Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors R Macintyre and R Simon.

The Chairman ruled and the Committee agreed, in terms of Standing Order 3.2.2 that a report regarding the Community Council By-Elections, dealt with at item 4b of this minute, be taken as a matter of urgency, due to the imminent election date.

Councillor Marshall congratulated Ailsa Cunningham and Joe McCabe on the recent Beautiful Scotland Awards, advising that Rothesay had been awarded the coveted Rosebowl trophy, as well as the Coastal Resort award, and St Andrews Primary School won a special award at the same ceremony.

Councillor Marshall declared a non financial interest in item 9 (a) by reason of having formed an opinion on the matter and took no part in the discussion of that item.

The Minutes of the Area Committee of the 3^rd August 2010 were approved as a correct record.

The Committee head a verbal update from the Area Manager, Customer Services on the Gourock/Dunoon Ferry Service.  She advised that the Tender Documents have still not been published and the Council have asked Scottish Government Officials for an explanation as to why this has not happened.

Decision

The Committee noted the details provided on this matter.

Members heard from the Area Manager, Customer Services on the recent Community Council By-Elections and were advised that a By-Election will be carried out by postal votes for the Lochgoil Community Council.

Decision

The Committee noted the contents of the report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 1^st October 2010 – tabled)

Inspector Armstrong updated Members on the Abandoned Trailers at Port Bannatyne advising that all the dangerous ones have been taken away.  He explained that there were 5 trailers left and he had no powers to remove them because they were not in a dangerous condition.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

The Committee were asked questions from Liz McFarlane on the proposed joint primary school campus including if the campus would be the largest in the UK, consultation strategy, planning permission, funding for refurbishment of existing schools, communication with parents and she asked for  the Council’s Educational Statement of Need.  Councillors Strong and Walsh gave advice on the questions raised and advised if the group had any further question to contact Malcolm MacFadyen.  It was agreed Shirley MacLeod would post the Community Engagement Strategy to Liz McFarlane.

Mr Moonan asked about what detail the Civil Servants were looking at in regard to the ferry services and advice was given.

Anne Gabriel asked about Community Council By-Elections and Shirley MacLeod gave her advice.

Councillor Marshall asked Inspector O’Neill about speeding in Blairmore and Inspector O’Neill advised that the equipment has not yet been put in the area because there is a waiting list but unmarked and marked police cars have been deployed into the area for the meantime. 

The Committee considered Third Sector Grants and agreed as follows:-

(Reference: Report by Community Development Manager – submitted)

Members heard from the Area Manager, Customer Services on the risks to future Council commitments if the proposal to adopt sections of private lanes is pursued.

Decision

The Committee:-

1.            Agreed with the recommendations contained in the report by the Roads Asset Manager.

2.            Agreed that Members be kept informed on point 2.2 of the report with an update to the Business Day Meeting in December.

(Reference: Report by the Roads Asset Manager dated 14^th September 2010 – submitted)

Members heard from the Area Manager, Customer Services on the Winter Service Policy 2010-11.

Decision

The Committee:-

1.            Agreed with the recommendations contained in the report by the Roads Asset Manager.

2.            Agreed that Priority 2, A815 Dunoon – Toward be amended to Dunoon – Loch Striven.

(Reference: Report by the Roads Asset Manager dated 14^th September 2010 – submitted)

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the status of the Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme.

Decision

The Committee:-

1.            Noted the contents of the report by the Principal Engineer.

2.            Agreed that the Area Manager, Customer Services would write to residents and businesses in the area advising them of progress with this scheme.

(Reference: Report by the Principal Engineer dated 14^th September 2010 – submitted)

Members heard from the Technical Officer on the outstanding works required for the installation of the new Christmas Lighting in Rothesay.

Decision

The Committee:- 

1.            Noted the contents of the report by the Operations Manager.

2.            Agreed the Christmas Light switch on date would be the same week as Dunoon.

(Reference:  Report by the Operations Manager dated 4^th August 2010 – submitted)

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public for the following items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Councillor B Marshall, having declared a non financial interest in this item, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion, Councillor L Scoullar took over the Chair.

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the request from Forestry Commission Scotland for a servitude over ground adjacent to the A880.

Decision

The Committee agreed that the matter be continued until the next Area Committee in December to allow further discussions with the Forestry Commission.

(Reference:  Report by the Executive Director, Customer Services dated 5^th October 2010 – submitted)