Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

The Chair ruled and the Committee agreed, in terms of Standing Order 3.2.2 that a report regarding the Iona 2013 Celebrations, dealt with at item 16 of this Minute, be taken as a matter of urgency due to the event being held in May 2013 and the need for Members to be advised of the current position.

None.

The Minutes of the meeting of 12^th December were approved as a correct record subject to the amendments on page 2 at item 2, to indicate that Councillor Elaine Robertson declared a non financial interest in Shopmobility and on page 8 at item 20, to indicate that Oban Ganavan Cycle Way was not discussed but referred to the Area Community Planning meeting taking place later that day.

The Minutes of the meeting of 16^th January were approved as a correct record subject to the amendment on page 11 at item 3 Third Sector Grants - Dunollie, to reflect the fact that Councillor Duncan MacIntyre had asked for his concerns to be noted in relation to the decision reached by the Area Committee.

                i.                             Verbal update by Councillor Hall on Welfare Reform/Bedroom.

             ii.                              Update from Area Manager, Adult Care on Quality Assurance for Care Homes.

(i)                  Councillor Hall responded to a question raised by a member of the public about what assistance would be given to members of the public who could be affected by the changes to the Housing Benefit changes coming into effect in April 2013.

He gave an overview of the legislation and a brief description of who it could affect and the exemptions. He stated that £5.4m had been made available by the Scottish Government to assist social housing landlords and other relevant organisations train their staff in order that they can best advise claimants who feel they could be affected by the legislation and to produce documentation to assist the public in understanding the legislation.

He advised members of the committee and the public present at the meeting that this was a complex piece of legislation and if they feel it may impact on them to contact their landlord as soon as possible for advice. He added that he was reassured that the housing associations in Oban were on top of the issue and would be able to advise tenants appropriately, as would the Department of Works and Pensions.

(ii)        It was agreed that Shaun Paul Davidson would respond to Mr Leddy’s question as part of his presentation at item 9 of this Minute.

Neil MacIntyre asked a question in relation to the Council’s budget.  He asked if Community Grants were still getting £400K a year and if it was the largest grant the Council paid out?  Councillor McCuish advised that this was not a grant and that it was a Service Level Agreement, he then explained the difference between them.

Mr Larry Nugent asked the Committee if members of the public were on the Monitoring Team.  Shaun Paul Davison confirmed there are no members of the public in the Team but advised that it was something which would be considered.

Mr Bob Allan asked if the Council Officers who provide Care Services on the Islands are subject to the same monitoring as outside providers?  It was agreed that Shaun Paul Davidson would speak to Mr Allan at the end of the meeting.

Presentation from Tara Pollock

Tara Pollock from Oban Hockey Club gave a presentation on the clubs history, progress to date and asked for the Committees support for their future plans . 

Decision

The Committee congratulated Tara on her informative presentation.

Report by Service Manager – Resources

A report summarising Glencruitten Hostel’s history, including the recent audit and the corrective action, was considered.  The report also comments on the quality of care and support as well as the close working relationship with Oban High School.

Decision

The Committee noted the report and congratulated the Hostel Manager for all the good feedback.

(Ref:  Report by Hostel Manager and Service Manager dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

A report outlining recommendations to develop the role of Children’s Champions across Argyll and Bute, was considered together with a recommendation from the Council following their meeting on 24 January 2013 to make appointment of a Children’s Champion for Oban, Lorn and the Isles.

Decision

The Committee agreed to appoint Councillor Elaine Robertson as the new Children’s Champion for Oban, Lorn and the Isles.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services dated 26^th November 2012, submitted).

Report by Head of Facility Services

A report providing a brief update on the progress that is being achieved in relation to the Oban High School replacement project, was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the current position.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services dated 24^th January 2013, submitted).

Report by Performance Improvement Officer

A report setting out a framework to delivering quality assurance and contract management following the outcome of the recent tender, was before the Committee for consideration.

Decision

The Committee:-

                                             i.          Noted that following implementation of the Framework, for Care at Home Services to Older People, the majority of services will be delivered by the independent sector which would result in a significantly increased level of provision being under contract with a potentially greater number of external providers in the short to medium term.

                                           ii.          Agreed that this matter continue to be reported to the Area Committee, on a quarterly basis, for a 1 year period.

(Ref:  Report on Older Peoples Care at Home: Quality Assurance and Contract Management, submitted).

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure

A report providing a review of the recently published Ferries Plan and how it impinges on the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed to note the contents of the report and that a further report will be presented to the Council in March which will set out the Council’s proposed position in regard to the Ferries Plan and associated actions.

(Ref:  Report by Marine Operations Manager dated 18^th January 2013, submitted).

