Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. 

Apologies were intimated from Councillors Kelly, McAlpine, Philand and Taylor. 

The Minute of the previous meeting, held on 8 April 2015 was approved as a true record. 

Matters Arising:-

Councillor Colville enquired as to the position in terms of the Ice Plant on Old Quay, Campbeltown.  The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation advised that he had raised the matter with the Marine Manager who had confirmed that interim measures had been put in place while a permanent solution was sought.  Mr Murray confirmed that he had advised Councillor Kelly of the position following the Area Committee meeting on 8 April 2015. 

Councillor Colville requested an update in respect of Corporate Consultations.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to seek further clarity on how responses to consultations are agreed. 

Alex Dunnachie of Jura Community Council enquired as to the position on the question of de-population within Argyll and Bute.  The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation outlined the priorities that are being developed through the four Economic Development Action Plans; the key aims of the Single Outcome Agreement; areas of growth within communities and the delivery of the Economic Forum.  Mr Murray outlined the membership of the Forum and also a number of studies being undertaken. 

Mr Dunnachie enquired as to how the political change in Scotland would affect Argyll and Bute.  Mr Murray advised that Argyll and Bute Council were working positively with the Scottish Government.

Further discussion took place in relation to digital services, affordable housing and transport links.  Councillor Currie suggested that it would be useful to have a small group who engaged with the people of the island to assist in the delivery of vital services.  Mr Murray advised that this is difficult due to the 23 inhabited islands within Argyll and Bute but that he was happy to speak with the Community Council in this regard.    

Councillor Currie enquired about the information sign as you enter the village of Craighouse.  He advised that this has never worked and needs to be fixed.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to speak to the relevant officer with a view to bringing a report to a future Area Committee meeting. 

Having noted that agenda item 9 (MAKI Ferry issues including Campbeltown to Ardrossan Ferry Service) was of particular interest to Debra Bryce of Jura Community Council, the Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed to permit Ms Bryce to take part in discussion of item 9.

The Committee considered a report which outlined the attendance, absence and exclusion rate, the SQA performance and school leaver destination returns.  Discussion took place in respect of the locally set criteria for the clothing and footwear grant; the nationally set criteria for free school meals; the ongoing partnership with Argyll College; the balance between academic and extra curricular activities and the difficulties faced in retaining staff and particularly a Head Teacher for the school. 

The Chair thanked Mr Harrison for the information provided. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Head Teacher, Stephen Harrison, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

The Committee considered a report outlining the primary school profiles for the Mid Argyll, North Kintyre, South Kintyre, Islay and Jura areas.  The report outlined  the achievements of various schools in relation to Health and Wellbeing; Numeracy; Literacy; and wider achievements which covered outdoor learning; enterprise; community partnerships; contributions to charities and creative arts in schools (CAST). 

Discussion took place in respect of the increased uptake of free school meals with Ms Wilkie providing assurance that the pastoral care of pupils is given consideration by individual schools.  Further discussion on the links between the school rolls and the availability of affordable housing was had, with the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation confirming that within the last quarter, the highest number of completed affordable housing projects since 1987 had been recorded, and conceded that affordable housing was not available in all areas. 

The Chair thanked Ms Wilkie for the information provided and suggested that early years development is included in future reports. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

The Committee considered a report which outlined exceptional performance for financial quarter 4 of financial year 2014/15.  Discussion took place in respect of dog fouling and in particular the level of staff resourcing across the Council area.  The Contracts Manager agreed to look into the matter and provide Members with the information by email. 

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    requested that a report be brought to the next Area Committee meeting, highlighting the steps being taken to tackle the issue of dog fouling within the MAKI area.

(Ref;  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

 The Committee considered a report providing an update on a number of ferry issues affecting the MAKI area, in particular the number of concerns raised with regard to the reliability of the ferry service to islands in the MAKI area; the potential transfer of council run ferries to Transport Scotland and the third year of the pilot ferry service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan. 

