Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Chief Inspector Mosley.

Councillor A MacAlister declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 10b due to a family interest.

The Minutes of the Meeting of 7^th June 2011 were approved as a correct record.

Members heard an informative presentation from Iona MacPhail on the Bute & Cowal Garden Competition, she advised that there will be a press release in both papers.

Members heard from Alistair MacGregor on the investment programme in Bute & Cowal for 2011. He also spoke on initiatives ACHA will be taking forward including heating and rewiring contracts, kitchen and bathroom programme, energy efficiency upgrades etc, Alistair also noted challenges for the future for ACHA.

Several questions having been put and answered, Members noted the information provided.

Members heard from the Area Governance Manager on the potential to hold the European People’s Festival in Dunoon.

Decision

Members noted the information provided in relation to ongoing consideration of the possibility of Dunoon hosting the European People’s Festival in 2015 or 2016.

(Reference: Report by the Area Governance Manager dated 25^th July 2011 – submitted)

The Community Development Officer spoke on the recommendations for the award of Third Sector Grants and the Committee considered and determined the Third Sector Grants as follows:-

(Reference: Report by the Community Development Manager – submitted)

Members heard a verbal update from the Area Governance Manager on the Milton Burn Flood Prevention Scheme

Decision

The Committee noted the details provided.

Members heard from the Marine & Airports Manager on the current operation of the Dunoon Gourock passenger only ferry service.

Decision

The Committee:-

i.                     Noted the details provided.

ii.                   Agreed an urgent meeting would be arranged with Argyll & Bute Council, Argyll Ferries, Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council to discuss the current service which is clearly in conflict with European Maritime Cabotage Regulations.

(Reference: Report by the Marine & Airports Manager – submitted)

Mr Donald MacLeod, Bute Community Council asked about the state of the roads on the Island in particular Montague Street and received advice from Jim Smith.

Mr Donald MacLeod further advised that it was the Jazz Festivals 25^th Anniversary on the Island and asked about funding and Liz Marion gave advice.

Councillor I Strong requested yellow hazard strips on the stairs at Guildford Square because they are very low and Jim Smith advise he would look into this.

Councillor R Macintyre asked about the lifts at Rothesay Pier and received advice from Jim Smith.

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

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the request received from the Doctor’s Surgery at Argyll Street, Dunoon to acquire the ground on which their surgery building is located.

Decision

The Committee agreed to point 2.1(1) of the report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 13^th July 2011 – submitted)

Councillor A MacAlister, having declared a non pecuniary interest in this item, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion.

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor in relation to ground at Edward Street, Dunoon.

Decision

The Committee agreed to point 2.1(i) and (ii) of the report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 19^th July 2011 – submitted)

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the offers of lease received in respect of the shop premises at 23 Argyll Street, Dunoon which was recently advertised for lease.

Decision

The Committee agreed:-  

i.               To point 2.1 of the report by the Executive Director of Customer Services.

ii.             That an extra condition be placed on the lease that no catering/food is provided on the premises.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 27^th July 2011 – submitted)

E1 - Paragraph 9  Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.