Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from:-

Councillor Maurice Corry

Councillor Robert G MacIntyre

Councillor Aileen Morton

The Chair introduced Shona Barton, the new Area Committee Manager and welcomed her to the Area Governance Team.

Councillor Dance declared a non-financial interest in item 10 of the agenda (Kidston Park), by virtue of being involved with the voluntary group who wish to erect the bandstand at the end of the Park.  Councillor Dance left the room and took no part in the discussion of the item.

The minute of the previous meeting held on 8 April 2014 was approved as a true record subject to the following amendment:-

Item 7.  Third Sector Grant Reports

Decision number 3.  Replacement of the word Authority with Association. 

The Minute of the Special meeting held on 13 May 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 4 of 2013-14. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the report.  

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 10^th June 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

Members considered a report highlighting how the funding from grants to the Third Sector was spent in 2013/14.  Discussion ensued in regard to the sum of £2580 which had not been drawn down, with Shirley MacLeod agreeing to advise the Community Development Officer that Members were keen to see this addressed in the report which will come to the Area Committee meeting in August. Mrs MacLeod also agreed to highlight Members dissatisfaction that the projects originally funded in some cases differed to what the money had actually been spent on.

Decision:

Members agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 10 June 2014, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

Members considered a report outlining the outcome of the short satisfaction surveys that the 36 Elected Members of Argyll and Bute are asked to complete on an annual basis.  The survey is intended to measure the effectiveness of the support offered to them by the Governance and Law service  and to thereafter identify any improvements which can be made and delivered.  The paper advised of the results of the 2014 survey. 

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the survey information provided; and
2. Acknowledged the reduced response rate in the annual return. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 10 June 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

Members considered a report outlining the current car parking position within Helensburgh town centre. 

Discussion ensued with Members noting that the proposed way forward is to carry out a review of the parking position at a Member workshop in the autumn on completion of CHORD works and once Decriminalised Parking Enforcement has bedded in .  Members also noted that the Project Manager and Design Team have still to be appointed for the development of the Pier Head, with it being unlikely that construction work on the Pier will commence before 2016 thus allowing sufficient time to address any car parking concerns if deemed necessary.

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the update; and
2. Approved the proposed way forward to carry out a review of the parking position in the autumn at a Member workshop on completion of CHORD works and once Decriminalised Parking Enforcement has bedded in. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 10 June 2014, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

 Members considered a report advising of the AECOM study which was undertaken in 2012 to investigate the options to develop outline design options of a park and ride facility at Craigendoran Pier.  It was noted that the study cost of £40,000 was funded by SPT.  Members were dissatisfied to note the lack of progress since the 2012 study and also that the landowner had not replied to the Council’s request to purchase the land.  Moya Ingram advised Members that further intrusive, geotechnical works would be required at a further cost of £59,000 should the landowner agree to the sale, prior to confirmation that the land would be sufficient for purpose.

Discussion took place in regards to the Gasometre site which would be available from August 2014.  Ms Ingram advised that should this option be preferable she would move to work out parking plans for this site. 

Following a recent meeting of the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee, Members noted that Station Road could hold 30 buses at any one time, and as such maybe an option for  Park and Ride  parking.  Campbell Divertie advised that only the area alongside the railway would be a viable option, but stressed that only parallel parking could be considered as  30 degree parking would be too wide. 

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the report; and
2. Agreed that a further holistic report be brought to the Area Committee meeting in October 2014 which will enable Members to make a  decision regarding the Park and Ride facility at Craigendoran Pier; the report should include an update of the town centre parking, to include full details of all parking facilities; whether Station Road is a feasible option, what it would provide in terms of numbers and also the costs involved; and the potential for parking to be provided at the gasometer site..

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

Report by Project Manager – Helensburgh CHORD

Members considered a report outlining the progress to date in the delivery of the Helensburgh CHORD town centre Public Realm Improvement works.  Members noted the four main phases to the works and were pleased to note that Phase 1A had seen the public conveniences and Sinclair Street Car Park re-opened.  The Project Manager advised that Phase 2 was currently on site and that the CHORD Project Team together with the Contractor were currently reviewing the programme for Phases 3 and 4.

Helen Ford advised that there are 10 bins being placed along West Clyde Street.  She advised that 6 of the bins were on the Esplanade side with 4 along West Clyde Street itself.  Ms Ford addressed the issue of the disabled toilet which is currently out of use and advised that she had been in contact with the Amenity Services Team who had agreed to erect a notice directing patrons to the disabled toilet in the swimming pool.  Having noted that the sign had still to be erected, Campbell Divertie agreed to contact Amenity Services in this regard.

Ms Ford further advised that the Public Realm Works were within budget.

Decision:

1. Members agreed to note the progress report; and
2. Requested that a further progress report be brought to the Area Committee meeting in August. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 10 June 2014, submitted.)

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public for the following items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Governments (Scotland) Act 1973.

Report by Project Manager – Helensburgh CHORD

Members considered the Risk Register which highlighted the risk description, impact, rating, mitigation actions and current status. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the information provided.  

(Ref:  Risk Register provided by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, submitted.)

Report by Project Manager – Helensburgh CHORD

Members considered a report outlining the key stages of the project plan with the original and revised start and completion dates, including budget management information. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the report. 

(Ref; Highlight report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, submitted.)

Having previously declared an interest in the following item Councillor Dance left the room and took no part in the consideration of this item.

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services