PRESENT

Mr Alex A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Roderick J Murray (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Philip R McLean

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr James L McArthur

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mrs Mary Bremner

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr George Lonie

Mr Archie Campbell

Mr Norman M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Prayer

The Meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Finlay Morrison.

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay and Mr David Blaney

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs Ward, and Mr David Blaney, Member for the Daliburgh and Eriskay Ward, who had both been admitted to Hospital and, on behalf the Comhairle, conveyed best wishes to Mr Mackay and Mr Blaney for a speedy recovery.

CONSTITUTION

Revised Committee Structure

6

With reference to Item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 20 February 2001, the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report regarding the outcome of a Seminar for Members held on 26 March 2001 to discuss a revised decision making structure for the Comhairle. It was indicated that three options had been discussed at the Seminar:

· Minor revisions to the current Committee Structure

· Executive Model

· Reformed Committee Structure

It was noted that Members at the Seminar had agreed that the Executive Model was not appropriate for the Comhairle. It was stated that the conclusion of the Seminar was that a reformed committee structure with a smaller number for cross - cutting committees was the most appropriate way forward. The structure provided for a Policy in Finance Committee and five service committees, together with a Standards and Scrutiny Committee. Proposals regarding the implementation of the committee structure were set out in the Report, together with suggested transitional arrangements to operate over the summer period. Progress on the review of the Comhairle's Standing Orders and other Constitutional Documents was outlined. It was indicated that it was proposed to submit the revised constitutional documents for approval in June 2001. It was suggested that a Seminar be held in May or June to enable Members to give detailed consideration to the Standing Orders and other rules prior to adopting them formally.

Mr Angus M Graham, seconded by Mr Donald Macdonald moved that:

(1) the Comhairle approve the reformed the Committee Structure detailed in the Report by the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services and based on the preference stated at the Seminar on 26 March 2001;

(2) the new structure be implemented with effect from August 2001 on the basis of the timetable set out in paragraph 6.3 of the Report;

(3) the transitional arrangements for the new structure be as set out in paragraph 6.3 of the Report;

(4) revised constitutional documents taking account of the operational needs of the new committee structure be submitted for approval in June 2001;

(5) a Seminar be held to discuss the Constitutional Documents before they are approved.

Mr Angus Nicolson, seconded by Mr Alasdair G Macrae, moved as an amendment that in adopting the reformed Committee Structure, the appointments of members to committees be made before the appointment of Chairman.

Mr Angus Campbell, seconded by Mr Donald Manford, moved as a further amendment that the Comhairle discuss the options put forward at the Seminar.

The Chairman ruled that the order of debate would be as follows;

(1) the motion in the name of Mr Angus M Graham, seconded by Mr Donald Macdonald;

(2) the amendment in the name of Mr Angus Campbell, seconded by Mr Donald Manford;

(3) the amendment in the name of Mr Angus Nicolson, seconded by Mr Alasdair G Macrae.

Prior to the matter being put to the vote, Mr Angus M Graham, with the approval of his seconder, withdrew his motion.

It was agreed to adjourn the Meeting to enable procedural advice to be taken on a matter which was not clear in the Comhairle's Standing Orders.

The Meeting reconvened at 4.35 pm.

Mr Angus Campbell and Mr Angus Nicolson, with the agreement of their seconders, withdrew their amendments.

On the motion of Mr Norman L Macdonald seconded by Mr Angus Campbell the Comhairle agreed:

(1) to adopt the reformed Committee structure outlined in the appendix to the report by the Chief executive and Director of Corporate Services;

(2) that the new structure be implemented with effect from August 2001 with the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to be appointed by the Committees and on the basis that the Committees evolve with the agreement of the Chief Executive in that time;

(3) that the revised Constitutional Documents taking account of the operational needs of the new committee structure be submitted for approval in June 2001;

(4) that a Seminar be held to discuss the Constitutional Documents before they are approved.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme: Western Isles Projects

7

The following were submitted in respect of the Western Isles Project for the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme;

(1) Minute of Meeting of the European Structural Funds Member/Officer Working Group of 21 February 2001;

(2) a Report by the Chief Executive regarding the Western Isles Projects in which the Comhairle had an interest and which had been approved at the HISTP September 2000 bidding round. It was stated that there had been significant approvals for Western Isles bids. However, some had not been approved at the level of funding or for the duration anticipated. It was stated that the following projects had been submitted for HISTP funding support, with the result noted:

(a) Western Isles Niche Marketing - Application approved for 2 years assistance (3 years requested), intervention rate 45% (50% sought). Total project cost now £440,000, with CNES contribution of £242,000 required (increase of £22,000 in Comhairle matching funding).

(b) Business Advantage - Approved for assistance at 40% (50% requested) and with reduced staffing. Revised total project cost, £807,327 with CNES contribution of £484,396 (increase of £30,866).

(c) Enterprise Youth - Approved for 2 years (3 years requested). No change to project cost or CNES contribution.

(d) Airport Development - Approved at 50% intervention rate, as requested. Anticipated reduction of £12,000 in Comhairle's contribution.

