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MINUTES
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Minute of
Meeting of 1 September 2004
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1
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The Minute of
Meeting of 1 September 2004 was approved.
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Declaration
of Interest
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2
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Mr John Mackay
declared an interest in Item 23 and left the Meeting during consideration of
that Item.
Mr Alex A
Macdonald declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 16 in that he was a
Comhairle appointed member of Urras nan Gearranan and indicated that he would
remain in the Meeting.
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FINANCE
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Second
Quarter Revenue Monitoring 2004/05
PR110.08
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3
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The Director
of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle’s forecast revenue
outturn for 2004/05 at the end of the second quarter. A summary of the
financial performance to the end of September 2004 was appended to the
Report.
It was
agreed to recommend that:
(1) the Report be noted; and
(2)
the use of the departmental carry forward for
the Chief Executive’s Office as detailed in Section 7 of the Report and
previously agreed be re-affirmed.
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Second
Quarter Capital Monitoring
PR110.03
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4
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The Director
of Finance submitted a Report concerning the progress in the 2004/05 Capital
Programme as at 30 September 2004.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Forecast Out-turn be approved as the Revised Approved Programme and
specifically approve the following:
(1) the slippage of £150k on Stornoway
Primary Roofing, £47k on the Schools Accessibility Programme, £64k on Water
Services, and £408k on Schools Capital Renovations;
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(2) the slippage of £350k on the
South Uist Care Development;
(3) the slippage of £80k on
Contaminated Land, £50k on the Derelict Building Grant Scheme and £33k on the
ACE Grant Scheme;
(4) the slippage of £2k on the Mossend
Refurbishment;
(5) the transfer of £1,714 for the Spinal Route from the Conditional Programme to the Main Programme;
(6) the slippage of £6k for work on
Pointers not required until 2005/06 to meet the retention and slippage of
£30k for maintenance work at Lews Castle; and
(7) the slippage of £25k on work to
the Council Chamber.
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Repair
and Maintenance – Quarterly Expenditure
PR110.08
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5
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure on the repair
and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development Account to
30 September 2004.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Report be noted.
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BIODIVERSITY
AND COUNTRYSIDE
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Langavat
Candidate Special Area of Conservation
DS61.01
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6
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With reference
to item 6 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2004 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to concerns expressed
about the implications of the Langavat Special Area of Conservation
designation for existing aquaculture operations in Loch Roag. The Report
highlighted the issues relating to existing fish farms in Loch Roag and wild
salmon stocks in the Langavat catchment area. The Report further indicated
that the Langavat Candidate Special Area of Conservation draft Management
Plan recommended the establishment of an Area Management Agreement which
would help deal with issues related to farmed wild salmon stocks.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle explore ways of challenging the
designation of Langavat Candidate Special Area of Conservation by
(1)
issuing an early letter from the
Convener to MEPs seeking guidance and support;
(2)
asking SNH for the scientific evidence
supporting the proposal; and
(3)
reviewing the scientific evidence to
ascertain the practicalities of challenging the designation.
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RENEWABLE
ENERGY
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The
Energy Advisory Service: TEAS
DS61.21
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7
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The Chief
Executive submitted a Report detailing The Energy Advisory Service activities
progress Report to 2003/04. The Report indicated that TEAS had met or
exceeded their targets for increasing the promotion of energy saving in the
residential sector, providing energy efficiency advice throughout the islands
and had provided a valuable service to the community.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve:
(1)
the TEAS activities progress Report for
2003/04; and
(2) the
£10,300 contribution to TEAS for 2004/05.
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Proposed
Western Isles Connection: Sub-Sea Cable and 400KV Overhead Transmission Line
DS21.26
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8
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There was
submitted a Joint Report by the Chief Executive and Director for Sustainable
Communities intimating that the Comhairle had been requested to submit
comments on possible routes for a Sub-Sea Cable and 400KV Overhead Lines in
the Highlands and Islands. It was intimated in the Report that most of the
points raised in the previous response from the Comhairle, in relation to
this matter, remained valid. It was further stated that Scottish Hydro
Electric Transmission Limited had accepted an invitation to address the
December meeting of either the Committee or the Sustainable Development
Committee and had, also agreed to extend the deadline for the submission of
the Comhairle’s comments, until after the meeting of the Comhairle in
December 2004.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.
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Considerations
for Renewable Energy Developments in the Western Isles
DS61.19
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9
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With reference
to item to item 33 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2004 the Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report to allow the consideration of
a framework to assist the assessment and determination of the renewable
energy development proposals in the Western Isles. The Report detailed
considerations for renewable energy developments in the Western Isles
document which took account of comments made by Members and included the
comments at the Alternative and Renewable Energy Development Member/Officer
Working Group.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Considerations for Renewable Energy Developments in the Western Isles
document attached at Appendix 1 to the Report be approved as considerations
that the Comhairle would take account of in its assessment of proposals for
renewable energy projects and development in the Western Isles.
