Councillors Tom Begg, Andy Doig, James MacLaren (substitute for Councillor Binks) and Andy Steel (Renfrewshire Council); Innes Nelson and David Wilson (Inverclyde Council); and Todd Ferguson (North Ayrshire Council).

Councillor Andy Steel, Chair, presided.

D Gatherer, Interim Regional Park Manager; L Forsyth, Cultural Development Officer (North Ayrshire Council); F Carlin, Head of Planning & Housing Services, M Ball, Senior Accountant, E Currie, Senior Committee Services Officer and K O’Neill, Assistant Democratic Services Officer (all Renfrewshire Council).

Councillors Bill Binks (Renfrewshire Council) and Donald L Reid (North Ayrshire Council).

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Joint Committee held on 1 September 2017.  

DECIDED: That the Minute be approved.

There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of the Consultative Forum held on 1 September 2017. 

DECIDED: That the Minute be noted.

There was submitted a revenue budget monitoring report by the Treasurer in respect of the Joint Committee for the period 1 April to 13 October 2017.

The report intimated that gross expenditure was currently £39,000 overspent and income was currently £52,000 over-recovered resulting in a net underspend of £13,000. It was noted that the projected year-end position was an estimated underspend of £19,000.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Regional Park Manager relative to the proposed pricing policy for 2018, a copy of which formed the appendix to the report.

The report intimated that the scoping exercise carried ensured that the Park remained competitive in the market whilst income was maximised.  A concession rate was available for most activities to allow disadvantaged groups to access services.

DECIDED:

(a) That the new pricing policy, as detailed in the appendix to the report, be approved; and

(b) That the continued efforts to develop services and increase income from all staff sectors be recognised.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Regional Park Manager relative to the quarterly absence statistics for the Regional Park Authority for the period 19 June to 17 September 2017.  The report provided information relating to the absence statistics and reasons for absence. 

DECIDED: 

(a) That the quarterly absence statistics for the period 19 June to 17 September 2017 be noted; and

(b) That it be noted that regular reports on the Park’s absence statistics would be submitted to future meetings of the Joint Committee.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Regional Park Manager providing information on the quarterly health and safety monitoring for the period July to September 2017.

The report intimated that there had been no RIDDOR reportable accidents or occupational diseases, one accident involving a member of staff and nine accidents involving visitors. There had been no health and safety related courses delivered and one toolbox talk delivered during the period.

It was noted that staff continued to work with Renfrewshire Council Health & Safety officers to align its health and safety policies, plans and accident prevention programmes with those currently in use within Renfrewshire Council.  

The report highlighted that there was still a problem with water ingress at Muirshiel Visitor Centre and that further investigation was required to fully rectify the problem.

DECIDED: 

(a) That it be noted that there had been no RIDDOR reportable accidents, no occupational diseases and a further 10 accidents/incidents during the period; and

(b) That it be noted that the problem of water ingress at Muirshiel Visitor Centre continued and that further investigation was required to fully rectify the problem.

There was submitted a report by the Interim Regional Park Manager relative to the success of the Scottish Special Olympic sailing squad.

The report intimated that the squad were coached and trained at Castle Semple and had won two silver and a bronze medal at the Special Olympic GB National Games in Sheffield in August 2017.

DECIDED:
  
(a) That the continued development of Special Olympic training within the Park to local people and those from further afield be recognised; and

(b) That the Park’s continued efforts to increase income and provide a quality service to current and new visitors be recognised.

DECIDED: That it be noted that the next meeting of the Joint Committee would be held at 11.30 am on 16 February 2018 in Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley.