Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor Alison Hay

Councillor Donald Kelly

Councillor Donald MacMillan and Councillor Douglas  Philand delared a non-financial interest in relation to the Land at St Clair Road, Ardrishaig, they left the room and took no part in the discussion of this issue which is dealt with at Item 9 (b) of this Minute.

The Minutes from the previous meeting held on 7 December 2011 were approved as a true and correct  record.

Councillor Semple enquired on the status of the motion in regards the Roads Reconstruction Capital Programme 2012/2013, requesting a paper be submitted to the full Council detailing strengths and weaknesses of applying an asset-managed base approach to the distribution of funding for capital roads projects.

Charles Reppke advised that this was tabled for discussion at the next Council Pre-Agenda meeting.

A report by Stephen Harrison, Acting Head Teacher, Islay High School.

Members considered a report brought forward from the MAKI Area Committee in December 2011, outlining the major achievements of the pupils from Islay High School in 2010/2011. 

Stephen Harrison also gave a short presentation to Members, highlighting pupils recent trip to Madagascar.

There followed a short question and answer session.

Councillor Semple enquired on the effects of Curriculum for Excellence and the school roll.  Stephen Harrison replied that Islay High School had managed to increase the number of subjects offered.  In regards the school roll, numbers had declined and the roll at present was 220.

Councillor Horn congratulated Stephen Harrison on the recent trip to Madagascar and commended the hard work of students in the planning and organising which they undertook to achieve this.  

Councillr McAlpine enquired on the recent quaifications which pupils had attained.  These had not been included within the report.  Stephen Harrison would forward details to Theresa McLetchie and she would arrange for circulation to Members.   

Decision:

Members agreed to note the strong performance of pupils and the commitment of staff in their examination successes and in the wider aspects of achievement across the school. 

(Ref: A report by Stephen Harrison, Acting Head Teacher, dated 7 December 2011, submitted).

The Chair thanked Stephen Harrison for his informative presentation and commended the hard work of both pupils and staff.

A report by Catriona Hood, Head Teacher.

Members considered a report and presentation detailing the achievements of pupils during the course of 2010/2011.

There followed a short question and answer session.

Councillor Semple enquired if statistics quantified that pupils who study at the Academy remained in employment within the local area.  Catriona Hood replied that in the Tarbert area there was a  good balance of local business e.g. fishing and hospitality which provided some local employment.   

Councillor Horn enquired if the development of GLOW assisted pupils who were unable to attend class due to inclement weather.  Catriona Hood replied that the inception of GLOW was certainly proving advantageous in these incidences.

Councillor Philand enquired on the process of provision of Mental Health advocacy.  Catriona Hood advised that the provision of good experience in the school was valuable   and  provided ongoing well being for pupils. 

Councillor Colville requested information on the back-ground to the Inter-Agency Forum.  Catriona Hood replied that this consisted of partners in NHS Highland, Strathclyde Police and others.  The forum scheduled meetings every 8 weeks; however a meeting could be convened at relative short notice, if required.

Councillor McAlpine raised the issue of the lack of a school minibus and requested support from Members in this initiative.  Catriona Hood reported that the hire of a minibus for school travel presented problems, due to the lack of these vehicles in the local area.    

Decision:

Members agreed to note the strong performance of pupils and the strong achievement across the school.

(Ref: A report by Catriona Hood, Head Teacher, dated 1 February 2012, submitted).

A report and presentation by Allen Stevenson, Service Development Manager and David  Forshaw, Strategic Finance.

Members considered a report detailing the assessment outcomes and review of the Adult Care Community Based Care Charging Scheme.

Decision:

Members agreed to note the report

(Ref: A report by Allen Stevenson, dated 1 February 2012, submitted).

A report by Mark Lines, Service Officer – Chilldren with Needs.

Members considered a report detailing the work undertaken by the Children and Families service with Third Sector groups to co-produce a new apporach to supporting Third Sector groups and organisations working to support vulnerable children in Argyll and Bute.

