29 January 2002

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 29 January 2002 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Philip R McLean

Tribute: Stephen Munro

The Chairman welcomed Stephen Munro, Community Sports Development Officer, to his first meeting of the Committee.

Tribute: Laura Skelly

The Chairman referred to Laura Skelly who had been awarded a national scholarship for the Clarsach.

Tribute: Stornoway Round Table

The Chairman congratulated Stornoway Round Table for organising and co-ordinating the New Year firework display.

Tribute: Lionel Swimming Club

The Chairman referred to Lionel Swimming Club who had successfully competed in swimming events on the mainland.

Tribute: Mr James L Macarthur

The Chairman referred with sadness to the recent death of Mr James L Macarthur who had been elected as Member for North Benbecula Ward in May 1999. On behalf of the Committee the Chairman conveyed condolences to Mr Macarthur's family in their sad loss.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure Committee

C02.13

1

The Minute of Meeting of 20 November 2001 was approved.

KEY TASKS

Update on Key Tasks

PR33.01.12

2

The Chief Executive submitted a Report intimating that the "Key Tasks" agreed by the Comhairle for each of its Committees in 1999, provided the framework for service developments. It was stated that there was a need, following the adoption of the Comhairle's revised decision making structures, to assess the progress made in implementing the Key Tasks as well as re-allocating Key Tasks to Committees so as to reflect changes in Committee remits and responsibilities. Appended to the Report was a statement setting out the Key Tasks, together with information on the progress with regard to the implementation of the Key Tasks.

It was agreed to note the Report insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

FINANCE

Non-Housing Capital Programme: Third Quarter Monitoring

PR110.05

3

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring

PR110.08.15

4

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure incurred for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001, together with the forecast expenditure to 31 March 2002.

It was agreed to note the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Budget Strategy 2002/03 PR110.03.25

5

The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final Aggregate External Finance announcement for 2002-03 and setting out the revised Budget Strategy for 2002-03 to 2004-05.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Draft Revenue Estimates

PR110.03.25

6

The Director of Finance submitted the Comhairle's Draft Revenue Estimates for the financial year 2002/2003.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Budget Service Strategy Report

7

The Director of Finance submitted a Report containing the Service Strategy Development Reports for the budget year 2002/03. The Reports set out areas of committed and desirable growth for each service, together with savings proposed to fund the growth and to meet the agreed Cash Planning Limits.

It was agreed:

(1) to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report; and

(2) that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman would be invited to discuss the Arts and Leisure Growth and Savings proposals with the Budget Working Group.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Programme and Progress PR33.01.12

8

The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme.

It was agreed:

(1) to note the Report; and

(2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to the next meeting in respect of Lews Castle.

SPORT

Support for Local Sports Councils

AL06.01

9

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the Lewis and Harris and the Uist and Barra Sports Council Reports for 2000/01. The Report sought continued financial support for both Local Sports Councils and indicated that the devolved grant aid was being utilised by the Sports Councils to lever Western Isles Enterprise assistance for sports related activities.

It was agreed that:

(1) continued support be given to local Sports Councils through devolving £6k to each Sports Council from the 2002/03 Sports and Games Budget in accordance with the recognised financial procedures; and

(2) the local Sports Councils Annual Reports be noted.

MUSEUMS

Museum Storage

AL09.01

10

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining options for the relocation of the museum reserve collections and conservation laboratory. The suitability and financial implications of each of the options was detailed and it was indicated that any premises should meet basic professional standards for the care and preservation of collections with particular regard to preventative conservation measures. The Report recommended that the museum reserve collection and conservation laboratory be relocated to the Marybank Depository with the works being funded from within Arts and Leisure Budgets.

It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to the next Meeting detailing the practical and financial implications of relocating the museum reserve collections and conservation laboratory to Lews Castle School.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Peoples Network Infrastructure

AL11.01

11

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the successful grant application made by the Comhairle to the New Opportunities Fund in order to implement the People's Network Infrastructure in public libraries. The project would provide 48 additional public access terminals in public libraries and complement an earlier and successful New Opportunities Fund grant to assist in providing ICT training for all public library staff to support the People's Network. Under the Scheme, internet access must be made free of charge.

