Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor John Semple

Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie

Ishabel Bremner

The Chair welcomed everyone to the MAKI Area Committee meeting on Gigha and introductions were made round the table.

He asked the Committee to consider 2 Supplementary Agenda items for consideration and discussion at the meeting. These were:

Item 9(e)          North and South Kintyre Landscape Capacity Study.

Item 9(f)           Former swimming pool, St Clair Road, Ardrishaig.

The Committee agreed that the 2 Supplementary papers be taken at the meeting.

Councillor Alison Hay declared a non-financial interest in relation to the Third Sector grant – Campbeltown Picture House being a member of the group, and took no part in the discussion of this item.

The Minutes from the previous meeting held on 3 August 2011 were approved as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendment:

Page 7, Item 10 – Development and Infrastructure Services:-

Councillor Kelly enquired when due prioritisation would be given to the roads in Kintyre.

Councillor Horn advised the Committee that Clachan Primary school had won the award for Best Green Primary school sponsored by Scottish Power. 

Action: It was agreed that a letter of congratulations would be sent to Clachan Primary school on behalf of the MAKI Area Committee and individual Ward Members.

Councillor Currie enquired on the status of the meeting that Sandy Mactaggart had with Scottish Water regarding the issue of the water supply to Machrie Hotel, Isle of Islay.  Shirley MacLeod replied that she would liaise with Sandy on this issue and report back to the Committee.

Councillor Kelly asked if the Committee would consider his request for a letter of commendation to Colin Craig, Managing Director of  West Coast on the success of the Kintyre Express.

Action:  The Committee agreed that a letter of congratulations be sent to West Coast Motors.

Councillor Kelly raised his concerns that the signage NO IRELAND FERRY was still on display on the A83.  Councillor Hay expressed her agreement with this and stressed the need to advertise the correct information.

Action: The Committee agreed that a letter be sent to Transerv requesting the sign be amended or replaced with relevant and current information on the service.

Councillor Kelly requested that representation from NHS Highland be invited to the December Area Committee to update Members on the proposals for the new bed model at Campbeltown Hospital.  He advised Members of a forthcoming stakeholders meeting scheduled for noon on 31 October in the Training Room at Campbeltown Hospital.

Action:  Theresa McLetchie would invite representatives from NHS Highland to the MAKI Area Committee scheduled for 7 December in Campbeltown.      

The Committee viewed a presentation from Alistair MacNeill, Chair of Gigha Heritage Trust detailing the history and updating Members on current and proposed projects.  He thanked Argyll and Bute Council for the help and support that the island had received.

Discussion ensued in regards the grant funding received from Argyll and Bute council and

Action: 

Decision:

The Committee noted the update.

A report by Ann Devine, Principal Lochgilphead Joint Campus.

Ann Devine, Principal at Lochgilphead Joint Campus gave a presentation detailing the success and attainments from pupils and staff commitment at the campus.

The Chair thanked Ann for her informative presentation and asked that congratulations  on behalf of the Area Committee be extended to the staff and pupils.

Decision:

The Committee noted the report.

(Ref: A report by Ms Ann Devine, Principal Lochgilphead Joint campus, dated 5 October 2011, submitted).

A report by Audrey Baird, Community Development Officer.

The Committee considered a report requesting the retention of funding from the Third Sector Grants 2011-12.  Campbeltown Picture House wished to utilise the over-allocation to assist with ongoing maintenance costs associated with their projection costs.

Decision:

The Committee agreed with the recommendation that Campbeltown Picture House retain the over-allocation to assist with ongoing maintenance costs.

(Ref: A report by Audrey Baird, Community Development Officer, dated 5 October 2011, submitted).

A report by David Clements, Performance Manager.  

The Committee considered a report informing Members of a redesigned Area Scorecard to monitor local perfromance.

Decision:

The Committee agreed that this issue would be continued to the MAKI Business Day scheduled for 2 November 2011 for further discussion, then brought to the MAKI Area Committee on 2 December 2011.

