Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated from Councillors Horn and Philand.

Councillor Colville declared a non-financial interest in item 11 of the agenda (Charity and Trust Funds – Estimated amounts available for distribution 2014-15) by reason that he is the Chair of the Kintyre Community Care Forum.  He exercised his discretion to speak and vote on the item.    

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 1 October 2014 was approved as a true record.

Councillor Kelly asked the Contracts Manager for an update in relation to the possibility of works being carried out on the B842 Mull of Kintyre Road.  The Contracts Manager agreed that he would look into the matter and advise Members of the outcome directly.

The Minute of the Special meeting held on 5 November 2014 was approved as a true record subject to the addition of the following sentence:

Councillor Kelly asked the Project Manager to provide information in relation to the additional costs. 

There were no questions intimated. 

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report which outlined the roads revenue maintenance budget for the second quarter of financial year 2014/15.  It indicated a spend of 54% at the end of this quarter.  Discussion took place in relation to ongoing works by SSE on the Carradale road, the role of the Area Committee in dealing with speed limits, the impact on the budget since the trunking of the A83 and the proposed tar plant on the Drumlossie Estate on Islay.  Members enquired about the recent press reports that European Funding had been used for works on the Southend Road.  The Contracts Manager advised that he would look into the matters raised and revert back to Members directly.  

Decision

1. Members agreed to note the contents of the report;
2. Requested that a report advising on the progress of the proposed tar plant on Islay be brought to the next Business Day meeting; and
3. That a report outlining the role of the Area Committee in enforcing speed limits and including specific reference to the speed limits in Carradale, be brought to the next Business Day meeting.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services.

The Committee considered a report which outlined exceptional performance for the second quarter of financial year 2014/15.  Discussion took place in relation to the figures provided in respect of school exam results.  It was noted that a full report was due to come before Members at the Area Committee meeting in February 2015, at which time a decision would be made as to whether it would be best to remove these indicators from the scorecard.  Further discussion took place in relation to the possible inclusion of the figures for overturned planning appeals.  The Programme Manager advised that he had been notified that it would be difficult to break this information down into areas, but advised that he would forward the information which he had received from the Planning Service to Members. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the report.  

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services.  

The Committee considered a report highlighting the findings of the second quarterly evaluation of the Care at Home provision within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.  Discussion took place on concerns regarding delayed discharges and the importance of meeting the targets set for this given the Integration Agenda.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to pass the concerns to the Area Manager for her attention.

Decision

Members agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services.  

The Committee considered a report providing an update in relation to the implementation of new arrangements to meet statutory duties and responsibilities that will shape the future delivery of Health and Social Care in Argyll and Bute as outlined within the Public Bodies (Joint Working)(Scotland) Act. Discussion took place in relation to the membership of the Shadow Integration Board, with it being identified that there are no legal powers until April 2015.  The Joint Project Manager outlined the timescale for submitting the Integration Scheme and reassured Members that there were no votes being taken until such time as the legal powers are in place.  Further discussions took place in relation to Aids and Adaptations and the NHS Health Budget, with Mr Stevenson agreeing to feedback the comments of the Committee to the Programme Board. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 3 December 2014,submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report outlining the Council’s current work with the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC), and their continued support for MACC as it seeks to optimise economic development on the base.  Mr Murray advised Members of the proposed visits due to take place in the New Year by both the Chief Executive and the Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.  Members expressed an interest in the possibility of holding a meeting at the base, with a view to appreciate what facilities the site has to offer.  

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and
2. Recommended to Council that a letter be written to the MOD supporting MACC’s request to make change to the Overage Agreement. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Head of Strategic Finance.

The Committee considered a report outlining the annual accounts of the 20 charitable trusts currently administered by Argyll and Bute Council, for the year ended 31 March 2014.

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the report; and
2. Approved the annual accounts for each of the charities for the year ended 31 March 2014 and their filing with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director, Strategic Finance, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Head of Strategic Finance.

The Committee considered a report setting out the estimated funding available and proposals on the distribution of that funding for the charities and trust funds in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area for 2014-15.  Discussion took place in relation to the reserves policy, with the Area Committee Manager agreeing to discuss the matter further with the Finance Department and revert back to Members. 

Decision

1. Members agreed to note the information provided;
2. Approved the proposed approach to distribution as set out in paragraph 3.5 and in Appendix 1 of the report; and
3. Agreed the policy on reserves for each charity and trust fund as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Head of Strategic Finance, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report setting out the background to the proposal intimated by  the Dalintober Pier Restoration Group to transfer title for this pier to the group.  The report also looked to establish if the Area Committee was supportive of the project and if so what steps were required to secure title to Dalintober Pier.  Discussion took place on the funding required for the project, with Members noting that although they were supportive of the transfer of the Pier to the Group that further discussions would be required in relation  to any financial contribution being made by the Council.

Decision

Members agreed that they were supportive of the project in terms of the transfer of the asset to the Group which would allow them to proceed to Stage One of the transfer process.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.  

The Committee considered a report which sought approval for a Partnership Agreement being established between Argyll and Bute Council and the Killean and Kilchenzie Churches Preservation Association (KKCPA).  Discussion took place on the timescales for any Partnership Agreement, with it being noted that some funding had already been secured by KKCPA but that it was time limited.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to consult with the Council’s Legal Department in relation to the timescales and to liaise with KKCPA and Members on the outcome.

Decision

1.       Members agreed to support the Killean and Kilchenzie restoration project; and

2.       Agreed to a Partnership Agreement being established between Argyll and Bute Council and the Killean and Kilchenzie Churches Preservation Association.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report which provided information regarding a request to upgrade the access road and entrance area at Clachan Cemetery by accessing funding from the Clachan Cemetery Trust which is held by the Council.  Discussion took place in relation to the outline of works, with Members keen to ensure that all necessary works are carried out.  It was established that there had been a request by the local Community Council for some additional works, namely the clean up of stone on the memorial.

Decision:

1.       Members agreed that the works outlined in the report be instructed via the Council’s own in house provider and that the funds required to cover the funds be met from the Clachan Cemetery Trust; and

2.       Agreed to support the request for the additional works with it being delegated to the Chair of the Area Committee in consultation with the Ward 2 Members to agree the costs of the work once they are submitted. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services. 

The Committee considered a report outlining the proposed cycle of meetings within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (MAKI) area from May 2015 to April 2016.  The Chair advised that agreement was also being sought in regard to the dates for Area CPG meetings.

Decision:

1.        Members endorsed the agreed cycle of Area Committee and Business Day meetings;

2.        Agreed that the Area Committee meeting scheduled in June 2015 takes place on the Isle of Jura and the Area Committee meeting scheduled in October 2015 takes place in Carradale; and

3.          Agreed that the Area CPG meetings in 2015/2016 would take place on a separate day from the Area Committee and Business Day meetings in the months of May, August, November and February.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)

For noting and updating.  

The Committee considered the Item Tracker.  

Decision

Members agreed to note the Item Tracker.

(Ref:  Item Tracker, dated 3 December 2014, submitted.)