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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
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European
Union Sustainable Development Strategy
DS01
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10
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a draft response to
the consultation on the European Union Sustainable Development Strategy. The
aim of the Strategy was to ensure that economic growth, environmental quality
and social inclusion go hand in hand. The Strategy put an emphasis on
coherent policy and the management of conflicting objectives and interests.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle respond to the European Union
Sustainable Development Strategy on the basis of Appendix 1 to the Report.
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Consultation
on Draft Rural Development Regulation
DS40.01.02
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11
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a draft response to
the consultation on draft Rural Development Regulations. The Report stated
that the European Commission published the draft Rural Development Regulation
on support for rural development in July 2004. The Regulation would
determine rural development for 2007/2013 and would replace the current
Regulation which would expire at the end of 2006. The Report summarised the
proposals within the Regulation.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle respond to the consultation on the draft Rural Development
Regulation on the basis of Appendix 1 to the Report.
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Business
Loans Schemes – Global Guarantees
DS40.33
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12
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the outcome of an
independent review of the Business Loan Scheme. The Review had concluded
that the Scheme had been highly successful in directing investment to the
small business community in the Western Isles in creating or retaining 117
jobs. The Scheme had contributed to the economic sustainability of the
Western Isles by supporting both diversification of activity in organic
growth and supported a broad range of business ideas and growth that would
not have progressed without the Scheme.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) note the conclusions and
recommendations of the Business Loan Scheme Review; and
(2)
agree, in principle, with the
continuation of the scheme, as per the review recommendations.
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Work
Global Market Research – Potential Inward Investors to the Western Isles
DS40.01.02
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13
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the findings of
market research undertaken by the Work Global Project of potential inward
investors to the Western Isles. The Report indicated that the research would
help the Comhairle and Western Isles Enterprise to establish the suitability
and reputation of the Western Isles as a destination for private sector
investment and job dispersal.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
note the Report on potential inward
investors to the Western Isles undertaken by the Work-Global project team;
and
(2)
provide feedback to the project team to
support the development of a strategy for inward investment and job
dispersal.
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Shell
Technology Enterprise Progress (STEP) 2005
DS40.09
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14
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking approval to support
the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme. The Report indicated that the
programme was run through Lews Castle College and aimed to place ten students
within companies in the Western Isles for a period of eight weeks. The total
cost of the programme was £16.9k and the host company would contribute £90
per week for each student employed.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle grant funding of £4225 towards the
Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) 2005 from the Apprenticeship
& Enterprise Scheme.
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It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of Items 15 and 16 below, on the grounds that exempt
information as defined in paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government
(Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to the
financial or business affairs of a particular person other than the
Comhairle.
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Leasing
of Unit 6 Mossend Development Estate
DS40
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15
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The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted
a Report detailing applications from two prospective tenants to lease Unit 6
at Mossend Development Estate, Stornoway. The Report commented on the
applications.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle offers Unit 6 Mossend Development Estate
for lease to Mr A Campbell Electrical Services subject to such terms and
conditions as the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the
Director for Sustainable Communities shall determine.
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Mr Alex A
Macdonald declared a non-pecuniary interest, in that he was a Comhairle
appointed member of Urras nan Gearranan, and remained in the Meeting during
the following item.
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Request
for Financial Assistance – Heat Pump System at Garenin Blackhouse Village
DS40.08
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16
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to a request for
financial assistance under the Community Renewable Support Scheme to support
a project to install a ground source heat pump system at Garenin Blackhouse Village. It was anticipated that the introduction of the system would
reduce heating bills and increase the green credentials of Garenin Blackhouse Village.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle provides financial assistance of
£62,400 to Urras nan Gearrannan to support the introduction of a Ground
Source Heat Pump System.
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It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of Item 17 below, on the grounds that exempt information as
defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act
1973 would be disclosed, namely, information relating to a particular
employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of the
Comhairle.
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Business
Advantage Service: Contract Extensions
DS40.82
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17*
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The Director for Sustainable Communities
submitted a Report seeking approval for the continuation of the posts of
Business Development Officer, Business Development Assistant (Uists and
Barra) and Senior Business Development Officer until 30 June 2006. The
Report stated that the funding for the Business Advantage Phase 2 project had
been approved earlier in 2004 and the Report sought support to develop a long
term plan for mainstreaming the Comhairle’s Business Advice and Financial
Support function.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agrees to the development of a
strategy for mainstreaming the Comhairle's business support function to be
brought to the Comhairle at a future date.
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FISHING
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Community
Fishing Quota Scheme
DS40.04.49
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18
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with
investigations into the feasibility of a Community Fishing Quota Scheme. The
Report proposed the establishment of a Working Group to consider the detailed
implications of the Scheme together with Western Isles stakeholders. The
Report further detailed the proposed remit of the Working Group.
