Mes0003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 29 March 2000 at 9.00 am

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Angus Nicolson (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr James L Macarthur

APOLOGIES

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Roderick J Murray

Tribute: NOSWA

The Chairman welcomed Mr Colin Rennie, Chairman, (NOSWA), Mr Ron Macaulay, General Manager, (NOSWA) and Mr John Norgrove, Lewis & Harris Manager, (NOSWA) to the meeting.

Appointment of Vice-Chairman

C02.01

17

The Chairman called for nominations for the post of Vice-Chairman. Mr Alasdair G Macrae, seconded by Mr Norman A Macdonald moved the appointment of Mr Angus Nicolson.

Mr Alexander A Macdonald seconded by Mr Donald M Mackay moved the appointment of Mr James L McArthur.

There being no further nominations the Committee proceeded to vote by ballot, the result of which was as follows:

Mr Angus Nicolson 5 votes

Mr James L McArthur 5 votes

The Chairman drew lots to determine the appointment of Vice-Chairman. Mr Angus Nicolson received the additional vote.

The Chairman declared that Mr Angus Nicolson had been duly elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee until May 2000.

MINUTES

Environmental Services

CH01.02

18

The Minutes of Meeting of 7 February 2000 was approved.

PRESENTATION

North of Scotland Water Authority

CH03.09

19

Mr Colin Rennie, Mr Ron Macaulay, and Mr John Norgrove, gave a presentation on the North of Scotland Water Authority (NOSWA). Mr Rennie detailed NOSWA's aims and objectives, investment plans and charging system. NOSWA's proposed schemes for the Western Isles were detailed. Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of the NOSWA representatives.

It was agreed to note the Presentation.

FINANCE

Additional Savings to Meet Cash Planning Limit

PR110.03.25

20

With reference to Item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of Finance Sub-Committee of 27 March 2000, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the requirement to achieve additional savings to meet a late clarification of available finance to the Environmental Services Department for 2000/2001. The Committee was informed that Finance Sub-Committee had agreed that the budgetary shortfall of £27.5k would be met from contingency.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Landfill Tax - Environmental Bodies Scheme of Administration

CH03.08

21*

With reference to Item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the Scheme of Administration for awarding landfill tax credits to enrolled environmental bodies. The scheme enabled projects to be agreed up to a maximum of three years duration. Projects from Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust had been adopted and the entire funding for the previous three years had been allocated to those bodies. With the completion of the three year period it was time to ask enrolled bodies to submit projects for adoption and payment of landfill tax credits. The report indicated that, in view of the amount of time it would take to agree new projects, the existing agreements to the Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust should be extended until the end of the landfill tax period in October 2000 and all credits should continue to be paid to these bodies.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) registered environmental bodies be asked to submit bids for landfill tax credit funding with a view to accepting new projects after October 2000; and

(2) contributions continue to be paid to the Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust until October 2000 to ensure that the maximum amount of credit was claimed back from Customs and Excise.

Arising from consideration of this Item it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services would submit a Report to the next Meeting detailing the Scheme of Administration for Environmental Bodies.

TRADING STANDARDS

Mr Angus Nicolson and Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.

Applications for Petrol Licences

CH04.10

22*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning applications for petrol licences from Robertson Oils, Angus Campbell Ltd and N MacLennan (Oils) Ltd. Each company had Comhairle Members in senior positions with the consequence that the applications could not be dealt with under delegated powers. The Report further indicated that the applications were competent and inspections of the premises had revealed no reasons for refusal.

It was agreed to recommend that the applications for renewal of petrol licences received from Robertson Oils, Angus Campbell Ltd and N MacLennan (Oils) Ltd be approved.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Results of Household Survey Collection

CH03.08.07

23*

With reference to Item 64 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the results from the Survey of Domestic Refuse Collection in the Western Isles. The Report identified various service improvements based upon stakeholder aspirations and the Comhairle's stated objectives. The Report further detailed the indicative growth in costs of meeting the various demands over a three year period. Such investment would secure service provision in more remote areas, improved services for the elderly and infirm and a weekly service throughout the islands comparable with other similar authorities. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, expressed thanks to the staff involved in providing the refuse collection service to householders in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the high level of response to the household refuse collection;

