ES9801

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 28 January 1998 at 9.00 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Allan F Macleod (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Colin Campbell

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Donald Murray

Mr Iain Macsween

Mr Donald H M Maciver

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Kenneth Mackay

APOLOGIES

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Tribute: Alwyne Whitehead

The Chairman welcomed Mr Alwyne Whitehead, Chairman of the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network, to the Meeting.

MINUTES

Environmental Services

CH02.06

1

The Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 was approved.

FINANCE

AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy:

Strategy 1998/99

PR110.03.24

2*

With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final Aggregate External Finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a revised budget strategy for 1998/99. Details of the AEF Settlement were appended to the Report, together with changes in grant aided expenditure. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1997/98 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and the contingency fund were outlined in the Report. Policy issues arising which required to be addressed by the Council in the budgetary process were detailed in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) should the total underspend on transportation exceed the 2% carry forward as a result of underspending on Highways Winter Maintenance in 1997/98 then the carry forward to 1998/99 would be increased by the amount of underspend on Highways Winter Maintenance;

(2) any underspending on WISBAS and WIFAS Schemes in 1997/98 should be permitted to be carried forward to 1998/99;

(3) In setting the cash planning limits:

(a) the assumed level of pay increases in the Budget be 2.5%;

(b) the increased provision for employers' pension contributions be 1.4% of the current wages bill;

(c) the presumed level of inflation be 1.25%;

(d) the income for fees and charges set by the Comhairle be assumed to generate 5% more income;

(e) all new borrowing, whether it be short or long term, be assumed to be achieved at average rates of 7.5%;

(f) for the purposes of modelling the behaviour of DLO/DSO Employee Costs, they be vired from the running costs, to the employee costs column of the model in the relevant services thereby increasing their provision for inflation from 1.25% to 4.22%;

(g) the additional resources for Education be set at £527,000 and the Director of Education and Leisure Services be requested to produce a Report detailing how extra non-recurring expenditure of £649,000 be spent on the priorities determined by the Government;

(h) an additional £55,000 be included to match growth in the Police Specific Grant;

(i) as a planning provision, £25,000 be included for the anticipated additional Fire Board requisition;

(j) no further resources be made to Social Work as a result of on-going Care in the Community transfer;

(k) additional resources of £20,500 be included as growth in the Environmental Service Budget to implement the recommendations of the Pennington report and to improve present inspection coverage;

(l) £63,000 of growth be provided to the Social Work Committee to fund the revenue costs of a new Residential Facility for Adults with Learning Disabilities;

(m) £2500 growth be included in the Housing General Fund Cash Planning Limit to protect the Grant to Women's Aid;

(n) £2800 growth be included in the Parks and Open Spaces Cash Planning Limit for the provision of Christmas trees;

(o) the anticipated receipt for interest on revenue balances be increased from £400,000 to £800,000;

(p) growth of £7500 be included in the Housing General Fund Cash Planning Limit for Inter-fund Movements associated with staffing reductions; and

(q) £16,500 be included as growth towards additional SEPA licensing costs for refuse tips; and

(4) the Budgetary Process outlined in the Report be adopted.

Draft Annual Budget Book 1998/99

PR110.03.24

3*

The Director of Finance submitted the draft Budget Book for the Financial Year 1998/99 detailing the income and revenue expenditure budgeted for each of the Council's services in the financial year 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft Budget Book 1998/99, subject to such further amendments as would be approved by the Council.

Growth and Savings Proposals for 1998/99 Budget: Revised

PR110.03.24

4*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revised growth and savings proposals for consideration as part of the 1998/99 budgetary process.

It was agreed to defer consideration of the Report to a special meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee Working Party.

Non-HRA Capital Monitoring 1997/98: Third Quarter Report

PR110.01.23

5*

With reference to item 65 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Council for 1997/98 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was noted in the Report that a Forecast Out-turn for 1997/98 was £587,000 above capital consent and revenue funding. Taking into account slippage into 1998/99 the net projected over spend was £462,000, mainly as a result of a reduced settlement of the European NPCI Grants and projected over spends for the Rueval Landfill and Ardveenish Pier Projects. It was stated that the forecast out-turn figure exceeded the allowable tolerance levels by £33,000 but could be managed by using extra allowances from balances in the current financial year with a corresponding reduction in the CFCR used in 1998/99.

It was agreed:

(1) to recommend approval of the Forecast Out-turn detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance as the revised Capital Expenditure Programme for 1997/98; and

(2) to note that the Forecast Out-turn involved considerably higher expenditure on the Rueval Landfill and Ardveenish Pier Projects.

