med0011

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Tuesday 21 November 2000 at 2.00pm

PRESENT

Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)

Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm J Macleod

Mr Donald I Nicholson

Mr Iain Morrison

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Archibald K Campbell

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr David Blaney

Mr Roderick J Murray

Rev Andrew Coghill

Mr Murdo Macleod

Mr Allan Smithyman

Mr Philip R McLean

Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES

Mr Norman M Macleod

Rev Donald A Macdonald

Rev John Macleod

Prayer

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.

Tribute: Dr Neil Galbraith

The Chairman informed the Committee that Dr Neil Galbraith was attending his last Education Committee Meeting and on behalf of the Committee thanked him for his service to the Committee over the last 26 years and wished him all the best in his retirement.

Tribute: Western Isles Pupils at the Millennium Dome

The Chairman referred to the recent trip by pupils from the Western Isles to the Millennium Dome where they portrayed the Western Isles and played to capacity audiences. On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman congratulated the pupils involved.

Tribute: National Gaelic Debating Competition

The Chairman referred to the final of the National Gaelic Debating Competition which was being held in Lews Castle College and was being broadcast live on Radio nan Gaidheil and congratulated The Nicolson Institute and Sgoil Lionacleit who were both taking part in the semi-finals of the Competition.

Tribute: Pendleton High School

The Chairman referred to representatives from Pendleton High School, who had recently been visiting the Island and referred to the twinning ceremony which was expected to take place in April 2001.

MINUTES

Education Committee

E08

113

The minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 was approved.

Education Sub-Committee

E08

114

The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 1 November 2000 was approved.

FINANCE

Service Strategy Development Report

PR110.08

115

Service Strategy Development Reports for the 2001/02 Revenue Estimates for each of the Comhairle's Services were submitted setting out committed growth with proposed expenditure savings to match growth and savings proposed to match the cash planning limits of expenditure.

It was agreed to note the Service Strategy Development Reports.

Second Quarter Revenue Outturn

PR110.08

116*

With reference to Item 74 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Education Committee for the six months ended 30 September 2000 and comparing such income and expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed the forecast outturn of expenditure for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year ending 31 March 2001.

It was agreed to recommend that, where the forecast overspend exceeded tolerances, the relevant Heads of Service be required to make proposals to bring spending back within tolerances to the next series of meetings.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2000 - 30 September 2000

PR110.08

117*

With reference to Item 73 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 30 September 2000 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 2000/01 for each Service. It was noted that the forecast outturn was £220,000 below the revised approved programme of £15,650,000. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the forecast outturn as the revised approved Capital Programme for the financial year 2000/01 and specifically that:

(1) £35,000 additional CFCR be transferred from money set aside from the closure of the Secondary Department at Scalpay School to fund the Home Economics Unit at Sir E Scott School;

(2) an overspend of £22,000 on the Scalpay Bridge Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage; and

(3) an overspend of £80,000 on the Smith Avenue/Sandwick Road Roundabout Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage.

BUILDINGS

Capital Works: Programme and Progress

E03

118

With reference to item 98 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties.

It was agreed to note the report.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2000/2001 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 September 2000

PR110.08

119

With reference to item 77 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning expenditure on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Education Account, to the end of the second quarter of the current financial year.

It was agreed to note the report.

Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during discussion of the item.

Sgoil Lionacleit Hot Water Pipework

E02

120*

With reference to item 53 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the findings of an investigation into leaks in the domestic hot water services pipework in Sgoil Lionacleit. The report indicated that several leaks had appeared in copper pipework at Sgoil Lionacleit and that the Consulting Engineers had recommended three alternative solutions with costs as follows:

OPTION CAPITAL ANNUAL 10 YEAR COST RUNNING COST TOTAL

COST

Membrane Filtration £162k £5k £212k

Cartridge Filtration £93k £10k £193k

Replacement with £125k nil £125k

Stainless Steel

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) 25k from the Water Services Improvement Programme for 2000/2001 be used to replace leaking copper pipework with stainless steel and install new valves at Sgoil Lionacleit;

(2) £10k from the Water Services Improvement Programme for 2001/2002 be provisionally reserved for further replacement of copper pipework at Sgoil Lionacleit;

(3) the remaining £12.5k from the Water Services Improvement Programme for 2000/01 be used together with £10k from the 2001/02 Programme to replace cold water storage tanks at Stornoway Primary, Paible School and Iochdar School;

(4) the £40k in the Capital Programme previously identified for maintenance works at the school be progressed as originally intended; and

(5) the Director of Technical Services enter into consultation with NOSWA regarding the high coliform count of the water samples tested and the possibility of a filtration system being introduced.

