AL95031

ARTS AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 14 March 1995 at 9.00 am

PRESENT

Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)

Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Vice-Chairman)

Mr George Lonie

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Roderick Macdonald

Mr Callum I Macmillan

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Alasdair Nicholson

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Donald Murray

Tribute: Mr Lachlan F Dick

C41.06

The Chairman referred to the forthcoming retirement from the Council's employment of Mr Lachlan Dick, Depute Director of Education and Leisure Services, and, in paying tribute to Mr Dick's service with the Council, on behalf of the Committee, wished him a long and happy retirement.

MINUTES

Arts and Leisure

C02.13

26

The Minute of Meeting of 2 March 1995 was approved.

FINANCE

Capital Expenditure Programme 1995/96

AL03.02

27

The Depute Director of Administration reported that the Council's Capital Expenditure Consents had not yet been received from the Scottish Office. It was anticipated that the consents would be received in the near future, and the Capital Expenditure Programme would be submitted to the Committee at its next Meeting.

This was noted.

Ashleigh Reed Promotions: Application for Financial Assistance

28*

The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Ashleigh Reed Promotions for financial assistance towards the costs of a tour of Lewis to be undertaken by bands contracted to the Agency. Comments on the application were set out in the Report.

AL05.03

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) no financial assistance be offered to Ashleigh Reed Promotions to support the travel costs of band tours involving performances at licensed premises only; and

(2) the Council does not support any other tours of this kind.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

Capital Works Programme and Progress

AL03.02.01

29

With reference to Item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for Arts and Leisure properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed that the Committee would visit the Francis Street Museum building in the course of the next series of Committee Meetings.

Stornoway Town Hall: Lettings and Conditions of Let

LB35.01

30*

With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of the Cultural Services Sub-Committee of 2 April 1992, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning procedural changes for lettings of Stornoway Town Hall and amendments to the Conditions of Let. It was indicated that the existing Conditions of Let did not take full account of the safety requirements for functions at the Town Hall which required the construction of stage sets, or the provision of special lighting or lighting effects on the stage and/or the auditorium. It was stated that on four occasions, promoters had defaulted on their payments to the Council for the use of the Town Hall. The promoters concerned were being pursued in order to recover the sums owed. It was proposed that the Conditions of Let be amended to take account both of the Health and Safety issues identified and to try to minimise the possibility of future defaults in payment.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft Conditions of Let for Stornoway Town Hall as detailed in the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services, subject to the Conditions being finalised in consultation with the Director of Administration and Legal Services.

Museum: Francis Street Building

AL09.01.07

31

With reference to Item 41 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the outcome of his investigation into the Stornoway Museum Project.

It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until the next Meeting of the Committee.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 23(i), the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during discussion of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Council in the course of negotiation for a contract from the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services would be disclosed.

Acres Boys Club Building, Stornoway

AL03.01.23 and

E02.27.04

32*

With reference to Item 62 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 October 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to purchase the Acres Boys Club building and to convert the building for school and community purposes. It was stated that the building had been valued by the District Valuer, and the Valuation Report was appended to the Report, together with details of the condition of the building and a summary of the refurbishment costs.

Mr Donald Murray, seconded by Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, moved that:

(1) the Council offer to purchase the Acres Boys Club building at the figure indicated by the District Valuer, with the cost being met by calling upon both the Education and General Services Capital Expenditure Programmes, either in 1994/95 or 1995/96, subject to the Council agreeing terms with the Stornoway Trust for the assignation of the ground lease to the absolute satisfaction to the Director of Administration and Legal Services in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, failing which a further Report would be submitted to the Committee; and

(2) the Council give further consideration to the phased improvement of the building over the Financial Years 1995/96 and 1996/97, and in relation to the Capital Funding made available to both Education and General Services during those years.