It was agreed:

(1) to accept the People's Network award;

(2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to implement the People's Network programme;

(3) that savings be made to meet the loss of income targets associated with 2002-03;

(4) (i) that recurring 2Mb line charges of £500 per annum, be absorbed in public library building running costs from 2003-04 onwards;

(ii) that recurring ISDN4 line charges of £700 per annum for videoconferencing facilities be met from charges for their corporate use;

(iii) to approve consideration of recurring 2Mb line charges of £7000 for future growth in 2003-04; and

(iv) to approve recurring ISP link costs of up to £6000 per annum payable to the Education Department to link rural libraries to the internet, subject to a financial assessment of this contribution in the budget build from 2003-04.

Hebridean Celtic Festival AL11.01

12

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of an application for funding for the Hebridean Celtic Festival for 2002-2004. The festival was held on an annual basis and was a well established event with a strong national and international profile. Audience figures had grown year on year and the festival brought both direct and indirect benefits to the local economy. A business plan covering the 2002-2004 festivals indicated that the events would require total annual funding of around £30k from the Comhairle and the Report outlined how the application could be financed.

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committees interest was concerned, that:

(1) in addition to the Leisure Services grant of £15k already approved for the 2002 Hebridean Celtic Festival, a grant of up to £10k be offered towards the co-ordination and marketing costs for 2002, allocated from the Marketing and Promotion Budget in the current and 2002/03 financial years as appropriate;

(2) Comhairle funding of £25k per year for 2003 and 2004 be approved in principal and, subject to budgetary provision being made in the 2002/03 and 2003/04 financial years, the detailed terms and conditions of grant be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities; and

(3) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to assist the Hebridean Celtic Festival organisers to pursue opportunities for major commercial sponsorship.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Roll Out of Community Learning Plans

AL04

13

The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the programme of community learning plans throughout the Western Isles. Three pilot plans were developed throughout 2001 based on geographical areas. The pilots indicated that plans based on the themes or communities of interest were proving to be more successful and the community learning strategy group had indicated the best way forward would be to develop a number of thematic or community of interest community learning plans throughout 2002/03.

It was agreed that:

(1) Community Learning Plans for Adult Literacy and Numeracy and Learning Using New Technology are developed in 2002; and

(2) Community Learning Plans for Young Adults and Adults 50+ are developed in 2003.

Adult Literacy AL04.01

14

With reference to item 88 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the development of adult literacy and numeracy provision throughout the Western Isles. The Report indicated that an existing member of staff had been seconded to oversee the literacy project, undertake the necessary evaluations in conjunction with partnership agencies and complete the six monthly assessments required by the Scottish Executive and it was recommended that this arrangement should continue.

It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that:

(1) the Action Plan for Literacy and Numeracy for 2002/04 be approved subject to the approval of the personnel issues in the plan by Policy and Finance;

(2) Mr Graeme Miller continue a secondment to the Literacy project, to oversee the project, on the basis of two days per week until the conclusion of the project;

(3) a Community Education worker be appointed on a temporary contract until April 2003 to undertake literacy work as outlined in the Action Plan; and

(4) the carry/forward as outlined in the Report be outwith normal tolerances.

Community Education Worker - Establishment of Temporary Post

AL04

15

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

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

16

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a progress Report in relation to items of business outstanding from the Arts and Leisure Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8 the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to facilitate progress with the development of the new sports centre in Stornoway.

Restructuring of Sport and Health Section

AL06

17

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals to enhance the staffing complement of the sport and health section in order to increase staff flexibility to allow development of the proposed new sport centre in Stornoway.

It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that:

(1) the Sports Facility Manager be seconded for two days per week to undertake duties relating to the development of the new regional sport centre for a period of two years or until the opening of the new facility, the grade for this seconded post to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services;

(2) the Sports Facility Manager's duties during the two days secondment be undertaken by establishing a temporary post of Assistant Manager for the period of the secondment, at a grade to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services;

(3) the café at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre be replaced with a vending service offering similar refreshments and the café staff be re-deployed at their existing grade to support the development of the fitness suite and soft-play area;

(4) the All Weather Facility Attendant Post be re-evaluated and re-designated to include the promotion, marketing and coaching of sports, the grade for this post to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services; and

(5) a new post based in Uist be established for supporting the community sport sector with the opportunity to co-ordinate school sports development programmes as outlined in the Report, the job description to be finalised in conjunction with Sportscotland, thereafter the grading of the post would be determined by the Director of Corporate Services.

