Agenda and minutes

The Executive Director – Customer Services advised that in terms of Standing Order 14 the following Notice of Motion by Councillor Andrew Nisbet, seconded by Councillor Ellen Morton had been received for consideration as a matter of urgency at this meeting –

“1.        The Council congratulates Helensburgh Rugby Club on its outstanding achievements this season, culminating in their success on Saturday at Murrayfield in winning the RBS National Bowl Competition. The Council also recognises the club’s other successes in:

·         Winning the RBS West League Division 2 title and getting promoted to RBS West League Division 1;

·         Winning the RBS Reserve League Play off Final and getting promoted to RBS Reserve League West Division 1;

·         Winning the RBS West Regional Bowl Final and qualifying for the National Bowl Final

2.         This Council recommends that the new Council should hold a Civic Reception in recognition of this remarkable season.”

The Executive Director advised that it had not been possible to submit this Motion for inclusion on the Council Agenda as the outcome of the fixtures or results referred to therein were not known at that time.

The Depute Provost ruled and the Council agreed to consider this Motion as a matter of urgency and this is dealt with at item 9 of these Minutes.

Apologies for absence were intimated from Councillors Mary-Jean Devon, Daniel Kelly, Donald Kelly, Robert Macintyre, William Petrie, Douglas Philand, John Semple and Ron Simon.

None declared.

Argyll and Bute Council 15 March 2012

The Minutes of the meeting of Argyll and Bute Council held on 15 March 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Extract from Minutes of Roads and Transportation Working Group 20 March 2012 and Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Council considered a recommendation from the Roads and Transportation Working Group that the Skid Resistance Policy and Operational Procedures Document be approved.  

Decision

Approved the Skid Resistance Policy and Operational Procedures Document.

(Reference: Extract from Minutes of Roads and Transportation Working Group of 20 March 2012, Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 6 March 2012 and Skid Resistance Policy and Operational Procedures Document dated March 2012, submitted)

Extract from Minutes of Audit Committee 9 December 2011 and Report by Chief Internal Auditor

The Council considered a recommendation from the Audit Committee that revised Terms of Reference for Internal Audit be approved to reflect the change requested by Grant Thornton in respect of the appointment of a Chief Internal Auditor.

Decision

Approved the revised Terms of Reference for Internal Audit and noted that this will be incorporated into the Council Constitution.

(Reference: Extract from Minutes of Audit Committee of 9 December 2011 and Report by Chief Internal Auditor dated 15 November 2011, submitted)

Extract from Minutes of Executive 19 April 2012 (to follow)

Maximising Attendance at Work Policy

The Council considered a recommendation from the Executive that the Maximising Attendance at Work Policy be approved.  This follows on from consultation with the Trade Unions and revisions to the existing Attendance Policy and Procedures.  The new Maximising Attendance Policy and associated Procedures has been developed to aid a more streamlined and efficient Attendance Policy.

Decision

Approved the Maximising Attendance and Work Policy.

(Reference: Maximising Attendance and Work Policy dated February 2012, submitted and Extract from Minutes of Executive of 19 April 2012, tabled)

Extract from Minutes of Executive 19 April 2012 (to follow)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Executive Director – Customer Services advised that when the Council agenda was prepared this report was included in case a decision by the Executive at its meeting on 19 April 2012 would lead to a change in current Council Policy.  The Executive Director – Customer Services confirmed that the decision made by the Executive did not alter the existing policy position of the Council and therefore this item was withdrawn.

Report by Short Life Working Group on Political Management Arrangements

At the Executive meeting on 21 April 2012 it was agreed to set up a short life working group to progress the development of revised Political Management Arrangements.  A report highlighting the recommendations made by the Short Life Working Group following their consideration of these arrangements was considered.

Motion

To continue consideration of this item to the next ordinary meeting of the Council.

Moved by Councillor James Robb, seconded by Councillor Louise Glen-Lee.

Amendment

To recommend the findings of the Short Life Working Group to the first meeting of the new Council.

Moved by Councillor Dick Walsh, seconded by Councillor Ellen Morton.

Decision

The amendment was carried by 14 votes to 6 and the Council resolved accordingly.

(Reference: Report by Short Life Working Group on Political Management Arrangements dated 12 April 2012, submitted)

1.         The Council congratulates Helensburgh Rugby Club on its outstanding achievements this season, culminating in their success on Saturday at Murrayfield in winning the RBS National Bowl Competition. The Council also recognises the club’s other successes in:

·         Winning the RBS West League Division 2 title and getting promoted to RBS West League Division 1;

·         Winning the RBS Reserve League Play off Final and getting promoted to RBS Reserve League West Division 1;

·         Winning the RBS West Regional Bowl Final and qualifying for the National Bowl Final

2.         This Council recommends that the new Council should hold a Civic Reception in recognition of this remarkable season.

Moved by Councillor Andrew Nisbet, seconded by Councillor Ellen Morton

Decision

The Motion was unanimously approved.

The Depute Provost advised that as the Provost had submitted his apologies for this meeting the Provost would take the opportunity of delivering his Valedictory Address at the close of the Special Council meeting which would start at 6 pm.

The Depute Provost advised that he would like to take this opportunity of expressing his sadness at the death of Councillor Alister MacAlister since the last Council meeting.  He wished to record that the passing of Alister was a loss to his family, to the community of Dunoon and to the Council and asked that everyone stand to observe a minutes silence as a mark of respect.