(e) Western Isles Mobile Recyclable Materials Processing Facility - Approved at 40% intervention rate (50% requested), requiring an increase of £12,500 in the Comhairle's contribution to be funded from capital.

(f) Opportunities for Training Towards Independence (OFTTI) - Approved with a cap of £125,000 (£143,000 requested). Total project cost of £284,955 would require an increase in CNES contribution from £143,955 to £164,955 in the 2001/02 financial year. This project would be submitted annually to HISTP.

(g) Community Development Initiative/New Deal 25+ Pilot - Project assistance capped at £60,000. Project could be extended, subject to savings arising in the programme and pending the New Deal announcement. On a project cost of £500,000, the Comhairle had previously approved £180,000. It would be necessary to identify further funding of £190,000 to enable the project to proceed at its current level.

(h) Adult Guidance - Approved at the level requested. On a total project cost of £44,300 the Comhairle's contribution would remain at £11,075 in 2001/02.

(i) Community Economic Development - A HIE Programme bid for Community Economic Development was approved.

It was noted that the intervention rate for each project was consistent with the rate approved for applications for other areas; and

(3) A Report by the Chief Executive appending details of the prospective Western Isles Applications to March 2001 round of the HISTP. A Report and appendices summarised each project and gave an indication of the contribution anticipated from the Comhairle. Also appended to the Report was a summary of the effect on the HISTP Contingency Fund of the support for these projects and those previously approved. The following projects were proposed for approval for financial support:

(1) Sound of Barra Ferry infrastructure:

(2) Work Global - ICT Business Development Programme;

(3) Retail Development Scheme;

(4) Rural Sewerage Schemes;

(5) Highlands and Islands Gaelic in the Community;

(6) An Gaidheal Ur

It was agreed:

(1) to approve the conclusions of the European Structural Funds Member/Officer Working Group as set out in Item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of the Working Group;

(2) to approve the revised financial support for the following HISTP projects detailed in Section 5 of the Report by the Chief Executive relating to September 2000 projects, as supplemented by additional financial information appended to the Report:

(1) Western Isles Niche Marketing

(2) Business Advantage

(3) Airport Development

(4) Western Isles Mobile Recyclable Materials Processing Facility

(5) Opportunities for training towards independence (OFTTI);

(3) to approve financial support for the following Western Isles Projects for round 3 (March 2001) of the HISTP as detailed in Section 5 of the Report relating to the projects for the March 2001 round and as supplemented by the additional financial information appended to the Report:

(1) Sound of Barra Ferry Infrastructure:

(2) Work Global - ICT Business Development Programme;

(3) Retail Development Scheme;

(4) Rural Sewerage Schemes;

(5) Highlands and Islands Gaelic in the Community;

(6) An Gaidheal Ur

Western Isles Community Economic Development Programme Plan 2001 - 2003

8

The Chief Executive submitted a Report regarding the Western Isles Community Economic Development Programme Plan 2001 - 2003. Details of the Plan were appended to the Report, together with implementation arrangements for the Plan. It was indicated that the Plan proposed a budget for Community Economic Development of £1.013m over three years, of which £470,000 would be provided by the European Union, matched by £470,000 of UK Funds and supplemented by £72,000 of Private Funds. It was noted at the Comhairle's matching fund contribution would be £60,000 per year over the 3 year period.

It was agreed:

(1) to approve the Draft Western Isles Community Economic Development Programme Plan 2001 - 2003 for submission to Highlands and Islands Special Programme Executive for approval;

(2) that European and Development Services manage the Comhairle's Matching Fund Contribution of £60,000 for a Community Economic Development for each year of 2001/2002, 2003/2004.

Member Representation at World Festival of Island Cultures, Jeju , Republic of Korea

9

With reference to Item 16 of the Minute of Meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 20 February 2001, the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report regarding nomination of the Comhairle's Representatives at the World Festival of Island Cultures. It was stated that the aims of the Western Isles presence at the Festival were to promote both the cultural aspects of life in the Islands and the Economic Development opportunities in the area. It was suggested that it would be appropriate for the Comhairle itself to be represented at the Festival by elected Members. It was indicated that the cost of Members attending the Festival would be met by the event's organiser and their sponsors on the same basis as the other groups attending. There would be no cost to the Comhairle to send members to represent it. The issue of selection performers to the groups to attend the festival was addressed in the Report and it was noted that the timescale to finalise a selection would not allow proposed appointments to be Reported for approval in time to allow the performers to undergo all the medical preparation recommended for the journey.

It was agreed that:

(1) the Comhairle be represented at the World Festival of Island Cultures to be held in Jeju, Republic of Korea, by the Convener or his nominee;

(2) the Chief Executive be authorised to take all the steps he considered necessary to ensure that the Western Isles were appropriately represented.

MINUTES

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8 that the following Item be considered as a matter of urgency in order that the Comhairle could consider and approve proposals relating to a number of twinning matters to enable early action to be taken on these issues.

Twinning Committee

The Minutes of Meetings of the Twinning Committee of 7 February and 19 March 2001 were submitted.

It was agreed to approve:

(1) the recommendations in Items 2 and 3 of the Minute of Meeting of 7 February 2001;

(2) the recommendations in Items 5 and 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 March 2001.

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