Capital Programme 1998/99 -

2000/01

PR110.01.25

6*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Capital Programme for the three years 1998/99 to 2000/01. The Report outlined the outcome of the Capital Expenditure Seminar. A proposed Capital Programme was appended to the Report, together with a statement showing the balance of Capital Resources available after taking account of known commitments for the three year period.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) Heads of Service be authorised to implement the draft Capital Programme for 1998/99 as detailed in appendix A to the Report by the Director of Finance, which reflected the views of the Capital Seminar, adjusted for financial detail arising from the third quarter monitoring;

(2) DSO Asset Replacement Programmes could be financed from the recycling of the asset rentals charged to the DSOs;

(3) approval of the Capital Programme for 1999/2000 based on the draft Programme shown in Appendix A;

(4) the draft Capital Programme for 2000/01 detailed in Appendix A be regarded as indicative proposals at this stage and subject to further consideration in 1999, except for those projects which carried a legal commitment into that year; and

(5) the Chief Executive be authorised to continue to negotiate with Western Isles Enterprise regarding matching funds for Capital Projects.

PRESENTATION

Atlantic Frontier Environment Network

CH03.09.16

7

The Chairman introduced Mr Alwyne Whitehead, Chairman of the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network. Mr Whitehead detailed the role and objectives of the Atlantic Frontier Environment Network in the light of concerns which had been expressed about the potential for increased oil pollution to the coastal waters of na h-Eileanan an Iar as a result of oil exploration activity in the Atlantic. Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Mr Whitehead.

It was agreed to note the presentation.

TRADING STANDARDS

Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices

CH02.04.10

8

Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item

With reference to Item 88 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices. Members were informed that the Office of Fair Trading was undertaking a review of the UK Petrol Market and the results of the review should be published in February 1998.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Review of Consumer Advice Service

CH02.01

9*

Mr Iain Macsween declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

With reference to Item 35 of the Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997 the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report reviewing the assistance given by the Western Isles Citizens Advice Service to the Comhairle in the provision of Consumer Advice. The provision of Consumer Advice was a Partnership Agreement with Western Isles Citizens Advise Bureau and early indications are that this Partnership should be successful. The situation will be subject to monitoring procedures to ensure that consumers in na h-Eileanan an Iar receive an effective consumer advice service. Difficult, complex cases and those concerning mandatory enforcement work would continue to be dealt with by the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Report be noted;

(2) the Director of Environmental Services would present a detailed Report within six months reviewing the assistance given to the Comhairle by WICAS in the provision of Consumer Advice; and

(3) the Director of Environmental Services put a Report onto the Members Information Bulletin detailing the structural arrangement with WICAS in the provision of Consumer Advice.

A Litter Initiative for the Western Isles

CH03.08.11

10*

The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the ongoing problem of litter in na h-Eileanan an Iar. The Report reviewed the measures which had been introduced in the past and identified the number of initiatives which would form a part of a set of measures to tackle the problem of litter.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) the approval of the use of £16.5k funded from service efficiencies to de-litter areas of soft landscaped ground in the Stornoway area and for carrying out additional de-littering and cleansing of the central Stornoway streets in the evenings and weekends;

(2) the utilisation of the 1% carry over of £23k to fund the first half year of a litter initiative in rural areas in the na h-Eileanan an Iar unless a more favourable budgetary arrangement could be found;

(3) that Policy and Resources Committee approve a growth bid of £46k for the 1998/99 to enable the full year running of the litter initiative for rural areas in the na h-Eileanan an Iar; and

(4) the Director of Environmental Services would present a Report on the problems of dog fouling on streets.

Environmental Improvements: West Gerinish

CH03.01

11*

The Director of Environmental Services and Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning proposed environmental improvements at West Gerinish, South Uist. The Report detailed the improvements to be undertaken in the current financial year to allow the community to develop a commitment to the environmental improvement of their township.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval to carry out the environmental improvements in the centre of West Gerinish as detailed in the Report; and

(2) the Committee notes that the work would be consistent with the environmental audit and environmental plan to be submitted to the next Meeting.

Environmental Bodies - Scheme of Administration

CH03.08

12*

With reference to item 122 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 November 1996 the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining a Scheme of Administration and conditions for making contributions to environmental bodies which would be funded mainly from Landfill Tax Credits. The Report detailed the three environmental bodies within na h-Eileanan an Iar which had registered with the regulatory body. The Comhairle had previously agreed that available money should be directed towards areas directly affected by landfill operations.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the Scheme of Administration and conditions for making contributions to registered environmental bodies as detailed in the Report;

(2) the Comhairle apportions the application of Landfill Tax Credits to projects in a ratio of approximately 80% to the Bennadrove Landfill area and 20% to the Rueval landfill area;

(3) that the application from Friends of Eilean Glas Trust be refused as it falls outwith the adopted policy of the Comhairle; and

(4) the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve applications for contributions to registered environmental bodies within the agreed policy frameworks and resources available.

