Agenda and minutes

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

The Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed, to vary the order of business to allow officers to attend other meetings, the following items are minuted as they were taken at the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

Councillor Colville declared a non-financial interest in item 10 (THIRD SECTOR GRANTS – APRIL TRANCHE) by reason that he is Chair of the South Kintyre Development Trust.

The minute of the previous meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee held on 3 February 2016 was approved as a true record. 

Councillor Horn enquired about the broken ferry sign on Jura, noting that she had been advised that a review was to be undertaken to see if the sign was adequate given that it has never worked since its installation.  The Chair advised that this issue was still on-going and requested that an update be issued from the Officer involved to all members of the Committee.

Councillor Horn brought to the Committee’s attention that the council had yet to act on securing funding from the Scottish Government’s financial help for flooded communities initiative, advising that a report had yet to be taken by the Strategic Management Team.  The Chair asked that clarity be sought on the situation regarding the report with the response to be emailed to all Members.

Councillor Horn highlighted the recent application by the Small Isles school on Jura for a change in school hours to enable those pupils travelling a long distance to be able to get home in daylight hours. The Chair reminded the Committee that alteration to school hours can only be agreed if it is seen as being of educational benefit and advised that the Head of Education refused the request as this test had not been met. He noted that it would be for the Parent Council to pursue the request with the Head of Education.  Councillor Horn advised that she would raise the matter with the Executive Director of Community Services.

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The Committee considered a report outlining progress on the Council’s new schools redevelopment project in partnership with hubNorth Scotland Ltd.  Members noted that  progress included the achievement of financial close on the Campbeltown and Oban schools redevelopment project, which was reached on Thursday 24 March 2016 and the key programme construction dates for the new Campbeltown Grammar School. 

In addition to the submitted report Mike Casey, Schools Development Project Manager, updated the Committee further in relation to confirmed dates for Morrison Construction’s Information Meetings as follows:

·         Pre-start site meeting for Campbeltown and Oban to be held in Lochgilphead on 18 April 2016;

·         Senior School Staff meeting to be held in Campbeltown on 28 April 2016; and

·         Parent Council meeting to be held on 9 May 2016.

Updates were also given in regard to a forthcoming site visit to Inverness Royal Academy which is now at completion stage which would give Officers an insight into the quality of finish that Argyll and Bute Council can expect to see. 

Discussion then took place in regards to Phase 2 demolition works of the existing schools and the potential disruption caused to pupils who were sitting exams. The Committee was reassured that Morrison Construction were working with the schools in relation to this and where possible they will commence demolition at the furthest part away from where exams are being held at that time.

Decision

Members thanked the Schools Development Project Manager and all those involved in bringing this project forward and developing a good news story for Campbeltown  and agreed to note:-

1.         the project milestone of reaching Financial Close for the Campbeltown Grammar School and Oban High School redevelopment project; and

2.         the key construction dates for Campbeltown Grammar School as set out in Paragraph 4.6 of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Head Teacher, Stephen Harrison

The Committee considered a report which outlined the values and aims of Islay High School.  The report provided further information and statistics in relation to the wider achievements of the school, the SQA performance, school leaver destination returns and the attendance, absence and exclusion rates.

Stephen Harrison, Head Teacher of Islay High School, highlighted the recent budget cuts advising that the school is working towards creating links with the mobile library unit and are hoping to secure an apprentice Technician to replace the Technician’s post.

Discussion took place in respect of Island schools not receiving additional funding to come to mainland events, such as this Committee, meaning substantial travel and accommodation costs have to be funded by the school. For future meetings it was agreed to investigate the options for Mr Harrison to attend via Video Conference which he welcomed.

Further discussion was had  regarding the wide range of vocational courses available to the pupils as the school has good partnerships with Argyll College and  local businesses. The importance of availability of vocational courses was discussed as skills developed are transferable to other areas as well as enhancing self-esteem and confidence for pupils that are less likely to excel in an academic setting.

The Committee further discussed how there was insufficient staffing at the school to be able to offer subjects taught through the medium of Gaelic.

The Chair thanked Mr Harrison for the information provided.

