Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were intimated from:-

Councillor James Robb

The Area Governance Manager advised that intimation had been received that Councillor A Morton would be late arriving at the meeting.   

Councillor Robert G MacIntyre declared a non-financial interest in respect of item 7 Third Sector Grant Reports, specifically in regard to Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering. 

The minute of the previous meeting held on 11 February 2014 was approved as a true record. 

The Minute of the Special meeting held on 11 March 2014 was approved as a true record. 

There were no public questions submitted.

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

Members considered a report outlining performance in exception for financial quarter 3 of 2013-14.

Decision:

Members agreed to note the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

Members considered a report outlining the final pattern of in-service days and school holiday dates for 2015/16 for all schools in the Helensburgh and Lomond area and sought clarity on the potential to synchronise holiday dates with  schools in adjoining authorities. The Executive Director of Community Services provided reassurance that this work was being progressed. 

Decision:

1. Members agreed to endorse the final pattern of in-service days and school holiday dates for 2015/16; and
2. Members agreed that  these dates be circulated to all schools and relevant organisations within the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

Members considered a report outlining recommendations for the award of third sector grants (including events and festivals) to Third Sector organisations in Helensburgh and Lomond.  The Community Development Officer explained that the application from the Helensburgh Play Park Association had been withdrawn.  She advised that if Members were agreeable she would move the recommended £1,000 back into the second round of third sector grants.  Ms Baird agreed to email the closing date for the next round of applications to Members.   

Discussion ensued in regards to the Argyll and the Islands LEADER Local Action Group.  Ms Baird agreed to provide the information she held to the Area Governance Assistant for dissemination to Members.   

Having noted that Councillor MacIntyre declared an interest in respect of Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering, the Chair agreed that the report be taken in two parts.  Firstly consideration would be given to all recommendations with the exception of Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering.

Councillor MacIntyre left the room for consideration of the Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering recommendation. 

Decision:

1. Members agreed to award all of the grant recommendations detailed in the papers submitted by the Community Development Manager;
2. Agreed to publicise the second round of third sector grants; and
3. Agreed that the additional £1,000 from the withdrawal of the Helensburgh Play Park Authority application, be included in the second round of third sector grants.    

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

Members considered a report outlining street names for the whole of the former Hermitage Academy Site. 

Decision:

1.        Members agreed to the street names outlined in recommendation 2.1 of the report;

2.        Members approved the two other names, namely Templeton and Cramb in the event that extra streets are developed as a result of future planning applications;

3.        Agreed that an appropriate suffix for the street name, subject to the location is delegated to the Geographic Information System Manager in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of this Committee; and

4.        Agreed that recommendation 2.3 of the report be disregarded. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Councillor Aileen Morton entered the meeting at 9.45am.

The Chair ruled and the Area Committee agreed to take the remaining agenda items out of sync due to the speedy consideration of the previous business.

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

Members considered a report providing an update in regards to the Membership of the WW1 Commemoration Steering Group.  It was established that Councillor Freeman had resigned from the group due to being unable to attend meetings because of his commitments as a Board member of the National Park Authority, and that another member was required to represent Helensburgh Lomond. 

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the report; and
2. Unanimously agreed that Councillor Corry replace Councillor Freeman as local representative on the steering group.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

Members considered a report seeking approval to spend the £100,000 Section 75 Artworks Fund to augment the existing CHORD artworks through development of the Outdoor Museum in Colquhoun Square and associated public realm works. 

Decision:

1. Members approved the artwork proposals outlined in section 3.2 of the report;
2. Nominated Councillors Mulvaney, E Morton, and Trail to sit on the selection panels of the Community-led and Open Submission competitions for artworks for the Outdoor Museum; and
3. Agreed that progress reports are brought back to the Area Committee on a regular basis and that the final artwork selection be reported to the Area Committee at a future date for approval. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services

Members considered a report seeking approval on taking forward the Local Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP) as a working document.

Discussion ensued in relation to suggested amendments to the document, with Members requesting that the amended document be forwarded to them in due course.  

Decision:

1. Members agreed to approve the working document, subject to the suggested amendments; and
2. Requested that the item be brought back to the Area Committee meeting in October 2014 for an update. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 8 April 2014, submitted.)

Verbal update by Economic Development Manager

Members considered a verbal update in regards to the Innovation Centre for Helensburgh.  The Economic Development Manager advised that discussion had taken place with Scottish Enterprise into the possibility of building a new innovation centre, however they confirmed that they do not build bespoke buildings anymore.  She advised that they had agreed to undertake a feasibility study, and contribute £3,000 for this.  Discussion took place over the true cost of a feasibility study and Members agreed that the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transport should feedback to Scottish Enterprise that the Area Committee are not happy with the £3,000 contribution and that they wish to widen the discussion to see what Scottish Enterprise are doing in support of other areas of EDAP and wider economic regeneration in the Helensburgh Lomond area. 

Further discussion was had in relation to the possibility of using another Council building, such as the Municipal Chambers for this purpose. 

Ishabel Bremner explained that she would ensure that all options are explored and covered in the brief. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the update.