Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies intimated.

The Chair ruled and the Committee agreed to adjourn the meeting at 10:15am to allow the Committee to read over the late report and appendices they received in relation to Rockfield at item 5 of this Minute and to reconvene at 10:45am.

The Committee received petitions from Oban Community Trust in relation to their offer for the former Rockfield Primary (item 5 of this Minute).

Councillor Roddy McCuish declared a non financial interest in relation to Former Rockfield Primary School which was dealt with at item 5 of this Minute because he is a Director on the ACHA Board.

Councillor Neil Macintyre declared a non financial interest in relation to Former Rockfield Primary School which was dealt with at item 5 of this Minute because one of the offers made is from a member of his family.

Presentation by Simon Clarke

Simon Clarke introduced himself to the Committee and spoke about the Oban Bay Railway which he purchased after it closed on the Isle of Mull 2 years ago, as it no longer had a viable lease.

He advised that he is trying to find a suitable location to rebuild the railway and has engaged with a few landowners across Argyll and has looked at schemes of his own.

Simon advised that his aim is to set a timescale for 2 to 3 years to generate revenue and find the right location and level of infrastructure and then work on a full and detailed business case.

He asked the Committee to let him know if there are any Council owned sites which they would be interested in progressing for a potential railway scheme, as now is right time to carry out an assessment.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided and thanked Simon Clarke for his attendance.

(Ref:  Verbal update by Simon Clarke dated 10^th September 2014, submitted).

The Oban Regeneration Project Manager gave a presentation to the Committee on the Oban Bay Enhancement Scheme.

She spoke about phase 1 and 2 of the Public Realm and the detailed timescales for carrying out works on Stafford Street. She also provided information on the North Pier Maritime and Visitor Facility.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Presentation by Oban Regeneration Project Manager dated 10^th September 2014, submitted).

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 8&9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Report by Oban Regeneration Project Manager

A report updating the Committee with the full Business Case for the Oban Public Realm Enhancement Scheme following the April Area Committee decision, was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations contained in the report, and noted that a further report would be submitted to the December Area Committee meeting.

(Ref:  Report by Oban Regeneration Project Manager dated 21^st August 2014, submitted).

Councillor Elaine Robertson left the meeting to attend another meeting about Integrated Care.

Report by Oban Regeneration Project Manager

A report updating the Committee with the full Business Case for the North Pier Maritime Visitor Facility following the April Area Committee decision, was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations contained in the report, and noted that a further report would be submitted to the December Area Committee meeting.

(Ref:  Report by Oban Regeneration Project Manager dated 20^th August 2014, submitted).

Councillors Roddy McCuish and Neil Macintyre having declared a non financial interest in the former Rockfield Primary School, left the room and took no part in the discussion of this item.

Report by Asset Manager

A report providing the Committee with additional information in respect of the offers for Rockfield Primary School per the Committees decision on 14^th August 2014 was considered.

Decision

The Committee:

1. Agreed the recommendations at 3.1 and 3.2 of the report; and
2. Agreed that the offerer detailed at 4.2(5) of the report would be the preferred bidder conditional on the detail contained at paragraph 4.15 of the report being provided to the Area Committee by the end of December 2014.

(Ref:  Report by Asset Manager dated 8^th September 2014, submitted).

E1       Paragraph 8  The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services; and

Paragraph 9  Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.