Decision

Members agreed to note the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Head Teacher, Ann Devine

The Committee considered a report which outlined the curriculum development and wider achievement at Lochgilphead Joint Campus.  The report provided information and statistics in relation to SQA performance, school leaver destination returns and the attendance, absence and exclusion rates of the school. 

Ann Devine, Head Teacher of Lochgilphead Joint Campus, thanked local Members for their input at the start of the year.

Discussion took place in respect of numeracy levels being slightly lower than the Virtual Comparator.  Ann Devine confirmed that  there was a robust action plan in place and she had no concerns internally as she was happy with the teaching standards.  This led to further discussion regarding the Virtual Comparator and its importance as a  performance measure.

Further discussion was had in relation to mental health issues and the role schools have in early intervention with it being noted that there would be a clearer idea of funding available after the Scottish Parliament Election in May 2016.

Particular attention was paid to the update on the work being carried out to enable Lochgilphead Joint Campus to become a dyslexia friendly school and the continuing support provided by Dyslexia Scotland in developing a whole school approach.

The Chair thanked Ms Devine for the information provided.

Decision

Members agreed to note the information provided. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Head Teacher, Neil McKnight

The Committee considered a report outlining the wider achievements of Tarbert Academy.  The report included information and statistics in respect of SQA performance, school leaver destination returns and the attendance, absence and exclusion rates of the school. The Committee heard presentation from Neil McKnight on the school report.

It was discussed amongst the Members that it would be appreciated, with respect to all schools, if an update could be provided as to how Insight data was collated and how it was to be interpreted.  Mr Harrison agreed to investigate this and pass on his findings to the Committee. 

Discussion took place in respect of the school using Tarbert Library and its facilities in the light of the removal of the Librarian’s post at the school.

The Chair thanked Mr McKnight for the information provided.

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Councillor Kelly left the meeting at 11.18 during discussion of the foregoing item of business.

Report by Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership

The Committee considered a report providing the last progress update on the integration of Health and Social Care as the Health and Social Care Partnership assumed responsibility for all delegated functions on 1 April 2016. 

Christina West, Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership confirmed that performance reports of the Integration Joint Board, , will be submitted to the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis.  It was also confirmed that these performance reports supplemented by reports from the locality managers would be submitted to MAKI Area Committee at alternate meetings.

Discussion took place in respect of designation of more decision making powers to localities once they have fully developed and matured into their roles.

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Chief Officer of the Health and Social Care Partnership, dated  6 April 2016, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

The Committee considered a report presenting the Area Scorecard, with exceptional performance for financial quarter 3 of 2015-16 (October to December 2015).

Discussion took place in respect of the scorecards with particular attention to waste collection and the standards of street cleaning in the centre of towns, where resources are focused, often being of a much higher standard than other surrounding areas.

Decision

Members agreed to note the exceptional performance presented on the scorecard. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of 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 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report which outlined the roads revenue maintenance budget for the third quarter of financial year 2015/16.  It indicated a spend of 102% at the end of this quarter.  

Discussion took place in respect of underspend in Mid Argyll and why it may appear that some areas receive more funding than others.  It was discussed that funding is prioritised in accordance with existing council policy; in that a surveyed approach is used as and when incidents occur.

It was discussed that it would be beneficial to the Committee if a report on how the Revenue Budget has been used in the improvement of roads, along with foresight of the information on the roads improvement programme be brought to a future meeting.

The Committee agreed to adjourn for lunch at 12.55 p.m. and reconvened at 1.30 p.m. with all those Members present as per the sederunt with the exception of Councillor Kelly.

Motion

To note the terms of the report and to recognise the limited resources available which have been applied in accordance with a needs based approach as outlined in the Policy which was agreed in 2012.

Moved by Councillor Rory Colville, seconded by Councillor Donald MacMillan.

Amendment

To accept the report but ask that the Area Committee ask the Environment and Infrastructure Committee at their meeting on the 7 April 2016 to give special consideration to our islands’ roads given the exceptional heavy commercial use of the roads.

Moved by Councillor Robin Currie, seconded by Councillor Anne Horn.

