27 August 2002

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 27 August 2002 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr George Lonie

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

APOLOGIES

Mr Philip R McLean

Tribute: Mr Robert Bennie

The Chairman referred to Mr Robin Bennie, Director of Finance, who was unwell and on sick leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Bennie for a speedy recovery.

Tribute: Mr Neil Macleod

The Chairman welcomed Mr Neil Macleod, Principal Officer: Education and Culture, to his first meeting of the Committee.

Tribute: Ms Christine Macmillan

The Chairman welcomed Ms Christine Macmillan, New Community Sports Development Officer: Uist and Barra, to her first meeting of the Committee.

Tribute: Summer Cultural Events

The Chairman referred to the many cultural events which had taken place throughout the Islands in the summer and, on behalf of the Committee, praised all those who had organised and participated in these events.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002

1

The minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 was approved.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April - 30 June 2002

2

With reference to item 2 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consists of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 from Revenue.

It was further stated in the Report that if all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme would be over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn 2001/02

3

With reference to item 4 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 , the Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry-forward of budgets and the allocation of balances.

It was agreed to approve the recommendations as detailed in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.

First Quarter Forecast Revenue Outturn 2002/03

4

The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast-outturn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Reallocation of Scottish Budget Resources

5

The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of additional funding from the Scottish Executive and seeking approval for its allocation.

It was agreed, for the Committee's interest to:

(a) approve the allocation of £166,000 from balances to increase the resources available to £1,000,000;

(b) approve the allocation of the resources given in the Appendix of the Report; and

(c) instruct Officers to draw up detailed plans for relevant Committees, within the criteria given in paragraph 2.2 of the Report, for approval.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

PR33.01.12

6

With reference to item 4 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002

AL03.03.02

7

With reference to item 3 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning expenditure upon the Repair and Maintenance of properties held on the Arts and Leisure account up to 6 August 2002.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Relocation of Alcoholics Anonymous Group Premises

AL02.01

8

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning proposals to re-locate the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place in preparation of the development of the new sports centre. It was indicated in the report that the Alcoholics Anonymous currently lease a building from the Stornoway Trust which is on the site that is proposed for the re-development of the new sports centre in Stornoway. It was further indicated that negotiations had taken place with The Stornoway Trust, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Housing Department, Planning Officers and the Comhairle's Technical Services Department and that an agreement had been reached, which involved relocating the meeting place to a discrete site on the Haldane site, which was satisfactory to all parties.

It was agreed that:

(1) the relocation of the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place to the Haldane site be approved; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities commission the development of a replacement building prior to the building of the new Sports Centre to ensure continuity of this valuable service.

(3) it be recommended to the Comhairle to authorise the Director of Finance to vire £140k from the conditional Capital Programme for the New Sports Centre to fund all essential land acquisitions and relocations necessary to meet the criteria for external funding applications.

MUSEUMS

Strategic Change Fund

AL09

9

The Director for Sustainable Development submitted a report concerning approval to develop a detailed stage two application for project funding under the Strategic Change Fund for Scottish museums, following a successful stage one application. The background to the matter, details of the stage one application and details of the intended project were outlined in the report.

It was agreed that the Museum's project for the Strategic Change Fund be developed and taken forward to stage two of the application process.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Request for Financial Assistance - Newton Ward Residents Association

AL11.01

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance for the purpose of re-developing an existing children's play area within the Newton Ward. It was indicated in the report that the existing play area has only one useable piece of equipment in operation. It was also indicated that match funding was expected from the Local Enterprise Company and from local fundraising.

It was agreed that a grant of £15,000 be given to the Newton Ward Residents Association, from the Capital programme for Play Areas, subject to evidence of compliance with the Comhairle's criteria for the re-development of play areas.

Request for Financial Assistance - West Side Football and Recreation Club

AL11.01

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Westside Football and Recreation Club for the development of a football pitch adjacent to Barvas Community Hall. The total cost of the project was indicated in the report, along with details of applications for grant which had been made.

It was agreed that a grant of £20,000 be awarded to Westside Football and Recreation Club for the purpose of developing a football pitch in Barvas, subject to a full package of match funding being in place by 31 March 2002.

Request for Financial Assistance - Bays of Harris

AL11.01

12

The Director for Sustainable Development submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Bays of Harris Community Association for the purpose of building a community centre. It was indicated in the report that the Bays of Harris Charitable Trust wish to build a community centre with Youth Café provision, Tele-cottage and Community Café facilities which various groups could use and also to provide a venue for community functions.

