Agenda and minutes

 

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors McQueen and McNaughton, Andrew Law and Nicola Debnam.

 

The Minutes of the meeting of 19^th November 2010 were approved as a correct record.

 

Councillor Marshall introduced Simon Shillington to the meeting advising that he has been working hard with Ian Welsh and Stewart Turner.  Councillor Marshall explained that the tenders need to be agreed by 31^st March 2010 and the money then needs to be spent by 31^st October 2010.

 

Simon Shillington advised Members that the tenders went out last week and have to be back by the 8^th March 2010.  Simon said that he has tried to liaise with Officers and has met Councillor Marshall on a number of occasions to get a scope for the works. 

 

Simon said there were 12 projects with fixed definitions and the aesthetic part of the projects are up for discussion.

 

Seating Area in Argyll Street

 

Simon explained that Fyne Homes were in agreement for the area to be used for seating and spoke on the project advising that there was a limited area.  Councillor Walsh asked why the area at St Johns Church was not considered and Councillor Marshall said that there had not been enough time to discuss it with the Church of Scotland.  Councillor MacAlister asked about the archway and Simon explained that this had not been included but could be depending on the funding, Councillor MacAlister felt that it was an integral part of the design.

 

Castle Gardens

 

Simon spoke on the different aspects of the work to be done in the Castle Gardens from the improved footways to the new planting of shrubs.  Councillor Walsh felt that a zigzag path up the Castle Hill would have been more aesthetic and Simon explained that they were making the walkway from Castle House up to the viewpoint DDA compliant.  Councillor Simon asked for assurances that handrails would be included.  Simon spoke on the removal of shrubs and tree surgery works and the planting of heathers and other plants.  Members also discussed the new footways to be included.

 

Argyll St/John St

 

Simon advised of the improvement works to the Argyll Street/John Street junction and on the new finger signs that will be put up in the areas, these will be black with gold writing.

 

Bus Shelters

 

The Victorian bus shelters on the promenade have to be painted black and gold.

 

Coloured crossing points

 

Members discussed taking away the coloured areas along the road in Argyll Street and it was agreed that this would be explored at the public meeting.  Simon explained that tactile paving areas would be put on the pavements at these crossing points.

 

Street Lighting

 

Members discussed the lighting standards to be placed up Argyll Street and Simon explained that the Victorian Columns were less effective, Stewart Turner agreed and explained that the more modern light would mean they would need fewer of them and the money saved could be used on street furniture i.e hanging basket stands.  Councillor Simon was concerned that hanging baskets would mean future expenditure for the Council and Councillor Walsh suggested the Business Association funding the baskets.  Councillor Simon suggested this could be done under the BIDS scheme. 

 

Public Information Signs

 

Simon spoke on CandiTv advising the Business Association was keen to have 5 screens, one in Blacks, Observer and Hillfoot Street and 2 in other building like the Queen’s Hall and the Caledonian MacBrayne office.  Simon explained to Members how the system worked and Councillor Marshall said that advertising space could be charged for, this would then pay for the upkeep.

 

Queen’s Hall

 

Simon explained that the project included improvement to the rendering on the Argyll Street side and painting.

 

Members spoke on the tendering process and Simon explained there had been 8 companies on the list, Councillor Simon felt that it was a disgrace that only one company out of the eight was a local firm and felt that the PQQ procedure put companies off.

 

Councillor Marshall thanked Simon Shillington for coming and explained that the meeting for businesses starts at 6.30pm on the 24^th February and the public at 7.30pm.

 

Members noted the information provided.