Agenda and minutes

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 Wednesday 5 September 2018 was approved as a correct record.

The Minute of the Special Meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee held on Wednesday 10 October 2018 was approved as a correct record.

Councillor John Armour asked for clarification from Transport Scotland regarding the flooding issues between Bellochantuy and Glenbarr where there have been temporary traffic lights installed since last month but the blocked drains remain the same and the flood water is still an issue.  He also asked about the crash barriers installed along the whole length of the road which have been put through drains and into ditches which have caused these to overflow.  The Area Committee Manger confirmed that she would take these questions forward to Transport Scotland who the Committee noted would be present at the March 2019 Area Committee meeting in Campbeltown.

Councillor Anne Horn advised that Islay Community Council had asked about what additional funding is available to help support a number of their sub-groups. It was noted that a report addressing this issue is due to be discussed at the next meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.

Councillor Horn enquired if there was any update on the plans for laybys and a footpath to the new West Highland Housing development in Port Ellen as there are concerns around the safety of residents with no appropriate way to reach the village and the lack of public transport to this area..  She also highlighted a number of issues in relation to street lights in Carradale and at Gigha Ferry Car Park which is a particular issue for the children travelling to school and waiting on the ferry. 

Councillor Alastair Redman asked when the lighting on Shore Street, Port Charlotte, Islay will be fixed.

Councillor Armour also raised the issue of the street light at Castlehill Primary which was still not working.

The Area Committee Manger confirmed she would pass these questions to the relevant department.

Councillor Donald Kelly asked for an update on the low water pressure in Low Askomill, Campbeltown, asking when this would be included in the Scottish Water Capital Programme for replacement. The Area Committee Manger confirmed she would write to Scottish Water to request an update on the timescales. 

Councillor Kelly raised his concerns over the Policing of events in Campbeltown which he felt have suffered due to new regulations restricting Police Officer involvement in respect of policing parades and managing traffic during these events.  The Area Committee Manger advised on the changes which have been agreed by Police Scotland nationally and why temporary traffic road orders have to be processed.  Members asked the Area Committee Manager to write to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to raise these concerns and asked that the response is circulated to Members of the MAKI Area Committee.

Councillor Kelly asked for a report on Christmas lights to come to the March 2019 MAKI Area Committee with an officer in attendance.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to make this request to the relevant department.

As requested by Councillor Horn the Area Committee noted that Councillor Kelly had been highly commended at the Councillor of the Year award ceremony in November 2018.

Presentation by Head of Regeneration and Development, Scottish Canals

A presentation was heard by the Committee from the Head of Regeneration and Development, Scottish Canals.  Information was provided on the Gleaner stage 1 project and particularly around the development of the former Egg Shed which was due for completion early in 2019.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee thanked the Head of Regeneration and Development, Scottish Canals for an interesting and informative presentation.

The Chair ruled and the Area Committee agreed to take the agenda items out of

sequence in order to facilitate Officers the following items are minuted as they were taken at the meeting.

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report providing an update in the approved Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund projects.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee considered the work undertaken to date on the approved projects.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 1 November 2018, submitted)

Verbal Update by Health Improvement Principal, Health and Social Care Partnership

The Health Improvement Principal, NHS Highland - HSCP spoke to the report issued as item 17 of the supplementary pack  which related to the Strategic Plan Consultation.  The report presented the findings and feedback from citizens, service user and carer representatives, partners and staff on the development of the 2nd Strategic Plan (April 2019 – March 2022).

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee endorsed the report.

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Principal, NHS Highland - Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership)

Report and presentation by Chief Executive, ACHA

A presentation was heard by the Committee from the ACHA Chief Executive which provided an annual update and also highlighted the Investment Programme in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee thanked the Chief Executive from ACHA for an interesting and informative presentation.

Briefing Note by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given to a report continued from September’s Area Committee which provided road traffic speed data for locations on Islay (Ballygrant, Bruichladdich and Keills).

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed;

1.            to note the information contained in the report in relation to the surveys carried out;

2.             to propose the introduction of a 30mph speed limit in Craighouse; and

3.            that if information comes forward which provides evidence of increased speeds then a further report can be brought back to a future Area Committee.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 27 July 2018, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given to report which provided a summary of the parking review process to date. The report also provided an overall programme for the implementation of any changes to the current arrangements and the associated statutory consultation process.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed that the Traffic Road Order (TRO) be progressed to the final stage of the statutory process and that the Order be made with modifications, inclusive of the following detail;

1.    the introduction of parking bays on Longrow South is discarded from the TRO;

2.    the existing no waiting restriction on Longrow South is left in place but properly signed and enforced; and

3.    the proposed one way system on Longrow South is retained within the TRO.

(Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services, dated December 2018, submitted)

At this point in the meeting the Chair agreed to adjourn for lunch.  The Committee adjourned at 13.25 and reconvened at 13:50 with all those present as per the sederunt with the exception of Councillors Kelly and MacMillan.

Report by Regional Communities Manager, Scottish Water

Please note the Regional Communities Manager will not be in attendance for this item.

The Committee considered a report submitted by the Regional Communities Manager, Scottish Water which provided an update on a number of ongoing issues and projects in the Mid Argyll and Kintyre areas.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee;

1.            noted the update; and

2.            agreed that the Area Committee Manger would pass comments back to the Regional Communities Manager, Scottish Water in relation to the need for a technical solution to address the Meadowburn odours.

(Update by Regional Communities Manager, Scottish Water dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

Consideration was given to a report which provided the Committee with details on the progress on the Council’s Schools Redevelopment Project in partnership with hubNorth Scotland Ltd. to build a new secondary school in Campbeltown.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 5 November 2018, submitted)

Report by Head of Strategic Finance

A report setting out the proposed method for the distribution of funds for the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Trust Funds was considered by the Committee.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee agreed the proposed method for the distribution of the charities and trust funds as outlined in the Appendix of the report with the exception of the following:-

1.            that the Library Endowment Fund remains with the Council and is used by Facility Services for the upkeep of the former Reading Room located in the Burnett Building, Campbeltown;

2.            that officers investigate options for the transfer of the Campbell and McNeill Bequests to an appropriate community group on Islay.

3.            that officers investigate options for the transfer of the MacAllister Mortification to an appropriate organisation in the Killean and Kilchenzie area;

4.            that the A.T. Ross Bequest is transferred to the IJB on the basis that it is used for the benefit of Ardfenaig Home, Ardrishaig; and

5.            that officers investigate options for the transfer of the Fisher Bequest to an appropriate organisation in the Inveraray area.

(Reference: Report by Head of Strategic Finance, dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Head Teacher of Campbeltown Grammar School took the Committee through a progress update report on the school’s achievements for the 2018 session.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee;

1.            noted the contents of the report;

2.            commended the work being done by the school;

3.            highlighted that they were concerned about the way that the recent Education Scotland Inspection had been carried out; and

4.            agreed to write to Education Scotland to express these concerns particularly in terms of the timing of the inspection when the school was in the process of moving premises.

(Report by Head Teacher, Campbeltown Grammar School dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Head Teacher of Islay High School took the Committee through a progress update report on the school’s achievements for the 2018 session.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee;

1.            noted the contents of the report; and

2.            commended the work being done by the school.

(Report by Head Teacher, Islay High School dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Head Teacher of Lochgilphead Joint Campus School took the Committee through a progress update report on the school’s achievements for the 2018 session.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee;

1.            noted the contents of the report; and

2.            commended the work being done by the school.

(Report by Head Teacher, Lochgilphead Joint Campus dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

Report by Head Teacher

The Head Teacher of Tarbert Academy took the Committee through a progress update report on the school’s achievements for the 2018 session.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee;

1.            noted the contents of the report; and

2.            commended the work being done by the school.

(Report by Head Teacher, Tarbert Academy dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

The Committee gave consideration to a report which presented the Area Report and Scorecard for Financial Quarter 2 2018/19 (July – September 2018) which illustrated the agreed performance measures.

Decision

The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee;

1.            noted the performance presented on the Scorecard and supporting commentary;

2.            agreed to the removal of the Community Emergency Plan measures from the Scorecard and Quarterly Performance reports from FQ3 2018/19 onwards;

3.            agreed that should the situation with Community Emergency Plans change the Civil Contingencies Manager will submit a report updating the Committee;

4.            noted that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Committee would contact either the Performance and Improvement Officer or the Responsible Named Officer with any queries; and

5.            noted that work is ongoing and to respond to the Performance and Improvement Officer with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Report and Scorecard.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director, Customer Services, dated 5 December 2018, submitted)

The Committee gave consideration to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands

Workplan.

Decision

The Area Committee noted the Workplan.

(Reference: Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Workplan dated 5 December 2018,submitted.)