11 September2001

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 11 September 2001 at 7.00 pm

PRESENT

Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Roderick J Murray (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Angus Campbell

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Philip R McLean

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Archie K Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr James L McArthur

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr David Blaney

World Trade Center

The Chairman referred to the attack on the World Trade Center in New York and made the following statement:

"Like me, you will be shocked and saddened by today's tragic events. It is difficult to find words to adequately express our feeling at times such as these.

However, I am sure, like me, you will share a profound sense of disbelief, loss, grief and helplessness.

Whilst it will not relieve those feelings, I propose, with the agreement of the Comhairle, to send a message of sympathy and support from the people of the Western Isles to our twinning town in Pendleton, USA, and to the American Embassy.

I know that it is difficult to focus on our community's problems and business at times like this but I would suggest that we carry on to the best of our abilities and proceed with tonight's meeting."

The Comhairle then observed a minute's silence.

Prayer

The meeting was opened with Prayer led by Mr Norman M Macleod.

Tribute: Mrs Christina Campbell

The Chairman referred to Mrs Christina Campbell, 28 Lemreway, who had celebrated her 100^th birthday on 5 September 2001 and, on behalf of the Comhairle, conveyed best wishes to Mrs Campbell.

Tribute: Sheriff Ian Cameron

The Chairman referred to Sheriff Ian Cameron who had covered the Stornoway Sheriff Court for the past nine years and who was to become resident Sheriff in his home town of Elgin. On behalf of the Comhairle, the Chairman conveyed best wishes to Sheriff Cameron for his new appointment.

Tribute: Mr Alasdair Campbell

The Chairman referred to Mr Alasdair Campbell who was a member of the Stornoway Sea Angling Club's team at the European Boating Championships held by the European Federation of Sea Anglers in Caheirsivf in South West Ireland, and who was the son of Mr Angus Campbell, Member for the Newton Ward. Mr Campbell had won the Gold (first prize) in the Light Line Competition and the Silver (second prize) in the European Open for Juniors. On behalf of the Comhairle, the Chairman congratulated Mr Campbell on his achievements.

MINUTES

Comhairle

16

The Minutes of Meetings of 19 June 2001, 2 August 2001 and 30 August 2001 were approved.

OUTSIDE BODIES

Appointments to Outside Bodes

17

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the appointment of Members to the following bodies:

Western Isles Post Office and Telecommunications Advisory Committee

Acair Limited

Western Isles Salmon Fishery Board

Uist Wader Project Liaison Group.

A summary relating to each organisation was set out in the Report.

It was agreed:

(1) to appoint Mrs Morag Munro as one of the Comhairle's representatives on the Western Isles Post Office and Telecommunications Advisory Committee;

(2) to defer consideration of the appointment of a Director of Acair Limited pending a review of the appointment of Members to serve as Directors of companies;

(3) to appoint Mr Roderick Morrison as an observer/adviser at the Western Isles Salmon Fishery Board; and

(4) to appoint Mr Archie K Campbell as a member of the Uist Wader Project Liaison Group.

COMMITTEES

Committees

18

Committee decisions reports were submitted as undernoted. Unless otherwise indicated, the Comhairle approved the recommendations of the Committees and noted the decisions where these related to delegated functions.

(1) Arts and Leisure Committee - 28 August 2001

(2) Housing Committee - 28 August 2001

Arising out of Item 3 of the Decision Report it was agreed to increase the membership of the Housing Review Panel to nine Members and to appoint Mr Norman L Macdonald, Mr Angus Nicolson and Mr James L McArthur as Members of the Panel.

(3) Education Committee - 28 August 2001 with the exception of Item 12 of the Decision Report.

(4) Environmental Services Committee - 29 August 2001

(5) Transportation Committee - 29 August 2001 with the exception of Item 27.

Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Manford, moved approval of the recommendations in Item 27 of the Committee Decision Report, relating to ragwort at Sand Street, Stornoway.

Mr Murdo Macleod, seconded by Mr Norman M Macleod, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle adhere to the recommendation of Transportation Committee of 31 January 2001 and proceed to undertake work to eradicate ragwort at Sand Street.

On the matter being put to the vote, the motion received the majority of votes cast and became the finding of the meeting.

(6) Development Services Committee - 29 August 2001 with the exception of Item 18.

Mr Donald Maclean, seconded by Mr Archie K Campbell, moved approval of the recommendation contained in Item 18 of the Decision Report.

Mr Norman L Macdonald , seconded by Mr Norman A Macdonald, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle provide funding for the Stornoway Airport Gateway Project.