Scottish Wildlife Trust - Funding Application

CH03.09

13*

The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning a written request for funding received from the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The Trust was concerned with conserving all forms of wildlife throughout Scotland.

It was agreed that the Comhairle does not give financial assistance to the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Officer Responsible for Food Safety - Pennington

CH03.01.29

14*

The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed appointment of a Senior Environmental Health Officer to head Food Safety as recommended by the Pennington Report and the Scottish Office. The Report detailed the duties and responsibilities in relation to food safety which would be added to the Officers job description.

It was agreed that Mr Alasdair MacEachan, Assistant Director, be designated as the Senior Environmental Health Officer heading food safety in conformity with the Pennington Report and that his job description be modified accordingly.

Minch Tanker Traffic - Consultation Document

PR11.20.05

15*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report advising Members of a Maritime Traffic Survey - Consultation Exercise which had been undertaken by the Marine Safety Agency. The traffic details for the Minch were carried out from 6 December 1995 to 5 February 1996 by the Coastguard ETV Porto Salvo.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to respond to the invitation to comment as follows:

(1) To endorse the efforts of the Marine Safety Agency to secure and promote the carriage of ship identification transponders;

(2) That the Marine Safety Agency promote mandatory purchase of GMDSS equipment with built in VHF/DSC transponder capability;

(3) To press for ETV presence in the Minches for the 1998/99 Winter months and to reiterate the Comhairle's desire to extend ETV presence throughout the year;

(4) The Government consider implementing a mandatory ship reporting system for the Minches in conjunction with the Dover Strait System to provide a better geographic view;

(5) The current recommended routes should become mandatory;

(6) That any ship transiting contrary to the recommended routing due to stress of weather, could do so by means of a Traffic Separation Scheme to the North West of Skye or with the aid of a Coastguard controlled remote radar station located either at the North West point of Skye or the North East coastline of Harris; and

(7) To endorse the Marine Safety Agency recommendation that future surveys be carried out which allow for clear identification of vessels with associated arrangements for more immediate report of rule breakers to the Marine Safety Agency.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Review of Progress on Decisions

PR33.01.12

16

With reference to Item 43 of Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997 the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the implementation of decisions of Environmental Services Committee from January 1996 to December 1997.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Outstanding Action

PR33.01.12

17

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing the outstanding action arising from Environmental Services Committee since May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Objection to Disposal of Waste from Dounreay

CH03.13.01

18

The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the objections recommended by the Nuclear Free Local Authorities to the application by United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to dispose of radioactive waste from Dounreay.

It was agreed that the Comhairle objects to the application by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to dispose of radioactive waste from Dounreay in accordance with the recommendations issued by Nuclear Free Local Authorities and that the responses be drafted in consultation with the Chairman and the Comhairle's representative on Nuclear Free Local Authorities.

It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (i), namely, that exempt information relating to the terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Council in the course of negotiation for a contract for acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services would be disclosed.

Rueval Landfill Extension - Redesign and Increase in Cost

CH03.08.15

19*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of the required redesign of Rueval Landfill extension with a consequent increase in costs. Aspinwall and Consultants in Environmental Management, were engaged by the Comhairle to design an extension to the existing landfill site at Rueval, Benbecula. Problems with the perimeter bund on soft areas of ground had resulted in sections of the contract being suspended.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle considers taking action to recover additional costs from Aspinwall; and

(2) £100k of additional funds be made available from the Capital Programme to cover these costs in the interim.