Lionacleit Hostel

E02

121*

With reference to item 44 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the present level of accommodation uptake at Lionacleit Hostel and to seek members approval to proceed to consultation with parents on the future of Lionacleit Hostel as a school Hostel. The report indicated that in the last few years there has been a downward trend in the take-up of hostel places. With the opening of the Berneray Causeway and the proposed opening of the Eriskay Causeway in 2001 the future of Lionacleit Hostel as a School Hostel required to be considered.

It was agreed to recommend that consultations be undertaken with parents in Eriskay and Berneray with a view to determining the future of Lionacleit Hostel as a school hostel.

Comunn Eachdraidh Bharabhais agus Bhru: Request for `In Principle' Lease of Land at Barvas School

E02

122*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a request from Comunn Eachdraidh Bharabhais agus Bhru to lease an area of land to enable them to build a base for their activities. The report indicated that this was a very successful historical society, which had a current membership exceeding 100. It expected to gain charitable status in the future and this along with the acquisition of land for a building would allow the Comunn Eachdraidh to apply for funding sources.

It was agreed to recommend that a lease of 858 square metres of land forming part of the curtilage of Barvas School be granted to Comunn Eachdradh Bharabhais agus Bhru for a period of 75 years on terms to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services.

RELATED MATTERS

Provision of Milk in Schools: Feasibility Study

E01

123*

With reference to item 148 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the outcome of the feasibility survey undertaken in relation to the provision of milk in schools. The report indicated that questionnaires were issued to all 46 schools in the Western Isles and responses were received from 40 and that schools appeared to be very willing to support the concept of milk provision to primary pupils, provided it was free.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the report be noted;

(2) the Education Department's role as agent for the purposes of claiming milk subsidy on behalf of any schools wishing to participate in a scheme of milk provision be approved; and

(3) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to consult with the Western Isles Health Board on the potential role of the Board in the scheme in (2) above.

Sports Strategy for the Western Isles

E05

124*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the approval to undertake a widescale consultation with key agencies involved in sport and recreation within the Western Isles and to produce a Sports Strategy for the Western Isles. The report indicated that a draft consultation document had been prepared as a basis for stimulating discussion and comment from the key agencies involved in sport and recreation in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that the draft consultation document be approved as the basis for obtaining the views of the key agencies involved in sport and recreation for the writing of a Sports Strategy.

Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Norman A Macdonald declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item.

Valtos Outdoor Centre

E02

125*

The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the current position in relation to the Valtos Outdoor Centre and to seek approval to enter into an agreement with the Valtos Trust transferring responsibility along with an appropriate budget agreement to secure the long-term viability of the Centre. The background to the matter was outlined in the report and the financial implications detailed.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to enter into an agreement with Urras Bhaltois which would guarantee a minimum of 60 days school usage of the centre at a cost of £25,000 in 2002/2003;

(2) the funding be made available through £14,000 from the Valtos Outdoor Centre budget and the £11,000 remaining be considered by the Education Committee, as part of the revenue estimates for 2002/2003; and

(3) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services determine, including without prejudice to the foregoing generality, a provision that the formal transfer will not take place until the funding package is complete and agreement to carry out the works reached.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

126

With reference to item 112 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee.

It was agreed to note the report.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that arrangements could be made for the competition.

Charity Shield Donated by RAF

127

The Chairman referred to a Charity Shield which had been received from the RAF. It was proposed that a Competition be set up and that the School which was the most active and enterprising in supporting charities in their area and community be the winner of the shield.

It was agreed that the Chairman of Education and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be the judges of this competition.

