Agenda and minutes

The Provost advised that he had agreed to take an urgent item from the Executive Director – Customer Services.  He advised that it was an excluded item and that he was unable to release any information at that point in the meeting.  He advised that the item would be taken as the final item on agenda and circulated at the appropriate time.

 

The Council received a Petition of 360 signatures from residents in respect of the danger of the current pedestrian access to the recently relocated Tobermory Post Office; requesting that a solution be found and requesting that suitable facilities be provided for Royal Mail vehicles.

 

The Council received a Petition requesting that the Provost and Executive Director – Customer Services review the Flag Flying Policy to allow the Saltire to be flown at all times with the exception of commemorative days in accordance with the Scottish Government Flag Flying Policy.

 

Councillor Robertson presented the Provost with the gift of a plaque from the Captain of the Queen Mary II in return for the Council’s gift of a Quaich.

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mary Jean Devon, John McAlpine, Donald Kelly and Duncan MacIntyre.

There were none intimated.

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 23 April 2015 were approved as a correct record.

 

Arising from item 10, Membership of ACHA Board of Trustees, Councillor Sandy Taylor advised of uncertainty around the Membership of the Board.  The Head of Governance and Law advised that it was intended that a report would be submitted to the August meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee advising of new information that had been received and if it was considered that there had been a material change following the decision previously taken by Council; this item could then be reconsidered.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 14 May 2015 were noted.

 

Arising from item 6; the Council approved the draft Corporate Plan for 2015-2017.

 

Arising from item 7; the Council approved the Flood Risk Management Policy.

 

Arising from item 8; the Council approved the Coast Protection Policy.

 

 

The Minutes of the meeting of the Community Services Committee held on 4 June 2015 were noted.  It was noted that Councillor John Armour had been in attendance and had not been marked as present in the Minute.

The Minutes of the special meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 22 June 2015 were noted.

 

Arising from item 3a (BUDGETARY OUTLOOK); the Council agreed the recommendation from the Policy and Resources Committee –

 

1.    To note the assumptions as set out in the report resulting in a revised

budgetary outlook.

 

2.    To agree to amend the policy on Council Tax on empty homes. It was the original intention that the additional income would be allocated to Area Committees; it is now recommended that this be retained to help support overall Council spending plans.

 

3.    To note the advice in paragraph 4.2.15; based on the current budgetary

outlook and for planning purposes, that Members consider moving

forward with overall savings targets of around £9m in both 2016-17 and

2017-18.

 

 

Arising from item 3b (SERVICE CHOICES)

 

Motion

 

That the Council agree the recommendation from the Policy and Resources Committee that –

 

1.    Members note the progress being made on service choices through the

Project Board and Members Seminar. Members further note that feedback results from the Members Seminar will be considered by the Project Board with proposals on service targets being brought back to the Policy and Resources Committee on 20 August 2015.

 

2.    Members agree that Social Work Services be subject to an integrated approach with further work required to set targets over the 3 year Strategic Plan.

 

Moved Councillor Dick Walsh, seconded Councillor Ellen Morton.

 

Amendment

 

That the Council –

 

1.    Note the report.

 

2.   Note the additional requirement to agree a budget to transfer to the

      Integrated Joint Board as per paragraph 4.2.2 of the report.

 

Moved Councillor James Robb, seconded Councillor Iain MacLean.

 

Decision

 

On a show of hands vote the Motion was carried by 17 votes to 11 and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

Arising from item 4 (ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE RESTRUCTURE)

 

Motion

 

That the Council agree the recommendation by the Policy and Resources Committee to –

 

1. Support the proposed revised structure of the Economic Development and Strategic Transport Service as identified in appendix one to the report by the Executive Director and;

 

2. Approve the allocation of additional resources as identified in appendix two to the report by the Executive Director and also as detailed at paragraph 4.1 of the report.

 

Moved Councillor Dick Walsh, seconded Councillor Aileen Morton.

 

Amendment

 

That the Council –

 

1.    Note the report.

 

2.    Note the lack of evidence to support any detriment to the Council area from current staffing levels.

 

3.    Note the lack of evidence to support any measurable contribution to the enhancement of SOA outcomes.

 

4.    Agree this proposal is continued as part of the Service Choices process with a decision at the Budget Meeting of the Council in February 2016.

 

Moved Councillor James Robb, seconded Councillor Michael Breslin.