(2) note that a summary of results would be published in the Stornoway Gazette and West Highland Free Press;

(3) note that the increase in GAE for the refuse collection services in 2000/2001 would be considered by Finance Sub-Committee following completion of the refuse collection survey;

(4) note the indicative costs in the Report for each of the potential service improvements for which there had been significant support identified in the survey results;

(5) recommend that the following service improvements be included for consideration as growth in the financial planning assumptions for the 2001/2004 budget strategy and subject to the consideration of the additional GAE for the refuse collection service by Finance Sub-Committee:

(i) the backdoor refuse collection service for the elderly and infirm be extended;

(ii) the services to remote properties without a kerbside collection be extended where practicable; and

(iii) the weekly refuse collection service be extended to all properties in the Western Isles; and

(6) note that necessary further work and business planning, detailed financial analysis and policy development for the service areas would not be recommended until any bid by the Committee was supported by its inclusion in future Comhairle policy planning and budget strategies.

Acquisition of Tracked Excavator, Bennadrove Landfill Site

CH03.08.05

24*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning waste disposal operations at Bennadrove Landfill Site which currently paid approximately £15k per annum in excavator hire charges for site works and as a replacement for the compactor during maintenance or breakdown. This equated to approximately twelve weeks hire per annum of an excavator. Indicative costings from three of the main manufacturers of excavators indicated that for approximately £12k per annum an excavator could be leased complete with warranty over a five year period. The Comhairle could, therefore, for a similar amount of money have an excavator based permanently at Bennadrove Landfill Site thereby enabling normal site works to be undertaken and providing cover for the main refuse compactor.

It was agreed to recommend that competitive quotations be sought for the lease of a new 15 tonne excavator from:

Liebherr

Fiat- Hitachi

Caterpillar

Interim Arrangements for the Cleaning of Public Toilets

CH03.07

25*

With reference to Item 88 in the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the strategy for the future cleaning and management arrangements for the Comhairle's public conveniences. The current contract for the cleaning of public conveniences would end on 31 March 2000 and, with the future strategy for the service based around the passing of most public conveniences to community management with annual grant payments there would be a hiatus between the end of the existing contract and the time when each convenience could be fully transferred to a community operation. The ideal method of covering the hiatus would be by a short-term agreement with the current contractor with rates for the works being based upon the existing contract with adjustments for inflation.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) Comhairle enter into a new agreement with Ideal Cleaning Services to continue to manage the cleaning of the Comhairle's public conveniences in the interim, for a period of 3 months from 31 March 2000, with an option to extend on a diminishing month to month basis until such time as all facilities were in community management; and

(2) agreement with Ideal Cleaning Services Ltd be based upon the previous contract with rates for payment being largely similar.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable the interim arrangements to be introduced from the end of the current contract on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

Mr Philip Maclean declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.

Priority List for Public Convenience Grant Applications

CH03.07

26*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that the number of applications for grant assistance exceeded the level of provision within the 3 year Capital Plan for the Public Convenience Grants and a priority list should be introduced. The Report outlined the current provision of Public Conveniences throughout the Western Isles and outlined suggested criteria for the assessment of applications. The Report further detailed the applications which had been received.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) applications for funding for new facilities at Ness, Carinish Hall and Eriskay Pony Heritage Centre be approved on the basis of providing a replacement for an existing building;

(2) applications for funding for new facilities at Iochdar Hall and Clan McQuarrie Hall be approved on the basis that they were within the three key areas identified within the Report; and

(3) remaining projects be prioritised to allow the final place on the three year plan to be filled and to ensure continuity should notification be received that one or more of the approved projects would not be proceeding.

