Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Dance declared a non financial interest in item 9 of the agenda (Thouars Twinning Committee) by reason that she is a member of the Thouars Twinning Committee.

The Minute of the previous Meeting held on 13 August 2013

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 13 August 2013 was approved as a true record subject to the following amendments:-

Item 3 – Declarations of Interest

Councillor Aileen Morton declared a non financial interest to the third sector grant application received from the Friends of Duchess Wood, as the Chair of the Duchess Wood Local Nature Reserve, which the Friends are represented on an contribute to the work of.  She claimed the benefit of the dispensation contained at Section 5.16 of the Standard Commission’s Guidance and Dispensation Note dated December 2010 to allow her to speak and vote on this item. 

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Community Safety Forum held on 23 August 2013

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Community Safety Forum held on 23 August 2013 was noted.  

There were no questions submitted.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report with a request to host a fireworks display in Helensburgh Pier Car Park on Saturday 2 November 2013 and to forego the charges for use of the car park. 

Decision

               I.      Members agreed to note the report.

             II.      Members agreed to forego the charges for the use of the car park on Saturday 2^nd November 2013.  

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 8 October, submitted). 

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report providing details on the final design of the roundabout, in terms of landscaping and public art. 

Decision

               I.      Members agreed to note the report.  

             II.      Members agreed the design with regard to the landscaping plan.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure, dated 8 October 2013, submitted).

Presentation by Dionne McCabe

The Committee were given a verbal update by Dionne McCabe, with regard to the new project overview and the service and support which is provided for residents of Argyll and Bute.  She gave a brief overview of the project funding by SLAB, and explained how the CAB service would soon be available in Helensburgh with a specialist debt advisor and a general advice drop-in service.  Councillor Freeman requested that the Members be provided with the times that the facility will be open.  Dionne McCabe agreed to provide these when the facility opens.    

Decision

Members agreed to note the update. 

Report by Service Manager

The Committee considered a report defining the role and remit of the Children’s Champion and the responsibility for the welfare of looked after children.  

Decision

               I.      Members agreed to note the report.

             II.      Members unanimously agreed that Councillor Corry be the Children’s Champion for the Helensburgh and Lomond area. 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director of Community Servcies, dated 27^th June 2013, submitted).                                                               

Having previously declared an interest, as a member of the Thouars Twinning Committee, Councillor Vivien Dance left the room and took no part in discussion of the following item.

Report by Area Governance Manager

The Committee considered a report providing information following the 30^th Anniversary visit to Helensburgh in July as to how the activities undertaken by the visitors contributed towards the objectives of the twinning visit.

Decision

               I.      Members agreed to note the report. 

             II.      Members congratulated the Thouars Twinning Committee on the success of the visit.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 16 September 2013, submitted).

Councillor Vivien Dance returned to the meeting.  

Report by Executive Director - Customer Services

The Committee considered a report providing an update of the work of the Armed Forces Champion and the initiatives currently underway in Argyll and Bute. 

Decision:

               I.      Members agreed to note the report.

             II.      Members unanimously agreed that Councillor George Freeman take up the role of representative to serve on the World War 1 Commemoration Steering Group. 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 29 August 2013, submitted)

Report by Locality Manager, NHS Highland

The Committee considered a report to which the appointment of two representatives to serve as members on the Bute, Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond Joint Locality Management Group was requested.

Decision:

               I.      Members agreed to note the report.

             II.      Members unanimously agreed to appoint Councillors Viven Dance and Robert Graham MacIntyre as representatives for the Bute, Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond Joint Locality Management Group. 

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 8 October 2013, submitted).

Report and Presentation by Executive Director – Community Services.

The Committee considered a report and presentation of a research study into the Private Rented Sector which outlined the implications for the Argyll and Bute Local Housing Strategy. 

Decision:

               I.      Members agreed to note the findings of the research study.

             II.      Members congratulated Donna Milton, Moira MacVicar and their team on the presentation and the level of work undertaken to obtain the information provided. 

Verbal Update by Chord Project Manager

The Committee discussed the need to host an update with regard to Phases 1(a), 1(b) and 2 publicly and noted that there were elements which were unable to be discussed publicly and therefore agreed to resolve in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for the discussion relating to the shop front scheme on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Committee were then given a verbal update from the Chord Project Manager in relation to works in phases 1(a) and 1(b).  Ms Ford advised that a press release and news letter were being issued by the Contractor along with a programme of works and a questionnaire for all shop owners regarding phase 1(a).  She advised that the Contractor was planning to host an open evening for all residents and shop owners who will be affected by phase 2 works.  Discussion ensued in regards to slippage of the programme and the proposals to bring it back into line.  Further discussions relating to the Communications Team and the requirement to ensure a more positive perspective was provided in respect of communications with the public, with the July 2014 completion date being highlighted. 

Having previously resolved to exclude press and public, the Chair, Councillor Trail requested that they now leave the meeting in order for the private session to begin, where a verbal update in relation to the shop front scheme was provided. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the update and provided feedback.