Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Jane McKenzie, Scottish Water

Chief Inspector Stitt, Strathclyde Police

Sandy Mactaggart, Link Director

None

The Minutes of the Meeting of 4^th September 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Alastair MacGregor – Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association

Members heard from Alistair MacGregor on the investment programme in Bute and Cowal for 2011/12 and the projected investment for 2012/13.  The ongoing initiatives ACHA will be taking forward including affordable housing in Ardenslate, the purchase of property for ACHA’s office in Rothesay, and roof and roughcast work being completed.   Alistair also spoke on the Welfare Rights Services and the new “Bedroom Tax” and how it would affect tenants.  He further advised that from April 2013 ACHA will provide in house maintenance services across Argyll and Bute and will employ 44 people and have an initial turnover of £3.2m.

Decision

Several questions having been put and answered, the Group noted the information provided.

Jane McKenzie – Scottish Water

Having received apologies from Jane McKenzie of Scottish Water this item was continued to the March 2013 meeting.

Ishabel Bremner Economic - Development and Infrastructure Services

The Economic Development Manager spoke on the Economic Development Action Plan 2013-2018 and circulated draft copies of the document.  She spoke on the process and approach to the initial draft EDAP, the Vision, the framework for Economic Development and other key aspects of the EDAP.

The Group asked questions and Iain McNaughton expressed his concern over the Vision saying it was not a realistic outcome.

Decision

The Group agreed: 

i.                            To feedback any comments to the Economic Development Manager before the 18^th December.

ii.                           The Economic Development Manager would relay any comments to the Management Committee and the outcome would come back to the Area Community Planning Group.

Eileen Wilson – Improvement and HR

The Area Governance Manger spoke on the progress in developing the next community plan, the data analysis and the approach to engagement and consultation in developing the plan.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by the Head of Strategic Finance – submitted)

Eileen Wilson – Improvement and HR

The Area Governance Manger advised she had not received any feedback on the Area Forum events and encouraged the group to contact her with their thoughts about having an event in November 2013 so that a decision can be made in March 2013.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Eileen Wilson – Improvement and HR

The Area Governance Manger spoke on the future governance arrangements for the Community Planning Partnership.  The Area Governance Manager advised that the thematic groups would cease to exist and be subsumed into the Management Committee. 

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by the Head of Strategic Finance – submitted)

Chris Carr - Improvement & HR

The IOD Project Officer spoke on the population projections for Argyll & Bute. The Group discussed the linkage to the Economic Development Plan.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Population decline
Graveyards
Public Entertainment Licences

Graveyards

The Streetscene Area Manager gave a background to why headstones in cemeteries were laid flat and what the Department were doing to sort the problem.

Councillors Attendance at Community Council Meeting

The Area Governance Manager advised that if there was a particular Community Council that was having a problem with Councillors attendance to let her know.

Public Entertainment Licences

The Area Governance Manager advised this had been delayed over the summer and was hoping the finalised document would be available soon.

Community Services

Iain McNaughton asked how groups/people were able to use the people that had been given community service and it was agreed the Area Governance Manager would invite somebody from the Criminal Justice Department to the next meeting to give input.

Highlighting impact of responsible/irresponsible dog ownership and fouling. – Cowal Dog Training Club

Reeni Kennedy Boyle gave an informative presentation on the work being carried out by Fyne Futures Ltd.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Shirley Macleod – Governance & Law

The Area Governance Manager spoke on the main activities of the Community Safety Partnership which have taken place in the last few months.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by the Area Governance Officer – submitted)

Edward Renfrew, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue

Edward Renfrew spoke on partnership working and asked that other agencies refer vulnerable people to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and they would do likewise. 

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Edward Renfrew, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue

Edward Renfrew spoke on the proposed funding for cooksafe courses due to the high level of kitchen fire and safety incidents.  

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Edward Renfrew, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

Edward Renfrew spoke on Strathclyde Fire & Rescues media campaign over the winter.  He advised it will be launched on 10^th December by the Chief Officer in Cambuslang.

The Group asked about flooding and the response from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and Mr Renfrew advised that the flood response units are spread out to the area that have the biggest danger but each area has high volume pumps that are used.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

NHS Highland

Decision

The Group noted the 23 and a half hours presentation.