for Infrastructure Services: Gordon 
Greenhill, Infrastructure Services Executive Director had forwarded a list of e-mail addresses which he suggests the Community Council use when contacting his department in order to try and improve response procedures.  The letter was noted.

3.	Voluntary Action Shetland letter ref. Establishing Shetland’s 
Strategic Direction for the Next 10-15 Years: There is to be a meeting of Shetland Community Councils on Saturday 21 May, 11 am – 1 pm in Market House Conference Room to discuss the above.  The letter was noted.

4.	Fire Brigades Union Scotland letter ref. Scottish Government 
Consultation on the Future of the Fire & Rescue Service in Scotland: The Fire Brigades Union has recently published its draft response to the Scottish Government consultation of the future of the fire and rescue services in Scotland.  This can be viewed at www.fbuscotland.org.  A paper copy is available from John Duffy, Scottish Secretary, Fire Brigades Union, 52 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4AA.  Tel. 0141 221 2309.  Cllr Duncan reported that SIC currently have no policy on this matter.

11/08/5
25 April 2011	  						page seven of nine

11/08	CORRESPONDENCE (Continued)

5.	SIC letter ref. 2011-2016 Local Housing Strategy: The consultation on 
a new Local Housing Strategy (LHS) for Shetland begins on 25 April 2011 and runs for 8 weeks to 17 June 2011.  Views can be given at any time through the 8 week consultation period.  Full copies of the draft Local Housing Strategy documents are available either on paper (from local SIC Community Work Offices or Housing Services) or online at www.shetland.gov.uk/lhs.  A survey is also available asking for views on what Shetland’s housing priorities should be over the next five years.  The survey can be completed on paper (from the above); on-line at www.shetland.gov.uk/lhs; over the phone by telephoning the SIC Housing Service on 01595 744376 during office hours.  Once the consultation closes, the results will be published online.  The final Local Housing Strategy will be submitted to the Scottish Government in the summer of 2011 for their approval. 
The Clerk will forward the website address to the members for them to read the document prior to the next Community Council meeting with a view to the Community Council submitting a response.  Cllr Duncan reported that SIC have been approached by Hjaltland Housing Association for a 3.5 million grant for new housing at Brae, Strand, Pegasus  Place and the North Star.  The grant request was to be discussed by the Council on 27 April 2011.  If it is approved, more housing would be available in 3 years but, if not, it will be 8 years before the project can commence.  If the grant is approved, Hjaltland will be able to get an equal level of funding from the Scottish Government (under present circumstances) and the remainder through bank lending.

6.	E-mail forwarded by the ASCC ref. Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in 
Scottish Territorial Waters: The Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in Scottish Territorial Waters has been published on the Scottish Government website.  It can be viewed at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/18141232/0.  Hard copies of the Plan are also available on request from offshorewindconsultation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or 0131 244 1617.

7.	E-mail from ASCC ref. Community Council Representative for 
Community Benefit Steering Group Meeting: The e-mail states that it was agreed at the ASCC meeting on 9 April 2011 and Community Benefit Steering Group (CBSG) meeting on 20 April 2011, that CBSG approach the Community Councils to instruct them to nominate a representative from each Community Council to attend a meeting with CBSG.

11/08/7
25 April 2011	  						page eight of nine

11/08	CORRESPONDENCE 

7.	E-mail from ASCC ref. Community Council Representative for 
Community Benefit Steering Group Meeting (continued): Each elected representative should be given mandate from his/her Community Council to enable them to vote on behalf of their CC.  The point for discussion will be whether an Organisation formed to administer a Renewable Energy Community Benefit Fund should have charitable or non charitable status.  It is hoped to set a date in early June 2011 for the meeting.  Presentations will be made on the day by outside experts on the pros and cons of the debate. The members discussed whether Dunrossness Community Council is in favour of charitable or non charitable status for the group.  Mr Nickerson queried whether or not it mattered to Dunrossness Community Council which status was opted for.  Mr Garrick stated that the general assumption at the moment is that the areas directly affected by the wind turbines will have a percentage of the available funds ‘ring fenced’ for their use but that nothing has been resolved at this stage.  He also informed the members that the level of funds which will be available for the community is expected to be in the region of £2 million/p.a., if the project goes ahead at the proposed level.  This figure is based on rates already being paid elsewhere in the country per megawatt produced.  Mr Garrick believed that the Charitable Trust would be highly involved and therefore did not see the point in a Renewable Energy Community Benefit Fund also having charitable status and thereby both groups being restricted by their status.                  Mr Tregonning stated that obviously the biggest benefit of charitable status is the tax implications and that supporting a vulnerable community can be considered charitable.  Following further discussions it was agreed that, as there are currently so many unknown factors regarding the benefit fund, Dunrossness Community Council would prefer if it was non charitable.  The group can always become a charitable organisation at a later date, should this be considered to be a benefit.  Mr Mainland stated that his main concern was the governance of the group.  Mr Garrick informed the members that it is currently proposed that the overall controlling board will be made up of 1 member per community council area (although this person need not be a member of the community council) and a possible 3 further co-opted members.  The board will meet once or twice a year.  The day to day running of the organisation will be carried out by 6 or 8 members who will be elected from the board members. 
The members unanimously nominated Mr Garrick to represent Dunrossness Community Council.  Mr Nickerson suggested that Mr Tregonning be nominated as a substitute representative and this was seconded by Mr Ridland.  

8.	The following are available from the Clerk on request:
•	Scottish Natural Heritage Spring 2011 Publication

11/09
25 April 2011	  						page nine of nine

11/09	ANY OTHER BUSINESS 

1.	Website: Cllr Duncan requested that the Community Council Minutes be 
posted on the website.  The members reported that this is already done.

2.	Hardbrakes Houses: Mr Mainland stated that he believed some 
maintenance works are being done on the houses at Hardbrakes and, with a lack of available housing in the area, was interested to know what Bristow Helicopters plans were for the properties.  Mr Mainland will try and find out who the Community Council should contact.  Cllr Duncan suggested contacting the head of Bristow Helicopters Admin at Scatsta Airport. 

3.	Police Houses: Mr Mainland enquired what was happening with the 
Police Houses now that the local station is being relocated to Sumburgh Airport.  Cllr Duncan reported that the matter of Northern Constabulary disposing of the properties is ongoing.  He will obtain an update on the matter before the next Community Council meeting.

4.	Bigton Shop: The next meeting to discuss the future of the Bigton Shop 
is on 10 May 2011 at 7.30 pm in the Bigton Hall.  Mr Nickerson stated that it is hoped to have reports on the options for the future at this meeting.

5.	Essy Kert: Mr Robertson reported that the South Mainland is getting a 
new Essy Kert which will be capable of emptying Wheely Bins.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10 pm.

                                                                                                        Chair

THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF DUNROSSNESS COMMUNITY COUNCIL WILL TAKE PLACE IN DUNROSSNESS PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY 30 MAY 2011.