___

PRESENT	Mr Norman L Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mrs Morag Munro (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Malcolm J Macleod	Mr Donald I Nicholson
	Mr Iain Morrison	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Archibald K Campbell
	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr David Blaney
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Rev Andrew Coghill
	Mr Murdo Macleod	Mr Allan Smithyman
	Mr Philip R McLean	Dr Alan J F Fraser

APOLOGIES	Mr Norman M Macleod	Rev Donald A Macdonald
	Rev John Macleod

Prayer		The meeting was opened with prayer led by Mr Donald I Nicholson.
Tribute: Dr Neil Galbraith		The Chairman informed the Committee that Dr Neil Galbraith was attending his last Education Committee Meeting and on behalf of the Committee thanked him for his service to the Committee over the last 26 years and wished him all the best in his retirement.
Tribute: Western Isles Pupils at the Millennium Dome		The Chairman referred to the recent trip by pupils from the Western Isles to the Millennium Dome where they portrayed the Western Isles and played to capacity audiences. On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman congratulated the pupils involved.
Tribute: National Gaelic Debating Competition		The Chairman referred to the final of the National Gaelic Debating Competition which was being held in Lews Castle College and was being broadcast live on Radio nan Gaidheil and congratulated The Nicolson Institute and Sgoil Lionacleit who were both taking part in the semi-finals of the Competition.
Tribute: Pendleton High School		The Chairman referred to representatives from Pendleton High School, who had recently been visiting the Island and referred to the twinning ceremony which was expected to take place in April 2001.
		MINUTES
Education Committee E08	113	The minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 was approved.
Education Sub-Committee E08	114	The minute of meeting of the Education Sub-Committee of 1 November 2000 was approved.

		FINANCE
Service Strategy Development Report PR110.08	115	Service Strategy Development Reports for the 2001/02 Revenue Estimates for each of the Comhairle's Services were submitted setting out committed growth with proposed expenditure savings to match growth and savings proposed to match the cash planning limits of expenditure.
		It was agreed to note the Service Strategy Development Reports.
Second Quarter Revenue Outturn PR110.08	116*	With reference to Item 74 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Education Committee for the six months ended 30 September 2000 and comparing such income and expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed the forecast outturn of expenditure for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year ending 31 March 2001.
		It was agreed to recommend that, where the forecast overspend exceeded tolerances, the relevant Heads of Service be required to make proposals to bring spending back within tolerances to the next series of meetings.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: 1 April 2000 - 30 September 2000 PR110.08	117*	With reference to Item 73 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 September 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April 30 September 2000 for all Services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 2000/01 for each Service. It was noted that the forecast outturn was £220,000 below the revised approved programme of £15,650,000. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the forecast outturn as the revised approved Capital Programme for the financial year 2000/01 and specifically that:
		(1) £35,000 additional CFCR be transferred from money set aside from the closure of the Secondary Department at Scalpay School to fund the Home Economics Unit at Sir E Scott School;
		(2) an overspend of £22,000 on the Scalpay Bridge Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage; and
		(3) an overspend of £80,000 on the Smith Avenue/Sandwick Road Roundabout Project be included in the Capital Programme and funded out of slippage.
		BUILDINGS
Capital Works: Programme and Progress E03	118	With reference to item 98 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the capital works programme and progress in relation to education properties. It was agreed to note the report.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2000/2001 Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 September 2000 PR110.08	119	With reference to item 77 of the minute of meeting of 1 September 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning expenditure on the repairs and maintenance of properties held on the Education Account, to the end of the second quarter of the current financial year. It was agreed to note the report.
		Mr Donald I Nicholson declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during discussion of the item.
Sgoil Lionacleit Hot Water Pipework E02	120*	With reference to item 53 of the minute of meeting of 31 May 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the findings of an investigation into leaks in the domestic hot water services pipework in Sgoil Lionacleit. The report indicated that several leaks had appeared in copper pipework at Sgoil Lionacleit and that the Consulting Engineers had recommended three alternative solutions with costs as follows: OPTION CAPITAL ANNUAL 10 YEAR COST RUNNING COST TOTAL COST Membrane Filtration £162k £5k £212k Cartridge Filtration £93k £10k £193k Replacement with £125k nil £125k Stainless Steel It was agreed to recommend that: (1) 25k from the Water Services Improvement Programme for 2000/2001 be used to replace leaking copper pipework with stainless steel and install new valves at Sgoil Lionacleit; (2) £10k from the Water Services Improvement Programme for 2001/2002 be provisionally reserved for further replacement of copper pipework at Sgoil Lionacleit; (3) the remaining £12.5k from the Water Services Improvement Programme for 2000/01 be used together with £10k from the 2001/02 Programme to replace cold water storage tanks at Stornoway Primary, Paible School and Iochdar School; (4) the £40k in the Capital Programme previously identified for maintenance works at the school be progressed as originally intended; and (5) the Director of Technical Services enter into consultation with NOSWA regarding the high coliform count of the water samples tested and the possibility of a filtration system being introduced.
Lionacleit Hostel E02	121*	With reference to item 44 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the present level of accommodation uptake at Lionacleit Hostel and to seek members approval to proceed to consultation with parents on the future of Lionacleit Hostel as a school Hostel. The report indicated that in the last few years there has been a downward trend in the take-up of hostel places. With the opening of the Berneray Causeway and the proposed opening of the Eriskay Causeway in 2001 the future of Lionacleit Hostel as a School Hostel required to be considered. It was agreed to recommend that consultations be undertaken with parents in Eriskay and Berneray with a view to determining the future of Lionacleit Hostel as a school hostel.
Comunn Eachdraidh Bharabhais agus Bhru: Request for `In Principle' Lease of Land at Barvas School E02	122*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning a request from Comunn Eachdraidh Bharabhais agus Bhru to lease an area of land to enable them to build a base for their activities. The report indicated that this was a very successful historical society, which had a current membership exceeding 100. It expected to gain charitable status in the future and this along with the acquisition of land for a building would allow the Comunn Eachdraidh to apply for funding sources. It was agreed to recommend that a lease of 858 square metres of land forming part of the curtilage of Barvas School be granted to Comunn Eachdradh Bharabhais agus Bhru for a period of 75 years on terms to be determined by the Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services.

