Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies were intimated from Councillor McAlpine. 

Councillor Horn declared a non-financial interest in item 10 of the agenda (Third Sector Grants 2015/16), as a Committee Member of Tarbert After School Care.  Councillor Philand declared a non-financial interest at item 10 of the agenda (Third Sector Grants 2015/16) as a Member of the Dochas Board.  Councillor Taylor declared a non-finanical interest in item 10 of the agenda (Third Sector Grants 2015/16), by virtue of being involved with Kilmartin Museum. 

The Minute of the previous meeting, held on 4 February 2015 was approved as a true record.

Matters Arising:-

Councillor Kelly enquired as to the position of the sunken graves in cemeteries following on from previous discussions.  The Amenity Services Manager advised that he would take the issue up locally and report back to Members in due course. 

In regards to the issue of the re-erection of headstones, the Chair confirmed that a report was going before the next meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee. 

Councillor Kelly requested an update in regard to the funding of the Kintyre Way.  Councillor Colville confirmed that at present the Council were awaiting receipt of the Business Plan from Kintyre Way, prior to any decision being taken. 

Councillor Kelly enquired as to whether the report from the Scottish Flood Forum, in respect of providing flood gates in the Perth and Kinross area had been circulated to Members.  The Area Committee Manager confirmed that it had been, and advised that she would re-send it to Councillor Kelly.  

There were no questions submitted. 

Report by Director of Operations for Argyll and Bute Community Health Partnership.

The Committee considered a report outlining the pilot for a Hub and Spoke model of Dialysis within the CHP for the Argyll and Bute area, which is to begin in Summer 2015 and is to be evaluated after one year.  The report outlined the timescales involved in the project, the location of the unit and nurse training.  Members noted that the purpose of the pilot was to ascertain whether this service can be established, sustained and supported remotely by the specialist renal team from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to ensure a high quality and safe local community dialysis service.  Members further noted the work which had been undertaken over the last year to explore options for delivering expanded scanning services for women during pregnancy.  Discussion took place in relation to the additional funding which is to be provided from the CHP budget next year to fund the alterations required to the specification particularly in relation to infection control.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to seek clarity from the Locality Manager in relation to issues raised by Members. Upon receipt of the response from the Locality Manager the Area Committee Manager agreed to circulate the information to Members. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Congratulated the Campaign group and local organisations on raising an outstanding sum of money towards securing the pilot. 

(Ref: Report by Director of Operations for Argyll and Bute Community Health Partnership, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services. 

The Committee considered a report which outlined the successful completion of the 3 year Roads Reconstruction Programme for 2012-2015 and outlined the proposed Roads Reconstruction Programme and Budget for 2015-2016.  Discussion took place in relation to carrying out surface dressing on roads of a reasonable standard while roads which remain in a poor state of repair have no Capital money spent on them.  The Contracts Manager explained that roads require to be in a reasonable condition before surface dressing can be applied and outlined the process in which roads are selected for inclusion in the programme.  Further discussion was had in relation to certain roads within the locality. Members noted that the contract with Breedon was now over and that in so far as practicable the preparation of surface dressings and over-lay would be carried out in-house, with Keeley Brothers having been awarded the contract to carry out surface dressing.  The Contracts Manager provided reassurance that where commitments could not be met in-house, they would look to tender the work.  

The Contracts Manager agreed to provide Members with a more detailed explanation in terms of the criteria used for selecting roads for inclusion in the programme.

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)  

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report updating on the potential initiatives which may reduce the effects of flooding in Campbeltown, some background in relation to the 2008 Halcrow Report and the Scottish Government’s Surface Water Management Plans initiative (SWMP).  Members noted that Campbeltown is to be the subject of a SWMP and that the Council has engaged consultants to carry out a survey to ascertain road levels at John Street and Saddell Street.  Discussion took place in relation to the timescales involved in progressing the sub-working group on flooding issues and the addition of the culvert at Tomaig Road.  The Contracts Manager provided a commitment that the sub-working group would be set up before the next Area Committee meeting. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Agreed that a further report be brought to the Area Committee meeting in June, outlining the findings of the road level survey.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report detailing the maintenance regime set out for 2014/15 and the proposed maintenance regime for 2015/16, following a recent Member engagement workshop.  Discussion took place in respect of comfort scheme agreement in Campbeltown, with Members noting that discussions were still taking place and that one premises had already signed up to the agreement. 

Decision

Members agreed to the proposed future service model for 2015/16.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)  

Due to the nature of business, the Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed, to take the remaining items on the agenda out of sequence.

Report by Executive Director – Community Services

The Committee considered a report which detailed the recommendations for the award of Third Sector Grants to Third Sector organisations in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

Decision

Members agreed to award the grants as undernoted:-

*Events and Festivals

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Head Teacher, Neil McKnight.

The Committee considered a report which outlined the attendance, absence and exclusion rate, the SQA performance and school leaver destination returns.  Mr McKnight advised Members of the successes and achievements, not measured by exam results and also developments which have taken place over the last year.  Discussion took place in relation to the relevance of the figures provided in respect of Clothing and Footwear Grants and Free School Meals.  The Executive Director of Community Services advised that while there are good schools in deprived areas, there was a clear link between deprivation and attainment. 

The Chair thanked Mr McKnight for the information provided. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Congratulated the School and staff for their ongoing hard work and commitment to the service.  