Out of Hours Toilet Provision in Stornoway

CH03.07

27*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the need to provide out of hours toilet provision in the Town area following the termination of the lease for the three automatic public conveniences. The Report indicated that an out of hours service could be provided by the adaptation of the Perceval Square Toilets. The removal of the APC's would lead to no provision at the old Bayhead Site, but given the alternative provisions in the Stornoway area a further purpose built public convenience at Bayhead would appear to be excessive. Any facility requiring to be provided in association with the adjacent playpark should be the responsibility of the Arts and Leisure Committee.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the measures which would be taken to provide an out of hours toilet facility in Stornoway following the removal of the automatic public conveniences be noted;

(2) it be noted that cleaning of the facilities on Sunday morning would only be undertaken as part of other statutory duties when necessary in the interests of the public; and

(3) Environmental Services Committee cease to provide public conveniences directly in the Bayhead area due to over provision in the Stornoway area and in the light of diminished resources;

Public Convenience Cleaning Grant - Hushinish Toilet

CH03.07

28*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the provision of a public convenience at Hushinish by North Harris Community Council. With the toilets nearing completion there was a danger that, as the Community Council had limited funds, the toilets would either not be able to open or would open for a limited period only. The Report further indicated that an element had been included in the revenue estimates to allow for the half year operational funding of two public conveniences due to be built under the Comhairle's Grant Aid Scheme, but it was unlikely that either public convenience would be completed in the early part of the financial year.

It was agreed to recommend approval of an annual cleaning and maintenance grant for the Community owned public convenience sited at Hushinish beach.

Public Convenience Cleaning Grant - Low Flyer Restaurant

CH03.07.22

29*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking approval to continue to award a grant to James Steele McWilliams for the use of the toilets at the Low Flyer Restaurant/Cafe, Balivanich as a public convenience.

It was agreed to recommend that a new annual agreement be offered to Mr James Steele McWiliams of the Low Flyer Restaurant, Balivanich, Benbecula for the use of the toilets at his premises as a public convenience.

Mr Alasdair G Macrae declared an interest in and left the Meeting during consideration of items 30 and 31

Capital Works at Sandwick Cemetery

CH03.04.03

30*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning difficulties encountered with the Capital Works proposed for Sandwick Cemetery and which were scheduled for completion during 1999/2000. The Report outlined alternative works which were now necessary at the cemetery to replace potentially unstable boundary walls and improve vision at the access.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) reconstruction of the North boundary wall of Sandwick Cemetery adjacent to the A866 be approved in the light of the "structural report on boundary walls in Sandwick Cemetery"; and

(2) use of railings for the upper part of the North boundary wall and the demolition of the redundant West wall to improve vision for vehicles leaving the cemetery be approved.

Award of Cemetery Restoration Grants

CH03.04

31*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning applications which had been received for cemetery restoration and maintenance grants from the Ardroil and Bragar Cemetery Committees. The Report indicated that the grants were normally issued for works to undertake restoration at old cemeteries so that future maintenance of the grounds could be undertaken more efficiently.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a grant of £2.5k be awarded to the Ardroil Cemetery Committee to undertake stock proofing and other works at the cemetery to enable future maintenance of the cemetery to be undertaken more easily;

(2) a grant of £1k be awarded to the Bragar Cemetery Committee for the purchase of grass cutting equipment to undertake a restoration programme on the Bragar old cemetery and to undertake future cemetery maintenance on a proper planned basis; and

(3) the outstanding applications from the cemeteries at Hallan, Dunskellar and Eoligarry and the predicted carry forward of an estimated £15k from Capital to fulfil these grant applications be noted.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to allow the grants to be awarded before the end of the current financial year on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

Sheep Scab Eradication Programme

CH03.03.05

32*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing a Sheep Scab Eradication Procedure which had been created following consultation with vets, crofters and other parties and which should lead to a more collective responsibility to resolving the problem. In essence the procedure involved treatment, either by dips or injection, being used in controlled locations over a specified time period.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the Sheep Scab Eradication Procedure, as detailed in the Report.

Scheme of Delegation for Animal Health

CH03.03

33*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking to amend the Scheme of Delegation to allow certain notices and actions in respect of animal health which may in extreme circumstances have to be issued or taken at short notice. Any notices or actions would be issued in accordance with the interim enforcement policy for animal health and would be reported in the information bulletin.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to amend the Scheme of Delegation to enable the Director of Environmental Services to issue the notices or to take the actions detailed below.

SECTION NUMBER

ACTION/NOTICE TO BE TAKEN OR ISSUED

Section 3 (1)

Requires clearance from common land of sheep visibly affected by sheep scab.

