Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated by:

Councillor Gordon Blair

Councillor Breslin declared a non-financial interest in item 16, Care at Home- New Model of Care, due to a personal friendship.

The Chair ruled and the Committee agreed to take item 14. Integration of Health and Social Care out of sequence to facilitate officer attendance.

This item was taken after Item 5. Area Plan Scorecards.

The Minute of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee held on 2 June 2015 was approved as a correct record.

The Minute of the Bute Community Safety Forum held on 12 June 2015 was noted.

The minute of the Cowal Transport Forum held on the 19^th June 2015 was noted.

The minute of the Forward Dunoon and Cowal Group held on the 23^rd June 2015 was noted.

The minute of the Cowal Community Safety Forum held on the 23^rd June 2015 was noted.

A representative from Bute Community Council raised that there had been an ongoing issue with the length of time of Officer responses to queries.

Councillor Scoullar informed the Committee that he had written to the Chief Executive on behalf of Bute Community Council to raise the issue and it was agreed by Bute Community Council and the Committee that this item was now appropriately resolved.

Craig Borland, Editor of The Buteman, requested Members’ comments on the proposed changes to the Ward Boundaries in Bute and Cowal by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland.

Councillor Walsh responded that the decisions regarding local government boundaries are taken at national level. He further explained that within Argyll and Bute Council a Short Life Working Group had been set up and their recommendations had been presented at the most recent Policy and Resources Committee.

Councillor Marshall stated that it was his opinion that the situation had not been well handled and felt that an appropriate consultation process had not been put in place.

Councillor Strong raised concerns regarding the proposed new structure of the boundaries in particularly the effect this may have on appropriate representation for residents in West Cowal.

Councillor Breslin noted that the constraints on the number of ward representatives are contained in an order which specifies that a ward may have no less than three and no more than four representatives.

A member of the public requested an update on the situation at the West Kirk, Rothesay as she is affected by the situation due to living in close proximity to the building.

The Area Committee Manager explained that as this is currently an exempt item a public update could not be given at this point.

Report by Programme Manager

The Committee considered a report containing the Area Scorecard for FQ1 2015-2016.

Decision

The Committee noted the exceptional performance presented on the Scorecard.

(Ref: Report by IOD Programme Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted).

Report by Integration Project Manager

The Head of Service East – Adult Care took the Committee through a Progress update report on the integration of Health and Social Care which incorporated the new integrated management structure that is currently being implemented.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Integration Project Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The Community Development Officer provided the Committee with a report detailing the recommendations for the award of Third Sector grants in Bute and Cowal

Decision

1. The Committee noted the contents of the report; and

2. The Committee agreed the recommendations as follows:

(Ref: Report by Community Development Officer dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The Community Development Officer provided the Committee with a report detailing how funding from grants to the Third Sector was spent in 2014/2015.

A discussion took place between Members and the Community Development Officer regarding potential issues surrounding overpayment of funding to organisations. Members were satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to reclaim any overpayment.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Community Development Officer dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The Community Development Officer provided the Committee with a report detailing an unspent funding award that was received by Ardentinny Community Trust and informed Members that the Chair of the organisation will return the unspent funding.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report; and

2.    Agreed the recommendations at 2.0 of the report.

(Ref: Report by Community Development Officer dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Head of Education

Members considered a report which provided holiday dates for Schools in 2016/2017 for the Bute and Cowal area.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report.

2.    Agreed the recommendations at 2.0 of the report.

(Ref: Report by Head of Education dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Public Transport Officer

The Public Transport Officer provided the Committee with a report detailing information on development work which is ongoing in relation to the supported bus network in Cowal including service 489 which runs between Toward and Glenfinart and service 480 which runs between upper Kirn and Dunoon Ferry Terminal.