___

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

APOLOGIES	Mr Malcolm J Macleod
	Mr Roderick J Murray
	Mr Philip R McLean

Tribute: Stephen Munro		The Chairman welcomed Stephen Munro, Community Sports Development Officer, to his first meeting of the Committee.
Tribute: Laura Skelly		The Chairman referred to Laura Skelly who had been awarded a national scholarship for the Clarsach.
Tribute: Stornoway Round Table		The Chairman congratulated Stornoway Round Table for organising and co-ordinating the New Year firework display.
Tribute: Lionel Swimming Club		The Chairman referred to Lionel Swimming Club who had successfully competed in swimming events on the mainland.
Tribute: Mr James L Macarthur		The Chairman referred with sadness to the recent death of Mr James L Macarthur who had been elected as Member for North Benbecula Ward in May 1999. On behalf of the Committee the Chairman conveyed condolences to Mr Macarthur's family in their sad loss.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure Committee C02.13	1	The Minute of Meeting of 20 November 2001 was approved.
		KEY TASKS
Update on Key Tasks PR33.01.12	2	The Chief Executive submitted a Report intimating that the "Key Tasks" agreed by the Comhairle for each of its Committees in 1999, provided the framework for service developments. It was stated that there was a need, following the adoption of the Comhairle's revised decision making structures, to assess the progress made in implementing the Key Tasks as well as re-allocating Key Tasks to Committees so as to reflect changes in Committee remits and responsibilities. Appended to the Report was a statement setting out the Key Tasks, together with information on the progress with regard to the implementation of the Key Tasks.
		It was agreed to note the Report insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
		FINANCE
Non-Housing Capital Programme: Third Quarter Monitoring PR110.05	3	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring PR110.08.15	4	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure incurred for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001, together with the forecast expenditure to 31 March 2002. It was agreed to note the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Budget Strategy 2002/03 PR110.03.25	5	The Director of Finance submitted a Report advising Members of the final Aggregate External Finance announcement for 2002-03 and setting out the revised Budget Strategy for 2002-03 to 2004-05. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Draft Revenue Estimates PR110.03.25	6	The Director of Finance submitted the Comhairle's Draft Revenue Estimates for the financial year 2002/2003. It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
Budget Service Strategy Report	7	The Director of Finance submitted a Report containing the Service Strategy Development Reports for the budget year 2002/03. The Reports set out areas of committed and desirable growth for each service, together with savings proposed to fund the growth and to meet the agreed Cash Planning Limits. It was agreed: (1) to recommend approval of the recommendations in the Report; and (2) that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman would be invited to discuss the Arts and Leisure Growth and Savings proposals with the Budget Working Group.
		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Programme and Progress PR33.01.12	8	The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in relation to the Arts and Leisure Capital Programme. It was agreed: (1) to note the Report; and (2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to the next meeting in respect of Lews Castle.

