Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor Aileen Morton

Councillor Ellen Morton

Councillor James Robb

Councillors Dance and Trail declared a non-financial interest in relation to Item 8 on the agenda -Historic Plaques by reason of being Members of the Heritage trust,  but having had regard to the objective test in the Councillors Code of Conduct advised that they would remain in the room and take part in the discussion on the item.

Councillor Mulvaney declared a non-financial interest in relation to Helensburgh Pier Car Park – Winter Festival Fireworks Display which is dealt with at Item 11 of this Minute by reason of being Chair of the Helensburgh Winter Festival Committee.  He left the room and took no part in the discussion of this issue.

Councillor Dance declared a non-financial interest in relation to the item Provision, Installation and Maintenance of Festive Lighting which is dealt with at Item 12 of this Minute by reason of being a Director of the Friends of Victoria Halls. She left the room and took no part in the discussion of this issue.

The Minute of the meeting held on 12 August 2014 was approved as a true record.

The Minute of the meeting held on 9 September 2014 was approved as a true record.

The Chair invited questions from the public in attendance.

Mr John Black introduced himself and asked two questions which he had tabled for Members as follows:-

1)   In relation to the Minutes of 12^th August 2014 and specifically to Item 10 Skate Board Park at Pierhead.  There was a motion to repair the facilities proposed by Councillor Robb and seconded by Councillor Trail.  There was then and Amendment proposed by Councillor Morton and seconded by Councillor Mulvaney.  The minutes state “on a show of hands vote, the amendment was carried by 5 votes to 4”.  Surely, the Councillors voting for and against a motion is an important part of public record?

The Chair, responded that when a vote is taken it is normally by way of a show of hands and in this case the names of the Members are not recorded in the minutes.  He advised that there is provision in the Council’s Constitution for a vote to be taken by roll call, but this has to be requested and agreed by one quarter of the Committee present.  In this circumstance the votes of individual Members would be recorded. 

2)         Why is there no parking policy for Helensburgh and Area?  This meeting will consider Park and Ride proposals for Station Road, Craigendoran and the former Gasometer site.  The Pierhead proposal will result in the loss of 190 car park spaces.  The Pierhead Project is conditional on parking being available elsewhere in Helensburgh.  Where is this parking provision?

The Chair drew attention to the report at Item 6  - Update on Park and Ride Investigation advising that any change to parking provision would take place in tandem with any developments on the Pier..  The Chair continued that any potential work would take a few years to plan and develop and would not be completed straightaway.  Council officers would look at possible alternative parking as the Pierhead proposals proceed.

Councillor Dance pointed out that work was in hand to develop a local parking policy and the public would be consulted on this issue. She highlighted that the needs of each area within Argyll and Bute would be taken into account and she envisaged that a Parking policy would be delivered by September, 2015.

The Chair enquired if Mr Black had received satisfactory replies to his questions and he affirmed that he had.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure

The Committee considered a report providing information on road maintenance revenue activities being delivered in 2014/15.

Discussion followed in regards the increase in gully cleaning and Members advocated this maintenance and commended the work undertaken by local operatives.  Members highlighted some difficulties in the correlation between the charts provided and actual spends.  The Roads Performance Manager agreed to look at the format of the information provided in future reports.  Discussion also took place regarding the costs of grass cutting with the Roads Performance Manager agreeing to circulate details of the actual costs for grass cutting to Members.

Members also raised the issue of changing climate and how the Roads Department were implementing plans to take account of this. The Roads Performance Manager highlighted an instance whereby Council officers had taken remedial action by changing the diameter of drainage pipes to effectively deal with large spates of torrential rain.  He also advised that Council officers routinely receive 10-day weather forecasts which assisted in the effective planning of their Winter Maintenance programme. Members also requested an update on the Jet Patcher and the frequency of work undertaken in the local area.  The Roads Performance Manager agreed to circulate an updated programme of works for the Jet Patcher when this was available.

A further issue was raised in relation to survey work which had been commissioned on a gully on the A814.  The Roads Performance Manager confirmed that the survey had outlined various options and he advised Members of ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to remediate this. 

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 15 September 2014, submitted).

Report by Strategic Transportation Manager

The Committee considered a report providing details on possible option sites within Helensburgh which could potentially be taken forward to provide additional car parking in the area.

Discussion followed in regards the cost of the delineation of the parallel parking along Station Road and Members agreed that it would provide a level of comfort to local residents having formalised parking spaces. The possibility of having a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to instigate yellow restrictive lines on the other side of Station Road was discussed with it being noted that this would be a decision undertaken by the Roads Department.

The issue of having a multi-storey car park on the Gasometer site was raised and the Strategic Transportation Manager highlighted that previous studies had illustrated that this would be cost prohibitive. 

Decision:

The Committee agreed to the amendment of the recommendations as outlined in the report with the addition of the word “Gasometer” at recommendation 3.3.  Thereafter the Committee agreed:-

1.                  That the option site of Craigendoran Pier is not taken forward at this present time;

2.                  That Roads and  Amenity Services takes forward the delineation of parallel parking along Station Road to provide approximately 50 spaces at an appropriate time and in tandem with proposals for the Pier Head in Helensburgh; and

1.                  That Estates continue to pursue Scottish Gas Networks for a valuation of the Gasometer site and confirmation of the site’s geotechnical condition/integrity.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 12 September 2014, submitted).

A verbal update by the Economic Development Manager.

The Committee heard a verbal update on the Local Economic Development Plan by the Economic Development Manager and a handout was tabled which provided the detail of the Actions for Growth in the Helensburgh and Lomond Economy.

