Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anne Horn, Iain Angus MacDonald, Alistair MacDougall, Duncan MacIntyre, Robert G MacIntyre and Elaine Robertson.

Councillor MacMillan had advised that he would be attending a funeral and would join the Committee later in the morning.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee – 10 April 2014

The Minutes of the meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee held on 10 April 2014 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report proposing a draft Parking Policy Framework for Argyll and Bute which would provide a framework to ensure a consistent area based approach while recognising the uniqueness of some of the towns and settlements.  The report also set out proposals for reviewing the existing Traffic Regulation Orders and charging regimes following the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement in May 2014.

Decision

The Committee –

1.      Endorsed the proposed draft Policy and recommended to the Policy and Resources Committee that the draft Policy be recommended for adoption by the Council subject to the amendments agreed by the Committee being incorporated into the document.

2.      Endorsed the proposal for reviewing Traffic Regulation Orders by Area Committees.

3.      Delegated the Head of Roads and Amenity Services  to work in consultation with the Communications Manager and Policy Lead for Tourism to ensure that appropriate information in respect of coach and HGV parking be made available on the website.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated July 2014 and draft Parking Policy Framework, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report proposing a draft Policy for green and woodland burials.  This Policy had been designed to provide choice for individuals and bereaved families who seek an alternative to a traditional burial.

Decision

The Committee –

1.      Noted and endorsed the report.

2.      Approved that the draft Green and Woodland Burials Policy be taken to the Policy and Resources Committee for  recommendation for approval by the Council.

3.      Noted that community groups and private land owners can seek to work with the Council in respect of the provision of privately owned land for burials, if so minded.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated June 2014 and draft Policy for the Provision of Woodland and Green Burial Services, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report which set out the arrangements of how flood risk is being managed within Scotland through SEPA and other responsible authorities was considered.  The report updated Members on the process and sought endorsement of initial objectives.

Decision

The Committee endorsed the ongoing work in the production of local flood risk management plans.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated July 2014, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report which provided an update in relation to ongoing works associated with street lighting was considered.  The report provided background to the general condition of the lighting stock including cable infrastructure.  The report also provided detail on how additional funding allocated to lighting would be invested and gave an outline programme for the collection of data, preparation of an energy model and business case.

Decision

The Committee noted and endorsed the content of the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated June 2014, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report was considered that gave a brief update in respect of the A83 and which advised members of a Seminar to be held on 8 September 2014 in the Council Chamber, Kilmory, Lochgilphead. Transport Scotland would be in attendance to deliver a presentation on the resilience of the A83, the works competed and the works proposed.  The improvement works on the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan would also be considered at this Seminar.  All elected members would be invited to attend.

Decision

The Committee noted the content of the report.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated July 2014, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report presenting the draft Winter Service Policy for 2014/15.  The Policy for 2014/15 remained in a similar format and covered a similar network to the Policy passed by the Council in 2011; with any amendments being highlighted within the report.

Decision

The Committee approved –

1.      The 2014/15 Winter Maintenance Policy and Appendix 1 to the report by the Executive Director.

2.      The Salt Use Reduction and Preservation of Stocks Protocol at Appendix 3 to the report by the Executive Director.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated July 2014 and draft Winter Service Policy 2014/15, submitted)

Councillor MacMillan joined the meeting at this point.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report which presented the financial quarter one scorecard for the Development and Infrastructure Services department was considered.

Decision

The Committee –

1.      Noted that the quarterly performance scorecards would be programmed into the Committee’s meeting schedule.

2.      Reviewed and noted the performance for financial quarter one.

3.      Noted that feedback from the Committee Development Day and from the Committee meetings would be used to ensure ongoing improvement to the performance, review and scrutiny process.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Directors – Development and Infrastructure Services and Customer Services dated August 2014, tabled)

The Provost, who was in attendance at the meeting, expressed his sincere thanks to staff involved with the regeneration work in respect of Rothesay Pavilion.  The Committee formally recorded their appreciation to the staff involved for their exceptional work.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report that proposed the creation of a new Argyll and Bute Sustainable Economic Forum was considered.  The Forum would take forward a partnership approach between key representatives of the public, private and voluntary sector to help deliver sustainable economic growth throughout Argyll and Bute.

Decision

The Committee –

1.      Noted the report.

2.      Agreed to establish an Argyll and Bute Sustainable Economic Forum.

3.      Delegated authority to the Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Deputy Leader and Policy Lead for Economic Growth to approach suitable individuals and invite them to serve on the Forum.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated July 2014, submitted)