A discussion was held between the Public Transport Officer and Members regarding the implications of any proposed service changes to several routes in the Cowal Area. Members thanked the Public Transport Officer for his efficient handling of complicated issues.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report; and

2.    That a further report detailing the outcome of the survey of users be brought to the October Area Committee .

(Ref: Report by Public Transport Officer dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Projects and Renewables Manager

The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation presented an update report of the work of the Strategic Urban Regenration Forums (SURF), and the Director of SURF provided an update on the progress of SURF, who were engaged in October 2014 by HIE, to produce a feasibility study to assess the potential for developing a sustainable ‘Alliance for Action’ regeneration initiative focussed on the town of Rothesay. Members were advised that this project is currently the subject of public consultation, with public meetings scheduled for the 2^nd and 27^th of September, and a review will be carried out in October to assess public interest in continuing with the proposed project.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report

(Ref:  Report by the Projects and Renewables Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted).

Report by Economic Development Manager

The Economic Development Manager took the Committee through a report which provided an update on the preparation of the Bute and Cowal Economic Development Action Plan (EDAP) for 2015/16.

The Head of Economic Development emphasised to the Committee that this is a working document and that Economic Development plan to go out to communities for consultation and feedback and compile a programme of actions.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report.

2.    Agreed the recommendations as outlined at 3.2 of the report.

(Report by the Economic Development Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Area Team Leader – Development Control

The Development Manager spoke to a report providing an update on unsightly buildings in the Bute and Cowal Area. It was noted that 29 properties are currently monitored and Members advised the Development Manager of additional buildings which they would like added to the list.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Area Team Leader – Development Control dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

The Area Governance Manager spoke to a report on the work of both the Cruach Mhor and Clachan Flats Wind Farm Trusts.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Area Governance Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Projects and Renewables Manager

The Head of Economic Development took the Committee through a report on the progress with the Royal Hotel, Rothesay.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Projects and Renewables Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Area Manager – Adult Care

The Area Manager for Adult Care provided the Committee with a newly revised update on adult care which incorporates all aspects of Adult Care across Bute and Cowal.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report; and

2.    Requested that a further updated report be brought to the September Business Day.

(Ref: Report by Area Manager – Adult Care dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 8&9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Councillor Breslin declared a non-financial interest in item 16. Care at Home - New Model of Care due to a personal friendship. Councillor Breslin remained in the room for consideration of this item.

Report by Performance Improvement Officer

The Area Manager for Adult Care spoke to a report regarding a new model of care for Care at Home services.

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Requested a revised report be presented to the October Area Committee.

(Ref: Report by Performance Improvement Officer, dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by the Built Heritage Conservation Officer and Buildings Standards

The Committee considered a report updating them on the progress with West Kirk, Rothesay.

Decision

The Committee:

1. Noted the contents of the report;
2. Noted the Council’s statutory responsibilities; and
3. Noted that a special meeting of the Area Committee may be convened to determine the matter.

(Ref: Report by Built Heritage Conservation Officer dated 4 August 2014, submitted)

Report by Project Manager Development and Infrastructure

The Project Manager, Development and Infrastructure provided the Committee with an update report on the major repair and upgrading project for the Rothesay Pavilion.

Decision

The Committee:

Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Project Manager, Development and Infrastructure dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The Project Manager, Development and Infrastructure took the Committee through a report which outlined the proposed transfer of the Yamaha Grand Piano in the Rothesay Pavilion.

Decision

The Committee:

Agreed the recommendations as outlined at 3.1 and 3.2 of the submitted report.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director of Community Services dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Regeneration Project Manager

The Regeneration Project Manager took the Committee through a report which provided an update on the tender estimate for the Dunoon Queens Hall.

Decision

The Committee:

 Noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Regeneration Project Manager dated 4 August 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The Regeneration Project Manager took the Committee through a report which outlined the Actions from Internal Audit Report for the CHORD Programme

Decision

The Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report and;

2.    Requested a further updated report to October Area Committee.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services dated 4 August 2015, submitted)