Apologies:
Apologies were received from Suzy Munro, Martin McFarlane and Charles Dixon-Spain. A letter of resignation was received from Iylene Wilson.
Minutes of last meeting:
The Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with no matters arising.
Community Council Elections Part II:
The Chairman explained the background to the second round of community council elections set up by Argyll and Bute Council. Notification of anyone standing was due to be received by 11th February. It was thought unlikely that there would be any nominees from the community but if there were, elections would be held, resulting in an uncomfortable mix of elected and appointed members.
Local Area Community Planning Group
The Chairman had attended a meeting of Cowal & Bute CC representatives to discuss Community Council membership of the Group. It was agreed to propose four, one each from Dunoon and Bute and two to represent the rural areas. No individuals would be nominated, but prior to the 5 meetings per annum, the area CCs would meet and decide suitable representation depending on the proposed agenda. Questions were asked as to the purpose of this representation. The consensus was that it is an opportunity for the communities to influence strategic planning.
BT Community Award Scheme:
Under this scheme BT offers a free computer and one year’s free internet connection. As the deadline was imminent, both the Development Trust and the Community Council applied, with the a laptop to be situated in each village hall. Thus the Development Trust Officer could work at both ends of the community. If successful, we have a year take up the offer.
Glendaruel Village Hall:
The Chairman had been unable to attend an Argyll and Bute Council meeting on 2nd February but had noted that Glendaruel Village Hall was on the agenda following a request from the Hall Committee that it be returned to the community. Cllr. Alec McNaughton informed the meeting that it had been decided to return the hall to community ownership. The Hall Committee awaits written confirmation.
Reports:
The Chairman reported that an application had been made to buy all four redundant phone boxes in the area at £2 each. There had been hopes that the Ormidale Pier kiosk be retained as the mobile phone signal there is poor but, as only one call had been made in the past year, it was unlikely BT would consent. Ideas such as using the kiosks as information points or mini art galleries have come from the community.
Bt have deferred their response as they are overwhelmed by demand.
The Treasurer reported that there was £2490 in our account of which £500 belongs to the Development Trust. Once the new signatories are authorised this will be paid.
Development Trust – Charles Dixon-Spain sent a short report saying that the Development Officer, Rhona Sutherland, had been appointed and will start on 21st February. Thereafter she will consult with all the community. The Development Trust AGM has been postponed until 22nd March to give Rhona time to take stock and play a full part.
Councillor: Cllr. McNaughton confirmed painful times ahead. A&B Council will make cuts across the board, especially on social and welfare budgets. The road budget would also be cut. He agreed that road patching is unsatisfactory but was not optimistic we could hope for better. The cutbacks include ditching and verge cutting to once yearly. Asked about the system of recycling tarmac in situ he said that it was cost effective and the Council will buy their own machine.
Portfolios:
Roads: Following the above, Tom Mowat commented that with these cuts, roads would deteriorate further over the next year with the many heavy vehicles. He suggested passing place signs be clearer so that vehicles use them and not go off road anywhere and damage edges and verges. Signs should be cleaned and cleared for visibility and white lines at the road edge would be helpful. Cllr McNaughton said the Council had a statutory obligation to paint white lines on two lane roads but was not sure single track roads were included. He would take these concerns to the Council.
Any Other Competent Business:
Robin Creelman of the Community Health Partnership, said there had been mis-reporting on two issues. Firstly, the Dunoon Hospice will open again shortly. It had been closed because of staff shortages due to illness and absence which required hospice staff to be deployed in the main hospital. The Local Authority has no obligation to provide a hospice and can do so only if a degree of flexibility is maintained. A hospice bed costs three times that of a hospital one. Mr Creelman felt that the rumours about the Hospice might have damaged its future prospects. Secondly, the resignation of three Community Nurses was reported recently. Current staff did not want to be part of a NHS pilot scheme for community nursing, which fits the Argyll & Bute flexibility model. They will be replaced as soon as possible. Our Community Health Partnership is doing well and is on target to break even this year - which is quite an achievement.
Cathleen Russell said that the Maersk ships laid up in Loch Striven (for which the Clyde Port Authority receives £1 million each per annum) have a community pot from which we might benefit. The BBC is currently filming on the ships and parties of school children are invited to visit. She will look into the matter.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting was arranged for Thursday 22nd April at 7.30 p.m. in Colintraive Village Hall.
