Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated from Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor Vivien Dance declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 7 (a) Request for Financial Assistance, Helensburgh-Thouars Twinning Committee, of this minute on the basis that she is a member of the Twinning Committee.  She left the room during discussion of this item and took no part in the decision making process.

 

Councillor James Robb declared a non-financial interest in relation to items 8 (a) 3.1  and 3.4 - Application for Third Sector Grants, of this minute on the basis that a family member is a member of the Ardencaple Boys Club and on the basis that he provides advice and professional services on a non remunary to the Helensburgh Play Park Association.  He took no part in the decision making process of both items.

 

 

The Minute of Meeting 17 April was approved as a correct record.

 

 

The Minute of Meeting 12 June was approved as a correct record subject to the following amendments:-

 

Typo on Page 13 – Item 6a, para 2, line 2  to read “ Helensburgh and Lomond Planning area.

 

Page 15 - Item 7c, para 2 to read “Members were updated in a report by the Senior Estates Manager, which included the advice that the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure did not support the proposal”

Alastair MacBeth – Helensburgh Study Group

 

Mr MacBeth referred to the April Minute of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee in relation to the Helensburgh Study Group’s findings on funding allocations throughout Argyll and Bute.  Mr MacBeth stated that whilst he agreed with what was contained in the minute he was concerned that some matters still remained unaddressed and requested that some of the members may be in a position to take these points forward.

 

Councillor Robb advised that Mr MacBeth could contact his local councillors at any time and that he was happy to meet with Mr MacBeth following the meeting to discuss this further.

 

Donna Fletcher

 

Ms Fletcher, whose child attends the Margaret Rose School of Dance, referred to the  issue of entry qualifications for dancers for certain sections of the Cowal Highland Gathering and asked that members support the girls on their current campaign.

 

Margaret MacInnes – Margaret Rose School of Dance

 

Mrs MacInnes indicated her wish to have a meeting with her local councillors to discuss recent press reports in the Cowal Courier which she felt had been misleading and highlighted that the children were the priority and that these comments were unhelpful in resolving the matter. Mrs MacInnes’ offer of assistance to the Chair to explain the complicated procedures relating to Highland Dancing at the games was welcomed.

 

Mrs MacInnes went on to say that no child in Argyll and Bute should be precluded from competing in these games.

 

The Chair assured Mrs MacInnes that the matter would be taken forward by members and that the issue would be further discussed at a meeting following the Area Committee and that she would be updated on the progress of the matter.

 

Anthony Davey – Cardross Community Council

 

Mr Davey asked whether there was any reason that minutes of council meetings were not voice recorded.

 

Charles Reppke, Head of Governance and Law addressed this by advising that it was not current council policy but that a paper was due to come out shortly in regard to central committee meetings but that there were no plans for this to happen at area level at this time.

 

Mr Davey then referred to the recent road works on the Cardross Road and thanked Mr O’Hare and his team for the timeous completion of the first phase. However, he raised his concerns over some of the refurbishment works. 

 

The Chair assured Mr Davey that these issues would be discussed at item 8a) of the agenda

Councillor Vivien Dance, Seconded by Councillor Maurice Corry had given notice of the following motion :-

 

That the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

a)      Recognises and values the dedication and commitment of the volunteers and management who stage the Cowal Highland Gathering which contributes to the economic viability and sustainability of the local community and is a significant and prestigious cultural event for the whole of the Argyll and Bute area.

 

b)      Is committed to promoting equality and ensuring that all youngsters who reside in Argyl and Bute have equity of opportunity to achieve their aspirations, ambitions and potential.

 

c)      Agrees to recommend to the council that the management of the Cowal Highland Gathering be advised that the current discriminatory practice in the Highland Dancing competitions whereby Helensburgh and Lomond dancers are excluded from the Argyllshire Championships, ceases from 2013 onwards as a condition of the continuation of all funding, both “in kind” and through the SLA, provided by Argyll and Bute Council.