Section 5 (1)

Seizure and detention of sheep found on common land specified in a clearance notice issued under Section 3 (1).

Section 5(3)(a)

Recovery of expenses by sale of such sheep.

Section 5(3)(b)

Recovery of expenses by slaughter of such sheep and sale of carcass.

Section 8

Recover treatment costs at the expense of person on whom treatment notice (Section 7 (2)) was served.

Appointment of Senior Environmental Health Officer

CH03.01.29

34*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning difficulties which had been encountered in filling the post of Environmental Health Officer to act as Food Safety Advisor to the Comhairle. The Report indicated that the post of Director of Environmental Services would now be filled and there may be organisational changes in the Department following that appointment. It would therefore be prudent to defer the matter and interim arrangements had been made to ensure essential routine work could be undertaken by the temporary appointment of an Environmental Health Officer.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) existing arrangements for the designation of Food Safety Advisor to the Comhairle be reviewed following the filling of the post of Director of Environmental Services; and

(2) interim arrangements for the filling of the post of Environmental Health Officer be noted and extended for a maximum period of 12 months or until that review was complete.

Service improvement Plan for Chemical Incidents

CH03.01

35*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the Service Improvement Plan for dealing with chemical incidents on beaches. The issue of whether Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade would attend such incidents when they were in remote locations had yet to be resolved despite a number of requests being made. The Best Value Review Team had agreed that incidents should only be dealt with once they had been contained by the Fire Service as this was the only service with personnel having the appropriate training and equipment.

It was agreed to recommend that the Best Value Service Improvement Plan for dealing with chemical incidents on beaches, as detailed in the Report, be approved.

Flood Prevention and Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1997

DS60.01

36

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing occurrence of flooding of non-agricultural land in 1998 and 1999 together with details of measure which had been taken to prevent or mitigate such flooding.

It was agreed to note the Report.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12

37

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Environmental Services Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

PRESENT	Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)
	Mr Angus Nicolson (Vice-Chairman)
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Alasdair G Macrae
	Mr Alexander A Macdonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mrs Morag Munro
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Donald Maclean
		Mr James L Macarthur

APOLOGIES	Mr Ian M Macleod	Mr Roderick J Murray

Tribute: NOSWA	The Chairman welcomed Mr Colin Rennie, Chairman, (NOSWA), Mr Ron Macaulay, General Manager, (NOSWA) and Mr John Norgrove, Lewis & Harris Manager, (NOSWA) to the meeting.

Appointment of Vice-Chairman C02.01	17	The Chairman called for nominations for the post of Vice-Chairman. Mr Alasdair G Macrae, seconded by Mr Norman A Macdonald moved the appointment of Mr Angus Nicolson. Mr Alexander A Macdonald seconded by Mr Donald M Mackay moved the appointment of Mr James L McArthur. There being no further nominations the Committee proceeded to vote by ballot, the result of which was as follows: Mr Angus Nicolson 5 votes Mr James L McArthur 5 votes The Chairman drew lots to determine the appointment of Vice-Chairman. Mr Angus Nicolson received the additional vote. The Chairman declared that Mr Angus Nicolson had been duly elected as Vice-Chairman of the Committee until May 2000.