Mr Angus M Graham, seconded by Mrs Mary Bremner, moved as an amendment that the Committee defer consideration of the matter pending the submission of a further detailed Report setting out the following:

(1) details of the outcome of negotiations with the Stornoway Trust for the assignation of the ground lease, including an extension to the period of the lease and ensuring compensation for any improvements undertaken to the building by the Council should the lease not be renewed at the end of its term, or, alternatively, negotiations with the Stornoway Trust for the purchase of the land on which the Acres Boys Club building stood;

(2) details of a full structural and condition survey of the building setting out the refurbishment works required and the estimated cost of these works; and

(3) identification of the funding for the purchase and the improvements.

On the matter being put to the vote, there was an equality of votes and the Chairman used his second and casting vote in favour of the amendment which became the finding of the Meeting.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Museum Opening Exhibition: Purchase of Display Equipment and Security Show-cases

AL09.01.07

33*

With reference to Item 47 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the purchase of display equipment and security show-cases for the Museum's Opening Exhibition. It was indicated that Western Isles Enterprise had offered a grant of £13,200 in respect of the security showcases. Following receipt of this offer, the display equipment and security showcases were ordered to ensure delivery in time for the Museum Opening Exhibition in June 1995. The total cost of the equipment was £22,336.14. The display equipment and security showcases were available from one supplier only in each case, and orders had been placed direct with the relevant suppliers.

It was agreed:

(1) to recommend homologation of the action of the Director of Education and Leisure Services in ordering Museum display equipment and security showcases within the current financial year to allow the opening exhibition timetable to be maintained; and

(2) to acknowledge formally the financial assistance received from Western Isles Enterprise towards the cost of the equipment.

TOURISM

Uist Centre Project

AL05.01

34

With reference to Item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the outcome of a Public Meeting held to discuss the Uist Centre Project. The note of the Public Meeting held in Balivanich School on 24 February 1995 was circulated to the Committee.

The Chief Executive reported that the proposed Objective 1 Application in respect of the Uist Centre Project had not been submitted by the deadline.

It was agreed to note the Report.

_____

PRESENT	Mr Donald Macleod (Chairman)
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae (Vice-Chairman)	Mr George Lonie
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Roderick Macdonald	Mr Callum I Macmillan
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Alasdair Nicholson	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Donald Murray

Tribute: Mr Lachlan F Dick C41.06		The Chairman referred to the forthcoming retirement from the Council's employment of Mr Lachlan Dick, Depute Director of Education and Leisure Services, and, in paying tribute to Mr Dick's service with the Council, on behalf of the Committee, wished him a long and happy retirement.
		MINUTES
Arts and Leisure C02.13	26	The Minute of Meeting of 2 March 1995 was approved.
		FINANCE
Capital Expenditure Programme 1995/96 AL03.02	27	The Depute Director of Administration reported that the Council's Capital Expenditure Consents had not yet been received from the Scottish Office. It was anticipated that the consents would be received in the near future, and the Capital Expenditure Programme would be submitted to the Committee at its next Meeting. This was noted.
Ashleigh Reed Promotions: Application for Financial Assistance	28*	The Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning an application from Ashleigh Reed Promotions for financial assistance towards the costs of a tour of Lewis to be undertaken by bands contracted to the Agency. Comments on the application were set out in the Report.
AL05.03		It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) no financial assistance be offered to Ashleigh Reed Promotions to support the travel costs of band tours involving performances at licensed premises only; and
		(2) the Council does not support any other tours of this kind.