 

d)      Agrees to recommend to the council that the management of the Cowal Highland Gathering be advised that the definition of Argyll and Bute in all of the competitions at the event from 2013 onwards, reflects the current boundary of the local authority as a condition of the continuation of council funding.

 

During discussion of this matter, the mover of the motion with the agreement of her seconder and the committee, adjusted the motion to provide for the matter to be recommended for consideration at the September Council meeting in the following terms:-

 

Motion

 

That the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee:

 

a)      Recognises and values the dedication and commitment of the volunteers and management who stage the Cowal Highland Gathering which contributes to the economic viability and sustainability of the local community and is a significant and prestigious cultural event for the whole of the Argyll and Bute area.

 

b)      Is committed to promoting equality and ensuring that all youngsters who reside in Argyll and Bute have equity of opportunity to achieve their aspirations, ambitions and potential.

 

c)      Agrees to recommend to the council that the management of the Cowal Highland Gathering be advised that the current discriminatory practice in the Highland Dancing competitions whereby Helensburgh and Lomond dancers are excluded from the Argyllshire Championships, ceases from 2013 onwards as a condition of the continuation of all funding, both “in kind” and through the SLA, provided by Argyll and Bute Council.

 

d)      Agrees to recommend to the council that the management of the Cowal Highland Gathering be advised that the definition of Argyll and Bute in all of the competitions at the event from 2013 onwards, reflects the current boundary of the local authority as a condition of the continuation of council funding.

 

e)      Agrees that this motion be considered by the council at its September meeting in order to give the Council Leader and representatives of Cowal Highland Gathering the opportunity to find resolution to this impasse.

 

 

 

Amendment

 

That consideration of the motion be continued to a Special meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on 11 September 2012.

 

Proposed by: Councillor James Robb

Seconded by: Councillor Richard Trail

 

On a show of hands there were 4 votes for the amendment and 5 votes for the motion.

 

Decision

 

The adjusted motion was carried and the committee resolved accordingly.

 

 

 

 

Having earlier declared an interest in the following item, Councillor Vivien Dance left the room at this point.

 

Members were asked to note a report by the Area Governance Manager following a request which had been received from the Helensburgh Twinning Committee, for financial assistance from the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Twinning Budget 2012/13 towards the costs of promoting the Helensburgh- Thouars Twinning Association.

 

          Decision

 

Agreed to note the request and to grant the sum of £833 from the Twinning Budget for 2012/13 towards the costs of this initiative.

 

(Ref: Report by Area Governance Manager, dated 14 August 2012, submitted)

 

Councillor Dance rejoined the meeting.

 

Members were updated by the CHORD Project Manager on the current  progress of the Helensburgh Public Realm Improvement (CHORD) works. 

 

Decision

 

1. Agreed to note the verbal update by the CHORD Project Manager

 

2. Agreed to congratulate the CHORD Project Manager and Design Team on their work in advancing the project to this stage in the short timescale.

 

3. Agreed to thank members who gave up their time during the recess to attend meetings.

 

Members were briefed by the CHORD Project Manager on a report which provided an update on progress with the consolidation of depot services at Blackhill Depot following the submission of an information paper to the Committee on the 17^th April 2012.

 

Decision

 

To note that the Full Business Case will be presented to the September meeting of the Council.

 

(Ref. Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services, dated 14 August 2012, submitted)

 

Members were asked to consider a report by the Area Governance Manager following an approach from the Helensburgh and District Access Trust requesting that they consider the appointment of an Elected Member to the Group.

 

          Decision

 

                   Agreed to appoint Councillor Aileen Morton to the Helensburgh & District Access Trust.

 

                   (Ref: Report by Area Governance Manager, dated 6 August 2012, submitted)

 

 

Seven Third-Sector Grant Applications were presented for consideration

 

Councillor James Robb, having earlier declared an interest, took no part in the discussion of items 3.1 and 3.4,

 

 

Motion

 

1.      Noted the remaining Helensburgh and Lomond Third Sector Grant budget of £7560 for the financial year 2012/ 2013.

 

2.      Agreed to the proposed recommendations at 3.1, 3.3 and 3.4 as follows :-

 

 

	Organisation	Amount Requested	Recommendation
3.1	Ardencaple Boys Club	£660	£660
3.3	Cove and Kilcreggan Youth Cafe	£520	£520
3.4	Helensburgh Play Park Association	£1,570	£1,570

 

 

 

3.      To vary the remaining recommendations as follows

 

 

 

	Organisation	Amount Requested	Recommendation
3.2	Friends of Duchess Wood	£400	£400
3.5	Garelochhead and Portincaple Community Trust	£4,000	£500
3.6	Riding for the Disabled Association - Gareloch Group	£5,580	£3458
3.7	Royal British Legion Scotland - Helensburgh and District	£452	£452

 

Proposed by:  Councillor Vivien Dance

Seconded by: Councillor Ellen Morton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amendment

 

Agreed to vary the remaining recommendations as follows

 

 

	Organisation	Amount Requested	Recommendation
3.2	Friends of Duchess Wood	£400	£135
3.5	Garelochhead and Portincaple Community Trust	£4,000	£2773
3.6	Riding for the Disabled Association - Gareloch Group	£5,580	£1450
3.7	Royal British Legion Scotland - Helensburgh and District	£452	£452

 

Proposed by: Councillor George Freeman

Seconded by: Councillor Robert G MacIntyre

 

On a show of hands there were 2 votes for the amendment and 7 votes for the motion.

 

Decision

 

The motion was therefore carried and the committee resolved accordingly

 

 

 

Members were updated in a presentation by the Roads Assets Manager on the progress of the A814 reconstruction works between Helensburgh and Dumbarton, and also on the proposed works to A814 in Cardross Village.

 

Decision

 

a)      The Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee shares the concerns expressed by Councillor Donald Kelly, the Lead Councillor for Roads that it is “totally unacceptable” for changes to be made to the Roads Capital Programme without any consultation with local Members

 

b)      The Area Committee expresses its satisfaction with the work on the A814 where improvements have been completed, but is unhappy with the situation at Keppoch and the Helensburgh side of  Ardardan as the road at these points is unsightly and uneven, and reflects badly on the remainder of the  programme as so far delivered

 

c)      It is understood that officers are currently assessing the cost of carrying out the desired improvements to these areas and the Area Committee instructs them to come back to the Area Committee at the September Business Day with proposals to complete these stretches.

 

d)      The Area Committee also requests that at the same time a realistic and current appraisal is given on the possibility of realigning the road at Keppoch to remove the bend there, something which is constantly talked about but never appears to progress

 

e)      The Report to the September Business Day should detail the changes made to the original Capital Programme and also give details of the comparative spend across the 4 Council Areas so far this year.

 

 

 

 

 

Members were briefed by the Amenity Asset Manager, on the current position relating to Japanese Knotweed (JK) control measures following instigation of a programmed control regime in 2010.

 

Decision

 

1. Agreed to note the contents of the report on the actions that have been taken over the first two years of the three year trial period to try and control JK at four selected sites within the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

 

2. Agreed to note the concerns that continue to be raised by residents across the Helensburgh and Lomond area relating to the presence of Japanese Knotweed.

 

3. Agreed to note tha the Council has no formal policy in place for dealing with JK and normally deals with complaints relating to JK on an individual and ad hoc basis.

 

4. Agreed to request that the Council agrees a policy relating to JK at an early date so that a consistent approach can be taken to the control of JK across Argyll and Bute.