 

Decision

 

On a show of hands vote the Motion was carried by 21 votes to 10 and the Council resolved accordingly.

Report by Leader of the Council

The Council considered a report by the Leader of the Council which outlined the key activities undertaken within his role between 20 April and 1 June 2015.  The report also provided Policy lead updates in relation to Council Tax, Scottish Welfare Fund; Discretionary Housing Payments, Benefits processing, IT Contracts, Pathfinder North and the Customer Service Centre.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Leader of the Council dated June 2015, submitted)

The Council considered a Policy Lead report covering Education and Life Long Learning for the period 8 November 2014 to 23 April 2015; Sustainable Economic Growth for the period 23 April 2015 to 31 May 2015 and Strategic IT Services from 8 November 2014 to 31 May 2015.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Policy Lead for Sustainable Economic Growth dated June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Provost welcomed Commander Riches to the meeting and invited him to make a short presentation to the Council.  The Provost thanked Commander Riches for his attendance and for all the work he had undertaken for Argyll and Bute; he then wished him well in his forthcoming retirement.

 

The Council considered a report providing an update on the work of the WW1 Commemoration Steering Group; the work of the Armed Forces Community Covenant and the Argyll and Bute Armed Forces and Communities Partnership; and the work of the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion for Argyll and Bute.

 

Councillor Corry recorded his thanks to Lord Lieutenant Patrick Stewart for his contribution in his role as Chair of the Steering Board.

 

Councillor Elaine Robertson thanked Councillor Corry for his report and advised that she would submit the report to the War Memorial Steering Board.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Noted the report.

 

2.    Agreed to support the upcoming events in relation to the First World War commemorations, including the principle of a national event due to take place on Islay in 2018, with a further report on the detail being submitted to a future meeting.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 17 June 2015, submitted)

A report providing information on the progress with balances already earmarked within the General Fund was considered.  The report noted the new balances earmarked at the end of 2014-15 that qualified for automatic carry forward and requested approval for six new unspent budget earmarking proposals.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Agreed the six new unspent budget earmarked reserve proposals, as

per the business cases submitted.

 

2.    Agreed the previously approved unspent budget earmarked reserves

and the justification for continuing to earmark these.

 

3.    Agreed the other balances currently earmarked within the General Fund, both the previously earmarked amounts and the new balances to be earmarked at the 2014-15 year-end.

 

4.    Noted that £1.180m of previously earmarked amounts no longer require to be earmarked and can be released back into the General Fund.

 

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 15 June 2015, submitted)

The Council considered a report summarising the revenue budget position of the Council as at the end of the financial year 2014-15.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Noted the revenue budget monitoring position, as at the end of the financial year 2014-15 and the updated position on the General Fund balance.

 

2.    Approved the transfer of the balance collected from the double charge on Council Tax from empty homes to be transferred into the General Fund. A total of £0.506m was collected during 2014-15 with £0.150m already allocated, a total of £0.356m would be re-allocated to the General Fund balance.

 

3.    Noted the updated balance available in the General Fund to be directed towards the delivery of the Single Outcome Agreement, as at 31 March 2015 is £12.269m.

 

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 15 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance

A report providing an update on the position of the capital budget as at 31 March 2015 was considered.  The report provided information on the financial position in respect of the Capital Plan and also the performance in terms of delivery of capital plan projects.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the report.

 

(Reference: Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 16 June 2015, submitted)

A report outlining the Council’s Treasury Management position for 2014-15 was considered.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the Treasury Management Annual Report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated June 2015, submitted)

The Council considered a report presenting the Annual Efficiency Statement for 2014-15.  The Annual Efficiencies Statement summarises the total efficiencies achieved in the last financial year.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the content of the Annual Efficiency Statement for 2014-15.

 

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 16 June 2015, submitted)

A report providing an annual update on the Strategic Housing Fund income and expenditure position for 2014-15 was considered by the Council.  The report provided information in the current balance on the Strategic Housing Fund as at 31 March 2015 and all future commitments against this balance.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Noted the report on income and expenditure for 2014-15 and the balance on the Strategic Housing Fund as at 31 March 2015.

 

2.    Noted the estimated future income for the Strategic Housing Fund for 2015-16.

 

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated 22 May 2015, submitted)

Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance

The Council considered a report giving an overview of the financial statements for 2014-15 and a summary of the significant movements from 2013-14.  The report also gave information in the revenue outturn for 2014-15.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the unaudited accounts.