___

PRESENT	Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)
	Mr Allan F Macleod (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Colin Campbell
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Norman L Macdonald
	Mr Donald Murray	Mr Iain Macsween
	Mr Donald H M Maciver	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr Roderick J Murray	Mr Kenneth Mackay
APOLOGIES	Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Tribute: Alwyne Whitehead		The Chairman welcomed Mr Alwyne Whitehead, Chairman of the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network, to the Meeting.
		MINUTES
Environmental Services CH02.06	1	The Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 was approved.
		FINANCE
AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy: Strategy 1998/99 PR110.03.24	2*	With reference to item 53 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 September 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final Aggregate External Finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a revised budget strategy for 1998/99. Details of the AEF Settlement were appended to the Report, together with changes in grant aided expenditure. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1997/98 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and the contingency fund were outlined in the Report. Policy issues arising which required to be addressed by the Council in the budgetary process were detailed in the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) should the total underspend on transportation exceed the 2% carry forward as a result of underspending on Highways Winter Maintenance in 1997/98 then the carry forward to 1998/99 would be increased by the amount of underspend on Highways Winter Maintenance;
		(2) any underspending on WISBAS and WIFAS Schemes in 1997/98 should be permitted to be carried forward to 1998/99;
		(3) In setting the cash planning limits:
		(a) the assumed level of pay increases in the Budget be 2.5%;
		(b) the increased provision for employers' pension contributions be 1.4% of the current wages bill;
		(c) the presumed level of inflation be 1.25%;
		(d) the income for fees and charges set by the Comhairle be assumed to generate 5% more income;
		(e) all new borrowing, whether it be short or long term, be assumed to be achieved at average rates of 7.5%;
		(f) for the purposes of modelling the behaviour of DLO/DSO Employee Costs, they be vired from the running costs, to the employee costs column of the model in the relevant services thereby increasing their provision for inflation from 1.25% to 4.22%;
		(g) the additional resources for Education be set at £527,000 and the Director of Education and Leisure Services be requested to produce a Report detailing how extra non-recurring expenditure of £649,000 be spent on the priorities determined by the Government;
		(h) an additional £55,000 be included to match growth in the Police Specific Grant;
		(i) as a planning provision, £25,000 be included for the anticipated additional Fire Board requisition;
		(j) no further resources be made to Social Work as a result of on-going Care in the Community transfer;
		(k) additional resources of £20,500 be included as growth in the Environmental Service Budget to implement the recommendations of the Pennington report and to improve present inspection coverage;
		(l) £63,000 of growth be provided to the Social Work Committee to fund the revenue costs of a new Residential Facility for Adults with Learning Disabilities;
		(m) £2500 growth be included in the Housing General Fund Cash Planning Limit to protect the Grant to Women's Aid;
		(n) £2800 growth be included in the Parks and Open Spaces Cash Planning Limit for the provision of Christmas trees;
		(o) the anticipated receipt for interest on revenue balances be increased from £400,000 to £800,000;
		(p) growth of £7500 be included in the Housing General Fund Cash Planning Limit for Inter-fund Movements associated with staffing reductions; and
		(q) £16,500 be included as growth towards additional SEPA licensing costs for refuse tips; and
		(4) the Budgetary Process outlined in the Report be adopted.
Draft Annual Budget Book 1998/99 PR110.03.24	3*	The Director of Finance submitted the draft Budget Book for the Financial Year 1998/99 detailing the income and revenue expenditure budgeted for each of the Council's services in the financial year 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999.

