Issue - meetings

The Chair asked the public if they would prefer questions to be taken under public and councillor question time that were in relation to item 10 of this minute but the public agreed to ask questions when this item was reached in the agenda.

Louise Glen, Oban Times, asked whether press and public would be excluded for consideration of item 12, 13, 14 and 15 of this minute.  She asked that she be able, as a journalist, to witness the Committee debate on this item.  The Chair reminded Louise that she had already received a response from the Area Committee Manager in relation to this question she had asked previously.  The Head of Governance and Law advised that the decision to exclude the press and public from consideration of agenda items is a decision which is made by the Committee having regard to the individual items for consideration.

Duncan Johnston asked a question in relation to potholes in a road in Dalrigh.  The Chair advised that he is aware of the issue and had been in contact with the Council’s Head of Roads and Amenity Services regarding the matter.  The Chair advised that he would continue to look into the matter.

Marri Malloy asked the Committee if permission has been granted to turn the old MacDougall Yard into a scrap heap?  Councillor McCuish assured Marri that he would have this looked into and get the appropriate officer to respond to her.

Neil MacKay asked the Committee what proportion of money comes to Oban, Lorn and the Isles from the strategic events and festivals funds?  Councillor McCuish confirmed that he would have the appropriate officer look into this and respond back to him.

Doreen MacLeod asked why the Council charge for parking at Ganavan, stating that she feels visitors into the area should be made to feel more welcome.  She also asked why all the money made by car parking income in Oban, Lorn and the Isles doesn’t stay in the area.  Councillor McCuish confirmed that there will be an agenda item on the Business Day agenda in May on parking charges at Ganavan and confirmed that he would get the appropriate officer to respond to Mrs MacLeod.

Doreen MacLeod asked a further question on the path at kissing gate.  She asked if the Community Payback team could attend to stones.  Councillor Robertson assured Mrs MacLeod that the Community Payback team are aware of this and that this path is on their list.

Ken MacLellan asked the Committee if the Parking Warden receive any bonuses for the amount of tickets they issue.  Councillor McCuish gave an assurance that this is not the case.