Discussion ensued on the merits of this initiatve and Councillor Colville commended the hard work and effort undertaken by Mark.

Decision:

Members agreed to submit the report to the full Council for consideration.

(Ref: A report by Mark Lines, dated 1 February 2012, tabled).

Councillor John McAlpine left the meeting at 12.10p.m..

A report by Audrey Baird, Community Development Officer.

Members considered a report advising them of changes to the grant monitoring process and modifications to the system for awarding Third Sector grant funding in 2012/2013.

Members were advised of a forthcoming event scheduled for March 2012.  When the date was agreed,  details would be provided to Members.

Action:  Audrey Baird to notify Theresa McLetchie of event details.

Decision:

Members agreed to note the report.

(Ref: A report by Audrey Baird, dated 1 February 2012, submitted).

A presentation by Phil Hinchliff, Transport Scotland.

Members heard a presentation by Phil Hinchliff and Andrew Henderson, Transport Scotland.

They advised Members that a meeting had been held on 18 January with Tarbert and Skipness Community Council in Tarbert to discuss a pedestrian crossing in Tarbert and changes to the signage at Kilberry Road.  Resulting from the meeting, decisions had been made to instigate a study to justify the need for a pedestrian crossing in Tarbert.  In addition, Mr Hinchliff had emailed Bob Chicken (Tarbert and Skipness CC) details of proposed new signage for Kilberry Road.  A further meeting would be held on 9 February with Tarbert and Skipness CC.

Mr Hinchliff continued that Transport Scotland were in the process of appointing an external consultant who would be tasked with undetaking a review of the A83.  Their remit would include:

Trunking - south of Kennacraig

Pinchpoints at - Erines/Ardrishaig/Inveraray

Rest and Be Thankful

Mr Henderson informed the Committee of a meeting held between Michael Russell MSP, Strathclyde Police, Argyll & Bute Forestry Transport Association and Argyll and Bute Council to discuss the rationale of opening the forestry road at the Rest and Be Thankful.  The purpose of which would be to use the road as a diversionay route to be utilised when the A83 was closed due to emergencies.  There were however issues to be overcome before the forestry road could be used.  These included:-

Narrow track (measures to overcome would include a convoy vehicle leading vehicles 1-way direction)

Debris on track

Previous land slides in the area

Bridge - right-angled bends - which may necessitate a new bridge.

The above would constitute the need for financial injection.  The Forestry Transport Association had indicated that they would contribute to these costs.

Councillor Semple enquired if the proposed trunking at Kennacraig would cover the A83 to Campbeltown.  Mr Henderson replied that this was a critical factor which would need a full review.

Mr Hinchliff detailed several forthcoming meetings:-

9 February - Tarbert

21 February - Lochgoilhead (this meeting would primarily discuss the Rest and Be Thankful and Inveraray)

Councillor Colville enquired on the process to enable the A83 to be included on the Transport Scotland's Strategic list.  Mr Henderson advised that the A83 would be on the Strategic Transport Project Review.  However, he did not envisage there would be any major intervention, at present.  He advised the need to retain pressure.  Charles Reppke enquired who ultimately decided priority.  Mr Henderson replied that the final decison rested with the Scottish Ministers.

Councillor Philand enquired on the timescale for the study to be undetaken by external consultants.  Mr Hinchliff reported on the process which would involve setting a brief for a 'mini competion' to which the consultants tendering for the contract would enter.  It was envisaged that the successful consultant would commence the study in the Summer of 2012.  

Councillor Semple enquired if the meeting scheduled to be held in Tarbert (9 February) would be an open meeting.  Charles Reppke advised that the meeting had been organised by Tarbert and Skipness CC and, as such, permission would need to be sought from the CC to open up to the wider community.  Councillor Colville reported that the KIWG meeting scheduled for 24 February would include the A83 and this could be opened for wider discussion to the local community.  Mr Hinchliff confirmed that a representative from Transport Scotland - David Hamilton would be attending.

