Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated from:

Councillor Dick Walsh

Councillor Alex McNaughton

Councillor James McQueen

Sue Minns, Cowalfest

Janet MacKellar, Help

Iain McNaughton, Bute and Cowal Community CAUCUS

Forward Dunoon and Cowal 23^rd June 2015

The minute of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group 23 June was approved as a correct record.

The Area Governance Manager went through the list of actions identified in the minute clarifying what had been actioned and what was still to be completed.

The Group agreed that items identified in the minute for inclusion in the November Community Planning Group agenda would now be taken at the February CPG meeting.

Actions

1.    Councillor Marshall to consult with the Community Councils on potential of proposing pedestrianisation of Argyll Street, Dunoon.

2.    Senior Area Committee Assistant to continue to try and contact No Fuss Events to invite them to the February Community Planning Group.

Verbal update by Councillor Bruce Marshall

Councillors Bruce Marshall and Michael Breslin provided the Group with a verbal update on the Local Boundaries Commission proposals for Cowal and expressed their concerns over the proposed changes.

A conversation took place between the Area Governance Manager and Councillors Marshall and Breslin relating to the clarity of proposed changes, along with the timeframes for consultation imposed by the Boundary Commission. Councillor Marshall informed the Group that a public petition is now in place.

Actions

1.    Councillor Breslin requested that the Senior Area Committee Assistant obtain the Boundary Commission proposed maps from their website.

2.    The Area Governance Manager will clarify through the Boundary Commission website what proposals currently stand.

Verbal update by Sea Kayaking representative

Phil Keetley from Sea Kayaking Argyll provided the group with a verbal report on the origins, business breakdown, clientele and general activities that Sea Kayaking Argyll offers with the following points noted:

·         Sea Kayaking Argyll caters for all ages from beginners to experienced sea kayakers but as a business generally focuses on older experienced clientele.

·         Phil explained that he is keen to focus on the Sea Kayaking Argyll trail which on average takes four to five days and he is able to take up to four paying clients with him.

·         The Business model for Sea Kayaking Argyll is focused on being expedition orientated.

·         An agreement is in place between Sea Kayaking Argyll, Benmore Outdoor centre and Dunoon Grammar School for the maintenance of the kayaks that are used in Dunoon swimming pool.

·         Phil expressed that he felt there was huge potential in the Cowal area for expansion of Sea Kayaking as well as other water sports.

·         Councillor Marshall highlighted that Phil should liaise with the Cowal Marketing Group and tap into their resources, Councillor Marshall agreed to raise this with the Cowal Marketing Group and took contact details from Phil in order to report back any progress made to him.

A conversation was held by the members of the Group regarding suitable areas and properties that could be identified to provide accommodation for Sea Kayakers, the lack of suitable camping facilities and available public toilets was also discussed.

Actions

1.    Councillor Breslin requested a breakdown of the whole running costs to Argyll and Bute Council for Public toilet facilities from Derek Matthews.

2.    The Area Governance manager agreed to find the report on public conveniences that went to Bute and Cowal Area Committee and circulate it to Councillors Marshall and Breslin as well as Derek Matthews.

Verbal update by Cowal Marketing Group

A representative from Cowal Marketing Group was not present at the meeting, so therefore no update was provided.

Verbal update by PA23BID Manager

A representative from the PA23BID was not present at the meeting, so therefore no update was provided.

Derek Matthews informed the Group that he has been approached by Colin Moulson to look at relocating the stage for this years Christmas event, Derek confirmed that a meeting had been arranged to discuss this proposal, it was also noted that Colin should be reminded that applications for road closures should be submitted twelve weeks prior to the proposed event.

Verbal update by Cowalfest Manager

Sue Minns and Iain McNaughton had both submitted apologies for the meeting so therefore no update was provided.

Discussion regarding potential agenda items for:

Outcome 2: We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth

Outcome 6: People live in stronger and safer communities

The Area Governance Manager took the Group through the two outcomes that will be covered at the November Community Planning Group meeting, and invited Members to discuss outcomes, any questions for the ACPG and suggest items for the agenda that are relevant to the outcomes.

No items for inclusion onto the agenda were raised at this time but the Area Governance manager informed the Group that any additional items could be submitted via email after the meeting.

Action

Senior Area Committee Assistant to invite representatives from the Dunoon Regeneration Party to the February meeting of Forward Dunoon and Cowal.

Councillor Marshall expressed concern over dwindling tourism numbers in the local area and invited any suggestions from the Group on generating tourism.

Councillor Marshall also expressed concern over the proposed fees by Argyll and Bute Council to Evans amusements for the September weekend which resulted in no amusements being in Dunoon that weekend.

Action

Councillor Marshall requested a breakdown of income from car parking charges over the September weekend. Derek Matthews explained that this could only be done on a weekly basis.

2016 Meeting Scheduled to be arranged.

The 2016 Partnership meeting schedules have not yet been created.

It was agreed that scheduling for 2016 meetings would begin with a meeting on Thursday the 14^th of January and thereafter meetings would be held in April, June and October 2016.

Action

The Senior Area Committee Assistant will circulate dates to the partnership once they have been arranged.