Agenda and minutes

In light of national advice regarding the need to protect communities from the current spread of coronavirus, and the need for the Trustees to consider applications prior to the financial year end, it had been agreed that remote participation into the meeting by those affected by the advice received would be permissible to allow the meeting to progress.

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Jim Lynch declared a non-financial interest in items 6 (Update on Outstanding Grant Application) which included an update on the grant previously awarded to the Grab Trust and 8(b) the application for funding by the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival on the basis that he is a board member of each organisation.  No discussion took part on item 6 and item 8(b) was withdrawn.

Councillor Elaine Robertson declared a non-financial interest in item 8(a) Crossroads North Argyll on the basis that she is a Director of the organisation.  She left the room during discussion of the item and took no part in the decision making.

Oban Common Good Fund 21 November 2019

The minutes of the Oban Common Good Fund held on 21^st November 2019 were approved as a correct record.

The Trustees resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the public for the following items of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Janie Steele attended the meeting to provide additional information in support of the application which was presented at the November 2019 meeting, at the request of the Trustees.

Decision

The Trustees noted that a constitution and proof of bank account had now been submitted and agreed to award £2038 to Footprint Alba.

(Ref: Application by Janie Steele, submitted and constitution and bank account details for Footprint Alba, tabled)

Jeremy Moore attended the meeting to provide information in support of the application submitted at the November 2019 meeting, at the request of the Trustees.

Decision

Having been advised by the applicant’s representative that project will not progress without funding due to budget restrictions, the trustees unanimously agreed:

1. To make an award of funding to Police Scotland on the basis that the proposals will have significant community safety benefits to the inhabitants of Oban that far outweigh the restriction in the criteria to support only individuals, voluntary or charitable organisations.
2. That the application is otherwise consistent with the aims of the common good, is a one off project, and that the accounts and constitution are a matter of public record.
3. That if 50% of the project commences the contribution to the project total will be £3016.50 and that this contribution will increase to £6033 where the full project can be delivered.
4. That determination of the final sum of funding being released, and timing of this, be delegated to the Governance Officer to agree, in consultation with the Chair.

(Ref:  Application by Police Scotland, submitted)

Oban Saints had submitted their constitution and accounts in support of their application following continuation of the item from the November 2019 meeting.

Decision

It was agreed to underwrite any shortfall in fundraising to the value of £2000 with the trustees advising that as the funding was for the whole club, they expected that all teams, including youth teams, would be able to make use of the minibus.

(Ref:  Oban Saints Football club constitution and accounts, submitted)

A financial statement detailing the current position Oban Common Good Fund was presented.

Decision

The Trustees noted the financial statement.

The Governance Officer spoke briefly regarding her report, advising the trustees that the final drawdown of funds had been recently received from Argyll and Bute Rape crisis.

Decision

The Trustees noted the report and verbal update provided by the Governance Officer.

(Ref: Report by Governance Officer dated 19^th March 2020, submitted)

The Trustees noted the end of project report.

The Trustees noted the end of project report.

The Trustees noted the end of project report.

The Trustees noted the end of project report.

The Trustees noted the end of project report.

Having declared an interest in the application by Crossroads North Argyll, the Chair left the meeting at this point and the trustees agreed that Councillor Green would take the chair for the following item.

The Trustees considered the application from Crossroads North Argyll.

Decision

It was agreed to award £2000.

Councillor Elaine Robertson returned to the meeting at this point and resumed the Chair.

The Trustees noted that application from Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival had been withdrawn due to event being cancelled for 2020.

The Trustees considered the application from Martyn’s Monday Club,

Decision

The Trustees agreed to award £6000 to the Group, subject to submission of a constitution and agreed to delegate determination of the release of funding to the Governance Officer, in consultation with the Chair.

(Ref:  Application from Martyn’s Monday Club and bank statement)

The Trustees considered the application from Oban Pipe Band.

Decision

The Trustees agreed to award £1500.

(Ref:  Application, constitution and accounts, submitted)

The Trustees noted that the application from Traditional Music & Song Association (Scotland) was withdrawn as the event is cancelled for 2020.

In response to the current government advice regarding the spread of coronavirus the Trustees agreed that the date of next meeting will be confirmed at a later date.