Discussion followed and Members raised concerns in regards a counter being implemented on the cycleway at Colgrain when the path had not, as yet, been completed due to ongoing land negotiations.  It was noted that the counter had been installed as part of the funding package but would not be used for the purpose of ascertaining the viability of the route.

Other issues highlighted by Members included the importance of both the voluntary sector and the Ministry of Defence in local action plans, the need to identify local priorities which were deliverable within a short timescale with clarification on the extent and willingness from Scottish Enterprise to help advance these and the policy in relation to piers.

Decision:

The Committee agreed:

1.                  To note the update;

2.                  That the Economic Development Manager would provide a further updated report for the November Business Day on the land negotiations in relation to the Colgrain - Helensburgh cycleway;

3.                  That the Economic Development Manager would request that a further report on Digital Connectivity and the roll out of Superfast Broadband for all areas in Helensburgh and Lomond be circulated to local Members;

4.                  That an updated report come to the January 2015 Business Day meeting detailing the meeting detailing the key priorities and timeframes for economic development in the Helensburgh and Lomond Area and outlining the input made by Scottish Enterprise.; and

5.                  That the Economic Development Manager would compile a report advising on the changes to the LEADER programme for a future Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting.

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Committee considered a report which outlined the background of two historic plaques which had been discovered in offices in Sinclair Street, Helensburgh.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to loan the two historic plaques to the Heritage Trust and to delegate authority to the Director of Customer Services to draw up such legal agreement as required.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 22 September 2014, submitted).

Report by Project Manager – Helensburgh CHORD

The Committee considered a report which outlined to date the delievery of the Artwork elements of the Helensburgh CHORD Town Centre public realm improvement works which had been funded through the main CHORD budget allocation and the S75 Artworks fund of £100,000.

The CHORD project manager advised Members that commencing 20 October,  progress would include the installation of the three town maps, three plinth artworks and three of the 1845 plaques (within the completed area of the works).

The Chair drew attention to the Launch event which was scheduled for 24 October 2014.

Decision:

The Committee agreed:-

1.                  To note the report.

2.                  That a further report updating Members on progress be brought to the Helensburgh and Lomond December Area Committee.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 16 September 2014, submitted).

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure

Members gave consideration to a report requesting permission for Helensburgh and District Round Table to host a Fireworks Display in Helensburgh Pier car park and to utilise the main pier for the Firework Display.

Decision

Members agreed:

1.                  To approve the request from  Helensburgh and District Round Table to host the Firework Display on Saturday 8 November 2014 in Helensburgh Pier car park; and

2.                  That no charge would be made for use of the car park.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure dated 14 October 2014 submitted).

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure

Councillor Mulvaney in accordance with his declaration of interest left the room and took no part in the discussion of this item.  Councillor Freeman assumed the chair for the discussion.

Members gave consideration to a report requesting permission by Helensburgh Winter Festival Committee to host a Fireworks Display in Helensburgh Pier car park and to utilise the main pier for the Firework Display.

Decision

Members unanimously agreed:

1.                  To approve the request from  Helensburgh Winter Festival Committee to host the Firework Display on Sunday 30 November 2014 in Helensburgh Pier car park; and

2.                  To recommend to Policy and Resources Committee that parking charges are suspended on Saturday 29 November 2014 and Sunday 30 November during the Winter Festival from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. for all car parks in Central Helensburgh.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure dated 14 October 2014 submitted).

Councillor Mulvaney re-entered the meeting following conclusion of the previous item of business and assumed the Chair.

In accordance with her declaration of interest, Councillor Dance left the meeting prior to discussion of the following item of business.

Members gave consideration to a report which confirms arrangements that have been put in place between the Council and the Friends of Victoria Halls.  The arrangements allow the Friends to provide assistance to the Council in connection with the provision of festive lighting in Helensburgh and Inveraray.  Members asked that a copy of the legal agreement referred to in the report be circulated to all local Members for their information.

Decision

Members agreed to note the report

(Report: Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 14 October 2014, tabled).

Councillor Dance re-entered the meeting following conclusion of the previous item of business.

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

Report by Project Manager – Helensburgh CHORD

The Committee considered a report which advised Members on the delivery of the Helensburgh CHORD Town Centre Public Realm Improvement works.

Decision:

1.                  To note the report;

2.                  To approve a contribution of up to £5,500 towards the redevelopment of the Skatepark on the Pierhead;

3.                  That a joint presentation on Traffic Management within the  CHORD area by both Road’s officers and CHORD consultants (traffic consultant and design consultant) be brought to the November Business Day meeting; and

4.                  That a further progress report updating Members be brought to the Helensburgh and Lomond December Area Committee meeting.

 (Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 12 September 2014, submitted).

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 12 September 2014, submitted).

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services/Project Manager – Helensburgh CHORD

The Committee considered a report providing the outcome of the Helensburgh Shopfront Initiative Stage 2 applications.

.Decision:

The Committee agreed to the recommendations contained within the report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure, dated 12 September 2014, submitted).

Report by Executive Director -  Customer Services

Members gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the marketing  of the remainder of the former Hermitage Academy site and the potential relocation of the Clubhouse belonging to the Helensburgh Amateur Athletics Club.

Decision:

Members agreed:

1.               To the recommendation as outlined in the report; and

1.               That officers seek further clarification and update the information for Members accordingly.

 (Reference: Report by Executive Director of Customers Services, dated 26 September 2014, submitted).