Decision

On a show of hands the Motion was carried by 5 votes to 2 and the Committee resolved accordingly.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The Committee considered a report providing information and an update on relevant issues regarding adult health and social care within Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

Discussion took place in respect of Cowal having reported issues of carers not receiving pay for travel time between clients and issues with back to back appointments.  John Dreghorn, Locality Manager for Adult Services MAKI, was not aware of any reported issues for MAKI but would check this and confirm his findings to the Committee.

The Committee noted the difficulty with reporting data for Colonsay as care is delivered by the Oban locality, with Mr Dreghorn advising that he would highlight issues in relation to Colonsay in future reports.

Patient transport issues from the islands and rural location were discussed with John Dreghorn assuring the Committee that the issues were recognised and were being monitored.  It was hoped that the new Patient Transport Policy which was due to be agreed later in the year would address the ongoing issues.

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report providing an update to Members on the ongoing parking review in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands and sought approval to take the proposals to pubic consultation. 

The Committee was made aware by the Traffic and Development Manager that he was hopeful that the consultation would stimulate ideas in addition to those proposed which would be  brought back to Members for consideration.

Discussions took place on issues including of the need for echelon parking in Campbeltown and provision and potential charging of HGV parking in Lochgilphead and Inveraray.

Decision

Members agreed to the recommendations as outlined at section 3 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the progress of actions and success measures in the MAKI Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP), 2015/16. 

In support of the report the Committee was shown a presentation by Fergus Murray, Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation.

It was noted that a report would be brought to a future MAKI business day on the Kilmory Industrial Estate expansion.

Discussion took place in respect of the possibility of the need to expand the pier again at Campbeltown due to the increasing size of offshore turbines.

Consideration was also given to the regrowth of the former Tarbert Library building to be used as a community hub. 

Members were made aware to expect a quarterly update at Committee.

Decision

Members agreed to note the MAKI EDAP and the progress update for each action.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report providing financial information in relation to the total project cost and the remaining balance. 

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations contained at Section 3 of the report, but with the additional recommendation to recommend to Policy and Resources Committee that up to £15,000 is allocated from the remaining CHORD funds to allow the purchase of a suitable mechanical sweeper for use in Campbeltown Town Centre to ensure that the improved appearance of the town is maintained.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

The Committee considered a report providing information on the working of the Campbeltown Ferry Sub-group, which has been successful in helping to ensure that the seasonal service from Campbeltown to Ardrossan has now become a permanent service.

Decision

Members agreed:-

1.    to note the work of the Campbeltown Ferry Sub-Group and their success in helping to secure the permanent operation of the Campbeltown to Ardrossan Ferry Service;

2.    to note the consultation arrangements in place for “Ferry Committees” as per the guidance from Transport Scotland;

3.    to note that the Campbeltown Ferry Sub-Group will be renamed the Campbeltown Ferry Committee;

4.    that the Campbeltown Ferry Committee will be an independent group and will not report to the Area Committee; and

5.    that governance support will be provided to the Ferry Committee in the initial stages, but that the group should be encouraged to take on the administration function as is the arrangement in other areas of the Council. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

The Committee considered a report advising of a request from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (R.N.L.I.), to extend its lease, of the Old Quay lifeboat station site at Campbeltown, for a further 21 years. 

Decision

The Committee:

1.         noted the contents of the report and agreed that it can be demonstrated that a lease at less than best consideration to the R.N.L.I. is justified as it:-

(a)        makes best use of public resources, including land and property;

(b)       contributes to two of the four purposes stated within the Disposal of Land by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations by demonstrating responsiveness to the health and social wellbeing of the communities and citizens; and

(c)        provides necessary national maritime rescue cover.

2.         agreed to recommend to the Council that the R.N.L.I. is granted  a 21 year extension of its existing lease with the option of Tenant only breaks after 7 and 14 years, at a nominal rental of One Pound (£1) per annum, if asked, on the basis that the R.N.L.I. contributes to the health and social wellbeing of the local community as per the Disposal of Land by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)

For noting and updating

The Committee considered the item tracker. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the item tracker. 

(Ref:  Item Tracker, dated 6 April 2016, submitted.)