Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Iain MacDonald, Councillor Mary-Jean Devon, Bid 4 Oban  Group  Laura MacDonald, Community Development Officer, John Lauder of SUSTRANS and Katrina Sayer of Argyll Voluntary Action.

The Minutes of the Meeting of 12^th September 2012 were approved as a correct record.

A discussion took place on Oban and Lorn’s renewed Fairtrade certificate.  Fairtrade in Oban and Lorn has been a significant achievement and products are being sold in schools, canteens, community centres and the community.

The Chair was presented with the certificate by Pauline Cameron of the Oban Fairtrade Group

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and the Chair asked that for Fairtrade fortnight go back on the Council’s agenda in the new year.

A report advising the Area Committee Planning Group of the main activities of the Community Safety Partnership which have taken place in the last reporting period was discussed.

Decision

The Area Committee Planning Group Members agreed:-

i.                     To note the highlight/exception reports from the Community Safety Partnership.

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Officer dated 12^th December 2012, submitted).

Eddie Renfrew of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue advised that the bonfire strategy that ran from 3^rd-5^th November was a success.  There were no personal incidents, and most people attended organised displays.

He advised that June Pearson from Oban would be appearing in the Oban Times in the next week, receiving a home visit from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and so to put out a serious message to people for home safety.

The Chief Officer has a partnership with other agencies and had funding of £60K at the start of the financial year for 2012 and now has £7K left to spend before March 2013.  He advised agencies can apply for new steel bins for ashtrays etc.

The Chair asked if individuals could apply and Eddie Renfrew agreed he would provide an application form to the Area Governance Manager.

Glenn Heritage  from Third Sector Partnership advised the Group there was an open surgery drop in for any Third Sector, every last Friday of every month.

Margaret Fyfe advised that Third Sector Grants for 2013/14 are provided from the Council for up to £5K and the closing date is 1^st February 2013.

Chief Inspector Auld from Strathclyde Police advised the Group that between December 2012-January 2013, there would be additional road policing patrols.  

Veronica Kennedy gave an update on the Dental Access Centre and advised that works on the building would be starting on 7^th January 2013.  There would be restrictions to the car park around this building and are two phases lasting 8 weeks each.  Information regarding this would be in the Oban Times.

Decision

The Group noted the updates provided.

Malcolm MacFadyen – Facility Services

The Head of Facility Services gave a presentation on Oban High School Replacement.  Following a submission to the Scottish Government, it was agreed that the Council could receive 66% of the funding. 

The Council agreed on 25^th October 2012 to the development of an initial business case for consideration as part of the budget process.  The business case is to be presented to the Council in early 2013 for approval.

Future milestones following completion of the business case indicate 2015 before construction commences.

Peter Bain, Head Teacher at Oban High School provided information to the meeting on the enthusiasm he and the wider school community have for this project.

The Group put forward a number of questions relating to advantages and disadvantages of preferred locations and future usage of the school.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided, and the Head of Facility Services agreed to update the group on a regular basis, regarding progress at key milestones.

Pat Tyrell from NHS Highland gave a presentation on reshaping care for older people and the change fund we have to be able to invest in new services for the future.

Pat advised if we deliver these services, by 2020, everyone will be able to live longer healthier lives at home, or in a homely setting where we have integrated health and social care, high standards of quality and safety and minimal risk of re-administration.

The change fund investment will improve services for carers, safer use of medicines and provision of equipment, housing adaptation and technology solutions.

Councillor Alistair MacDougall advised that in Mull, the public collected money for public care and now they have an excellent building for older people.

The Community Council agreed at their last meeting that they would like 6 flats reserved for care for older people, from the Council.  There was concern raised regarding this.

Chief Inspector Auld from Strathclyde Police advised that the Police are often first time responders for older people and they are dealing with an increasing number of these incidents.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and agreed to invite Shaun Davidson and Caroline Henderson to a future meeting to provide information on the integration of health and social care services.

Julie Young – Economic Development

The Engineering Manager, Peter Leslie, gave a presentation and invited comment on the national cycle route from Oban to Ganavan which links to Park Primary School and is the high profile start of the   Oban /Fort William route.

He advised that the winter/spring 2013 committed spend would include removal of cats eyes, NCN route signage, installation of 1.5m cycle lanes and improvements to access/egress point at War Memorial.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided.

Anne Hilditch from Ardchattan Community Council spoke on the core paths between Connell and Kilcreggan Bridge.  Anne advised that before path network, it was a Forestry Commission walk with colour posted marks which was very popular.  This leaves a huge part of the area now being utilised.  She advised that tourism is so important to Argyll and Bute and thinks money should be funded for the popular core paths.  The use of the core paths ranged from someone from a disability to serious walkers and climbers.

The Chair advised that there was an application made for Tyndrum and Oban in March for £30K and she was waiting to hear good news regarding the network of paths.

Douglas Grierson advised there was excellent feedback from Community Councils on the safe routes to schools and that it keeps people in the area and the population active.

Decision

 The Group noted the information provided and agreed:

i.       That core paths and walking routes should be properly advertised and effectively integrated with local transport networks, and asked that Douglas Blades be invited to  the next meeting to discuss the potential for this to happen.

ii.       That Ishabel Bremner, Economic Development Manager, provide information to the next meeting of the group about the potential for LEADER funding to be used for Core Path Development.

iii.      That Arlene Cullum, Social Enterprise Manager be asked to attend the next meeting of the group to provide general funding information to groups who may be interested in developing Core Paths.

iv.      That Andrew Campbell, Scottish Natural Heritage, be asked to attend the next meeting of the group to provide update on the development of the Oban Tyndrum Path.

v.      That David Adams McGilp of the Strategic Tourism Partnership be invited to attend the next meeting of the group to provide support and information on how the issue of Core Paths as an economic tourism driver for the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area can be progressed in a strategic way.

Given the apologies submitted by John Lauder of Sustrans a brief verbal update on this project was provided by Julie Young, which the Group noted.

Shirley MacLeod - Governance and Law

A report advising the Area Community Planning Group of the main activities of the Community Safety Partnership which have taken place in the last reporting period was considered.

Decision

The Group agreed:-

i.                     To note the highlight/exception reports from the Community Safety Partnership.   

ii.                   To consider whether there are any specific areas of work which the ACPG wishes the Area Community Safety Partnership and to consider developing further at this time.

Ishabel Bremner - Development and Infrastructure Services

The Economic Development Manager gave a presentation on the Economic Development Action Plan for 2013-2018 and included general information about economic development in Argyll and Bute as noted at agenda item 5(d)

She advised the framework for Economic Development centred around four areas which are being competitive, connected, collaborative and compelling.

Decision

The Group noted the information provided and agreed to provide feedback on the developing plan by 21/12/12.

Katrina Sayer – Argyll Voluntary Action

Given the submitted apologies of Katrina Sayer this item was postponed until the next meeting.

The Group agreed to reduce the size of the agenda for the next meeting and include executive summaries instead of presentations.