Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor MacDougall.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and welcomed Councillor Kieron Green to his first meeting of the Area Committee.

The Chair ruled and the Committee agreed to take agenda items out of sequence in order to facilitate Officers’ attendance.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee held on 11th April 2016 was approved as a correct record subject to the amendment on page 2 at item 4, paragraph 2, that the matter had already been notified to the relevant Council Officer.

In regard to item 4, paragraph 3, the Chair confirmed that he met with Neil MacKay of Oban Live and Skerryvore and agreed to give the Area Committee an update on this.

In regard to item 4, paragraph 4, the Area Committee Manager confirmed that the Council’s process for considering disposals of land were being followed.

In regard to page 3, paragraph 2, Councillor Robertson confirmed that a Sports Hub is to be set up in Oban in September.

Report by Head Teacher of Tobermory High School

The Chair welcomed the Head Teacher and four pupils of Tobermory High School to the meeting.  Mr Biddick provided the Committee with a report which outlined the school’s performance during the 2015/16 academic year.

The pupils answered questions from the Area Committee in regard to the school Librarian and discussion took place around the views of the loss of the school minibus.

Councillor Devon advised the Area Committee that Mr Biddick is moving on from Tobermory High School and thanked him for all his hard work and passion in the school where he has made dramatic changes for the better and achieved significant successes.

Decision

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Head Teacher of Tobermory High School dated 8th June 2016, submitted). 

Presentation by Frank Roach of HITRANS

Mr Frank Roach of HITRANS took the Committee through a presentation on the development of a transport hub in Oban.

Mr Roach spoke about the current progress which is being made and the next steps which include IDP feasibility work including a new platform as well as public engagement.

The Chair thanked Mr Roach on behalf of the Area Committee, for travelling to the meeting and providing a comprehensive presentation.

Decision

The Committee noted the presentation and information provided and agreed to write to former Councillor Duncan MacIntyre and thank him for his previous work with HITRANS which helped start this project.

(Ref:  Presentation by Frank Roach, HITRANS dated 8th June 2016, submitted).

Kenny MacLennan asked the Committee why the road layout at Argyll Square in Oban had been adopted, stating that congestion at the locus is a significant problem and will only get worse with increased construction traffic and RET.  Mr MacLennan also asked if he could have a copy of a previous feasibility study carried out by the Council.

Councillor Devon read to the Committee correspondence received from the Tobermory Playpark Committee setting out their current situation and asking of the Council the following questions:-

1.    Why has the project been so significantly delayed, and why have the Council not communicated this to our Committee, as partner organisation?

2.    Can the Council now guarantee that installation work will start before the end of July – this year?

3.    If not, and if we lose our grant funding due to the Council’s failings will you compensate us?

The Chair advised the Committee that Mr Connery, Chief Executive of BIDs had undertaken a survey on A Boards in the town.  Mr Connery provided copies of the survey results.

Kenny MacLennan asked the Committee what happens to the slabs and building materials for the Oban CHORD works and asked if they get recycled?  The Chair agreed to look into this.

The new Locality Manager for Oban, Lorn and the Isles, Annie MacLeod, introduced herself to the Committee.  She advised she has now been in post for 6 weeks and has been visiting all teams.  She confirmed that the Locality Planning Groups are beginning to take place.

Discussion took place on elected Members sitting on each Locality Group and the Area Committee Manager asked that the IJB Board write to the Council to seek elected member nominations to sit on the Groups.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided and thanked Annie for coming along.

Report by Head of Education

A report on teaching and learning 3-12 Primary Schools in Oban, Lorn and the Isles 2015/16 was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Area Education Officer dated 8th June 2016, submitted).

Report by Development Manager

A report outlining the legislative and regulatory framework that exists in relation to commercial signage, most specifically ‘A’ Boards and banners that appear on pavements was considered. 

It has been noted by the Chair of the OLI Committee that there has been an increase of such promotional signage in Oban in recent months.  The report also highlights that a report relating to a new advertising strategy was presented to the May 2016 Planning, Protective Services and Licencing Committee (PPSLC). 

Decision

The Committee:-

1.    Noted the contents of the report that there is a legislative and enforcement framework that people who place signage on pavements should abide by;

2.    Noted that the Council is currently developing a new advertising strategy that will include the development of new advertising opportunities / platforms as well as an equitable enforcement regime and design guidelines;

3.    Noted that there will be stakeholder engagement as part of this process and Members of the Planning Protective Services and Licensing Committee (PPSLC) have been appointed onto the project board;

4.    Noted that the regulatory guidance shall be published in autumn 2016; and

5.    Agreed to work with BIDs over recess to decide what move to make.

(Ref:  Report by Development Manager dated 6th June 2016, submitted).

Report by IOD Programme Manager

The IOD Programme Manager took the Committee through their Area Scorecard, with exceptional performance for financial quarters 3 and 4 of 2015/16 (October – December 2015 and January – March 2016).

Discussion took place on why there are no fines recorded for dog fouling and the need for further enforcement. 

Decision

The Committee noted the exceptional performance presented on the Scorecard.

(Ref:  Report by IOD Programme Manager dated 8th June 2016, submitted).

Verbal by Head Teacher of Oban High School

New Oban High School

Mr Bain, Head Teacher of Oban High School gave an update to the Committee on the current progress with the new High School.  He advised that the compound has now been created inside MacColl Terrace to allow delivery of goods and the contractors site office is at the porta-.

He confirmed that work is underway at the pitches and the sub structure is ready for piling which will commence now that school exams are completed. He also advised that they no longer have the grass rugby pitch as this is where the new school will be located.

Mr Bain advised that the public footpath is currently closed to allow access to improve the existing.  He confirmed that the main entry and car park to the school is currently closed except for disabled access and is monitored by staff.  He also confirmed that works are ahead of schedule.

The Chair suggested that monthly newsletters be issued to keep the public up to date on the new schools progress.  Mr Bain thanked the Area Committee for the Council’s contribution of funding towards the new school.

Staffing

Mr Bain thanked the Area Committee for working in partnership with Oban High School Parent Council and the Education Service in identifying extra staffing.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Verbal update by Head Teacher of Oban High School dated 8th June 2016, submitted).

The Council resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and public for the following 2 items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 8 & 9 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Report by Oban CHORD Project Manager

The Committee considered a report in regard to project development funding for the Oban Maritime Quarter – Phase 2 – Transit Berthing Facility.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Regeneration Project Manager dated 10th May 2016, submitted).

Report by Estates Surveyor

The Committee considered a report in regard to the proposed lease of the former roads depot at Oban Airport.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at 3.1 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Estates Surveyor dated 16th May 2016, 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

E1       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.