Issue - meetings

Mr Kieron Green asked whether public consultation meetings for Service Choices were being arranged. Councillor McCuish responded that he wasn’t aware of any plans for this but members of the public can attend Council meetings. Mr Green also reminded everyone that the Boundary Commission’s public consultation process for their proposed ward boundary changes closes on Thursday 22^nd October and asked everyone to make sure they have put their responses in. 

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre commented that the information in relation to the Boundary Commission proposals by the Community Councils had been pulled together in a efficient and professional manner.

Mr Duncan Martin asked the Committee whether the consultation response on the parking review had been pulled together yet.

Councillor McCuish responded that he didn’t have a time frame for this but thought that the responses from the parking review would run in connection with the Service Choices consultation process.

Mr Graeme Bruce provided the Committee with copies of the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership strategic plan for 2016- 2018. He highlighted to the Committee that he had a concern regarding the proposed reduction of GP’s service.

Councillor Robertson agreed to pick up this concern and raise it with the Health Board and will respond back to Mr Bruce. Mr Bruce also commented that the consultation was not well advertised or easily accessible.

Ms Jill Bowis raised a concern that Community Councils have not had any public consultation in respect of future plans for Oban Business Park. The Chairman requested that a public meeting be set up.

Councillor Iain S MacLean raised a concern regarding the lighting control box at the Connel Bridge as it was not in keeping with the listed structure status. Mr Sandy Dunlop informed Councillor MacLean that the Community Council have arranged a meeting with Transport Scotland and BEAR to discuss this matter. Councillor MacLean enquired whether elected Members could be present at the meeting or failing that if the information could be relayed back to the Members through the Community Council.

Mr Sandy Dunlop asked if a facility to book the public realm space in Stafford Street could be set up. The Area Committee Manager agreed to take this point raised away for further investigation.

Mr Graeme Bruce highlighted to Members that there has been an increase in the Crinnan Canal transit fee to £350 and he felt that this would impact on people using it. He suggested that the Scottish Canals Association could be contacted to enquire as to whether there was the possibility of a discount during the West Highland Week.

Ms Jill Bowis informed the Committee of the possibility of a local organisation seeking Community Empowerment funding to facilitate the recording of Council Meetings and asked if Members would be supportive of this.

Members confirmed they would support such an application.