Agenda and minutes

There was an apology for absence intimated on behalf of Councillor Jean Moffat.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The minutes of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee held on Tuesday 1 September 2020 were approved as a correct record.

The minutes of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 3 November 2020 were noted.

Question from Kenny Matheson – Convener, Dunoon Community Council

The below question was read out by the Committee Manager;

Mr Matheson requested an update on pedestrianisation of Argyll Street

Response from Assistant Network and Standards Manager

The below response was read out by the Committee Manager;

There had been discussions between Officers but no practical solution had been developed.

Question from Kenny Matheson – Convener, Dunoon Community Council

The below question was read out by the Committee Manager;

Mr Matheson requested an update on the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), including double yellow lines in Dunoon.

Response from Assistant Network and Standards Manager

The below response was read out by the Committee Manager;

Where there are yellow road markings (no waiting or no waiting/no loading) then these must have a TRO to be enforceable.  If there is no TRO the lines should be removed.  Should there be a query about a specific location, then the Assistant Network and Standards Manager would provide a response to suit.

Question from Kenny Matheson – Convener, Dunoon Community Council

The below question was read out by the Committee Manager;

Could the Area Committee ask the Chief Officer of the HSCP if she could update Dunoon Community Council on the total number of Deaths in Ashgrove Care Home Dunoon?

Response from Business Improvement Manager, HSCP

The below response was read out by the Committee Manager;

The issue had been raised with the Public Health team and the response was still pending. The response would be circulated to the Area Committee and Mr Matheson when received.

The Committee Manager confirmed that the response to each of Mr Matheson’s questions would be sent to him and that should further information be requested the appropriate Officer would be notified.

Presentation by Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association

The Committee gave consideration to an annual update presentation for the Bute and Cowal Area by the Chief Executive of the Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA).

In addition to the submitted presentation, the Committee noted that work on the wall at Green Point at Kilmun was underway; the disposal of Torlochan traveller site is expected to conclude by 9 December 2020; and that there are funds available in the  Community Action Fund with community groups encouraged to submit applications by January 2021.

Discussion focused on how in relation to winter maintenance, Officers from ACHA and the council work well together with a flexibility of understanding.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted the contents of the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Chief Executive of the Argyll Community Housing Association dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Committee considered the Area Scorecard report for Financial Quarter 1 and 2 of 2020-2021 (April-June 2020 and July-September 2020) which illustrated the agreed performance measures.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.    noted the performance presented on the Scorecards and supporting commentary;

2.    noted that upon receipt of the quarterly performance reports the Area Committee Members could contact either the Performance Improvement Officer or the responsible named officer with any queries;

3.    agreed to the proposed presentation of Car Park Income;

4.    agreed to the removal of both Primary and Secondary School Inspection measures; and

5.    noted that work was ongoing and to respond to the Performance Improvement Officer with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the report and scorecard.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Chief Executive

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided monitoring information on the funds distributed to community organisations through the council’s Supporting

Communities Fund 2019/20.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.    noted the positive contribution of the funds to the community as detailed in paragraph 4.1 and the appendixed table to the report; and

2.    agreed that the unspent funds of £733 in paragraph 4.4 of the report be carried forward for inclusion in funds available for dispersal in 2021/22.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher, Dunoon Grammar

The Head Teacher of Dunoon Grammar School took the committee through a progress update report on the school’s achievements for the 2020 session.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.            noted the contents of the report; and

2.            commended the work being done by the school, particularly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, Dunoon Grammar School, dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher, Rothesay Joint Campus

The Head Teacher of Rothesay Academy took the committee through a progress update report on the schools achievements for the 2020 session.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.         noted the contents of the report; and

2.         commended the work being done by the school, particularly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Reference: Report by Head Teacher, Rothesay Academy, dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance Health and Social Care Partnership

The Committee gave consideration to a report which presented annual performance data of the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership for 2019/20.

Members noted that due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the service and supporting services the report was unable to be produced in its customary format and content and as such was a summary report, as enabled by legislation.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted and considered the Health and Social Care Partnership Annual Performance Report for 2019/20.

(Reference: Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance dated 19 November 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Economic Growth

Consideration was given by the Committee to a report which updated them on the progress of Rothesay Townscape Heritage which is a heritage-led initiative to regenerate a defined area of Rothesay’s town centre.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.    noted and considered the contents of the report; and

2.    thanked Officers for the work undertaken.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 15 October 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Economic Growth

Consideration was given by the Committee to a report which updated them on the progress of Dunoon Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme which is a heritage-led initiative to regenerate a defined area of Dunoon’s town centre.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.         noted and considered the contents of the report; and

2.         thanked Officers for the work undertaken.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 15 October 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Development and Infrastructure

A report was considered by the Committee which provided them with formation on forthcoming works planned at Rothesay Harbour.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.         noted and considered the contents of the report; and

2.         thanked Officers for the work undertaken.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Infrastructure dated 28 October 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Legal and Regulatory Support

Consideration was given by the Committee to a report which invited the Trustees of the Lamont Bequest to consider its future operation. The Bequest was established ‘to be distributed to the poor of Kilfinan’ with all residents residing within the PA21 post code are eligible to apply.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee;

1.            agreed the distribution arrangements outlined within paragraphs 4.1 - 4.2 of the report;

2.            agreed the eligibility criteria outlined within paragraphs 5.1 - 5.5 of the report;

3.            agreed that successful applicants would receive £50 for individuals and £100 for families;

4.            agreed that applicants, whether individuals or families, will receive a maximum of one award each calendar year; and

5.            noted that a review of the updated arrangements will be undertaken and reported to the Bute and Cowal Area Committee following the first 12 months of operation.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Development and Infrastructure

A report which provided Members with a further update on future plans for the Gourock to Dunoon and Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry routes was before the Committee for noting.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted the contents of the report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with Responsibility for Development and Infrastructure dated 27 October 2020, submitted)

The Draft Bute and Cowal Workplan, as of December 2020, was before the Committee for noting.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted the Bute and Cowal Workplan.

(Reference: Bute and Cowal Workplan dated 1 December 2020, submitted).

Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Legal and Regulatory Support

The Committee gave consideration to a report regarding an application which has been made to the Marquis of Bute’s Silver Wedding Dowry Fund.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Committee agreed to award £500 to the applicant.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated 1 December 2020, submitted)

The Chair spoke regarding the sad passing of Provost and Councillor Len Scoullar, and the Committee noted his contribution to the Bute and Cowal Area Committee was appreciated and he would be missed from all future meetings.