Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Sir Jamie McGrigor.

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the previous meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, held on 14 June 2017 was approved as an accurate record. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund, held on 29 June 2017 was noted. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund, held on 29 August 2017 was noted. 

Councillor Vennard joined the meeting at 10.37am.

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Calum MacFarlane-Barrow of Craig Lodge Trust spoke of the development of the St Conan’s Pilgrim Way from Dalmally to Iona.  He asked what the Council was doing to support multi-user routes on Mull; what the Council could do to reinstate the coastal path used on the Way; and what his Group could do the assist.  Councillor Devon suggested that it would be beneficial for a meeting to take place between herself, the Craiglodge Trust and the landowners at Loch Buidhe estate.

Andy Henderson addressed the Committee in relation to the gaps in the provision of the N78 cycle route between Oban and Fort William, specifically at the Craigneuk corner heading south towards Connel Bridge.  Councillor Robertson thanked Mr Henderson for the information provided and requested that the Area Committee Manager advise the Strategic Transportation Policy Officer of the Committee’s desire to be informed of likely timescales for completion. 

Neil McIntyre questioned home care arrangements in the area.  The Policy Lead for Health and Social Care, Councillor Green advised of a meeting taking place later in the day to look at the matter detail.  Councillor Green agreed to take forward any concerns of the Area Committee to the HSCP, and to provide an update to Members.

Kenny McLennan questioned live broadcasting of Council meetings.  The Area Committee Manager set out the current position described in the Constitution and highlighted some challenges and opportunities of further development. 

Sam Leddy questioned ongoing road repairs on Connel Back Road, advising that a Council Roads Officer had contacted him.  The Chair advised that the matter was being dealt with by the Council’s Roads department. 

Mr Leddy also enquired about accessing engineering reports under Freedom of Information provisions.  The Area Committee Manager outlined the process for making a Freedom of Information request. 

Marri Malloy enquired as to the position of public transport links to planned new houses in Dunbeg, questioning the safety of children walking this route to school.  The Chair confirmed that the upgrading of Kirk Road would commence in November and would include lighting and pathways, and that the area was within walking distance to the Primary School. 

Michael Wright queried the Glenshellach masterplan and sought information on a rock face on Glenshellach Road.  The Policy Lead for Roads and Amenity Services, Councillor McCuish, confirmed that the developers would erect a fence in the coming week.  Councillor Lynch confirmed that he was happy engage with community members on a masterplan.

Sandra Coates questioned road maintenance at McKelvie Heights.  The Chair requested that the Senior Area Committee Assistant log the issue on the Council’s casebook system.

Breege Smyth asked if a Gaelic language sign would be erected for the Furan Gaelic Centre.  The Chair requested that the Senior Area Committee Assistant log the issue on the Council’s casebook system.

The Chair ruled and the Committee agreed to take the remaining agenda items out of sequence.  This minute reflects the order in which discussions took place. 

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Report by the Finance Manager, Chief Executive’s Unit

The Committee gave consideration to a report outlining the proposals for the distribution of the Miss Agnes Angus bequest.

Decision:

The Committee agreed:

1.    to advertise the availability of the bequest to fund projects within Oban;

2.    to distribute £20,000 in 2017-18 and £10,000 in each of the financial years 2018-19 to 2020-21; and

3.    the assessment criteria for the bequest as set out in paragraph 4.6 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Strategic Finance, dated 13 September 2017, submitted.)

Report by Community Development Officer

The Committee gave consideration to a report which highlighted the positive outcomes for communities in Oban, Lorn and the Isles through the allocation of the Council’s Third Sector Grant funding in 2016/17.

Decision:

Members agreed to note:-

1.    the positive contribution of the grants to community projects, detailed in section 3 of the report and the attached table; and

2.    the unspent funds, detailed in section 3.4 of the report, be distributed in the 2018/19 round of grant funding. 

(Ref:  Report by Acting Executive Director of Community Services, dated 13 September 2017, submitted.)

Councillor Green left the meeting at 12.05pm, to attend the emergency meeting of the Health and Social Care Partnership in his capacity of Policy Lead for the Health and Social Care partnership. 

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Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

A report providing an update on appointments to outside bodies was provided for information. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 13 September 2017, submitted.)

Report by Business Partner, HROD

A report providing an update in relation to the presentation of plans, and the roles that elected Members will play in, the development and scrutiny of scorecards for each of the council’s Administrative areas was provided for information. 

Decision: 

Members agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 13 September 2017, submitted.)

The Area Committee workplan was submitted for information. 

Decision:

Members agreed to note the contents of the workplan.

(Ref:  Workplan, dated 13 September 2017, submitted.)