On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of votes cast and became the finding of the meeting.

On the motion of Mr Iain Morrison, seconded by Mr Donald J Macsween, the Comhairle inserted the following addendum to the decisions of the Development Services Committee:

That the Comhairle endorses the action taken by the representative groups negotiating on behalf of the crofters and fully supports the campaign to have the export ban to Europe lifted and that the cull of the light lambs takes place within the Western Isles.

(7) Development Services Committee - 10 September 2001

(8) Social Work Committee - 30 August 2001

(9) Contract Services Committee - 28 June, 17 July, 2 August and 30 August 2001

(10) Policy and Finance Committee - 11 September 2001, with the exception of Items 7 and 22 of the Decision Report.

Mr Roderick J Murray, seconded by Mr Angus Nicolson, moved approval of the recommendations in Item 7 of the Policy and Finance Committee Report.

Mr Norman L Macdonald, seconded by Mrs Morag Munro, moved as a first amendment, approval of the recommendation in Item 12 of the Education Committee Decision Report that the 1% of savings in the Education Service be calculated excluding the funds ring-fenced for School Education and any savings required from the Education Services be taken accordingly.

Mr Ian M Macleod, seconded by Mr Murdo Macleod, moved as a second amendment that the 1% of savings to be made from the Education Budget be amended as follows:

That from a total net controllable budget of approximately £25.7 million, the direct staff costs only of approximately £18.8 million should not be included in the savings exercise.

On the vote being taken between the motion and the first amendment, the motion received the majority of votes cast.

On the vote being taken between the motion and the second amendment, the motion received the majority of votes cast and became the finding of the meeting.

In respect of Item 22 of the Committee Decision Report, Mr Malcolm J Macleod, seconded by Mr Iain Morrison, moved that the Business Advantage and Enterprise Youth Programme Team be located in Ness until such time as acceptable alternative arrangements had been made for the utilisation of the office accommodation currently used by the Comhairle in Ness and suitable accommodation be found for the Business Development Assistant post to be located in Uist or Barra.

Mr Roderick J Murray indicated that he would accept the proposal as being broadly consistent with the recommendation of the Policy and Finance Committee.

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PRESENT	Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Roderick J Murray (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Philip R McLean
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Norman M Macleod
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Archie K Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Angus Nicolson	Mr James L McArthur
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mrs Mary Bremner
	Mr Norman L Macdonald	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES	Mr Donald M Mackay	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr David Blaney