Discussion took place in respect of the passenger service between Tayvallich and the Isle of Jura, with the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation outlining the financial implications with Members noting the commitment of the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council.  It was also noted that Calmac intended to give a presentation to Members at a forthcoming meeting of Argyll and Bute Council.

Further discussion in respect of signposts in relation to the ferry was had with the Senior Area Committee Assistant agreeing to place a request on the Members Portal for a sign to be erected at Cairnbaan pointing to the Jura Ferry. 

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    that in discussion with the Leader of the Council, the Chair will agree a suitable date and time for presentation on ferry performance in the MAKI area.

(Ref;  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)  

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the ongoing discussions in relation to flooding issues in Campbeltown and also gave some background to the working group meeting which took place on 26 May 2015.  The Contracts Manager circulated the minutes of the working group meeting, and general discussion took place in respect of the 3 possible solutions, the physical protection of individual properties; adjustment of footway and kerb heights at Saddell Street; and pumping.  Mr Clark advised that a report on flooding of properties would be placed before the Council at a future meeting.   

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    requested that a report providing clarity on funding issues and the possibility of further works in relation to raising kerbs be brought to the Area Committee meeting in August. 

(Ref;  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

At 12.30pm, the Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed, to adjourn for lunch and to reconvene at 1.00pm. 

The Committee reconvened at 1.00pm, with all Members present as per the sederunt.

The Committee considered a report setting out the current arrangements for the opening and closing of the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden in Campbeltown, and also the proposed new regime where Amenity Services staff will be responsible for ensuring the garden is made available to the public on a daily basis and secured in the evening.

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    To note the contents of the report; and

2.    That Amenity Services incorporate within the current schedules of work, the opening and closing of the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden on a daily basis.

(Ref;  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

The Committee considered a report outlining the progress to date in the delivery of the CHORD Campbeltown Berthing Facility Project with specific information on the operator tender and the critical timeline for completing the project. 

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    To note the contents of the report;

2.    To note the proposed opening date of 27 June 2015; and

3.    To Congratulate the team on their hard work and commitment to service. 

(Ref;  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the preparation of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP), 2015/16 following the workshop session, which was held in Campbeltown on 6 May 2015 to discuss the required actions and success measures for inclusion in the EDAP. 

Discussion was had in relation to the engagement of all communities within the MAKI area, with Members keen to establish a way of engaging with the Island communities as both the Mid Argyll Partnership and Kintyre Initiative Partnership provided a mechanism for community input within the Mid Argyll and Kintyre areas. 

Further discussion took place in respect of the Community Empowerment Bill.

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    To note the contents of the report;

2.    To the revised timescales for the preparation of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Economic Development Action Plan, 2015/16;

3.    That the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Economic Development Action Plan, 2015/16 (as an ongoing working document) be discussed and endorsed at the Area Committee meeting in August 2015; and

4.    That a report be brought to the next MAKI Community Planning Group providing information on how Island communities can feed into the Community Planning process. 

(Ref;  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 3 June 2015, submitted.)

The Area Committee Manager provided a verbal update on behalf of the Head of Adult Care.  Mrs Barton advised that the Homecare Strategy Group had newly drafted an action plan that required some time to progress actions, which include work in the MAKI locality.  She further advised that the follow up inspection of Greenwood had taken place and that a report confirming that the grades had now improved was now available. 

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    To note the update; and

2.    That an update in respect of the newly implemented action plan and the Greenwood Inspection be provided at the Business Day meeting in September. 

 The Committee considered the item tracker.  Having noted the update given at item 9, Members agreed that the Consultation on the Jura Ferry be added to the tracker for the September Business Day and following the completion of the Campbeltown Berthing Facility it should now be removed from the tracker.  The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation advised that the officer responsible for the MAKI Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP) including Mid Argyll Regeneration Initiative, be replaced with Ishabel Bremner. 

Having noted that there was no update for Roads, the Chair ruled and the Committee agreed, that the Contracts Manager provide a short update.  Mr Clark advised that the weather had proved difficult, but that surface dressing works by Kiely Brothers was scheduled to take place on 12 June 2015 on Islay and 14 June on Jura.