 

(Reference:  Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance dated June 2015, submitted)

The Council considered a revised Policy on Discretions as required under the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2014. The revision of the Policy was required to ensure that it met new legislative requirements following the new Local Government Pension Scheme Career Average Re-valued Earnings Scheme which came into effect on 1 April 2015.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Approved the revised Discretions Policy as appended to the report by the Executive Director.

 

2.    Agreed that the application of discretions is monitored by HR and reported to Committee on an annual basis in line with the best practice guidance set out by the Accounts Commission.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – customer Services dated June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Council considered a report updating them on changes to the strategic committees as per the decision taken at Council on 23 April 2015; updating them on appointments made to the Single Harbour Authority; inviting them to appoint a Member to fill the vacancy on the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee and Regulatory Cohort and to the Licensing Board; and to review the membership of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the updated advice on committees and in recognition of the representations received from some non -aligned members -

 

1.    Agreed to remove Councillor Bruce Marshall from the Environment Development and Infrastructure Committee and invited expression of interest now for the vacancy thereby created, and that already advised on the PPSL, Licensing board from Councillors Breslin, Dance and Marshall.

2.    Requested that the three non-aligned members advised at 1 above notify the Executive Director of Customer Services on who will fill the advised vacancies.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 24 June 2015, tabled)

The Council considered a report recommending the revision of the maximum fare scale which applies to passenger fares on buses operated on behalf of the Council.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed to revise the maximum fare scale in line with the detail contained within the table at appendix one to the report by the Executive Director.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 27 April 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Council considered a report advising of the need for a meeting of the Campbeltown Common Good Fund to determine applications that were time pressured.  This was due to a delay in convening a meeting through the lack of a quorum.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed –

 

1.    A temporary delegation to the Executive Director of Customer services to determine applications received by the Campbeltown Common Good Fund in consultation with Ward 1 Members, and that the delegation would expire once all of the Members are available to attend.

 

2.    That on any future occasion when a Ward 1 member is not available for circumstances beyond their control that the delegation shall operate in respect of any applications that would need to be determined before the next scheduled meeting.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 15 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Council considered a report seeking approval of a draft response to a call for evidence from the Commission on Local Tax Reform which had been established to look at ways of delivering a fairer system of local taxation in Scotland.

 

Decision

 

The Council approved the draft response as contained at appendix one to the report by the Executive Director subject to making a delegation to the Executive Director – Customer Services and appropriate officers in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Depute Leader and Leader of the largest opposition group; to incorporate the additional comments made by Members into the response before submission to the Commission on Local Tax Reform.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 15 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Community Services

The Council considered a report advising of the interim appointment of Louise Long, Head of Children and Families as Chief Social Work Officer following the departure of Jim Robb, Head of Adult Care.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted the interim appointment of Louise Long, Head of Children and Families as Chief Social Work Officer for the Council.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Community Services dated 28 May 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Community Services and recommendation by Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee held on 3 June 2015

The Council considered a recommendation from the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee held on 3 June 2015 to carry out a full consultation on the proposed change to the catchment area of Achahoish Primary School.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Notes the request from Achahoish PS Parent Council for consideration of their request to rezone part of Tarbert Academy (Primary)’s catchment area to their school’s catchment area.

 

2.    Notes that the Tarbert Academy Parent Council has indicated its agreement to the proposal and therefore, in line with the policy on rezoning requests approved by the Community Services Committee in September 2014 which requires the agreement of all affected parent councils to a proposal, the Achahoish request is presented to Council.

 

3.    Notes the significant scale of the work involved in rezoning requests which require to follow the detailed statutory consultation process as detailed in the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 as amended.

 

4.    Notes that if the Council agrees to the formal consultation and subsequently approves the rezoning proposal, the two pupils currently resident in the area in question will be unaffected, with any changes unlikely to have any financial impact in the short term.

 

5.    Instructs the Executive Director of Community Services to prepare a formal consultation in relation to the rezoning request outlined in the Council papers and report back to the Council on completion for a final decision regarding the request.

 

6.    Requests the Executive Director of Community Services records the cost of preparing for and carrying out the consultation exercise in compliance with the amended Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and incorporates a summary of costs in the paper presented to Council.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Community Services dated 15 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Council considered a report outlining the procedure and timeline which was followed during the preparation of the Core Paths Plan and which sought adoption of the Plan.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Adopted the Argyll and Bute Core Paths Plan in line with the Direction issued by the Scottish Ministers.

