Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated by Councillor Andrew Kain.

It was agreed that in Councillor Kain’s absence that Councillor Green would Chair the meeting.

Councillor Jim Lynch declared a non-financial interest in Item 9(a) of these minutes as he is a member of Oban War Memorial Centenary Group.  Councillor Lynch left the meeting during consideration of the item and did not participate in the decision making.

The Trustees noted that given the Declaration of Interest made by Councillor Lynch the meeting would not be quorate in respect of item 9(a) of these minutes and resolved that for this item only they would agree a temporary delegation to the Governance Officer to participate as a decision maker.  The decision is recorded on that basis.

The minutes of the Oban Common Good Fund held on 21 August 2023 were approved as a correct record.

The Council resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and 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.

Report  by Simmers and Company

A financial statement detailing the current position of investment transaction for the period up to 31 October 2023 was considered.

Decision

The Trustees noted the income and expenditure report.

(Ref:  Report by Simmers & Co for period ending 31 October 2023, submitted)

The Governance Officer stated that the audited annual accounts for 2022/23 are not yet available, as the Council has new auditors and as a result, this year’s audit was not running to the normal timescales.  It is anticipated that the accounts will be submitted to a special Council meeting in December, therefore if Trustees wish to consider these prior to that special meeting, a special meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund may need to be called in order for the accounts to be presented to the Trustees, should Trustees wish to consider these before the special Council meeting.

Decision

The Trustees agreed to hold a special meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund on 8 December to consider the audited accounts.  The observers intimated apologies for the meeting but confirmed they are happy to receive a copy of the accounts by email and feedback any comments in advance of the special meeting.

The Trustees were invited to consider the End of Project Monitoring from Oban Pride.

Decision

The Trustees noted the end of project form.

(Ref: End of Project Monitoring Form, submitted)

The Trustees considered the application from Dunollie Preservation Trust.

Decision

After careful consideration the Trustees agreed that the application required more detail in order for them to make a final decision.  It was agreed to continue consideration of the applicant to the special meeting on 8 December and that the applicants would be invited to the meeting on 8 December to provide further details on their application and respond to any questions the Trustees may have.

(Ref: Application from Dunollie Preservation Trust, submitted)

The Trustees considered the application from Hope Kitchen.

Decision

The Trustees agreed:

1. Award the sum of £2,178.96 in respect of the heaters; and

2. To delegate authority to the Governance Officer, in consultation with the Chair to award a further £3850 when clarification that the lease had been secured, and subject to confirmation that planning permission was not required, or otherwise had been obtained prior to purchase and installation of the shed.

(Ref: Application from Hope Kitchen, submitted)

The Trustees considered the application from Oban Community Council.

Decision

After careful consideration the Trustees agreed that the application required more detail in order for them to make a final decision.  It was agreed to continue consideration of the applicant to the special meeting on 8 December and that the applicants would be invited to the meeting on 8 December to provide further details on their application and respond to any questions the Trustees may have.

(Ref. Application from Oban Community Council, submitted)

It was agreed that a special meeting be convened on 8 December 2023 and that the next scheduled meeting would be held on 18 March 2024 at 2pm.  Both meetings would be held remotely.

[Note: Having been advised post-meeting of a potential clash with a Council led event it was subsequently agreed to hold the next special meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund on 12^th December 2023.]

Councillor Lynch left the meeting at this point having declared an interest in the request by Oban War Memorial Centenary Group.

A request from the Oban War Memorial Centenary Group had been received to extend the grant deadline, as they were still awaiting some invoices to allow them to fully draw down the funding awarded.

Decision

The Trustees agreed to extend the award deadline to the 31st March 2024.