World Trade Center		The Chairman referred to the attack on the World Trade Center in New York and made the following statement: "Like me, you will be shocked and saddened by today's tragic events. It is difficult to find words to adequately express our feeling at times such as these. However, I am sure, like me, you will share a profound sense of disbelief, loss, grief and helplessness.
		Whilst it will not relieve those feelings, I propose, with the agreement of the Comhairle, to send a message of sympathy and support from the people of the Western Isles to our twinning town in Pendleton, USA, and to the American Embassy.
		I know that it is difficult to focus on our community's problems and business at times like this but I would suggest that we carry on to the best of our abilities and proceed with tonight's meeting."
		The Comhairle then observed a minute's silence.
Prayer		The meeting was opened with Prayer led by Mr Norman M Macleod.
Tribute: Mrs Christina Campbell		The Chairman referred to Mrs Christina Campbell, 28 Lemreway, who had celebrated her 100^th birthday on 5 September 2001 and, on behalf of the Comhairle, conveyed best wishes to Mrs Campbell.
Tribute: Sheriff Ian Cameron		The Chairman referred to Sheriff Ian Cameron who had covered the Stornoway Sheriff Court for the past nine years and who was to become resident Sheriff in his home town of Elgin. On behalf of the Comhairle, the Chairman conveyed best wishes to Sheriff Cameron for his new appointment.
Tribute: Mr Alasdair Campbell		The Chairman referred to Mr Alasdair Campbell who was a member of the Stornoway Sea Angling Club's team at the European Boating Championships held by the European Federation of Sea Anglers in Caheirsivf in South West Ireland, and who was the son of Mr Angus Campbell, Member for the Newton Ward. Mr Campbell had won the Gold (first prize) in the Light Line Competition and the Silver (second prize) in the European Open for Juniors. On behalf of the Comhairle, the Chairman congratulated Mr Campbell on his achievements.
		MINUTES
Comhairle	16	The Minutes of Meetings of 19 June 2001, 2 August 2001 and 30 August 2001 were approved.
		OUTSIDE BODIES
Appointments to Outside Bodes	17	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding the appointment of Members to the following bodies: Western Isles Post Office and Telecommunications Advisory Committee Acair Limited Western Isles Salmon Fishery Board Uist Wader Project Liaison Group.
		A summary relating to each organisation was set out in the Report.
		It was agreed: (1) to appoint Mrs Morag Munro as one of the Comhairle's representatives on the Western Isles Post Office and Telecommunications Advisory Committee; (2) to defer consideration of the appointment of a Director of Acair Limited pending a review of the appointment of Members to serve as Directors of companies; (3) to appoint Mr Roderick Morrison as an observer/adviser at the Western Isles Salmon Fishery Board; and (4) to appoint Mr Archie K Campbell as a member of the Uist Wader Project Liaison Group.
		COMMITTEES
Committees	18	Committee decisions reports were submitted as undernoted. Unless otherwise indicated, the Comhairle approved the recommendations of the Committees and noted the decisions where these related to delegated functions.
		(1) Arts and Leisure Committee - 28 August 2001
		(2) Housing Committee - 28 August 2001 Arising out of Item 3 of the Decision Report it was agreed to increase the membership of the Housing Review Panel to nine Members and to appoint Mr Norman L Macdonald, Mr Angus Nicolson and Mr James L McArthur as Members of the Panel.
		(3) Education Committee - 28 August 2001 with the exception of Item 12 of the Decision Report.
		(4) Environmental Services Committee - 29 August 2001
		(5) Transportation Committee - 29 August 2001 with the exception of Item 27.
		Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Manford, moved approval of the recommendations in Item 27 of the Committee Decision Report, relating to ragwort at Sand Street, Stornoway.
		Mr Murdo Macleod, seconded by Mr Norman M Macleod, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle adhere to the recommendation of Transportation Committee of 31 January 2001 and proceed to undertake work to eradicate ragwort at Sand Street.
		On the matter being put to the vote, the motion received the majority of votes cast and became the finding of the meeting.
		(6) Development Services Committee - 29 August 2001 with the exception of Item 18. Mr Donald Maclean, seconded by Mr Archie K Campbell, moved approval of the recommendation contained in Item 18 of the Decision Report.
		Mr Norman L Macdonald , seconded by Mr Norman A Macdonald, moved as an amendment that the Comhairle provide funding for the Stornoway Airport Gateway Project.
		On the matter being put to the vote, the amendment received the majority of votes cast and became the finding of the meeting.
		On the motion of Mr Iain Morrison, seconded by Mr Donald J Macsween, the Comhairle inserted the following addendum to the decisions of the Development Services Committee: That the Comhairle endorses the action taken by the representative groups negotiating on behalf of the crofters and fully supports the campaign to have the export ban to Europe lifted and that the cull of the light lambs takes place within the Western Isles.
		(7) Development Services Committee - 10 September 2001
		(8) Social Work Committee - 30 August 2001
		(9) Contract Services Committee - 28 June, 17 July, 2 August and 30 August 2001
		(10) Policy and Finance Committee - 11 September 2001, with the exception of Items 7 and 22 of the Decision Report.
		Mr Roderick J Murray, seconded by Mr Angus Nicolson, moved approval of the recommendations in Item 7 of the Policy and Finance Committee Report.
		Mr Norman L Macdonald, seconded by Mrs Morag Munro, moved as a first amendment, approval of the recommendation in Item 12 of the Education Committee Decision Report that the 1% of savings in the Education Service be calculated excluding the funds ring-fenced for School Education and any savings required from the Education Services be taken accordingly.
		Mr Ian M Macleod, seconded by Mr Murdo Macleod, moved as a second amendment that the 1% of savings to be made from the Education Budget be amended as follows: That from a total net controllable budget of approximately £25.7 million, the direct staff costs only of approximately £18.8 million should not be included in the savings exercise.
		On the vote being taken between the motion and the first amendment, the motion received the majority of votes cast.
		On the vote being taken between the motion and the second amendment, the motion received the majority of votes cast and became the finding of the meeting.
		In respect of Item 22 of the Committee Decision Report, Mr Malcolm J Macleod, seconded by Mr Iain Morrison, moved that the Business Advantage and Enterprise Youth Programme Team be located in Ness until such time as acceptable alternative arrangements had been made for the utilisation of the office accommodation currently used by the Comhairle in Ness and suitable accommodation be found for the Business Development Assistant post to be located in Uist or Barra.
		Mr Roderick J Murray indicated that he would accept the proposal as being broadly consistent with the recommendation of the Policy and Finance Committee.
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