(Ref: A report by David Clements, Performance Manager dated 5 October 2011, submitted).

The Members considered a report to designate a MAKI elected member to the MAKI Community Safety Forum as committee representative and Vice Chair.

Councillor McAlpine nominated Councillor Horn as Vice Chair. 

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report and acceded to the nomination that Councillor Horn was designated as Vice Chair.

(Ref: A report by Stephen Doogan, Area Governance Officer dated 5 October 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.

Councillor Kelly detailed his concerns in regards the remedial works in Campbeltown.  In his opinion, there were still problems to be overcome and he had reservations at the quality of work undertaken.  Julian Green replied that he was aware of outstanding issues and that the contractor had not been paid the retention fee, as yet.

Councillor Currie congratulated the Road Department on the remedial work undertaken on Islay.

Councillor McAlpine raised his concerns in regards the end of the trunk road at Kennacraig and enquired when Argyll and Bute council would enact upon the necessary repairs.  Julian Green stated that it was proposed to remediate this stretch of road next year.

Councillor McApline enquired on the signage for the by-pass forestry road at Tarbert.  Julian advised that he would ascertain the status of the signage. 

Action:  Julian to ascertain status of the signage for the by-pass forestry route in Tarbert and report back.

Councillor Horn raised the issue of the signs at Skipness/Claonaig and requested they be correctly positioned.

Councillor Colville highlighted his concerns in regards the inspection methodology undertaken by the Roads department, questioning how effective this was.

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  A report by Julian Green, Technical Officer dated 5 October 2011, submitted).

A report by Callum Robertson,  Roads Asset Manager.

The Committee considered a report detailing the proposed Winter Service policy for 2011-2012.

Councillor Hay enquired if other Council Departments had been contacted to ensure effective correlation and joint working.  Julian replied that the policy was the same as in previous years and, to his knowledge, Callum had been in contact with relevant departments   

Councillor Philand asked Julian to expand on point 4.2.1 of the report.  Julian replied that, to his understanding, this would mean that available resources would be fully utilised to overcome any issues arising during the winter period.  Councillor Hay advised Members of a forthcoming advertising campaign (21 October – 28 October).  This would take the form of adverts and leaflets and contain advice on how to effectively prepare for on onset of winter.

Decision:

The Committee agreed with the recommendation detailed within the report.

(Ref: A report by Callum Robertson, Roads Asset Manager dated 5 October 2011, submitted).

A report by Stuart Green, Planning Development Officer

The Committee considered a report updating Members of the unsuccessful outcome of the funding application from the EU Interreg Programme and request for continued support of the MAKI Area Committee to submit a fresh application for grant funding to assist with the implementation of the Ardrishaig Regeneration Masterplan.

Decision:

The Committee agreed that the report would come to the next MAKI Area Committee meeting in December for further consideration.

(Ref: A report by Stuart Green, Planning Development Officer, dated 5 October 2011,  submitted). 

A report by Martin Gorringe, Marine and Airports manager.

The Committee considered a report updating Members on the Tayinloan contract works to improve the ferry berth.

Councillor McAlpine stated his concerns at the slippage on commencment dates and he questioned how realistic the dates and aspirations were. Julian advised that he had been informed that negotiations should be concluded within a two week period.  

Decision:

The Committee agreed to note the report.

(Ref: A report by Martin Gorringe, Marine and Airports manager, dated 5 October 2011, submitted).

A report by Paul Convery, Planning Development Officer.

The Committee considered a report requesting amendments to the Landscape Capacity Study.

Decision:

The Committee agreed with the recommendation at 2.1 of the report.

(Ref:  A report by Paul Convery, Planning Development Office, dated 5 October 2011, submitted). 

A report by Roy Alexander, Estates Surveyor.

The Committee considered a report detailing proposals for the property detailed within the report

Decision:

The Committee agreed with the recommendation at 2.1 of the report.

(Ref: A report from Estates Department, dated 5 October 2011, submitted).