It was agreed:

(1) that a grant of £40,000 be awarded to the Bays of Harris Charitable Trust, subject to evidence of expenditure and a full package of match funding being in place; and

(2) to request that a report be submitted by the Director of Finance to the Policy and Finance Committee identifying a sum of £50,000 of slippage for a ring-fenced budget to be created to provide match funding for the Scottish Executive Capital Grants scheme for the financial year 2003/2004.

Request for Financial Assistance - Uist Community Riding School

AL11.01

13

The Director for Sustainable Development submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Uist Community Riding School concerning a request from the Uist Community Riding School for the Comhairle's support in connection with the land and buildings currently occupied by the School at RAF East Camp, Benbecula. The background to the matter and the Uist Community Riding School's position was detailed in the report. Appended to the report was a letter from the Defence Estates dated 16 July 2002, a letter from the Secretary, Uist Community Riding School dated 6 August 2002 and an e-mail from the Secretary, Uist Community Riding School dated 13 August 2002.

It was agreed that the Comhairle support, in principle, the bid by the Uist Community Riding School to purchase land at RAF East Camp, Benbecula, as set out in the plan attached to the Riding School's letter of 6 August 2002 and to seek the Defence Estate's agreement to give the Riding School until September 2002 to undertake a feasibility study and the development of a funding bid.

Request for Financial Assistance - ATC, Stornoway

AL11.01

14

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from the ATC, Stornoway to assist in the relocation and provision of new premises, necessitated to enable the new Sports Centre development to be progressed. The total cost of the project, along with other applications for funding made by the ATC, were detailed in the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) financial assistance of £40k be awarded to the 1731 (Isle of Lewis) Squadron ATC for the purpose of erecting a new premises, subject to the rescinding of the lease of the existing ATC Hall and the commencement of building works in the region of £150k; and

(2) it be recommended to the Comhairle to authorise the Director of Finance to vire £140k from the conditional Capital Programme for the New Sports Centre to fund all essential land acquisitions and relocations necessary to meet the criteria for external funding applications.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Learning and Development in Lewis and Harris: Report by HM Inspectorate of Education

AL04.12

15

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the report by HM Inspectorate of Education into the Standards and Quality of Community Learning and Development in Lewis and Harris. It was indicated in the report that the inspection of Community Education took place in March and April 2002. A number of key strengths and main points for action were highlighted in the report by HM Inspectorate of Education. A follow up inspection was expected in 18 months time, which would focus on the main points of action.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the report; and

(2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities prepare an action plan in response to the main points of action outlined within the report.

Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme

AL04.12

16

The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Strategy for Sport

AL06.01.58

17

With reference to item 106 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning approval of the Sports Strategy and for its implementation. A document entitled "Sports Strategy: A framework for the development of sport in the Western Isles 2002 - 2005" was appended to the report.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Sports Strategy be approved as a framework for the development of sport in the Western Isles; and

(2) the implementation of the Strategy as detailed in Section 8 of the document be approved.

International Island Games

AL06.01

18

With reference to item 99 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the success of the Western Isles application for membership of the International Island Games and to seek approval to form a Western Isles Island Games Association. It was indicated in the report that the Western Isles application for membership of the Island Games Association was approved in July 2002, that the membership would become effective immediately after the conclusion of the 2003 Natwest Island Games and that squads from the Western Isles would be able to compete in the 2005 Games in Shetland.

It was agreed that:

(1) this significant and exciting development for Western Isles Sport be noted; and

(2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to co-ordinate the formation of a Western Isles Island Games Association in conjunction with the two local Sports Councils.

YOUTH WORK

Use of Re-allocated Scottish Budget Resources

AL07

19

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report regarding how the additional allocation of funding provided by the Scottish Executive might be allocated within the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was detailed in the report that additional resources of £300k had been allocated under the themes "Leisure Access" and "Support to Clubs".

It was agreed that the allocation of £100k to Leisure Access and £200k to support for clubs, as outlined in paragraph 4.2 of the report by the Director for Sustainable Communities be approved.

LIBRARY SERVICE

Mobile Library Review

AL08.06

20

With reference to item 103 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning proposals for consideration as part of the implementation plan to effect the recommendations in the consultants' review of the mobile library service. It was indicated in the report that the proposals submitted were concerned with the management and staffing of the mobile service, the replacement of vehicles, library stock and services provided, routes and scheduling, services to schools and children and the promotion and monitoring of the service.