 

2.    Authorised officers to:

·    Publish a notice giving notice that the Council plans to adopt the Core

Paths Plan following the Local Inquiry

·    Publish the Core Paths Plan and associated maps and make it

available for the public. This will be done through Local View Maps on

the Council’s Website. The public will also be able to request paper or

electronic copies of excerpts from the plan from the Access Team.

·    Send a copy of the plan to the Scottish Ministers.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated June 2015, submitted)

The Council adjourned for lunch at 1.15pm and reconvened at 1.45pm.  Councillor James Robb left the meeting at this point.

The Council considered a report outlining the process used to formulate the prioritised list of actions for Argyll and Bute in relation to flood risk management. The prioritised list of actions would be considered by the national Prioritisation Group for inclusion in the Flood Management Strategies published by the Scottish Government in December 2015 and Local Flood Risk Management Plans published by Local Authorities in June 2016.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Noted the report and that funding arrangements were yet to be announced by the Scottish Government.

 

2.    Approved that the Prioritised List of Actions represents the Council’s preferred order for dealing with flood risk, subject to any funding being available.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 15 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report providing an update on the activities of the Argyll Islands Task Force since the Council meeting on 27 June 2015 was considered.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Noted the priorities for partnership working identified at paragraph 4.4 of the report.

 

2.    Agreed that the Argyll Islands Taskforce works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and The Highland Council to progress the priorities noted at 1 above.

 

3.    Agreed that the Argyll Islands Taskforce works with the Scottish Government and the UK Government to progress the priorities at a strategic level and requests inclusion within the Islands Working Group and other groups as

appropriate.

 

4.    Agreed the vision identified at paragraph 4.10 of the report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 16 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report proposing that a consortium be formed with Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) and HIE Argyll and the Isles was considered.  It was intended that this partnership would send a strong signal to UK Government that the Machrihanish Airbase has a strong and compelling bid to become the UK’s first Spaceport.

 

Decision

 

The Council noted and approved the content of the consortium letter to the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) attached at Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 2 June 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report providing an update on the Gourock to Dunoon Town Centre Ferry contract was considered.  The ferry service was currently operated by Argyll Ferries through a publicly subsidised Transport Scotland contract.

 

Decision

 

The Council –

 

1.    Noted the report and approved that the preferred position of the

Council is to re-instate a regular passenger/vehicle ferry service between Dunoon and Gourock Town Centres.

 

2.    Delegated authority to the Council’s Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Leader, Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Transportation to develop a response to Transport Scotland in relation to the options for procurement that maximises the chance of a passenger/vehicle town centre ferry service.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated June 2015, submitted)

Councillor Alistair MacDougall left the meeting at this point.

Recommendation from Bute and Cowal Area Committee held on 7 April 2015

The Council considered a recommendation from the Bute and Cowal Area Committee held on 7 April 2015 that a sub-committee of the area committee be established to work in partnership with the Dunoon Pier Community Trust to ensure that the historic Dunoon pier is refurbished and brought back into use in a manner that reflects the community’s views on what the pier should be used for.

 

Motion

 

That members of the Council :-

 

1.    Note that Dunoon Pier is an A listed structure which is recorded in Historic Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register;

2.    Note that Dunoon Pier Project forms part of the Council’s wider Dunoon Waterfront Project and that the works are currently ongoing in relation to Phase 1 on the redevelopment programme;

3.    Note that there is currently no business case, budget or implementation programme for the Phase 2 works;

4.    Note that the Council does not currently consider the wooden pier in Dunoon to be surplus to its requirements, is not listed on the Council’s surplus property list and therefore is not currently considering any form of third sector asset transfer;

5.    Note the advice in the report that there is a potential for conflict of interest in the event that members of the Dunoon Pier Community Trust (DPCT) are appointed to a sub-committee which may have the responsibility of appraising a third sector asset transfer;

6.    Note the decision of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee at their meeting held on 7^th April 2015;

7.    Agree to promote a partnership arrangement between the Bute and Cowal Area Committee and the Dunoon Pier Community Trust or with such other organisations or groups as may be identified as having a relevant interest in the future of Dunoon Pier and associated matters;

8.    Agrees that the partnership will consist of three members appointed from the Bute and Cowal Area Committee and three representatives from the DPCT, or any other organisation or group identified as having a relevant interest in the future of Dunoon Pier;

9.    Agrees to the following terms of reference for the partnership:

a.    The purpose of the partnership is to identify issues and work towards solutions for the future of Dunoon Pier and to promote the pier buildings as an asset for the people and communities of Dunoon and Cowal to the benefit of the economic, cultural and leisure life of the area.

b.    The partnership will be chaired with the chair being appointed by the full Council.

c.    The partnership may invite attendance from subject matter experts as required by the agenda to support the development of the partnership.

d.    The partnership should meet quarterly, on a schedule to be agreed at the first partnership meeting.

e.    The partnership is an advisory group and is not responsible for policy making for any of the constituent partner organisations.

f.      The minute of the partnership will be published within 20 working days of each meeting with a draft agenda circulated to the attendees five working days ahead of each meeting.

 

Moved Councillor Dick Walsh, seconded Councillor Ellen Morton

 

Amendment

 

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee wishes to work in partnership with the Dunoon Community Pier Trust to ensure that the historic Dunoon Pier is refurbished and brought back into use in a manner that reflects the community’s views on what the pier should be used for. The Bute and Cowal area committee recommends to the full council that a new subcommittee of the area committee is created for this purpose. The sub-committee will have responsibility for the refurbishment and future use of the pier and officers will report to this sub-committee. The sub-committee will in turn report to the area committee. The proposal is that the sub-committee comprises 3 elected members from the Dunoon and Cowal wards and 3 members of the board of Dunoon Community Pier Trust. The 3 elected members from these 2 wards will be determined by a decision of the area committee for Bute and Cowal. The 3 members of the SCIO board will be determined by that board. The sub-committee will elect a chair and vice chair at its first meeting if the creation of the sub-committee is agreed by the full council. This decision to be actioned once the SCIO has been registered with OSCR.

 

Moved Councillor Breslin, seconded Councillor Marshall

 

Councillor Bruce Marshall left the meeting at this point.

 

The requisite number of Members present required the vote to be taken by calling the roll and members voted as follows –

 

Motion                                                            Amendment

Councillor Rory Colville                                   Councillor John Armour

Councillor Maurice Corry                                Councillor Gordon Blair

Councillor Robin Currie                                  Councillor Mike Breslin

Councillor George Freeman                           Councillor Vivien Dance

Councillor David Kinniburgh                           Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Roderick McCuish                         Councillor Iain Angus MacDonald

Councillor Neil MacIntyre                                Councillor Robert E MacIntyre

Councillor Robert G MacIntyre                        Councillor Iain Stewart MacLean

Councillor Donald MacMillan                           Councillor Isobel Strong

Councillor Alex McNaughton                           Councillor Sandy Taylor

Councillor James McQueen                           Councillor Richard Trail

Councillor Aileen Morton

Councillor Ellen Morton

Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor Douglas Philand

Councillor Elaine Robertson

Councillor Len Scoullar

Councillor Dick Walsh

           

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 18 votes to 11 and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 18 June 2015, submitted)

The Flag of Scotland (The Saltire)

 

Whereas the Mid Argyll community previously benefitted from the regular flying of the Saltire on the Front Green of Lochgilphead, its removal prior to 2014 Referendum continues to cause considerable consternation, as evidenced by a local petition, community council business, representations to local Members and newspaper articles. This concern however, is not restricted to Mid Argyll, but is reflected across Argyll and Bute.

 

The Council’s Flag Flying policy sets out which flags are to be flown, from which flag staffs or poles on which flag days; including the Saltire on six days per year, and the Council flag on the day of a Council meeting.

 

Whereas it has been suggested that the continuous use of the Saltire diminishes the significance of flag flying on appointed days, this is clearly at odds with other Councils, at least 19 of which fly the Saltire, businesses and governmental agencies which hold no such fear.

 

Motion:

That the Council Flag Flying Policy be amended so that the Flag of Scotland be flown on Council flag staffs (poles) on all days other than those specified in the Flag Flying Policy for the flying of the Union flag and the Council flag.

 

Moved Councillor Sandy Taylor, seconded Councillor Dougie Philand

 

The Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted under Standing Order 13; which was moved by Councillor Sandy Taylor and seconded by Councillor Dougie Philand.