Charles Reppke asked Members to continue further discussion on the A83 to the special MAKI LACPG which would convene at the conclusion of the MAKI Area Committee.  Members agreed to undertake this.

Decision:

Members agreed to note the presentation.

The Chair thanked Mr Hinchliff and Mr Henderson for their attendance at the meeting.

A report by David Clements, Performance Manager.

Members considered a report detailing the complete findings from a workshop held at the MAKI Business Day on 11 January 2011.

Discussion ensued in regards Members aspirations and the methodolgy of ensuring these were recorded.  The difficulty of including aspirations which were not operational and did not have a budget allocation was discussed.

Decision:

Members agreed to the recommendations detailed at 2.1 (a) and (b) of the report.

(Ref: A  report by David Clements, dated 1 February 2012, submitted).

The Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed, to adjourn the meeting for lunch at 12.50p.m. and reconvene at 1.30p.m.

A report by Audrey Martin, Projects and Renewables Manager.

Members considered a report outlining the process for transferring the asset to the Third Sector organisation.

Councillor Semple raised concerns in regards the amount of capital which would be necessary to invest in the building and requested assurance that the group could access funding to undertake this task.  Audrey Maritin replied that the request from the third sector organisation would be sanctioned on the proviso that they provided evidence of their ability to secure the necessary funding.  Any transfer would only be concluded, subject to a full business case and funding being secured. 

Decision:

Members agreed with the recommendations detailed at 2.1 within the report.

(Ref: A report by Audrey Martin, dated 1 February 2012, submitted).

A report by Stewart Clark,  Contracts Manager.

The Committee considered a report providing updates on outstanding and ongoing road-related issues in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

Stewart Clark informed Members of a new contract for the provision of white lining with conditions built in to ensure contractors adhered to timely and satisfactory completions.  He advised of proposed road closures in Inveraray.

Action: Stewart Clark to advise local community and businesses in Inverary of the proposed overnight road closure.

Stewart Clark updated Members on the Tayinloan ferry project works.  The pile testing was complete and ground conditions adhered to the design.  The only downside being an envisaged 4-5 delay, which was due to weather conditions.  The envisaged date for completion being – 22 June, 2012.

Councillor Semple raised concerns in regards part of the A83 whereby the shore was within 3 metres of the road. 

Action:  Stewart Clark would arrange to investigate this issue to ascertain if there were instances of coastal erosion.

Councillor Currie highlighted road conditions on Jura and detailed instances whereby schoolchildren were unable to be driven to attend school, due to the dire state of some roads. He enquired on the feability of retaining an underpayment and utilising towards the aforementioned roads on Jura.  Stewart Clark replied that the most opportune time to undertake repairs on Jura was in the summer.  He would,  however,  ensure that the roads were made safe for the passage of the public.

Action: Stewart Clark agreed to investigate the rationale of  funding retention for Jura.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  A report by Stewart Clark,  dated 1 February 2012, 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 item 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.

An updated report by Donald Kelly, Legal Services Manager- Commercial.

Members considered a report updating on the status of the Port Askaig garage, Port Askaig Pier, Islay.

Decision:

Members agreed to the recommendation detailed at 2.1 contained within the report .

(Ref: A report by Donald Kelly, Legal Services Manager, dated 1 February 2012, tabled).

A report by Charles Reppke, Head of Governance and Law.

Having previously declared an interest in this item, Councillor Donald MacMillan and Councillor Douglas Philand, left the room and took no part in the discussion of this issue.

Members considered an updated report in regards the land at St Clair Road, Ardrishaig.

Decision:

Members agreed with the recommendation detailed at 2.1 of the report, with the inclusion that applicatons specify the intended use of the land. 

(Ref: A report by Charles Reppke, dated 1 February 2012, submitted).