		LAND AND BUILDINGS
Capital Works Programme and Progress AL03.02.01	29	With reference to Item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for Arts and Leisure properties.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of this matter, it was agreed that the Committee would visit the Francis Street Museum building in the course of the next series of Committee Meetings.
Stornoway Town Hall: Lettings and Conditions of Let LB35.01	30*	With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of the Cultural Services Sub-Committee of 2 April 1992, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning procedural changes for lettings of Stornoway Town Hall and amendments to the Conditions of Let. It was indicated that the existing Conditions of Let did not take full account of the safety requirements for functions at the Town Hall which required the construction of stage sets, or the provision of special lighting or lighting effects on the stage and/or the auditorium. It was stated that on four occasions, promoters had defaulted on their payments to the Council for the use of the Town Hall. The promoters concerned were being pursued in order to recover the sums owed. It was proposed that the Conditions of Let be amended to take account both of the Health and Safety issues identified and to try to minimise the possibility of future defaults in payment.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft Conditions of Let for Stornoway Town Hall as detailed in the Report by the Director of Education and Leisure Services, subject to the Conditions being finalised in consultation with the Director of Administration and Legal Services.
Museum: Francis Street Building AL09.01.07	31	With reference to Item 41 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994, the Chief Executive submitted a Report detailing the outcome of his investigation into the Stornoway Museum Project.
		It was agreed to defer consideration of this item until the next Meeting of the Committee.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 23(i), the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during discussion of the following item on the grounds that exempt information relating to any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Council in the course of negotiation for a contract from the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services would be disclosed.
Acres Boys Club Building, Stornoway AL03.01.23 and E02.27.04	32*	With reference to Item 62 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 October 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning a proposal to purchase the Acres Boys Club building and to convert the building for school and community purposes. It was stated that the building had been valued by the District Valuer, and the Valuation Report was appended to the Report, together with details of the condition of the building and a summary of the refurbishment costs.
		Mr Donald Murray, seconded by Mrs Katie M Mackenzie, moved that:
		(1) the Council offer to purchase the Acres Boys Club building at the figure indicated by the District Valuer, with the cost being met by calling upon both the Education and General Services Capital Expenditure Programmes, either in 1994/95 or 1995/96, subject to the Council agreeing terms with the Stornoway Trust for the assignation of the ground lease to the absolute satisfaction to the Director of Administration and Legal Services in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, failing which a further Report would be submitted to the Committee; and
		(2) the Council give further consideration to the phased improvement of the building over the Financial Years 1995/96 and 1996/97, and in relation to the Capital Funding made available to both Education and General Services during those years.
		Mr Angus M Graham, seconded by Mrs Mary Bremner, moved as an amendment that the Committee defer consideration of the matter pending the submission of a further detailed Report setting out the following:
		(1) details of the outcome of negotiations with the Stornoway Trust for the assignation of the ground lease, including an extension to the period of the lease and ensuring compensation for any improvements undertaken to the building by the Council should the lease not be renewed at the end of its term, or, alternatively, negotiations with the Stornoway Trust for the purchase of the land on which the Acres Boys Club building stood;
		(2) details of a full structural and condition survey of the building setting out the refurbishment works required and the estimated cost of these works; and
		(3) identification of the funding for the purchase and the improvements.
		On the matter being put to the vote, there was an equality of votes and the Chairman used his second and casting vote in favour of the amendment which became the finding of the Meeting.
		MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Museum Opening Exhibition: Purchase of Display Equipment and Security Show-cases AL09.01.07	33*	With reference to Item 47 of the Minute of Meeting of 30 August 1994, the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report concerning the purchase of display equipment and security show-cases for the Museum's Opening Exhibition. It was indicated that Western Isles Enterprise had offered a grant of £13,200 in respect of the security showcases. Following receipt of this offer, the display equipment and security showcases were ordered to ensure delivery in time for the Museum Opening Exhibition in June 1995. The total cost of the equipment was £22,336.14. The display equipment and security showcases were available from one supplier only in each case, and orders had been placed direct with the relevant suppliers.
		It was agreed:
		(1) to recommend homologation of the action of the Director of Education and Leisure Services in ordering Museum display equipment and security showcases within the current financial year to allow the opening exhibition timetable to be maintained; and
		(2) to acknowledge formally the financial assistance received from Western Isles Enterprise towards the cost of the equipment.
		TOURISM
Uist Centre Project AL05.01	34	With reference to Item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 1995, the Chief Executive submitted a Report concerning the outcome of a Public Meeting held to discuss the Uist Centre Project. The note of the Public Meeting held in Balivanich School on 24 February 1995 was circulated to the Committee.
		The Chief Executive reported that the proposed Objective 1 Application in respect of the Uist Centre Project had not been submitted by the deadline.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
_____