It was agreed that:

(1) the proposed action in the Review Recommendation 1-5, 10-13, 15-19, 20.3, 21-22 and 24-30 be approved;

(2) double manning should be discontinued on the Lional, Shawbost and Bernera mobile library routes, but should continue on the Uig, West Harris and East Harris mobile library routes, subject to review;

(3) the consultants' recommendation to replace one mobile library vehicle as quickly as possible be approved;

(4) the submission of a PIR proposal to replace one or both mobile library vehicles be approved;

(5) the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to draw up a contingency plan in the event that a mobile library vehicle has to be taken out of service;

(6) the review recommendation for replacing mobile library vehicles after 8 years of service be approved as a guideline;

(7) videos and CD's should be made available to Lewis and Harris mobile library customers for loan without charge;

(8) criteria for mobile library stops should be drawn up where practicable;

(9) criteria should be drawn up to identify customers with mobility and other disabilities where practicable;

(10) the current hours of operation for mobile libraries should be maintained, and re-considered after two years, or in the event of a reduction in the number of mobile library vehicles;

(11) the mobile library continues to stop for pupils at schools where a significant demand has been established;

(12) library material for children of school age should continue to be provided on mobile libraries;

(13) the arrangements to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the mobile library service be delegated to the Director of Sustainable Communities; and

(14) a further report be submitted by the Director for Sustainable Communities on all funding options for acquiring 2 new mobile library vehicles, including statistics on the number of users of the service.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

21

With reference to item 16 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Arts and Leisure Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr George Lonie
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