Report by Marine Operations Manager (to follow)

Issues relating to the future replacement of the current Passenger Access System (PAS) at Craignure, following the publication of the Scottish Ferries Plan in December 2012, were outlined in a report by the Marine Operations Manager.

Decision

The Committee:-

                                             i.          Noted the report and the partnership between Argyll and Bute Council and CMAL to develop a business case and communications plan; and

                                           ii.          Agreed that a progress report will be brought to the Area Committee in April 2013 together with an indicative procurement timetable.

(Ref:  Report by Marine Operations Manager dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services (to follow)

Arrangements in hand to prepare a business case for presentation to Council in April 2013 were outlined together with advice that Strathclyde Police would continue to provide enforcement through the busier months until DPE (Decriminalised Parking Enforcement) was introduced.

Decision

The Committee:-

                                             i.          Noted the report; and

                                           ii.          Agreed a further report should come to the March Business Day.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

Verbal update by Governance and Risk Manager

The Committee were invited to consider recommendations from the Short Life Working Group on Local Achievements.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations from the Short Life Working Group as follows:-

1.   The proposed Lorn medals are not required given the existing mechanisms to recognise achievement or voluntary service.

2.    Quaichs should be issued to deserving individuals and that the following process is noted

                i.     Proposals intimated to the Council be held pending a Chatham house discussion in September each year to consider nominations;

              ii.     That discussion will consider if an alternate route should be looked at i.e. BEM submission;

             iii.     A recipient will not normally be eligible for doing the ‘day job’;

            iv.     If there is public speculation around an award for an individual that may be a factor that will mitigate against an award being made;

              v.     No Member should engage in discussion or express support for any proposal publically until the award has been presented;

            vi.     Members should have regard to previous award justification in ensuring the Quaich remains highly valued by a recipient;

           vii.     The award would be made on the basis of either;

-actions that have promoted Oban Lorn and the Isles beyond the authority area; and

-voluntary service to the community and that service are drawing to an end.

3.    Clubs and organisations who have achieved significant national or international success or where they have achieved a landmark in their chosen area of participation will be eligible for a Quaich or plaque and the same process and timeline will be followed as for individual awards unless there are exceptional circumstances.

4.    The Area Committee will seek to agree such awards by consensus as worthy recipients should engender a wide degree of support .The Area Committee will consider whether the scoring mechanism used by third sector grants assessment process might be helpful.

Report by Area Governance Manager

A report updating the Committee on the current position in regard to capital receipts for the purpose of forward planning the use and allocation of this funding, was considered.

Decision

The Committee:-

                                             i.          Noted the updated detail of this report subject to the amendment on page 42 at item 3 (3.2) to show that the Tear Recycling Group had contributed 50% of the total amount indicated in the report.

                                           ii.          Agreed that the previously agreed allocations which have not yet been spent, which are detailed at 3.2 of this report, are not likely to be required and are therefore removed, and note that when free funds become available they must be used in accordance with the conditions outlined within paragraphs 3.5 to 3.7 of the submitted report.

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Manager dated 24^th January 2013, submitted).

Report by Headteacher of Tiree High School

The Committee agreed to continue this item to the April Area Committee as the Headteacher of Tiree High School could not be present due to adverse weather conditions.

(Ref:  Report by Headteacher of Tiree High School dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

An urgent report setting out the background to the Iona 2013 Celebrations, and the key role the Council is playing in assisting stakeholders in preparing for this event, of national importance, was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the report.

(Ref:  Report by Senior Development Officer dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public for the following 2 items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 6 and 6 and 9 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

A member of the public sought to challenge the application of Local Government Scotland Act 1973 in relation to the report on Glenforsa.  The Governance Officer advised Members due to the content of the report, the application of Local Government Scotland Act was correct.  The Committee accepted this advice and subsequently the press and public were required to withdraw from the meeting.

Report by Head of Facility Services (to follow)

A report documenting progress in relation to the private water supply was submitted for consideration. 

Decision

The Committee agreed to note the current position and endorse the progress the Council has made to date.

(Ref: Joint report by Directors of Customer Services and Development and Infrastructure dated 24 January 2013, submitted).

Report by Strategic Transportation Manager (to follow)

A report summarising a review carried out on the operations at Glenforsa Airfield was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed:-

         i.            The recommendation at 2.1 in the report;

       ii.            To amend the recommendation at 2.2 in the report as follows, further analysis of the strategic and economic importance of Glenforsa airfield will require to be carried out, including consultation, prior to making a considered decision on whether model 4 could be taken forward in the long term to secure a safe and sustainable future.

      iii.            That a further report come to both the March Business Day and April Area Committee providing updates on progress.

(Ref:  Report by Strategic Transportation Manager dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

E1                   Paragraph 6  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).

E2                   Paragraph 6  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).

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.