Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received by Councillor Mary-Jean Devon.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first Area Committee meeting of the new Council and introduced newly appointed Councillors Sir Jamie McGrigor, Jim Lynch and Andrew Vennard.  She thanked previous Councillors for all their input and support over the last term.

The Chair extended her thoughts and prayers on behalf of the Area Committee to the families who were affected by the fire in London.

The Area Committee Manager advised that items 7(a) and 7(c) would be open for discussion.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee – 12^th April 2017

The Minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee held on 12^th April 2017 were approved as a correct record.

Mr Leddy raised with the Committee the issue of road repairs by the railway bridge on the Connel back road. This had been raised at previous Area Committees, Mr Smith, Head of Roads and Amenity Services has now arranged for an officer to meet with Mr Leddy.

Marri Malloy asked if Soroba Community Enterprise could have the material from the 3G pitch at Oban High School.  The Area Committee Manager agreed to take this to the appropriate officer.

Neil MacKay queried member opposition to a planned procession in Oban.  Cllr Green advised that he had opposed the planned procession due to potential disruption to traffic, as raised by Police Scotland.

Neil Mackay, Duncan Martin and Mairi Malloy asked questions relating to traffic and parking.  The Head of Roads and Amenity Services advised that all parking meters should accept new pound coins by August and that a pilot of accepting card payments is ongoing in Helensburgh. In response to a question regarding parking permits in Council car parks Mr Smith advised that these matters would be considered.   

The Chair reminded those present that the advertising process for the TRO would take place from mid-July and that representations can be submitted as part of that formal process.

Neil MacKay asked that his thanks be passed onto the Argyll and Bute Council Events Safety Advisory Group for all their help with Oban Live.

In response to a comment made by Neil McKay that no elected member from Ward 5 sits on the Council’s PPSL Committee Cllr Green indicated that he had undertaken the training required of members who sit on that group and was willing to serve on the Committee, but noted that appointments to the PPSL are made by the Council.

Marri Malloy queried the list of outside bodies in the report at item 6. The Area Committee Manager advised that those bodies listed were those who had previously had elected member appointments and had responded to consultation to seek further appointments.

Report by Area Committee Manager

A report outlining the scheduled meetings in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area from August 2017 to July 2018 was considered.

Councillor Julie McKenzie asked for her serious concern to be noted regarding the reduction in the number of Area Committee meetings to be held.

Decision

The Committee agreed the schedule of meeting dates for the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area.

(Ref:  Report by Area Committee Manager dated 14^th June 2017, submitted).

Report by Area Committee Manager

The Committee gave consideration to a report outlining local bodies/organisations within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area which require elected member appointment.  

Decision:

The Committee agreed that the following appointments be made:-

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 14^th June 2017, submitted).

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Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services

A report providing a summary of the parking review process to date, was considered.  The report also provides an overall programme for the implementation of any changes to the current arrangements and the associated statutory consultation process.

Decision

The Committee endorsed the progression of the following proposals through the Traffic Regulation Order process:

1. On-Street Parking

·         Introduce first 30 minutes free to George Street (A85 Trunk),

Corran Esplanade (A85 Trunk), William Street, Queens Park Place and Argyll Square (Nancy Blacks);

·         To provide additional on street parking provision and offset the loss of income from the above, introduce on-street parking charges on Gallanach Road (Sailing Club to Brandy Rock) and Corran Esplanade (from Glenrigh to War Memorial).

2. Off-Street Parking – Introduce the following to Ganavan, Lochavulin and Longsdale (Atlantis) car parks:

·         All year charging;

·         First two hours free, standard charges thereafter;

·         Mon-Sat, 9.00 to 18:00;

·         Sundays free in the morning, charging from 13.00 to 18.00

(Ref:  Report by Traffic & Development Manager dated 14^th June 2017, submitted).

Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services

A report confirming the operational arrangements in place for street cleansing and refuse collection in Oban, was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Amenity Performance Manager dated 14^th June 2017, submitted).

Report by Oban Lorn Regeneration Project Manager

A report updating the Committee on progress to date on the Oban North Pier Transit Berthing Facility and Maritime Visitors Facility was considered.

Motion

That the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee resolve to:

• Note that the P&R Committee 27 October 2016 approved the paper and design Option 4 for the Transit Berthing Facility;
• Agree that work is progressing well with the Transit Berthing Facility;
• Note that the P&R Committee 27 October 2016 approved the paper for the Maritime Visitors Facility;
• Agree that work is progressing well with the Maritime Visitors Facility.

Proposer: Cllr Elaine Robertson

Seconder: Cllr Sir Jamie McGrigor

Amendment

That the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee resolve to:

• Note that the P&R Committee 27 October 2016 approved the paper and design Option 4 for the Transit Berthing Facility; but also acknowledge and address the concerns and questions raised locally by members of the public in   relation to size of the marina, planning consent and potential impact on existing private sector business, particularly in terms of any possible job displacement and potential state aid implications.
• Agree that work is progressing well with the Transit Berthing Facility;
• Note that the P&R Committee 27 October 2016 approved the paper for the Maritime Visitors Facility;
• Agree that work is progressing well with the Maritime Visitors Facility;
• Note the potential economic benefit which may come from the transit berthing facility and maritime visitor facility centre developments;
• Request that an updated economic impact assessment is taken forward by the Council’s Chief Executive; and
• Request that the Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee consider the full business case

Proposed:  Cllr Julie McKenzie

Seconder:  Cllr Jim Lynch

Decision

On a show of hands vote the motion was carried 5 votes to 2 and the Committee resolved accordingly.

(Ref:  Report by Oban Lorn Arc Regeneration Project Manager dated 14^th June 2017, submitted).