Minutes:
The Community Development Officer asked a question on behalf of Brian Marden. He asked if anything was going to be done about the growing number of potholes in Cnoc a Challtuinn.
John Gordon raised a concern about car parking in Oban. He asked where will be free to park in Oban if charges are applied at Lochavulian Car Park , stating that there will be no where for people who live outside of town and for tourists to park if they would like to use the bus, train or ferry. Councillor McCuish advised Mr Gordon that there will be a consultation process for everyone to feed into with their comments. The Area Committee Manager agreed to distribute information on the parking review consultation round all Community Councils when this information has become available.
John Gordon raised an issue in regard to the sewage system at Balvicar. He advised that in 2007 a new system was put in place by Scottish Water which cost £11.7M and hasn’t worked for many years. Mr Gordon asked for the Council’s support in furthering this matter.
Mr John Reid asked a question in relation to the sourcing of
materials and associated costs in respect of the CHORD projects throughout
Argyll and Bute. Mr Reid was
particularly concerned over the cost of granite, which he believed would need
to be sourced from India and China. He
expressed concern over whether this was economically friendly. Mr Reid advised that he was aware that a
tender was about to be accepted by the Council in this regard and that the
works were scheduled to begin in October in Oban. He requested that the Area Committee put
forward a recommendation to all Councillors asking them to give consideration
to using cheaper, locally sourced materials.
The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation confirmed
that the only tender we are involved with granite specified is Oban public
realm phase 2. He advised that the Council have followed specific
procurement rules on the identification of materials and their quality. He
confirmed that no country of manufacture is specified and to do so would breach
the Public Contract Regulations.
Mr Murray advised that in terms of delivery times
contractors need to provide a project plan of delivery including delivery of
materials on site and this is considered as part of the tender process and the
council has not identified any concerns with project timescales.
Councillor Neil MacIntyre asked if the Council would be purchasing a machine to clean the streets in Oban as he has noticed already that Stafford Street is dirty and the paving is stained. He advised that Helensburgh have their own machine and feels Oban needs their own machine with all the upcoming works that are to be done in the town. The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation agreed to take this back to the Head of Roads and Amenity Services. Councillor MacLean asked that the Area Committee look at the terms of the Council’s street cleaning policy.
Councillor MacLean asked if the Council were looking into purchasing furniture for Stafford Street with another company. The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation confirmed that the Council is not taking any offers forward at present but are looking at other options and allowing the private sector to explore different options that could be considered by the Area Committee in the future.
Councillor MacLean asked when the bins at Stafford Street would be deployed and if they had a cigarette part. The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation confirmed that the bins had arrived and are hoping to deploy them as soon as possible and advised that he was unsure about the cigarette part but would check this out and advise Councillor MacLean.
Councillor D MacIntyre asked how we can publicise the use of the space at Stafford Street as he recently seen the pipe band playing at the station and felt the space at Stafford Street would be a better venue. He suggested that this space be used for pipe bands at the Mòd in October. The Chair suggested that the Community Development Officer email her network to make them aware of this use of space.
Councillor Robertson asked if the new paving at Stafford Street and George Street is chewing gum resistant. The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation agreed to look into this.
Graeme Bruce raised an issue about business units in Oban. He advised that 18 months ago he lost the bid on a vacant unit which is now being used to store cars. He asked for this to be looked into.
Linda Houston from BIDs advised the Committee that she is in the process of reviewing the current 5 year plan for BIDs and asked if the North Pier Maritime development has been delayed, noting that there is an exempt item on this agenda regarding a short term lease. THe Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation advised he is limited on what he can answer but works should be completed by the end of September.
Ms Houston also raised a question in relation to the Food and Drink Festival which is coming to Oban on 3rd and 4th November, she asked what Oban can offer for this festival and asked if social media could play a part in this.
Rita Gatner from the Press and Journal asked a question in relation to Oban Airport Business Park. She asked if any businesses had shown in interest in the site and if it has been marketed in any way. The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation confirmed that there are a number of businesses which have stated an interest but that a marketing campaign would also be undertaken. Ms Gatner also asked what type of businesses the Council are looking for. Mr Murray advised they are looking for businesses that complement the airport or link to class 4 type office development.
John Gordon asked if anything had been done for Seil and Easdale Community Council’s contingency plan for the bridge coming into Easdale as if this was to fall down then Easdale, Luing and Seil Island would be cut off from the mainland.
The Area Committee Manager read out a question which was emailed in by Duncan Martin of Oban Community Council. Mr Martin asked if would be possible to create a by-law which would require all those in charge of dogs to show the Warden that they had the means to collect their dog poo. The Area Committee Manager agreed to follow this up with the relevant service and contact Mr Martin directly.