Printed minutes
Argyll and Bute Council · 11 December 2024
Back to Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Committee — 11 December 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE held ON HYBRID BASIS IN CONNEL VILLAGE HALL, MAIN STREET, CONNEL, PA37 1AD AND MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2024 Present: Councillor Julie McKenzie (Chair) Councillor Kieron Green Councillor Amanda Hampsey Councillor Andrew Kain Councillor Luna Martin Councillor Andrew Vennard Attending: Mark Calder, Project Manager, Roads and Infrastructure Melissa Stewart, Democratic Manager, Democratic Services Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Hume and Lynch. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee - 11 September 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, held on 11 September 2024 was approved as a correct record. (b) Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group - 13 November 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, held on 13 November 2024 was noted. (c) Oban Common Good Fund - 11 November 2024 The Minute of the meeting of the Oban Common Good Fund, held on 11 November 2024 was noted. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Questions 1 -3 – Alison Rennie, Oban Community Council in respect of Flood Prevention
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1. What actions have been, undertaken as a result of the Watercourse Inspection of January 2024? Mark Calder advised that following the inspection in January 2024 there had been a clearance of foreign objects in the watercourse, a river modelling is in progress and the contract has been awarded for the invasive species survey. 2. Since the receipt of two bids for the contract for an invasive species survey and clearance clear what progress has been made to appoint a contractor to carry out this work? Mr Calder advised the contract has been awarded to Japanese Knotweed Specialists (JKS) who have advised that surveys and treatment should be carried out in late May/early June as this is the optimal time. Some invasive plants are dormant in winter which makes them difficult to survey for and makes treatment less effective. 3. SEPA has been asked for permission to carry out various works on the Black Lynn. Have they been asked when they will reach a conclusion to enable to the works to progress? Mr Calder stated at this stage works can be carried out under SEPA’s General Binding Rules for specific low risk activities and the understanding was no further consents were required. Mrs Rennie asked what a Modelling Exercise was? Mr Calder explained that it is a measure of how rainfall and tidal elements affect the height and depth of the water. Mrs Rennie further asked why it has taken since January to appoint a specialist to remove the invasive species who will then take until next May/June to carry out the works? Mr Calder explained that this work was carried out by the same team who had to deal with the issues such as bridge damage, which cut off access and exit to Communities following the storms in October 2023 and while he understood the frustrations there was a risk based approach which meant that type of emergency work had to be prioritised. Mr Calder offered to send the Oban Community Council monthly or bi-monthly Roads and Infrastructure updates – to be agreed with Mrs Rennie off table the frequency of the updates. Question 4 - Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Do the reports received, following the survey, mention the invasive species which is further upstream on private land and is it possible for Central Committee’s reports to be shared with Oban Community Council? Mr Calder agreed that reports could be shared and as mentioned earlier, he will liaise with Alison Rennie over the frequency of reports/updates, he also stated that the Council does not have any influence on private owners and their land.
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Question 5 – Phil Hamerton If the Council does instigate a visitor levy how does the Area Committee see funds being allocated and what engagement would there be on local needs? The Chair stated at this point no-one was sure if the visitor levy was going ahead and that the council had not yet determined whether to consult on a levy. If consultation was instigated, she would certainly speak to fellow members on the area committee to gauge their opinions. Phil then asked if the area committee had a function, for example would funds raised locally be retained locally to benefit the area? The Chair stated that her opinion was that if it was agreed to impose a levy then her view was any money raised in this area should stay in this area. Councillor Green agreed with the Chair and added that if it is agreed to go to consultation then everyone should be encouraged to respond. Councillor Martin was also in agreement with the Chair and stated that she intended to vote to go to a full consultation and that the Area Committee should have a large part in deciding where money should go. Councillor Kain stated that discussion over the outcome of a visitor levy was premature in the extreme. To compare with major cities and other areas in Europe in our diverse and fragile economy here and by imposing a levy and thinking that it will solve our problems on funding of different issues that are necessary across the council area is premature. He commented that the council has a range of very diverse communities, between the islands and the mainland and with different costings and needs across the communities this will raise major conflict on how the monies raised are apportioned between them. He further commented that the impact of other changes that have been put in place with regards to visitor economy was not yet known and that there is an issue where everyone has a view on this but not everyone will be paying it, therefore there is a disparity and unfairness built into it in the first place. Councillor Vennard advised that the Visitor Levy would be a reserved matter for full Council, commenting that if it went ahead it would be for full Council to determine if Area Committees would be involved. The chair again pointed out that no decisions have been made as yet and it would be the full Council who would agree on the question of whether to undertake a consultation. Councillor Hampsey agreed at this point it is all ifs and buts, however, what she has seen so far lacks detail and has multi-faceted issues across the board, which gives her grave concerns. Until it is outlined she would reserve her decisions and observations for that time. Question 6 – Colin Wight