		MINUTES


Environmental Services CH01.02	18	The Minutes of Meeting of 7 February 2000 was approved.
		PRESENTATION
North of Scotland Water Authority CH03.09	19	Mr Colin Rennie, Mr Ron Macaulay, and Mr John Norgrove, gave a presentation on the North of Scotland Water Authority (NOSWA). Mr Rennie detailed NOSWA's aims and objectives, investment plans and charging system. NOSWA's proposed schemes for the Western Isles were detailed. Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of the NOSWA representatives. It was agreed to note the Presentation.
		FINANCE
Additional Savings to Meet Cash Planning Limit PR110.03.25	20	With reference to Item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of Finance Sub-Committee of 27 March 2000, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the requirement to achieve additional savings to meet a late clarification of available finance to the Environmental Services Department for 2000/2001. The Committee was informed that Finance Sub-Committee had agreed that the budgetary shortfall of £27.5k would be met from contingency. It was agreed to note the Report.
Landfill Tax - Environmental Bodies Scheme of Administration CH03.08	21*	With reference to Item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the Scheme of Administration for awarding landfill tax credits to enrolled environmental bodies. The scheme enabled projects to be agreed up to a maximum of three years duration. Projects from Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust had been adopted and the entire funding for the previous three years had been allocated to those bodies. With the completion of the three year period it was time to ask enrolled bodies to submit projects for adoption and payment of landfill tax credits. The report indicated that, in view of the amount of time it would take to agree new projects, the existing agreements to the Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust should be extended until the end of the landfill tax period in October 2000 and all credits should continue to be paid to these bodies.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) registered environmental bodies be asked to submit bids for landfill tax credit funding with a view to accepting new projects after October 2000; and (2) contributions continue to be paid to the Marybank Partnership and the Southern Isles Amenity Trust until October 2000 to ensure that the maximum amount of credit was claimed back from Customs and Excise. Arising from consideration of this Item it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services would submit a Report to the next Meeting detailing the Scheme of Administration for Environmental Bodies.
		TRADING STANDARDS
		Mr Angus Nicolson and Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
Applications for Petrol Licences CH04.10	22*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning applications for petrol licences from Robertson Oils, Angus Campbell Ltd and N MacLennan (Oils) Ltd. Each company had Comhairle Members in senior positions with the consequence that the applications could not be dealt with under delegated powers. The Report further indicated that the applications were competent and inspections of the premises had revealed no reasons for refusal. It was agreed to recommend that the applications for renewal of petrol licences received from Robertson Oils, Angus Campbell Ltd and N MacLennan (Oils) Ltd be approved.
		ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Results of Household Survey Collection CH03.08.07	23*	With reference to Item 64 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the results from the Survey of Domestic Refuse Collection in the Western Isles. The Report identified various service improvements based upon stakeholder aspirations and the Comhairle's stated objectives. The Report further detailed the indicative growth in costs of meeting the various demands over a three year period. Such investment would secure service provision in more remote areas, improved services for the elderly and infirm and a weekly service throughout the islands comparable with other similar authorities. The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, expressed thanks to the staff involved in providing the refuse collection service to householders in the Western Isles. It was agreed to: (1) note the high level of response to the household refuse collection; (2) note that a summary of results would be published in the Stornoway Gazette and West Highland Free Press; (3) note that the increase in GAE for the refuse collection services in 2000/2001 would be considered by Finance Sub-Committee following completion of the refuse collection survey; (4) note the indicative costs in the Report for each of the potential service improvements for which there had been significant support identified in the survey results; (5) recommend that the following service improvements be included for consideration as growth in the financial planning assumptions for the 2001/2004 budget strategy and subject to the consideration of the additional GAE for the refuse collection service by Finance Sub-Committee: (i) the backdoor refuse collection service for the elderly and infirm be extended; (ii) the services to remote properties without a kerbside collection be extended where practicable; and (iii) the weekly refuse collection service be extended to all properties in the Western Isles; and
		(6) note that necessary further work and business planning, detailed financial analysis and policy development for the service areas would not be recommended until any bid by the Committee was supported by its inclusion in future Comhairle policy planning and budget strategies.