 

5. Agreed to request an update report to come to the December 2012 Area Committee.

Councillor Ellen Morton, Seconded by Councillor Vivien Dance had given notice of the following motion :-

 

That the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee

 

a)      supports the position taken by Argyll and Bute Council in June 2005 when it passed the undernoted motion :-

 

Decision

 

The Council resolved:-

 

1. to re-affirm its previous resolution to support the aims and objectives of the Fairtrade Foundation
2. that Fairtrade tea and coffee be served as normal practice at meeting, and in its offices and canteens throughout the Council area
3. to welcome the designation of Oban and Dunoon as Fairtrade towns when they fulfil the requirements laid down by the Fairtrade Foundation
4. to welcome for future recognition of other towns or areas in Argyll and Bute which seek Fairtrade status and:
5. that the Director of Operational Services nominate a suitable officer to work with local Fairtrade steering groups

(Ref: letter from Dunoon Fairtrade Scheme Group, dated 23 May 2005)

 

And

 

b)      supports the current effort to acquire Fairtrade status for Helensburgh and endorses the forthcoming application for Helensburgh to be granted Fairtrade status to join Oban and Dunoon as Fairtrade Towns as a necessary step towards the Fairtrade status for the whole Council area.

 

Decision

 

The Motion was unanimously approved.

 

 

 

In terms of Standing Order 14 the following Notice of Motion had been received for consideration at this meeting:-

 

2012 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES AND 2012 LONDON PARALYMPIC GAMES

 

 

Argyll & Bute Council notes with delight the major success of Luke Patience from Rhu and his team-mate Stuart Bithell in securing a silver medal in the Men’s 470 Class Sailing Event at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

 

 

On behalf of the residents of Argyll & Bute, the Council agrees to pass on their congratulations to Luke for this significant achievement and wish him further success in future for sailing events that he may participate in.

 

 

Given that Argyll & Bute has some of the best sailing waters in Great Britain, the Council hopes that the success of Luke will inspire and encourage many young people across Argyll & Bute, to consider taking up sailing with one of the many superb sailing clubs in the area.

 

 

Argyll & Bute Council also recognises the tremendous achievement of Helensburgh wheelchair tennis player Gordon Reid in being selected for the Paralympic Games and wishes him every success.

 

 

Moved by Councillor George Freeman

Seconded by Councillor Robert G MacIntyre.

 

Discussion proceeded on this matter and the mover of the motion, with the consent of the seconder and the committee, agreed to adjust the motion as follows:-

 

Motion

 

2012 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES AND 2012 LONDON PARALYMPIC GAMES

 

 

Argyll & Bute Council notes with delight the major success of Luke Patience from Rhu and his team-mate Stuart Bithell in securing a silver medal in the Men’s 470 Class Sailing Event at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

 

 

On behalf of the residents of Argyll & Bute, the Council agrees to pass on their congratulations to Luke for this significant achievement and wish him further success in future for sailing events that he may participate in.

 

 

Given that Argyll & Bute has some of the best sailing waters in Great Britain, the Council hopes that the success of Luke will inspire and encourage many young people across Argyll & Bute, to consider taking up sailing with one of the many superb sailing clubs in the area.

 

 

Argyll & Bute Council also recognises the tremendous achievement of Helensburgh wheelchair tennis player Gordon Reid in being selected for the Paralympic Games and wishes him every success.

 

The Committee also request that the Provost consider holding a Civic Reception in recognition of the remarkable achievements by both athletes.

 

 

Moved by Councillor George Freeman

Seconded by Councillor Robert G MacIntyre.

 

 

Decision

 

The Committee agreed to the terms of the amended motion.

 

Members were asked by the Development Policy Manager, to consider a report summarising the changes made to the draft Masterplan following the consultation period and analysis of results.

 

Decision

 

1. Agreed to approve the submitted Finalised Pierhead Masterplan subject to the minor amendments as discussed.

 

2. Agreed to recommend that the document be publicised for a minimum of 28 days commencing on 3 September 2012 to allow for public comments to be submitted.