APOLOGIES	Mr Philip R McLean

Tribute: Mr Robert Bennie		The Chairman referred to Mr Robin Bennie, Director of Finance, who was unwell and on sick leave and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Bennie for a speedy recovery.
Tribute: Mr Neil Macleod		The Chairman welcomed Mr Neil Macleod, Principal Officer: Education and Culture, to his first meeting of the Committee.
Tribute: Ms Christine Macmillan		The Chairman welcomed Ms Christine Macmillan, New Community Sports Development Officer: Uist and Barra, to her first meeting of the Committee.
Tribute: Summer Cultural Events		The Chairman referred to the many cultural events which had taken place throughout the Islands in the summer and, on behalf of the Committee, praised all those who had organised and participated in these events.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 28 May 2002	1	The minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 was approved.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1 April - 30 June 2002	2	With reference to item 2 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of progress on the Capital Programme and seeking decisions on changes. It was stated that total resources to fund gross capital expenditure in 2002/03 were £17,312,000 which consists of £14,799,000 Capital Consent and £2,473,000 Useable Capital Receipts and £40,000 from Revenue. It was further stated in the Report that if all the projects on the Comhairle's conditional list were successful in attracting funding the programme would be over-committed by £175,000 or 1.01%. It was agreed to recommend approval of the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn 2001/02	3	With reference to item 4 of the minute of meeting of 29 January 2002 , the Director of Finance submitted a report informing Members of the financial performance of the Comhairle for 2001/02 and seeking approval for the carry-forward of budgets and the allocation of balances. It was agreed to approve the recommendations as detailed in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interests were concerned.
First Quarter Forecast Revenue Outturn 2002/03	4	The Director of Finance submitted a Report informing Members of the Comhairle's forecast-outturn for 2002/03 following the first quarter monitoring. It was agreed to note the Report.
Reallocation of Scottish Budget Resources	5	The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of additional funding from the Scottish Executive and seeking approval for its allocation. It was agreed, for the Committee's interest to: (a) approve the allocation of £166,000 from balances to increase the resources available to £1,000,000; (b) approve the allocation of the resources given in the Appendix of the Report; and (c) instruct Officers to draw up detailed plans for relevant Committees, within the criteria given in paragraph 2.2 of the Report, for approval.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress PR33.01.12	6	With reference to item 4 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme. It was agreed to note the Report.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2002/2003: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 6 August 2002 AL03.03.02	7	With reference to item 3 of the minute of meeting of 26 March 2002 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning expenditure upon the Repair and Maintenance of properties held on the Arts and Leisure account up to 6 August 2002. It was agreed to note the Report.
Relocation of Alcoholics Anonymous Group Premises AL02.01	8	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning proposals to re-locate the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place in preparation of the development of the new sports centre. It was indicated in the report that the Alcoholics Anonymous currently lease a building from the Stornoway Trust which is on the site that is proposed for the re-development of the new sports centre in Stornoway. It was further indicated that negotiations had taken place with The Stornoway Trust, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Housing Department, Planning Officers and the Comhairle's Technical Services Department and that an agreement had been reached, which involved relocating the meeting place to a discrete site on the Haldane site, which was satisfactory to all parties.
		It was agreed that: (1) the relocation of the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place to the Haldane site be approved; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities commission the development of a replacement building prior to the building of the new Sports Centre to ensure continuity of this valuable service. (3) it be recommended to the Comhairle to authorise the Director of Finance to vire £140k from the conditional Capital Programme for the New Sports Centre to fund all essential land acquisitions and relocations necessary to meet the criteria for external funding applications.
		MUSEUMS
Strategic Change Fund AL09	9	The Director for Sustainable Development submitted a report concerning approval to develop a detailed stage two application for project funding under the Strategic Change Fund for Scottish museums, following a successful stage one application. The background to the matter, details of the stage one application and details of the intended project were outlined in the report. It was agreed that the Museum's project for the Strategic Change Fund be developed and taken forward to stage two of the application process.
		FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Request for Financial Assistance - Newton Ward Residents Association AL11.01	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance for the purpose of re-developing an existing children's play area within the Newton Ward. It was indicated in the report that the existing play area has only one useable piece of equipment in operation. It was also indicated that match funding was expected from the Local Enterprise Company and from local fundraising. It was agreed that a grant of £15,000 be given to the Newton Ward Residents Association, from the Capital programme for Play Areas, subject to evidence of compliance with the Comhairle's criteria for the re-development of play areas.
Request for Financial Assistance - West Side Football and Recreation Club AL11.01	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Westside Football and Recreation Club for the development of a football pitch adjacent to Barvas Community Hall. The total cost of the project was indicated in the report, along with details of applications for grant which had been made. It was agreed that a grant of £20,000 be awarded to Westside Football and Recreation Club for the purpose of developing a football pitch in Barvas, subject to a full package of match funding being in place by 31 March 2002.
Request for Financial Assistance - Bays of Harris AL11.01	12	The Director for Sustainable Development submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from the Bays of Harris Community Association for the purpose of building a community centre. It was indicated in the report that the Bays of Harris Charitable Trust wish to build a community centre with Youth Café provision, Tele-cottage and Community Café facilities which various groups could use and also to provide a venue for community functions.
		It was agreed: (1) that a grant of £40,000 be awarded to the Bays of Harris Charitable Trust, subject to evidence of expenditure and a full package of match funding being in place; and (2) to request that a report be submitted by the Director of Finance to the Policy and Finance Committee identifying a sum of £50,000 of slippage for a ring-fenced budget to be created to provide match funding for the Scottish Executive Capital Grants scheme for the financial year 2003/2004.