 

The Flag of Scotland (The Saltire)

 

Whereas the Mid Argyll community previously benefitted from the regular flying of the Saltire on the Front Green of Lochgilphead, its removal prior to 2014 Referendum continues to cause considerable consternation, as evidenced by a local petition, community council business, representations to local Members and newspaper articles. This concern however, is not restricted to Mid Argyll, but is reflected across Argyll and Bute.

 

The Council’s Flag Flying policy sets out which flags are to be flown, from which flag staffs or poles on which flag days; including the Saltire on six days per year, and the Council flag on the day of a Council meeting.

 

Whereas it has been suggested that the continuous use of the Saltire diminishes the significance of flag flying on appointed days, this is clearly at odds with other Councils, at least 19 of which fly the Saltire, businesses and governmental agencies which hold no such fear.

 

Motion:

That the Council Flag Flying Policy be amended so that the Flag of Scotland be flown on Council flag staffs (poles) on all days other than those specified in the Flag Flying Policy for the flying of the Union flag and the Council flag.

 

Moved Councillor Sandy Taylor, seconded Councillor Dougie Philand

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed that That the Council Flag Flying Policy be amended so that the Flag of Scotland be flown on Council flag staffs (poles) on all days other than those specified in the Flag Flying Policy for the flying of the Union flag and the Council flag.

 

(Reference: Notice of Motion Under Standing Order 13; moved by Councillor Sandy Taylor, seconded by Councillor Dougie Philand, submitted)

Councillor Vivien Dance left the meeting at this point.

 

The Council resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for the following 5 items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 8&9; 8&9; 8&9; 13; and 6&9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Council considered a report summarising progress in relation to the refinancing of the Council’s NPDO Project.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendations as detailed in the report by the Executive Director.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated June 2015, submitted)

Report by Interim Head of Strategic Finance

The Council considered a report inviting them to make a decision whether to exercise their right to invest in the new schools projects.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendations as contained within paragraphs 1.7 and 1.8 of the report by the Executive Director.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Community Services dated June 2015, submitted)

The Council considered a report in respect of the tender contract for air services from Oban to Coll, Tiree and Colonsay.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendation as contained within the report by the Executive Director.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 19 May 2015, submitted)

The Council considered a report which sought Council resolution to enable a Compulsory Purchase Order to be made in respect of land required for the current phase of the A814 Helensburgh – Lomond Cycleways Project.

 

Decision

 

The Council agreed the recommendations as contained within the report by the Executive Director.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated June 2015, submitted)

The Provost ruled that he had accepted an urgent item in relation to Castle Toward by reason of the need for the Executive Director – Customer Services to provide a decision on the content of the report by Friday 26 June 2015.  He advised that the item was very commercially confidential and that this had been his reasoning for not releasing any information in relation to this item earlier in the meeting.

 

The Executive Director – Customer Services advised that the content of the report was subject to a confidentiality clause and that it should be dealt with in the strictest confidence by all Members.

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

 

The Council considered an urgent report in relation to Castle Toward.

 

Motion

 

Councillor Gary Mulvaney moved a Motion which was seconded by Councillor Ellen Morton.

 

Amendment

 

Councillor Michael Breslin moved an Amendment which was seconded by Councillor Gordon Blair.

 

The requisite number of Members present required the vote to be taken by calling the roll and Members voted as follows –

 

Motion                                    Amendment                           No Vote

Councillor John Armour          Councillor Gordon Blair           Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Rory Colville           Councillor Michael Breslin

Councillor Maurice Corry        Councillor Iain A MacDonald

Councillor Robin Currie          Councillor Iain S MacLean

Councillor George Freeman   Councillor Isobel Strong

Councillor David Kinniburgh

Councillor Roderick MacCuish

Councillor Neil MacIntyre

Councillor Robert E MacIntyre

Councillor Robert G MacIntyre

Councillor Donald MacMillan

Councillor Alex McNaughton

Councillor James McQueen

Councillor Aileen Morton

Councillor Ellen Morton

Councillor Gary Mulvaney

Councillor Douglas Philand

Councillor Elaine Robertson

Councillor Len Scoullar

Councillor Sandy Taylor

Councillor Richard Trail

Councillor Dick Walsh

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 22 votes to 5 and the Council resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 24 June 2015, tabled)

E4                   Paragraph 13  Information which, if disclosed to the public, would reveal that the authority proposes-

 

(a)          to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or

(b)               to make an order or direction under any enactment.