		RELATED MATTERS
Provision of Milk in Schools: Feasibility Study E01	123*	With reference to item 148 of the minute of meeting of 5 October 1999 the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the outcome of the feasibility survey undertaken in relation to the provision of milk in schools. The report indicated that questionnaires were issued to all 46 schools in the Western Isles and responses were received from 40 and that schools appeared to be very willing to support the concept of milk provision to primary pupils, provided it was free. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the report be noted; (2) the Education Department's role as agent for the purposes of claiming milk subsidy on behalf of any schools wishing to participate in a scheme of milk provision be approved; and (3) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to consult with the Western Isles Health Board on the potential role of the Board in the scheme in (2) above.
Sports Strategy for the Western Isles E05	124*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a report concerning the approval to undertake a widescale consultation with key agencies involved in sport and recreation within the Western Isles and to produce a Sports Strategy for the Western Isles. The report indicated that a draft consultation document had been prepared as a basis for stimulating discussion and comment from the key agencies involved in sport and recreation in the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that the draft consultation document be approved as the basis for obtaining the views of the key agencies involved in sport and recreation for the writing of a Sports Strategy.
		Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Norman A Macdonald declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item.
Valtos Outdoor Centre E02	125*	The Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint report concerning the current position in relation to the Valtos Outdoor Centre and to seek approval to enter into an agreement with the Valtos Trust transferring responsibility along with an appropriate budget agreement to secure the long-term viability of the Centre. The background to the matter was outlined in the report and the financial implications detailed. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be authorised to enter into an agreement with Urras Bhaltois which would guarantee a minimum of 60 days school usage of the centre at a cost of £25,000 in 2002/2003; (2) the funding be made available through £14,000 from the Valtos Outdoor Centre budget and the £11,000 remaining be considered by the Education Committee, as part of the revenue estimates for 2002/2003; and (3) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services determine, including without prejudice to the foregoing generality, a provision that the formal transfer will not take place until the funding package is complete and agreement to carry out the works reached.

		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	126	With reference to item 112 of the minute of meeting of 3 October 2000 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a report concerning reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Education Committee. It was agreed to note the report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM
		The Chairman ruled in accordance with Standing Order 8 that the following item be considered as a matter or urgency in order that arrangements could be made for the competition.
Charity Shield Donated by RAF	127	The Chairman referred to a Charity Shield which had been received from the RAF. It was proposed that a Competition be set up and that the School which was the most active and enterprising in supporting charities in their area and community be the winner of the shield. It was agreed that the Chairman of Education and the Acting Director of Education and Leisure Services be the judges of this competition.