(Ref:  Report by Head Teacher, Neil McKnight, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Head Teacher, Ann Devine.

The Committee considered a report which outlined the attendance, absence and exclusion rate, the SQA performance and school leaver destination returns.  Ms Devine advised that while she welcomed the introduction of the new school profile, she felt that statistics did not always reflect the true picture, and reminded Members that this was only year one of a new way of reporting.  Ms Devine advised that through tracking and monitoring she hoped that the statistics would improve in the coming years.

Ms Devine highlighted the wider achievements of the school and also the additional support available for pupils through the implementation of GIRFEC.  Discussion took place in relation to the move towards becoming a dyslexia friendly school and the recruitment difficulties faced by many schools on a national level.  

The Chair thanked Ms Devine for the information provided. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Congratulated the School and staff for their ongoing hard work and commitment to the service.  

(Ref:  Report by Head Teacher, Ann Devine, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Councillor Armour left the meeting at 12.25pm.

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services 

The Committee considered a report and presentation providing feedback on the delivery of the actions and in-year success measures within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Economic Development Action Plan 2014/15.  Discussion took place in relation to the business links; investment and job opportunities; the upgrade of local buildings through the THI and CARS schemes; the planned future works on sustainable economic assets such as renewable energy and tourism; the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail; community broadband and the various affordable housing opportunities within the locality.  The issue of the proposed Ice Plant on Old Quay, Campbeltown was raised.  The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation advised that he would look into the matter and advise Councillor Kelly of the outcome in due course. 

Further discussion followed in regards to the proposal to undertake separate workshop sessions with officers from the Economic Development Service to allow for input into the content of the area based EDAP for 2015/16, and into the possibility of engaging with the Partnership groups within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area.

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the content of the presentation on the delivery of the actions and in-year success measures for 2014/15;

2.    To undertake a separate workshop session with officers from the Economic Development Services to input into the content of the area-based EDAP for 2015/16;

3.    That a similar workshop session be taken forward with the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group and other appropriate Partnership Groups; and

4.    To note that the MAKI Area EDAP for 2015/16 will be submitted to the Area Committee meeting in June for approval.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services. 

The Committee considered a report providing a review of progress to date in respect of the implementation of The Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013 following its enactment on 1 April 2015. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the content of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report outlining the findings of the survey’s taken during the pilot’s second year.  Members noted that Transport Scotland will evaluate the findings of all three years of the pilot making a recommendation as to whether or not the service will be extended beyond the pilot’s three year period. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Agreed that a report providing an update in relation to the other Ferry Services within the MAKI area be brought to the Area Committee meeting in June.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services.

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the progress to date in the delivery of the Campbeltown Berthing Facility, both in terms of the works and the subsequent operation of the facility.  Discussion took place in regard to the tender process, with the Regeneration Project Manager outlining the steps taken.  

Decision

1.     Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    noted that officers would continue to procure a sustainable operator whilst managing an interim temporary solution to accommodate incoming enquiries and bookings from March until the operator is appointed at the start of May 2015.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Councillor MacMillan left the meeting at 1.35pm.

The Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed, to adjourn the meeting for lunch at 1.40pm.  The meeting reconvened at 2.10pm with all those Members present as per the sederunt.   

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services. 

The Committee considered a report which outlined exceptional performance for the third quarter of financial year 2014/15.  Members noted the inclusion of a new Planning measure on the Scorecard.  Discussion took place in relation to the  reduction in car parking income and the arrangements in place for lorry parking in Inveraray . 

Decision

1.     Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.     Agreed to adopt the new Planning measure noted on the scorecard.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Committee considered a report outlining the process that is in place to consider and respond to consultations by the Council.  Discussion took place in regard to the recent Speed Limit Consultation on the A83.  The Area Committee Manager circulated a flow chart which outlined a protocol which has been developed to deal with Trunk Road Traffic Order consultations.  Members expressed concerns over the process for receiving notification of other Consultations such as the recent Land Reform Consultation which they had not received sight of nor had any opportunity to make comments.  Members asked if notification of consultations could be forwarded by email from the Chief Executive’s Department on receipt.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to feed the comments and concerns back to the relevant officers and request further clarity on how the responses to consultations are agreed. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref; Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

The Committee considered the item tracker.  Having noted the update given at item 17, Members agreed that no officer required to be present and that a written update would be provided in respect of number 7 (Campbeltown CHORD Berthing Facility) at the Area Committee meeting in June.  Members further requested that the Area Committee Manager look to pencil in dates for updates in terms of number 12 (Health and Social Care Integration Agenda), on the item tracker. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the item tracker. 

(Ref:  Item Tracker, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report outlining a request for financial assistance from the Campbeltown Community Business (CCB) from the Campbeltown CHORD budget to support the capital costs of the restoration of The Picture House.  Members noted that the project fits with the CHORD objectives.   

Decision

Members agreed:-

(1)  to the recommendations listed at section 3 of the report; and

(2)  to refer the report to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services.

The Committee considered a report outlining an offer of purchase received in respect of the upper offices at Poltalloch Street, Lochgilphead. 

Decision

Members agreed to the recommendations outlined in the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 8 April 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report on recent progress of the Inveraray Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) and a recommendation that one offer of grant be made..  Members noted that the grant application is fully compliant with the CARS project criteria and the grant would be awarded subject to the necessary formal approvals, such as Listed Building consent, being in place.

Decision

Members agreed to the recommendations outlined in the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2015.)