Request for Financial Assistance - Uist Community Riding School AL11.01	13	The Director for Sustainable Development submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from Uist Community Riding School concerning a request from the Uist Community Riding School for the Comhairle's support in connection with the land and buildings currently occupied by the School at RAF East Camp, Benbecula. The background to the matter and the Uist Community Riding School's position was detailed in the report. Appended to the report was a letter from the Defence Estates dated 16 July 2002, a letter from the Secretary, Uist Community Riding School dated 6 August 2002 and an e-mail from the Secretary, Uist Community Riding School dated 13 August 2002. It was agreed that the Comhairle support, in principle, the bid by the Uist Community Riding School to purchase land at RAF East Camp, Benbecula, as set out in the plan attached to the Riding School's letter of 6 August 2002 and to seek the Defence Estate's agreement to give the Riding School until September 2002 to undertake a feasibility study and the development of a funding bid.
Request for Financial Assistance - ATC, Stornoway AL11.01	14	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning a request for financial assistance from the ATC, Stornoway to assist in the relocation and provision of new premises, necessitated to enable the new Sports Centre development to be progressed. The total cost of the project, along with other applications for funding made by the ATC, were detailed in the report. It was agreed that: (1) financial assistance of £40k be awarded to the 1731 (Isle of Lewis) Squadron ATC for the purpose of erecting a new premises, subject to the rescinding of the lease of the existing ATC Hall and the commencement of building works in the region of £150k; and (2) it be recommended to the Comhairle to authorise the Director of Finance to vire £140k from the conditional Capital Programme for the New Sports Centre to fund all essential land acquisitions and relocations necessary to meet the criteria for external funding applications.
		COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Learning and Development in Lewis and Harris: Report by HM Inspectorate of Education AL04.12	15	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the report by HM Inspectorate of Education into the Standards and Quality of Community Learning and Development in Lewis and Harris. It was indicated in the report that the inspection of Community Education took place in March and April 2002. A number of key strengths and main points for action were highlighted in the report by HM Inspectorate of Education. A follow up inspection was expected in 18 months time, which would focus on the main points of action. It was agreed: (1) to note the report; and (2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities prepare an action plan in response to the main points of action outlined within the report.
Community Development Apprenticeship Scheme AL04.12	16	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
		SPORTS AND RECREATION
Strategy for Sport AL06.01.58	17	With reference to item 106 of the minute of meeting of 21 November 2000 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning approval of the Sports Strategy and for its implementation. A document entitled "Sports Strategy: A framework for the development of sport in the Western Isles 2002 - 2005" was appended to the report. It was agreed that: (1) the Sports Strategy be approved as a framework for the development of sport in the Western Isles; and (2) the implementation of the Strategy as detailed in Section 8 of the document be approved.
International Island Games AL06.01	18	With reference to item 99 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning the success of the Western Isles application for membership of the International Island Games and to seek approval to form a Western Isles Island Games Association. It was indicated in the report that the Western Isles application for membership of the Island Games Association was approved in July 2002, that the membership would become effective immediately after the conclusion of the 2003 Natwest Island Games and that squads from the Western Isles would be able to compete in the 2005 Games in Shetland. It was agreed that: (1) this significant and exciting development for Western Isles Sport be noted; and (2) the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to co-ordinate the formation of a Western Isles Island Games Association in conjunction with the two local Sports Councils.
		YOUTH WORK
Use of Re-allocated Scottish Budget Resources AL07	19	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report regarding how the additional allocation of funding provided by the Scottish Executive might be allocated within the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was detailed in the report that additional resources of £300k had been allocated under the themes "Leisure Access" and "Support to Clubs". It was agreed that the allocation of £100k to Leisure Access and £200k to support for clubs, as outlined in paragraph 4.2 of the report by the Director for Sustainable Communities be approved.
		LIBRARY SERVICE
Mobile Library Review AL08.06	20	With reference to item 103 of the minute of meeting of 20 November 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a report concerning proposals for consideration as part of the implementation plan to effect the recommendations in the consultants' review of the mobile library service. It was indicated in the report that the proposals submitted were concerned with the management and staffing of the mobile service, the replacement of vehicles, library stock and services provided, routes and scheduling, services to schools and children and the promotion and monitoring of the service.
		It was agreed that: (1) the proposed action in the Review Recommendation 1-5, 10-13, 15-19, 20.3, 21-22 and 24-30 be approved; (2) double manning should be discontinued on the Lional, Shawbost and Bernera mobile library routes, but should continue on the Uig, West Harris and East Harris mobile library routes, subject to review; (3) the consultants' recommendation to replace one mobile library vehicle as quickly as possible be approved; (4) the submission of a PIR proposal to replace one or both mobile library vehicles be approved; (5) the Director for Sustainable Communities be requested to draw up a contingency plan in the event that a mobile library vehicle has to be taken out of service; (6) the review recommendation for replacing mobile library vehicles after 8 years of service be approved as a guideline; (7) videos and CD's should be made available to Lewis and Harris mobile library customers for loan without charge; (8) criteria for mobile library stops should be drawn up where practicable;
		(9) criteria should be drawn up to identify customers with mobility and other disabilities where practicable; (10) the current hours of operation for mobile libraries should be maintained, and re-considered after two years, or in the event of a reduction in the number of mobile library vehicles; (11) the mobile library continues to stop for pupils at schools where a significant demand has been established;
		(12) library material for children of school age should continue to be provided on mobile libraries; (13) the arrangements to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the mobile library service be delegated to the Director of Sustainable Communities; and (14) a further report be submitted by the Director for Sustainable Communities on all funding options for acquiring 2 new mobile library vehicles, including statistics on the number of users of the service.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	21	With reference to item 16 of the minute of meeting of 28 May 2002 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.