Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies intimated. 

There were no declarations of interest.

The Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee meeting – 6^th August 2014

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 6 August 2014 was approved as a true record. 

The Chair, having noted that there had been no questions submitted by members of the public, invited questions from Members. 

Councillor Horn advised that there had been no grass cutting carried out at the War Memorial in Tarbert following her request at the last meeting of the Area Committee in August.

Decision

The Contracts Manager agreed to address the issue and advise Councillor Horn of the outcome directly.   

Councillor Kelly entered the meeting during discussion of the following item of business at 11.07am

Verbal Update by Chair

The Chair advised that on Sunday 10 August, two bowlers from Campbeltown Bowling Club, Jimmy Anderson and John McLean, won the Scottish National Bowls title at Ayr defeating the Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Paul Foster and his partner in the final. 

He advised that the Provost had given a donation of £250 to the Campbeltown Bowling Club to provide a buffet at their centenary event with Greenock Bowling Club on Saturday 30 August 2014.  Councillor Colville advised that at the event, and to mark their success, he presented a Quaich to the bowlers on behalf of the Council.

Presentation by Alistair MacGregor, Chief Executive, ACHA.

The Committee considered a presentation by Alistair MacGregor, Chief Executive of ACHA, which outlined the investment programme in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands from transfer to 31 March 2014; the new build programme; updates in regard to Welfare Reform and the bedroom tax and key elements from the Housing (Scotland) Bill. 

Discussion took place in relation to ongoing issues, with reference made to the challenges surrounding difficult to let properties within the Campbeltown area.  Mr MacGregor outlined a variety of incentives that are offered as a way of encouraging prospective tenants.  

Further discussion took place in relation to the application form for HOME Argyll and the lack of opportunity for applicants to indicate local area preference where there is no current provision.  It was noted that there appeared to be a significant hidden demand for three bedroom houses in Tarbert.  Mr Buchanan advised that he would raise this matter at the next steering group meeting of HOME Argyll.  Mr MacGregor confirmed that he would liaise directly with Councillor McAlpine, with a view to discussing a proposed site for 3 bedroom houses in Tarbert.   

A question was also asked in relation to the traveller’s site at Dunhologan and the review which is underway by the Scottish Government, Mr MacGregor agreed to follow up with the Scottish Minister to get an idea of timescales for the completion of the review.  

Decision

Members agreed to note the presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Chief Executive of ACHA, submitted.)

The Chair agreed to vary the order of business from that detailed in the agenda.  The following items have been minuted as they were taken at the meeting.  The Chair also advised that it was his intention to take items 8 and 9 on the agenda at the same time.    

Update by Transport Scotland/BEAR Scotland.

 The Committee gave consideration to a verbal update in relation to the Trunking of the A83 by Sean Clemie, Area Manager and Graham Edmond, Head of Network Maintenance, both Transport Scotland.  Mr Clemie outlined the programme of works which were scheduled to take place over the remainder of the financial year on the newly trunked section of the A83 including surveying works in respect of widening the road at Erines; resurfacing works at Drumore, South of Kilean and South of Muasdale; localised widening; lining and studding to bring aspects of the road to a suitable standard.  It was also identified that gateway signage in small villages such as Kilkenzie, would be updated as and when required.  The winter services programme was discussed with Mr Edmond giving assurance on the service to be provided and advising of the proposal to develop a joint depot with Argyll and Bute Council at Machrihanish Airport and advising that BEAR would provide the vehicles which would be driven by Council staff.

Discussion took place in relation to the siting of a pedestrian crossing in Tarbert.  Mr Clemie advised that having carried out extensive surveys it proved difficult to identify a site that would suit the needs of locals.  Mr Edmond advised that although there were no plans at this time to provide a pedestrian crossing, there was a strong view that a crossing was still required, but due to geometry issues, traffic calming measures may be the preferred option.  Following discussion and comments from Members he agreed  that a meeting would be scheduled to present the options for a possible crossing to local people in due course. 

Discussion took place on the speed limit consultations for both North of Tarbert and South of Furnace.  Mr Edmonds outlined the consultation process, and advised that following the publication of the draft speed limit order, an official consultation period of 6 weeks would take place.  Following the conclusion of the consultation, Transport Scotland would consider all representations made before making a decision on whether to proceed to implementation of any new speed limit.  He further advised that Argyll and Bute Council would be one of the official consultees.  Members aired their individual opinions on the matter.  Mr Edmond advised that he would make note of the views of the Area Committee in relation to both consultations.

The Chair thanked both Mr Clemie and Mr Edmond for the information provided.       

Decision

1. Members agreed to note the information provided;
2. Requested that the Council take into consideration the views of the Area Committee when officially consulted on the change of speed limit; and
3. Invited Transport Scotland to attend the Area Committee meeting annually, to provide regular updates. 

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services. 

The Committee considered a report which outlined the roads revenue maintenance budget for the first quarter of financial year 2014/15.  It indicated an average spend of 27% at the end of this quarter.  It was noted that due to a coding error some of the figures appeared higher than expected, but that this would be amended for the next report.  Discussion took place in relation to the maintenance of footways, and in particular the footway leading to the Cemetery at Tarbert.  The Contracts Manager agreed to circulate the Capital Footways Scheme to Members directly and also address the issue of the footpath to Tarbert Cemetery with Transport Scotland.  The Contracts Manager also agreed to look in to the completion of works on the B842 Mull of Kintyre road.  

Decision

Members agreed to note the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 1 October 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the recent survey carried out with frontagers at King Street in Portnahaven.  Members noted that there had been a 54% response to the survey forms issued, with the majority of those responses confirming that they would not consider making a financial contribution towards the cost of making up the road to either an adoptable or lesser standard. 

Discussion took place on how much work was involved in bringing the road up to an adoptable standard, with it being identified that under the Road (Scotland) Act, the Council are permitted to do works if there is considered to be a safety issue.  The Council’s Policy for the adoption of roads was discussed, with it being identified that any such consideration would require to be supported by a business case and would require full Council approval.  Further discussion took place in regards the possibility of repairing the road only.

Motion

That the Area Committee agree to the recommendation outlined in section 3.0 of the report.

Moved by Councillor Colville, seconded by Councillor MacMillan.

Amendment

That the Area Committee considers King Street, Portnahaven when it is considering the Capital budget for 2015/16 and considers that, if in favour, the money come from the Islay budget for repair work only and as outlined in the Roads Policy the decision is referred to the Council for approval.

Moved by Councillor Currie, seconded by Councillor Horn.

Decision

On a show of hands vote the Motion was carried by 5 votes to 3 and the Area Committee resolved accordingly. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 1 October 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services.

The Committee considered a report outlining a small number of measures that need updating in order to improve the MAKI Area Scorecard. 

Decision

Members agreed to the improvements outlined in the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 1 October 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services. 

The Committee considered a report outlining the governance arrangements for the implementation phase of the Inveraray Conservation Area Regeneration (CARS) Small Grants Scheme. 

Decision

Members agreed to the governance arrangements for the Inveraray CARS project as detailed in paragraph 4 of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated  1 October 2014, submitted.)

The Area Committee adjourned for a short comfort break at 1.25pm and resumed again at 1.45pm with all those Members present as per the sederunt with the exception of Councillor McAlpine.

Report by Executive Director of Community Services.

The Committee considered a report providing information on the current services provided for Adults with a Learning Disability in the MAKI area.  The main elements for consideration were team structure and performance; key gaps in service; the Greenwood inspection report; financial pressures on the service and the Independent Living Fund (ILF).  The Area Manager also provided a sleepover update. 

Discussion took place on the difficulties in providing a homecare service on Islay.  Members also discussed the Greenwood Inspection Report in more detail, and asked that in future they were notified in advance of the publication of inspection reports.  The Area Manager agreed to take forward the possibility of pre-inspection reviews.

Discussion also took place on the arrangements for travel time in place for Homecare staff.  The Area Manager advised that the contract framework provides for the payment of staff travel time, and that any issues around this would be identified to the quality assurance section.

The importance of conducting regular file audits was raised with it being noted that these did represent a big time commitment, and that sometimes due to pressure of work other areas of work had to be prioritised by team leaders.

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 1 October 2014, submitted.)

Councillor McAlpine entered during discussion of the previous item at 1.50pm.

The Chair, Councillor Colville left the meeting during discussion of the following item and the Vice Chair, Councillor MacMillan assumed the role of Chair.  

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee gave consideration to a report which highlighted some of the measures that have resulted from the publication of the Scottish Ferries Plan in December 2012.  The report set out the result of some of the short term measures implemented through the plan.  The Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure highlighted that the Council continues to hold discussions at both operational and strategic levels with CalMac and Transport Scotland ahead of the impending tender for the Clyde Hebrides Ferry Service contract which is due to commence in October 2016. 

Discussion took place regarding the meetings between the Council, CalMac and Transport Scotland, with Ms Milne confirming that she would be happy to ascertain Members issues prior to these meetings.  Further discussion took place in relation to other issues such as the cost of HGV crossings; breakdowns of ferries and the transferring of assets to the Scottish Government,  with Ms Milne agreeing to provide information to Members on any proposal for asset transfer. 

Discussion also took place on the Campbeltown to Ardrossan Ferry service, with Ms Milne agreeing to ensure that the wider Kintyre area is taken into account during the production of the monitoring reports.

Decision

1. Members agreed to note the report; and
2. Requested that this item be added to the item tracker for updates twice a year. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 1 October 2014, submitted.)

For noting and updating.

The Committee considered the Item Tracker.  Councillor Kelly advised that he was unaware of any works undertaken by the Streetscene Manager in regard to the options appraisal at Kilkerran Park.  The Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services agreed to look into the matter and advise Councillor Kelly of the outcome in due course.  

Discussion also took place on the item which related to Renal Dialysis Services, with Councillor Kelly advising that a pilot scheme would be introduced at Campbeltown hospital shortly.  The Area Committee Manager advised that further correspondence had been issued in respect of this issue following the Area Committee in August.

In response to questions from Members in relation to Education Services reporting, it was agreed that clarification would be sought on the proposed future reporting structure for all Area Committees and if required a representative from Education would be invited to a future Business Day.

Decision

Members agreed to note the Item Tracker.

(Ref:  Item Tracker, dated 1 October 2014, submitted.)