Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

The Chair rules and the Committee agreed to move item 4. Lorn Arc/CHORD Update to the end of the agenda to facilitate officer attendance.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee held on 14^th  March 2018 was approved as a correct record, subject to a change at item 4. Public Question time, Mr Leddie to Mr Leddy.

The minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group held on 9^th May 2018 was noted.

The Minute of the Oban Common Good Fund held on 31^st May 2018 was noted.

1. Neil MacIntyre asked the Committee for clarification on the remit and purpose of the new Oban Strategic Framework Development Forum, what stage it was at and how this differed from the Oban Economic Development Action Plan?

This question was put to the Head of Economic Development. He responded   that the Oban Framework consisted of two parts; the Rural Growth Deal and the Oban Strategic Framework, both of which would be shaped by the community through a series of public consultations.

He also referenced a number of ongoing projects in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area, such as Oban Airport Business Park and Barcaldine, that would also benefit from the development of Oban Strategic Framework Development Forum.

2. Councillor McKenzie raised concerns around the ongoing issues at Ganavan which included the beach falling into disrepair, weeds, dog fouling, dogs running loose, parking metres not working, caravans not being permitted to park at night, lack of grass cutting and swings being removed from the playpark.

The Area Committee noted the concerns raised and the existing legislative restraints around removing bio diversity from beaches.

Councillor Robertson on behalf of the Area Committee requested that a meeting be set up to discuss the issues raised regarding Ganavan and a progress update be brought back to the September Area Committee.

3. Andy Spence from BID 4 OBAN raised concerns regarding the lack of maintenance in several areas of the town and the surrounding area, adding that BID 4 OBAN would welcome the opportunity to work with Argyll and Bute Council to try and resolve the issues.

The Area Committee noted the concerns raised and will follow up with the appropriate officers.

4. Councillor Devon asked what plans were in place for the extension of burial facilities on Mull, as very few empty lairs existed.

It was noted by the Area Committee that lack of lairs in other areas is also a concern.

Councillor McCuish agreed to raise this issue with the responsible department.

5. Councillor Devon requested an update on the Lynn of Lorn Care Facility which was soon to be downgraded from nursing care to enhanced residential care.  Councillor Devon felt that this decision would have implications on existing residents and their families.

Councillor Green responded that work was ongoing to ensure that resident’s needs are met and that consultation was being undertaken with the families.

Councillor Devon welcomed the response but asked that reassurance be given to the effected families.

6. Councillor McKenzie congratulated Oban Live on a very successful event and Oban Junior Pipe Band on their performance. The Area Committee echoed Councillor McKenzie’s congratulations.

Report by Head of Education

The Committee Considered a progress and statistical update report on the Primary Schools in Oban, Lorn and the Isles 2017/2018.

Decision

The Area Committee:-

1.    Noted and endorsed the contents of the report and;

2.    Thanked the officer for a very positive and comprehensive paper.

(Ref: Report by Head of Education dated 13^th June 2018,submitted)

Report by Performance Management and Improvement Officer

The Committee considered the Area Scorecard report for financial quarter 4 of 2017-2018.

Decision

The Area Committee:-

1.          Noted the performance presented on the scorecard and supporting commentary.

2.          Considered and agreed to the inclusion of Parking Penalty Notices on the scorecard.

3.          Considered and agreed to the proposed method of presenting the Recycling of Waste information and removal of the Waste by Tonne measures, as long as access to tonnage information is still available on Pyramid.

4.          Noted that work was ongoing and to respond to the Performance Management and Improvement Officer with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Report and Scorecard and;

5.          Agreed to send a letter to the Leader of the Council highlighting the Area Committees intention to explore the possibility of retaining a percentage of the excess parking fees gathered within the Area for use on specific projects within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles.

(Ref: Report by Performance and Improvement Officer dated 13^th June 2018, submitted).

Report by Special Projects and Quality Improvement Officer

The Committee considered a progress update report on the Council’s Schools

Redevelopment Project in partnership with hubNorth Scotland Ltd (hubNorth)

to build a new secondary school in Oban.

Decision

The Area Committee:-

1.    Considered and noted the contents of the report and;

2.    Thanked everyone involved in the implementation of the project.

(Ref: Report by Special Projects and Quality Improvement Officer dated 13^th June 2018, submitted)

Verbal update by Area Committee Manager.

The Committee considered a verbal update by the Area Committee Manager in relation to the ongoing sale of the Civic furniture in Oban. Thirty five chairs and one table would be sold on the 27^th June 2018, Corran Halls Oban with all proceeds going to the Oban Common Good Fund.

Decision

The Area Committee considered and noted the verbal update.

(Ref: Verbal update by Area Committee Manager dated 13^th June 2018, submitted)

The Committee considered the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Workplan for June.

Decision

The Area Committee:-

1.          Noted the Oban, Lorn and the Isles workplan; and

2.          Agreed additional items be added to the workplan and changes be made to timeframes for existing items.

(Ref: Oban, Lorn and the Isles workplan dated 13th June 2018, submitted).

Presentation by Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transformation

The Committee considered a presentation by the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transformation on the Lorn Arc and Oban CHORD projects, including the Oban Bay Transit berthing facility, Kirk Road, Dunbeg, Oban Airport Business Park, Barcaldine, Oban Strategic Development Framework, Glenshellach industrial estate and the proposed roundabout on the A85.

Decision

The Area Committee:-

1.          Considered and noted the presentation provided; and

2.          Agreed to send a letter to the Leader of the Council requesting that consideration be given to employing an Officer with the responsibility of having an overview of all projects that are ongoing within Oban, Lorn and the Isles.

(Ref: Presentation by the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transformation dated 13^th June 2018, submitted)