Acquisition of Tracked Excavator, Bennadrove Landfill Site CH03.08.05	24*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning waste disposal operations at Bennadrove Landfill Site which currently paid approximately £15k per annum in excavator hire charges for site works and as a replacement for the compactor during maintenance or breakdown. This equated to approximately twelve weeks hire per annum of an excavator. Indicative costings from three of the main manufacturers of excavators indicated that for approximately £12k per annum an excavator could be leased complete with warranty over a five year period. The Comhairle could, therefore, for a similar amount of money have an excavator based permanently at Bennadrove Landfill Site thereby enabling normal site works to be undertaken and providing cover for the main refuse compactor. It was agreed to recommend that competitive quotations be sought for the lease of a new 15 tonne excavator from: Liebherr Fiat- Hitachi Caterpillar
Interim Arrangements for the Cleaning of Public Toilets CH03.07	25*	With reference to Item 88 in the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the strategy for the future cleaning and management arrangements for the Comhairle's public conveniences. The current contract for the cleaning of public conveniences would end on 31 March 2000 and, with the future strategy for the service based around the passing of most public conveniences to community management with annual grant payments there would be a hiatus between the end of the existing contract and the time when each convenience could be fully transferred to a community operation. The ideal method of covering the hiatus would be by a short-term agreement with the current contractor with rates for the works being based upon the existing contract with adjustments for inflation. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) Comhairle enter into a new agreement with Ideal Cleaning Services to continue to manage the cleaning of the Comhairle's public conveniences in the interim, for a period of 3 months from 31 March 2000, with an option to extend on a diminishing month to month basis until such time as all facilities were in community management; and (2) agreement with Ideal Cleaning Services Ltd be based upon the previous contract with rates for payment being largely similar. It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable the interim arrangements to be introduced from the end of the current contract on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
		Mr Philip Maclean declared an interest and left the Meeting during consideration of the following item.
Priority List for Public Convenience Grant Applications CH03.07	26*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that the number of applications for grant assistance exceeded the level of provision within the 3 year Capital Plan for the Public Convenience Grants and a priority list should be introduced. The Report outlined the current provision of Public Conveniences throughout the Western Isles and outlined suggested criteria for the assessment of applications. The Report further detailed the applications which had been received.
		It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) applications for funding for new facilities at Ness, Carinish Hall and Eriskay Pony Heritage Centre be approved on the basis of providing a replacement for an existing building; (2) applications for funding for new facilities at Iochdar Hall and Clan McQuarrie Hall be approved on the basis that they were within the three key areas identified within the Report; and (3) remaining projects be prioritised to allow the final place on the three year plan to be filled and to ensure continuity should notification be received that one or more of the approved projects would not be proceeding.
Out of Hours Toilet Provision in Stornoway CH03.07	27*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the need to provide out of hours toilet provision in the Town area following the termination of the lease for the three automatic public conveniences. The Report indicated that an out of hours service could be provided by the adaptation of the Perceval Square Toilets. The removal of the APC's would lead to no provision at the old Bayhead Site, but given the alternative provisions in the Stornoway area a further purpose built public convenience at Bayhead would appear to be excessive. Any facility requiring to be provided in association with the adjacent playpark should be the responsibility of the Arts and Leisure Committee. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the measures which would be taken to provide an out of hours toilet facility in Stornoway following the removal of the automatic public conveniences be noted; (2) it be noted that cleaning of the facilities on Sunday morning would only be undertaken as part of other statutory duties when necessary in the interests of the public; and (3) Environmental Services Committee cease to provide public conveniences directly in the Bayhead area due to over provision in the Stornoway area and in the light of diminished resources;
Public Convenience Cleaning Grant - Hushinish Toilet CH03.07	28*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the provision of a public convenience at Hushinish by North Harris Community Council. With the toilets nearing completion there was a danger that, as the Community Council had limited funds, the toilets would either not be able to open or would open for a limited period only. The Report further indicated that an element had been included in the revenue estimates to allow for the half year operational funding of two public conveniences due to be built under the Comhairle's Grant Aid Scheme, but it was unlikely that either public convenience would be completed in the early part of the financial year. It was agreed to recommend approval of an annual cleaning and maintenance grant for the Community owned public convenience sited at Hushinish beach.
Public Convenience Cleaning Grant - Low Flyer Restaurant CH03.07.22	29*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking approval to continue to award a grant to James Steele McWilliams for the use of the toilets at the Low Flyer Restaurant/Cafe, Balivanich as a public convenience. It was agreed to recommend that a new annual agreement be offered to Mr James Steele McWiliams of the Low Flyer Restaurant, Balivanich, Benbecula for the use of the toilets at his premises as a public convenience.
		Mr Alasdair G Macrae declared an interest in and left the Meeting during consideration of items 30 and 31
