Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor J Semple and Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie.

None

The Minutes of the Area Committee on 2^nd June were approved as a correct record subject to the following:

Page 3 – Public and Councillor Question Time

At question one William McDonald be substituted for Donald Ewen Darroch

A presentation by Gary Scott, General Manager.

Members heard an informative presentation from Gary Scott and Diana Buller from the Islay and Jura Community Enterprises regarding the Mactaggart Leisure Centre on the Isle of Islay.

Members asked questions on how additional projects were funded, measures on Anti-Social Behaviour, Service Level Agreement funding, the financial situation ahead, if the off shore energy was a source of income and the SRDP funding.

Decision

The Committee agreed to recommend that the Islay and Jura Community Enterprises be asked along to the Strategic Community Planning Group to present this presentation.

A presentation by Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Energy Agency.

Members heard an informative presentation from Rebecca Lewis from Ali Energy on fuel poverty within Argyll and Bute.  Rebecca explained that fuel poverty was if more than 10% of your household income was spent on fuel.  Rebecca spoke on how she was trying to reach vulnerable people with leaflets, road shows and articles in local newspapers.

Members asked questions on the criteria of fuel poverty, publicity and difficulties with other bodies carrying out the same function.

The Chair thanked Rebecca for her presentation.

Councillor Colville enquired about having Southend Toilet opened and it was agreed Stewart Clark would bring this item to the next Business Day.

Councillor Currie expressed his concerns over the charging criteria on the Jura to Islay Ferry and it was agreed that all Members be kept informed of the outcome from the Transport Management Group meeting.

A report by William Crossan, Rector.

The Committee noted the report.  Councillor Colville requested that the Rector be questioned as to what links the School was making with vocational training and Skykon.

A report by David Logan, QIO Special Projects.

Members heard an update from the QIO Special Projects Officer on the progress in relation to the operation of Lochgilphead Joint Campus and the Mid Argyll Sports Centre.

Decision

The Committee:-        

1.      Noted the contents of the report.

2.      Agreed that this item no longer needed to be a standing item on the committee agenda.

(Reference:  Report by the QIO Special Projects Officer – submitted)

A report by Stewart Clark, Contracts Manager.

The Committee considered a report by Stewart Clark, Contacts Manager providing an update on road related issues in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.  Stewart Clark further updated Members on works being undertaken by Transerve.

Decision

The Committee:-

1.      Noted the contents of the Report.

2.      Agreed that Stewart Clark would contact Transerve advising them the Committee welcome the spend on the A83 but:

a.      Ask if the road could be opened at 5am in Arrochar to allow people to catch the first Islay ferry.

b.      Express concerns and poor scheduling of closures for busy summer period and

c.      The impact on residents and businesses in Kintrye who face 3 weeks of night closures.

3.      Agreed the Area Committee write directly to Transerve Scotland in similar terms.

4.      Asked that a report on the meeting between Scottish Water and the Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services regarding the Port Ellen Road come to the next Area Business Day Meeting.

(Reference:  Report by the Operations Manager dated 13^th July 2010 – submitted)

A report by Margaret Fyfe, Community Development Manager.

Councillor McAlpine intimated his apologies and left the meeting at this stage.

The Committee considered a report detailing the recommendation for the award of Third Sector Grants to organisations within Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

Decision

The Committee unanimously approved the recommendation in the supplementary report in regard to the above applications and noted that this was the fund fully committed for the year.

(Reference: Report by the Community Development Manager – 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 Paragraphs 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

A report by Roy Alexander, Estates Surveyor.

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the sale of Portnahaven Primary School, Isle of Islay.

Decision

The Committee agreed to accept the 2^nd offer with the proviso that the other offer received be agreed in the event of this offer to purchase being withdrawn for any reason.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 4^th August 2010 – submitted)

A report by Roy Alexander, Estates Surveyor

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the sale of the former swimming pool site at St Clair Road, Ardrishaig.

Decision

The Committee agreed to accept the offer with the proviso that the subjects be re-marketed in the event of this offer to purchase being withdrawn for any reason.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 4^th August 2010 – submitted)

A report by Jennifer Crawford, Estates Surveyor.

Members heard from the Estates Surveyor on the sale of the former school and schoolhouse at Glenbreackerie.

Decision

The Committee agreed to accept the 1^st offer and that in the event of this sale falling through, to conclude a sale to the 3^rd offer.

(Reference: Report by the Executive Director of Customer Services dated 2^nd August 2010 – submitted)

A verbal update by Hugh Blake, Senior Estates Surveyor.

Members heard a verbal report from the Estates Surveyor on the sale of the Offices at Dell Road, Campbeltown.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

A report by Donald Kelly, Chief Solicitor.

Members heard a verbal report from the Estates Surveyor on the garage at Port Askaig, Isle of Islay.

Decision

The Committee:-

1.      Noted the information provided.

2.      Agreed a report come to the next Area Committee meeting.