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While I recognise that the levy is not in place, the Council has publicised that they are expecting an income of £9m per year if a levy was imposed, how was that figure arrived at and what would the net number be after the potential cost of implementation of the levy have been taken into account? The Chair stated her understanding was that the £9m was a financial projection and not cast in stone as there is not enough detail as yet. Should the Council go forward with the Consultation, financial projection should come after that. Councillor Green advised that he had been made aware that the projected costs would be around £6m obviously subject to further refinement after administration costs. Councillor Kain commented that any speculation of what can be raised is based on historical figures. As far as he is aware nothing has been taken into account of how many businesses have left the market and what the impact on short term lets is going to be, so it is purely speculative at this stage. Councillor Martin added that following discussion with officers the figure of £6m may be realised after they had taken into account exemptions and deductions. Question 7 – Phil Hamerton Should there be equitable free parking across Argyll and Bute, taking into consideration the population and the amount of free parking in each area, 2/3 of revenue comes from the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area. Oban in particular have 14 free spaces compared to 100s in other similar areas of Argyll and Bute and it seems unequitable distribution? Councillor McKenzie commented that it is not something she has considered before but she will certainly think about it now and would look into figures. Councillor Green commented you would need to look at putting more paid parking in other areas or more free spaces in Oban. This was introduced before and it was not cost effective as there was not a big turnover of parking and deliveries to local businesses were impeded. Oban does have a higher demand for parking and as a result , he believed there was a need for better enforcement and parking management within the town. The Chair reflected that the Enforcement Officers work hard but are a small team that cover a wide geographical area. Question 8 & 9 – Ross Wilson Oban Community Harbour Development Authority Now that Councillors have been provided with all the submissions made by a range of partners and been given a brief from OCHDA, do you Councillors now feel able to “give effective Council’s Community Engagement Strategy” and do your duty as elected members to represent your constituents’ views on this important policy issue and would a further briefing be helpful? The Chair pointed out that as was explained previously this Committee has no remit on the Harbour Revision Order, this sits with the Harbour Board and it is going through due process with Transport Scotland and Scottish Government Ministers at
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present, adding that the Council will be notified directly by them of the outcome. The Chair added that she feels very able to represent her constituents’ views. Councillor Kain agreed entirely with the Chair and that he endeavours to represent all his constituents’ views, not the most vocal, and also his interpretation of what is in the best interests of the whole community. Councillor Martin stated that she was able to represent her constituents but what should be remembered is that there is a large number of constituents in the area and depending on the matter a few loud voices do not necessarily represent the view of Oban, Lorn and the Isles. Councillor Green replied that he feels able to represent his constituents on matters he has responsibility for, noting that the Council does have a comprehensive scheme of delegation and is responsible for a wide range of services and therefore it is not possible for Councillors to be involved with detailed decision making on every aspect. There is a process of decision making by the Harbour Board and he has every confidence in members of the Harbour Board to act appropriately. Ross Wilson mentioned at the previous meeting, recorded in the minutes he had asked the members of the Committee if it was satisfactory that people taking family pictures, without advance approval of the Council, that they see it is satisfactory that the council is supportive of this. Councillor Martin had advised at that meeting that she would be happy to take this question back to the department responsible and Councillor Vennard thought it would be discussed at the Harbour Board Meeting the following day – he asked “could we have an answer please?” Councillor Vennard advised that the Harbour Revision Order was not on the agenda of the Harbour Board meeting, as he had thought. Councillor Martin pointed out that also, within these minutes, it was stated that The Chair had asked if Councillor Martin was a member of the Harbour Board, which she was not, therefore it was not appropriate for her to pose the question. Mr Wilson was not satisfied with the response and asked again if Councillors were happy that, according to Council Policy, families taking photographs required advance Council approval to do so? The Chair advised that she would require more clarity on the Policy in question, before she could give an answer. Mr Calder agreed to take the question away and get a response for Mr Wilson that would be circulated to members of the Area Committee.