Capital Works at Sandwick Cemetery CH03.04.03	30*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning difficulties encountered with the Capital Works proposed for Sandwick Cemetery and which were scheduled for completion during 1999/2000. The Report outlined alternative works which were now necessary at the cemetery to replace potentially unstable boundary walls and improve vision at the access. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) reconstruction of the North boundary wall of Sandwick Cemetery adjacent to the A866 be approved in the light of the "structural report on boundary walls in Sandwick Cemetery"; and (2) use of railings for the upper part of the North boundary wall and the demolition of the redundant West wall to improve vision for vehicles leaving the cemetery be approved.
Award of Cemetery Restoration Grants CH03.04	31*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning applications which had been received for cemetery restoration and maintenance grants from the Ardroil and Bragar Cemetery Committees. The Report indicated that the grants were normally issued for works to undertake restoration at old cemeteries so that future maintenance of the grounds could be undertaken more efficiently. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a grant of £2.5k be awarded to the Ardroil Cemetery Committee to undertake stock proofing and other works at the cemetery to enable future maintenance of the cemetery to be undertaken more easily; (2) a grant of £1k be awarded to the Bragar Cemetery Committee for the purchase of grass cutting equipment to undertake a restoration programme on the Bragar old cemetery and to undertake future cemetery maintenance on a proper planned basis; and (3) the outstanding applications from the cemeteries at Hallan, Dunskellar and Eoligarry and the predicted carry forward of an estimated £15k from Capital to fulfil these grant applications be noted. It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to allow the grants to be awarded before the end of the current financial year on the basis that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.
Sheep Scab Eradication Programme CH03.03.05	32*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing a Sheep Scab Eradication Procedure which had been created following consultation with vets, crofters and other parties and which should lead to a more collective responsibility to resolving the problem. In essence the procedure involved treatment, either by dips or injection, being used in controlled locations over a specified time period. It was agreed to recommend approval of the Sheep Scab Eradication Procedure, as detailed in the Report.
Scheme of Delegation for Animal Health CH03.03	33*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report seeking to amend the Scheme of Delegation to allow certain notices and actions in respect of animal health which may in extreme circumstances have to be issued or taken at short notice. Any notices or actions would be issued in accordance with the interim enforcement policy for animal health and would be reported in the information bulletin.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to amend the Scheme of Delegation to enable the Director of Environmental Services to issue the notices or to take the actions detailed below.
		SECTION NUMBER	ACTION/NOTICE TO BE TAKEN OR ISSUED
		Section 3 (1)	Requires clearance from common land of sheep visibly affected by sheep scab.
		Section 5 (1)	Seizure and detention of sheep found on common land specified in a clearance notice issued under Section 3 (1).
		Section 5(3)(a)	Recovery of expenses by sale of such sheep.
		Section 5(3)(b)	Recovery of expenses by slaughter of such sheep and sale of carcass.
		Section 8	Recover treatment costs at the expense of person on whom treatment notice (Section 7 (2)) was served.
Appointment of Senior Environmental Health Officer CH03.01.29	34*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning difficulties which had been encountered in filling the post of Environmental Health Officer to act as Food Safety Advisor to the Comhairle. The Report indicated that the post of Director of Environmental Services would now be filled and there may be organisational changes in the Department following that appointment. It would therefore be prudent to defer the matter and interim arrangements had been made to ensure essential routine work could be undertaken by the temporary appointment of an Environmental Health Officer. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) existing arrangements for the designation of Food Safety Advisor to the Comhairle be reviewed following the filling of the post of Director of Environmental Services; and (2) interim arrangements for the filling of the post of Environmental Health Officer be noted and extended for a maximum period of 12 months or until that review was complete.
Service improvement Plan for Chemical Incidents CH03.01	35*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the Service Improvement Plan for dealing with chemical incidents on beaches. The issue of whether Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade would attend such incidents when they were in remote locations had yet to be resolved despite a number of requests being made. The Best Value Review Team had agreed that incidents should only be dealt with once they had been contained by the Fire Service as this was the only service with personnel having the appropriate training and equipment. It was agreed to recommend that the Best Value Service Improvement Plan for dealing with chemical incidents on beaches, as detailed in the Report, be approved.
Flood Prevention and Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1997 DS60.01	36	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing occurrence of flooding of non-agricultural land in 1998 and 1999 together with details of measure which had been taken to prevent or mitigate such flooding. It was agreed to note the Report.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding: Progress PR33.01.12	37	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Environmental Services Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
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