Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

There were no apologies for absence intimated. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, held on 7 December 2022, was approved as a correct record. 

There were no public questions submitted. 

Verbal Presentation by Pupil Representatives of Campbeltown Grammar; Lochgilphead High School; Islay High School and Tarbert Academy

The Committee gave consideration to a verbal update from pupils at Campbeltown Grammar School and Tarbert Academy who outlined aspects of their learning journeys over the years. 

 

Ciara Wallace, an S3 pupil from Campbeltown Grammar School spoke of her experience on a recent residential trip to Loch Eil in Fort William where the aim was to develop leadership and resilience skills.

 

Aimee MacPhail, an S5 pupil at Campbeltown Grammar School spoke of her experience and learning journey that has led to her chosen career path. 

 

Milo Ingram, the S6 school captain from Tarbert Academy outlined the vision and values of the Academy and spoke of his experience as a pupil and of how it has given him the confidence to continue into further education, having successfully obtained a place on a course at Stirling University. 

 

Discussion was had on the challenges faced by pupils during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the pupils outlining measures put in place to assist their studies, such as Google Classroom.  Members noted that some measures are still utilised to enhance the learning experience of pupils, such as online learning and independent study with resources provided by the school, particularly in situations where it is not possible to offer a teacher-led classroom for certain subjects. 

 

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair took the opportunity to thank the pupils for taking time out of their day to attend and wished them well in their future endeavours.  

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the information provided. 

 

Councillor Currie left the meeting during discussion of agenda item 5 (Pupil Voice).

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Verbal Update by North West Area Manager, Transport Scotland

Consideration was given to a short update from the North West Area Manager on the current workstreams of Transport Scotland within the MAKI area.  Mr MacFarlane advised of a number of recently completed works which included a number of resurfacing projects; the replacement of street lighting in Inveraray and extensive sea defence surveys at Loch Gilp, Loch Shira and the West Loch in Tarbert.  Mr MacFarlane also outlined a number of upcoming projects including resurfacing works South of Stronachullin; the installation of a new footway from Minard to Crarae Gardens; the pedestrian crossing and cycleway project for Kinloch Road in Campbeltown and the resolution of the footway issue on Hall Street, Campbeltown.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the information provided.

Verbal Update by Regional Communities Manager – West, Scottish Water

Consideration was given to a short update from the Regional Communities Manager on the current workstreams of Scottish Water within the MAKI area.  Ms Reid advised of ongoing investment in Tayvallich, Bowmore and Clachan; the sea wall repairs in Campbeltown and the Tighnabruaich Lead Replacement Project.  Ms Reid also provided detail in respect of completed works in Tarbert, Furnace, Inveraray and Port Charlotte and of the planned investments at a number of locations across the MAKI area.  Ms Reid outlined the value of future investments identified and spoke of the ongoing engagement with the developer of the new distillery application on Islay. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed to note the information provided.

 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services

The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 3 of 2022/23 (October to December 2022) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:-

 

1.    noted and considered the performance and supporting commentary as presented;

 

2.    agreed that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report, the Area Committee contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and  

 

3.    noted that work was ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 1 March 2023, submitted)

Councillor Currie re-joined the meeting during discussion of agenda item 8 (Area Performance Report – FQ3 2022/23).

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Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services and highlighted works being undertaken which were relevant to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 1 March 2023, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

Having noted that it was agreed by the Policy and Resources Committee in October 2022, to allocate £300,000 towards a Cemetery Maintenance and Roads Access Improvement Fund, being £75,000 for each administrative area, the Committee gave consideration to a report which provided options for approval that had been informed by a meeting with the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Members. 

 

Members expressed concern that the information provided in the report was not what had been requested at previous meetings.  The Chair advised that he would ensure that a report providing the information initially requested at the Area Committee meeting on 7 September 2022 be presented to the next Area Committee meeting, scheduled to take place on 7 June 2023. 

 

Motion

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:-

 

1.    agree to Package B as outlined in paragraph 3.3 of the report, subject to the replacement of option 13 from the schedule of proposed works with option 7;

 

2.    agree that any underspend within an area is used for further levelling up of lairs; and

 

3.    note that regular updates will be provided via the Roads and Infrastructure weekly briefing.

 

Moved by Councillor John Armour, seconded by Councillor Jan Brown. 

 

 

Amendment

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee:-

 

1.    agree to Package B as outlined in paragraph 3.3 of the report;

 

2.    agree that any underspend within an area is used for further levelling up of lairs; and

 

3.    note that regular updates will be provided via the Roads and Infrastructure weekly briefing.

 

Moved by Councillor Robin Currie, seconded by Councillor Alastair Redman. 

 

As the meeting was being held on a hybrid basis, the vote required to be taken by calling the Roll and Members voted as follows:-

 

Motion                                                Amendment                                      

 

Councillor John Armour                      Councillor Garret Corner       

Councillor Jan Brown                         Councillor Robin Currie

Councillor Dougie McFadzean           Councillor Alastair Redman   

Councillor Dougie Philand     

 

 

 

 

Decision

 

The Motion was carried by 4 votes to 3 and the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee resolved accordingly.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 1 March 2023, submitted)

Councillor Donald Kelly left the meeting during discussion of agenda item 10 (Cemetery Provision and Maintenance). 

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Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on Housing Services activity and the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee considered and noted the content of the report.

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 1 March 2023, submitted) 

Report by Governance Manager

The Committee gave consideration to a report which sought the appointment of one Councillor from Ward 2 to sit on the Board of the Islay and Jura Community Enterprise Ltd. 

 

Decision

 

The Area Committee agreed that Councillor Dougie McFadzean be the Council representative on the Board of Islay and Jura Community Enterprise Ltd. 

 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 1 March 2023, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to the Area Committee workplan for future meetings. 

 

Decision

 

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the workplan. 

 

(Reference:  Area Committee Workplan, dated 1 March 2023, submitted)