Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed and introduced Marri Malloy from Oban Community Council to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Rev Dougald Cameron.

The Chair ruled and the Group agreed, in terms of Standing Order 3.2.2 that an application regarding the Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival, dealt with at item 8g of this Minute and a report regarding the investment activity at item 10 of this Minute, be taken as a matter of urgency due to the event being held in July 2013.

Marri Malloy declared a non financial interest in relation to the application on Soroba Community Enterprise which is dealt with at item 7(a) of this Minute because she is a member of the Management Committee.

Councillor Elaine Robertson declared a non financial interest in relation to the application on Oban and District Disability Forum and Access Panel, which is dealt with at item 7(e) of this Minute because she is a member of the Management Committee.

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th November 2012 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Head of Governance and Law

A report on the revised Distribution Policy and Criteria, was considered.

Decision

The trustees approved the report subject to the following amendments to item 10 on page 11 and the second sentence of item 2 on page 12 – The general rule that the Common Good Fund is a fund of last resort shall not apply where a funding request is for a sum of no more than £500.

(Ref:  Report by Governance Manager dated 13^th February 2013, submitted).

Report by Andy Newiss, R A Clements

A report was presented by Andy Newiss as independent advisor and the Committee noted the current financial position and outstanding commitments.

Discussion took place in relation to future predicted income and associated expenditure.

Decision

The trustees agreed that Andy Newiss is to prepare a forecast of predicted income and potential limits to expenditure which may be necessary during the financial years up to 2016/17.

Update by Area Governance Manager

A list of outstanding commitments was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the position.

Marri Malloy, having declared a non financial interest in item 7(a), left the meeting and took no part in the discussion of this item. 

The trustees considered an application from Soroba Community Enterprises.

Decision

The Group agreed to disperse the £5,000, being the third year of a three year grant.

The trustees considered an update provided by Lorn and Oban Healthy Options Ltd.

Decision

The trustees agreed to disperse the £5,000 previously awarded to them on the basis that they were content with the progress of the Group.

The trustees had a discussion about the Argyllshire Gathering noting that a letter had been issued on 27^th November 2012 Requesting confirmation from the Group as to whether the sum previously underwritten for the current financial year would be required and that confirmation of this should be submitted no later than 15 March 2013.

Decision

The trustees agreed that a further letter should be sent to the Group seeking confirmation as to whether they intended to apply for the sum of £5,000.

The trustees also agreed that should Argyllshire Gathering require to make an application, the decision as to the release said funds would be delegated to the Clerk in consultation with the Chair noting that Andy Newiss is to be informed if they reply before 15^th March.

The trustees considered a request from the Scottish Ocean Explorer Centre with confirmation that they have all funding in place to enable their project to proceed.

Decision

The trustees agreed to disperse £15,000 the Scottish Ocean Explorer Centre.

Councillor Elaine Robertson, having declared a non financial interest in item 7(e), left the meeting and took no part in the discussion of this item.  Councillor Fred Hall took Chair of the meeting for this item.

The trustees considered a request from Oban and District Disability Forum and Access Panel that part of the grant of £500 previously approved by the trustees be applied to the cost of a new door.

Decision

The Group agreed to disperse the amount of £199.75 plus vat from the £500 previously earmarked for the alarm system and refused their request that the remainder of the award could be applied to the cost of new door. It was agreed to advise them that they would have to make a new application for assistance with funding for the door.

The trustees considered a letter from Oban Celtic Shinty Under 14’s.

Decision

The trustees requested that Oban Celtic Shinty Under 14’s be requested to submit a formal application for funding.

The trustees considered an application from Oban Cinema requesting a grant for refurbishment work.

Decision

The trustees agreed that Oban Cinema had not made a valid application and asked that they be requested to submit the necessary information in order to allow the application to be considered at a Special Common Good Fund meeting.

The trustees considered an application from Robert MacIntyre of Glencruitten Golf Club.

Decision

The trustees declined this application as it did not meet the criteria for a grant from the Common Good Fund as he is an individual.  It was agreed that the Clerk would contact the applicant advising of other avenues of funding which could be pursued.

The trustees considered an application from Oban Gaelic Choir for a grant of £4,000.

Decision

The trustees agreed to disperse £1,500 to the choir.

The trustees considered an application from Glencruitten Golf Club for a grant of £15,000 over a 3 year period.

Decision

The trustees refused the application as they had previously awarded funding to r Glencruitten Golf Club during the current financial year.. The trustees requested that the golf club be asked to submit an application containing further information on the proposed use of any grant funding in the new financial year.

The trustees considered an application from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for a grant for accommodation.

Decision

The Group agreed to disperse £1,000 to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to cover cost of the venue in Oban.

The trustees considered an application from Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival which is taking place in July this year.

Decision

The trustees agreed that Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival had not made a valid application and asked that they be requested to submit the necessary information in order to allow the application to be considered at a Special Common Good Fund meeting.

A report outlining details of investment management costs and the trend in investment valuations for the years to 30^th September 2011 and September 2012, was considered.

Decision

The Group agreed to go back to the Head of Strategic Finance and request a further report.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Strategic Finance dated 13^th February 2013, tabled).

E1                   Paragraph 6  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).