Agenda and minutes

Apologies were intimated by Councillor Anne Horn, Councillor Alison Hay and Chief Inspector Marlene Bailie.

Councillor Douglas Philand declared a non-financial interest in relation to MAKI Surplus Property – Lochgilphead Primary school.  He left the room and took no part in the discussion which is dealt with at Item 10 of this Minute. 

The Minutes from the previous meeting held on 1 December 2010 were approved as a true record.

A member of the public in attendance at the meeting raised a question in regards to the short life working group being put in place to consider proposals for a Methadone clinic in Campbeltown. He represented Kintyre Service Users group and  questioned  if they could be included on the working group.

Charles Reppke replied that Argyll and Bute Council had been the recipient of the invitation.  However, he recognised the importance of service users being involved in the planning and delivery of services.  Councillor Philand reiterated this and stressed the importance of service users participation.

Councillor Semple requested clarification in regards to how Cllr Hay, Colville and Currie had voted in regards to the proposal to close 25 rural schools within Argyll and Bute.

Charles Reppke stated the Area Committee public question time, which should relate to council service issues, was not the correct  platform for this form of discussion.

The Committee considered dates and venues for proposed meetings in 2011.  These included Island venues.

Discussion followed in regards the merit of certain meetings and the continuing process of ensuring island involvement. Charles Reppke informed the Committee that the meeting structure was being reviewed and various proposals being developed.

Councillor Semple highlighted the large geographical area that Argyll and Bute Council covered.  In his view, the Council needed to progress a detailed programme utilising video conferencing.  Charles Reppke informed Members that Argyll and Bute Council were implementing new technology whereby officers would be able to conduct video conferencing via their PCs.  He also referred to trials undertaken by a PPG to look at the dynamics of virtual meetings.  He expressed his own opinion that such technology was suited to some types of meetings, but not for those involving debate amongst members. 

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report

(Ref: Timetable of dates and venues, submitted).

A report by Alison Younger, Area Customer Services Manager.

The Committee considered a report inviting representation from the MAKI Area Committee onto a short life working group to consider proposals for a Methadone clinic to be based in Campbeltown.

Councillor MacMillan proposed that Councillor Kelly be nominated as the Member to represent the MAKI Area Committee and to participate in the working group.  Councillor Colville seconded this.

Decision:

1.                    The Committee agreed with the nomination of  Councillor Kelly to represent the MAKI Area Committee on the NHS Highland working group.

2.                    The Committee agreed that Councillor Kelly would take a recommendation from the MAKI Area Committee to the working group that they consider inviting a representative from the Kintyre Service Users to join them to consider the proposal. 

(Ref:  A report by Alison Younger, Area Customer Services Manager, dated 9 February 2011, submitted). 

A report by Julian Green, Technical Officer.

The Committee considered a report providing updates on outstanding road-related issues in the MAKI area.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  A report by Julian Green, dated 9 February 2011, submitted).

A report by Martin Gorringe, Operations Manager.

The Committee considered a report providing details on the Tall Ships Races 2011, which would incorporate Campbeltown and Oban as guest ports.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  A report by Martin Gorringe, dated 9  February 2011, 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 3 items of business on the grounds that they were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

A report by Caroline Sheen, Estates Surveyor.

The Committee considered a report seeking approval to offer prospective purchasers of Kirkland the opportunity to make an offer of purchase for the gardens at Dell Road, Campbeltown.

Decision:

1.      Agreed to recommend that Estates liaise with Campbeltown Community Council to ascertain their views on the gardens.

2.      Agreed that Estates would liaise with Planning Department to gauge the most appropriate use of the site.

3.      Agreed that an updated report would come to the next MAKI Area meeting scheduled for April 2011.

(Ref:  A report by Caroline Sheen, dated 9 February 2011, submitted).

A report by Roy Alexander, Estates Surveyor.

The Committee gave consideration to a report advising Members of an expression of interest from a neighbouring proprietor in respect of an area of Council owned ground at St Clair Road, Ardrishaig.

Decision:

1.      Agreed that Estates would liaise with Ardrishaig Community Council to ascertain their views on the said ground.

2.      Agreed that an updated report would come to the next MAKI Area Committee meeting scheduled for April 2011.

(Ref: A report by Roy Alexander, dated 9 February  2011, submitted).

A report by Hugh Blake, Senior Estates Surveyor.

The Committee considered a report updating Members on the various surplus properties within the MAKI area.

Discussion ensued between Members in regard to the on-going marketing of various properties detailed within the report.

Decision:

Agreed that a further report be brought to the MAKI Area Committee meeting in April where further consideration would be given prior to a decision being made.

(Ref: A report by Hugh Blake, dated 9 February 2011, submitted).