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5. ARGYLL COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATION (ACHA) - ANNUAL REPORT Consideration was given to a presentation by the Chief Executive of ACHA, which provided an update on a number of areas including the investment programme for 2024/25; the Scottish Government Grant which has allowed the progression of a number of adaptations and essential aids for the most vulnerable customers across Argyll and Bute; the Exemplar Estates initiative; the Business, Energy, Industrial Strategy (BEIS); the Whole House Retrofit Programme; the Net Zero and Warm Homes Funds and the installation of air source heating pumps. These improvements could see tenants benefiting of saving up to 60% on their energy bills. Information on Welfare rights and Funding was provided from which a number of tenants and local groups, including Oban High School and Park Primary School have benefited. ACHA were also short listed in two categories, Working in Partnership and Excellence in Regeneration and Sustainability at the Chartered Institute of Scotland (CIS) Scotland Housing Awards 2024. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association Ltd, dated December 2024 submitted) 6. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ2 2024/25 The Committee gave consideration to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 2 of 2024/25 (July to September 2024) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the performance and supporting commentary as presented. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 11 December 2024, submitted) 7. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP - PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ1 2024/25 (APRIL - JUNE) Consideration was given to the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Performance Report for financial quarter 1 of 2024/25 (April to June 2024). Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: 1. Acknowledged performance for FQ1 2024/25 (April - June);
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2. Acknowledged performance update on the National Health & Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators (Appendix 1) and 3. Noted Delayed Discharge Sitrep as of 01 July 2024 (Appendix 2) (Reference: Report by Senior Performance and Improvement Manager, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated 21 November 2024, submitted) 8. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided links to the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 11 December 2024, submitted) 9. CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS (a) Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided details on proposals relating to the ongoing management and proposed distribution arrangements for Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds for which the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee are Trustees. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee: 1. considered the financial position of the Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds as of August 2024; 2. agreed that the charities and trust funds, that have historically been awarded to Council Departments and Allied Partners, are awarded on the basis outlined in paragraph 5.5 and defined within appendix 1; and 3. noted that 4 funds, Miss F Mclucas Bequest, Mrs Mellors Bequest, Miss M M Camerons Bequest, and Dugald Mcphail Memorial Fund have no identified beneficiaries and that these are subject to ongoing consideration by officers. (Reference, Report by Executive Director with responsibility to Legal and Regulatory Support, dated 11 December 2024 submitted)
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(b) Coals for the Poor Oban - Award Recommendation The Area Committee gave consideration to a report providing information on an application received for the Coals for the Poor Oban Bequest. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed to award £50 to the applicant on the basis that they met the fund’s criteria. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated December 2024, submitted) 10. DRAFT OBAN, LORN AND THE ISLES AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN The Committee gave consideration to the Area Committee workplan for future meetings. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the workplan. (Reference: Area Committee Workplan, dated 11 December 2024, submitted) 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The date of the next OLI Area Committee is scheduled to take place on 12th March 2025. Councillor McKenzie proposed that in line with the Council’s newly endorsed priorities which include building stronger connections and collaborating with communities by meeting people where they live, the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee takes its meetings out into the communities in Wards 4 & 5, suggesting that the March meeting is held in Seil Island Hall, and the June 2025 meeting take place in Mull. The Chair further suggested that officers bring forward a report of suggested venues for the 2025/26 Area Committee meetings, once the Council had set its programme of meetings for 2025/26. The Chair also invited communities in Wards 4 & 5 to be involved by helping assist in identifying suitable venues which are capable of hosting hybrid meetings. Decision The members of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee unanimously agreed to the proposal that meetings should take place in venues around the area with appropriate wifi facilities and noted that a report on suggested venues for 2025/26 meetings would come to a future meeting of the Area Committee.