		SPORT
Support for Local Sports Councils AL06.01	9	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the Lewis and Harris and the Uist and Barra Sports Council Reports for 2000/01. The Report sought continued financial support for both Local Sports Councils and indicated that the devolved grant aid was being utilised by the Sports Councils to lever Western Isles Enterprise assistance for sports related activities. It was agreed that: (1) continued support be given to local Sports Councils through devolving £6k to each Sports Council from the 2002/03 Sports and Games Budget in accordance with the recognised financial procedures; and (2) the local Sports Councils Annual Reports be noted.
		MUSEUMS
Museum Storage AL09.01	10	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining options for the relocation of the museum reserve collections and conservation laboratory. The suitability and financial implications of each of the options was detailed and it was indicated that any premises should meet basic professional standards for the care and preservation of collections with particular regard to preventative conservation measures. The Report recommended that the museum reserve collection and conservation laboratory be relocated to the Marybank Depository with the works being funded from within Arts and Leisure Budgets. It was agreed that the Director for Sustainable Communities would submit a Report to the next Meeting detailing the practical and financial implications of relocating the museum reserve collections and conservation laboratory to Lews Castle School.
		FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Peoples Network Infrastructure AL11.01	11	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the successful grant application made by the Comhairle to the New Opportunities Fund in order to implement the People's Network Infrastructure in public libraries. The project would provide 48 additional public access terminals in public libraries and complement an earlier and successful New Opportunities Fund grant to assist in providing ICT training for all public library staff to support the People's Network. Under the Scheme, internet access must be made free of charge. It was agreed: (1) to accept the People's Network award; (2) that the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to implement the People's Network programme; (3) that savings be made to meet the loss of income targets associated with 2002-03; (4) (i) that recurring 2Mb line charges of £500 per annum, be absorbed in public library building running costs from 2003-04 onwards; (ii) that recurring ISDN4 line charges of £700 per annum for videoconferencing facilities be met from charges for their corporate use;
		(iii) to approve consideration of recurring 2Mb line charges of £7000 for future growth in 2003-04; and (iv) to approve recurring ISP link costs of up to £6000 per annum payable to the Education Department to link rural libraries to the internet, subject to a financial assessment of this contribution in the budget build from 2003-04.
Hebridean Celtic Festival AL11.01	12	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of an application for funding for the Hebridean Celtic Festival for 2002-2004. The festival was held on an annual basis and was a well established event with a strong national and international profile. Audience figures had grown year on year and the festival brought both direct and indirect benefits to the local economy. A business plan covering the 2002-2004 festivals indicated that the events would require total annual funding of around £30k from the Comhairle and the Report outlined how the application could be financed. It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committees interest was concerned, that: (1) in addition to the Leisure Services grant of £15k already approved for the 2002 Hebridean Celtic Festival, a grant of up to £10k be offered towards the co-ordination and marketing costs for 2002, allocated from the Marketing and Promotion Budget in the current and 2002/03 financial years as appropriate; (2) Comhairle funding of £25k per year for 2003 and 2004 be approved in principal and, subject to budgetary provision being made in the 2002/03 and 2003/04 financial years, the detailed terms and conditions of grant be delegated to the Director for Sustainable Communities; and (3) the Director for Sustainable Communities be authorised to assist the Hebridean Celtic Festival organisers to pursue opportunities for major commercial sponsorship.
		COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Roll Out of Community Learning Plans AL04	13	The Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the programme of community learning plans throughout the Western Isles. Three pilot plans were developed throughout 2001 based on geographical areas. The pilots indicated that plans based on the themes or communities of interest were proving to be more successful and the community learning strategy group had indicated the best way forward would be to develop a number of thematic or community of interest community learning plans throughout 2002/03. It was agreed that: (1) Community Learning Plans for Adult Literacy and Numeracy and Learning Using New Technology are developed in 2002; and (2) Community Learning Plans for Young Adults and Adults 50+ are developed in 2003.
Adult Literacy AL04.01	14	With reference to item 88 of the Minute of Meeting of 2 October 2001 the Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of the development of adult literacy and numeracy provision throughout the Western Isles. The Report indicated that an existing member of staff had been seconded to oversee the literacy project, undertake the necessary evaluations in conjunction with partnership agencies and complete the six monthly assessments required by the Scottish Executive and it was recommended that this arrangement should continue.
		It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the Action Plan for Literacy and Numeracy for 2002/04 be approved subject to the approval of the personnel issues in the plan by Policy and Finance; (2) Mr Graeme Miller continue a secondment to the Literacy project, to oversee the project, on the basis of two days per week until the conclusion of the project; (3) a Community Education worker be appointed on a temporary contract until April 2003 to undertake literacy work as outlined in the Action Plan; and (4) the carry/forward as outlined in the Report be outwith normal tolerances.
Community Education Worker - Establishment of Temporary Post AL04	15	The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	16	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a progress Report in relation to items of business outstanding from the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8 the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to facilitate progress with the development of the new sports centre in Stornoway.
Restructuring of Sport and Health Section AL06	17	The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals to enhance the staffing complement of the sport and health section in order to increase staff flexibility to allow development of the proposed new sport centre in Stornoway. It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, that: (1) the Sports Facility Manager be seconded for two days per week to undertake duties relating to the development of the new regional sport centre for a period of two years or until the opening of the new facility, the grade for this seconded post to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services; (2) the Sports Facility Manager's duties during the two days secondment be undertaken by establishing a temporary post of Assistant Manager for the period of the secondment, at a grade to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services; (3) the café at the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre be replaced with a vending service offering similar refreshments and the café staff be re-deployed at their existing grade to support the development of the fitness suite and soft-play area;
		(4) the All Weather Facility Attendant Post be re-evaluated and re-designated to include the promotion, marketing and coaching of sports, the grade for this post to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services; and (5) a new post based in Uist be established for supporting the community sport sector with the opportunity to co-ordinate school sports development programmes as outlined in the Report, the job description to be finalised in conjunction with Sportscotland, thereafter the grading of the post would be determined by the Director of Corporate Services.