Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Mary-Jean Devon and Duncan MacIntyre.

Councillor Elaine Robertson declared a non financial interest in relation to Kerrera STAG which was dealt with at item 6 of this Minute because her husband is a factor of Dunollie Estate.

The Minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee held on 14^th August 2014 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Oban Common Good Fund held on 15^th August 2014 were noted.

The Minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Safety Forum held on 27^th August 2014 were noted.

The Minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Special Area Committee were approved as a correct record.

Fiona Campbell-Smith asked the Committee what benefit there has been to the area by not selling Kilbowie to Bombadil Publishing?  She advised that this would have been a great chance for employment for the area and investment and to bring more people to the town.  She also asked why consideration by the Area Committee of the matter of the former Rockfield School was taken in private session.  The Chair advised that Kilbowie and former Rockfield School were taken as exempt items and therefore it could not be discussed in public session.

Colin Campbell asked the Committee a question in relation to when the school was functioning and asked if Argyll and Bute Council were responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the School.  He also asks why the huts have still not been removed to date.

The Area Governance Manager agreed to find out the following information and forward details onto Fiona Campbell-Smith and Colin Campbell:

1. Information in relation to why Kilbowie and Former Rockfield School were taken in private session at previous Area Committee meetings;
2. To contact the Head of Facility Services to get details on the situation in relation to dry rot in former Rockfield School and what has been done to date to prevent this from spreading;
3. Information on the Council’s policy on how the Council maintains its assets.

The public felt that the Area Committee could be better advertised on Oban FM and Facebook and would be better attended by the public if the meetings were in the evening or on a Saturday.

Report by Roads Performance Manager

A report providing Members with the information on road maintenance revenue activities being delivered in 2014/15 was considered.

The Roads Performance Manager spoke about the missing section on the A848 which was a query raised by Councillor MacDougall, he advised that there was a lack of funding for this large scheme and they are currently no further forward but the next stage would be to go out to consultation if a funding source could be identified.

Decision

The Committee noted the report and information provided.

(Ref:  Report by Roads Performance Manager dated 15^th September 2014, submitted).

Councillor Elaine Robertson having declared a non financial interest in Kerrera STAG left the room and took no part in the discussion of this item.

Report by Strategic Transportation Manager

A report updating the Committee on Kerrera STAG and detailing the stage 1 and 2 applications to the Coastal Communities Fund, was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted that IKDT would no longer be progressing with a stage 2 application to the Costal Community Fund and agreed to support Roads and Amenity Services in assisting with a topographical survey to progress the design of the road.

(Ref:  Report by Strategic Transportation Manager dated 24^th September 2014, submitted).

The Committee considered a letter from Oban High School Pipe Band looking for an endorsement from the Area Committee for a letter to be issued to organisations seeking for funding for their trip to New York in April 2015.

Decision

The Committee agreed to endorse the letter from Oban High School Pipe Band in order for them to seek funding.

(Ref:  Letter from Oban High School Pipe Band dated 1^st October 2014, submitted).

Report by Area Committee Manager

A report updating the Committee in regards to membership of the Scottish Rural Parliament Liaison Group and inviting them to nominate an elected Member to serve on the Group was considered.

Decision

The Committee nominated Councillor Roddy McCuish to serve on the Scottish Rural Parliament Liaison Group.

(Ref:  Report by Area Committee Manager dated 1^st October 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 Asset Manager

A report advising the Committee of the two offers received in respect of Glenforsa Airfield which was recently advertised for lease, was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Asset Manager dated 26^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.