It was
agreed to recommend that:
(1)
the Comhairle establish a short-life
Community Fishing Quota Member/Officer Working Group with a remit as outlined
in the Report and involving relevant external organisations and businesses;
and
(2) Mr Norman L Macdonald, Mr Angus Campbell, Mr Archie
K Campbell and Mr Martin C Taylor be appointed to the Member/Officer Working
Group.
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Proposals
for a European Fisheries Fund
DS40.04.49
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19
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing proposals for a
European Fisheries Fund. The Report stated that the Fund would succeed the
current FIFG and many of the activities currently eligible for support under
the current FIFG would continue to be available beyond 2006 through the
European Fisheries Fund. The Report highlighted a draft response from the
Comhairle to the proposals.
It was agreed to recommend that the
Comhairle approve the draft response to SEERAD appended to the Report on the
European Commission’s European Fisheries Fund proposals.
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Highland Area Shellfish Regulating Order
DS40.04.50
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20
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the potential
implications for the Western Isles of the proposed Highland Area Regulated
Fishery Order. The Report stated that the Highland Shellfish Management
Organisations (HSMO) had been formed to promote and manage a Shellfish
Regulating Order for the inshore waters around the Highland area. The Report
detailed a draft response to the Order which took account of the Comhairle's
long established interest in the local management of inshore fisheries and
the potential implications of the Highland Area Order for Western Isles
fishermen.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the comments circulated in the
“to follow" Report as the Comhairle’s response to the Regulating Order.
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Leverburgh
Pier Amended Proposals
T07.02.16
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21
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revised proposals for the
Leverburgh Pier Project which would provide overnight berthing facilities for
the Sound of Harris Vehicular Ferry. The scope of the Project included
extending an existing rock breakwater to the South East of the pier,
improving marshalling and parking arrangements and carrying out works to the
existing harbour basin to provide compensating berthing for other pier users.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) approve the revised project scope
and funding package for the Leverburgh Pier Project;
(2) approve the submission of
applications for funding assistance for the provision of pontoon berthing
from the FIFG and WIE; and
(3) approve that a Report on
undertaking a feasibility study into improvements at Lochboisdale Pier be
submitted to a future Meeting.
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Mr Norman L
Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of
the following Item.
Mr Angus
Campbell declared an interest and remained in the meeting to discuss a
procedural matter relating to the Report. Mr Campbell left the meeting
during consideration of the Report.
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Marine
Fuel Sales - Funding Additional Equipment
T07.02
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22
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval of additional
funding for the purchase of two larger capacity tanks and two remote delivery
cabinets for the sale of marine fuel at fishery piers. The larger capacity
tanks will be provided at Kallin and Leverburgh the remote delivery cabinets
would be provided at Berneray and Brevig.
It was agreed to recommend:
(1)
that the Comhairle homologate the expenditure
of £30k for additional fuel tanks at fishery piers; and
(2)
the importance of all capital projects being
progressed in accordance with the Comhairle's agreed procedures was emphasised
at the meeting.
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COMMUNITY
SUPPORT
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Mr John Mackay
declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the
following item.
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Westerns
Isles Gaelic Language Plan
PR13.05.09
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23
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The Director of Education and the Director
of Sustainable Communities submitted a Joint Report concerning progress with
the Western Isles Gaelic Language Plan and detailing the next phase of the
process. The background to the establishment of the Western Isles Gaelic
Language Plan, together with details of project costs and funding issues were
outlined in the Report.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
endorse Phase II of the Western Isles
Gaelic Language Plan; and
(2)
provide additional financial support of
£15,700 to Phase II and that funding to be sourced as follows: £5,200 from
Community Support and £5,300 from Economic Development.
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TOURISM
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Comhairle
Policy and Tourism
DS40.08
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24
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With reference
to item 25 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2004 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing progress with
discussions with the Scottish Executive, VisitScotland and local partners in
relation to the development of a Local Tourism Policy. The Report detailed
the key issues which had been identified and would form the basis of the
Service Level Agreement between the Comhairle and the new VisitScotland
“hub”.
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It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
note the progress in regard to the
development of tourism issues; and
(2)
endorse the key issues that have been
identified to date in relation to the Service Level Agreement.
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ARCHAEOLOGY
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PER
Archaeological Interpretation
AL09.01.14
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25
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining the proposed use of
capital funds to enhance archaeological interpretation through the Western
Isles. The Report stated that the proposed inter-related capital projects
would maximise the additionality of the capital sum both in social and
economic terms, and would provide opportunities for access for all, lifelong
learning and social inclusion from economically and socially sustainable
development of outstanding archaeological and heritage resources within the
Western Isles.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the project as outlined in the
Report.
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Dun
Eistean Archaeological Project: An Update
AL09.01.15
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26
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It was
agreed to withdraw this Item.
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PERFORMANCE
MONITORING
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Reports
Outstanding
PR33.01.12
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27
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The Director
of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding
arising from decisions of the Committee.
It was
agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note the Report.
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