		It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft Budget Book 1998/99, subject to such further amendments as would be approved by the Council.
Growth and Savings Proposals for 1998/99 Budget: Revised PR110.03.24	4*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing revised growth and savings proposals for consideration as part of the 1998/99 budgetary process. It was agreed to defer consideration of the Report to a special meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee Working Party.
Non-HRA Capital Monitoring 1997/98: Third Quarter Report PR110.01.23	5*	With reference to item 65 of the Minute of Meeting of 17 November 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report concerning the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Council for 1997/98 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. It was noted in the Report that a Forecast Out-turn for 1997/98 was £587,000 above capital consent and revenue funding. Taking into account slippage into 1998/99 the net projected over spend was £462,000, mainly as a result of a reduced settlement of the European NPCI Grants and projected over spends for the Rueval Landfill and Ardveenish Pier Projects. It was stated that the forecast out-turn figure exceeded the allowable tolerance levels by £33,000 but could be managed by using extra allowances from balances in the current financial year with a corresponding reduction in the CFCR used in 1998/99.
		It was agreed:
		(1) to recommend approval of the Forecast Out-turn detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance as the revised Capital Expenditure Programme for 1997/98; and
		(2) to note that the Forecast Out-turn involved considerably higher expenditure on the Rueval Landfill and Ardveenish Pier Projects.
Capital Programme 1998/99 - 2000/01 PR110.01.25	6*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Capital Programme for the three years 1998/99 to 2000/01. The Report outlined the outcome of the Capital Expenditure Seminar. A proposed Capital Programme was appended to the Report, together with a statement showing the balance of Capital Resources available after taking account of known commitments for the three year period.
		It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) Heads of Service be authorised to implement the draft Capital Programme for 1998/99 as detailed in appendix A to the Report by the Director of Finance, which reflected the views of the Capital Seminar, adjusted for financial detail arising from the third quarter monitoring;
		(2) DSO Asset Replacement Programmes could be financed from the recycling of the asset rentals charged to the DSOs;
		(3) approval of the Capital Programme for 1999/2000 based on the draft Programme shown in Appendix A;
		(4) the draft Capital Programme for 2000/01 detailed in Appendix A be regarded as indicative proposals at this stage and subject to further consideration in 1999, except for those projects which carried a legal commitment into that year; and
		(5) the Chief Executive be authorised to continue to negotiate with Western Isles Enterprise regarding matching funds for Capital Projects.
		PRESENTATION
Atlantic Frontier Environment Network CH03.09.16	7	The Chairman introduced Mr Alwyne Whitehead, Chairman of the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Network. Mr Whitehead detailed the role and objectives of the Atlantic Frontier Environment Network in the light of concerns which had been expressed about the potential for increased oil pollution to the coastal waters of na h-Eileanan an Iar as a result of oil exploration activity in the Atlantic. Members were afforded the opportunity of asking questions of Mr Whitehead. It was agreed to note the presentation.
		TRADING STANDARDS
Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices CH02.04.10	8	Mr Norman L Macdonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item With reference to Item 88 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning Hydrocarbon Fuel Prices. Members were informed that the Office of Fair Trading was undertaking a review of the UK Petrol Market and the results of the review should be published in February 1998.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Review of Consumer Advice Service CH02.01	9*	Mr Iain Macsween declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item. With reference to Item 35 of the Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997 the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report reviewing the assistance given by the Western Isles Citizens Advice Service to the Comhairle in the provision of Consumer Advice. The provision of Consumer Advice was a Partnership Agreement with Western Isles Citizens Advise Bureau and early indications are that this Partnership should be successful. The situation will be subject to monitoring procedures to ensure that consumers in na h-Eileanan an Iar receive an effective consumer advice service. Difficult, complex cases and those concerning mandatory enforcement work would continue to be dealt with by the Comhairle.
		It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) the Report be noted;
		(2) the Director of Environmental Services would present a detailed Report within six months reviewing the assistance given to the Comhairle by WICAS in the provision of Consumer Advice; and
		(3) the Director of Environmental Services put a Report onto the Members Information Bulletin detailing the structural arrangement with WICAS in the provision of Consumer Advice.
A Litter Initiative for the Western Isles CH03.08.11	10*	The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the ongoing problem of litter in na h-Eileanan an Iar. The Report reviewed the measures which had been introduced in the past and identified the number of initiatives which would form a part of a set of measures to tackle the problem of litter.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) the approval of the use of £16.5k funded from service efficiencies to de-litter areas of soft landscaped ground in the Stornoway area and for carrying out additional de-littering and cleansing of the central Stornoway streets in the evenings and weekends;
		(2) the utilisation of the 1% carry over of £23k to fund the first half year of a litter initiative in rural areas in the na h-Eileanan an Iar unless a more favourable budgetary arrangement could be found;
		(3) that Policy and Resources Committee approve a growth bid of £46k for the 1998/99 to enable the full year running of the litter initiative for rural areas in the na h-Eileanan an Iar; and
		(4) the Director of Environmental Services would present a Report on the problems of dog fouling on streets.
Environmental Improvements: West Gerinish CH03.01	11*	The Director of Environmental Services and Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning proposed environmental improvements at West Gerinish, South Uist. The Report detailed the improvements to be undertaken in the current financial year to allow the community to develop a commitment to the environmental improvement of their township.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval to carry out the environmental improvements in the centre of West Gerinish as detailed in the Report; and (2) the Committee notes that the work would be consistent with the environmental audit and environmental plan to be submitted to the next Meeting.
Environmental Bodies - Scheme of Administration CH03.08	12*	With reference to item 122 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 November 1996 the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining a Scheme of Administration and conditions for making contributions to environmental bodies which would be funded mainly from Landfill Tax Credits. The Report detailed the three environmental bodies within na h-Eileanan an Iar which had registered with the regulatory body. The Comhairle had previously agreed that available money should be directed towards areas directly affected by landfill operations.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the Scheme of Administration and conditions for making contributions to registered environmental bodies as detailed in the Report; (2) the Comhairle apportions the application of Landfill Tax Credits to projects in a ratio of approximately 80% to the Bennadrove Landfill area and 20% to the Rueval landfill area; (3) that the application from Friends of Eilean Glas Trust be refused as it falls outwith the adopted policy of the Comhairle; and (4) the Director of Environmental Services be authorised to approve applications for contributions to registered environmental bodies within the agreed policy frameworks and resources available.
Scottish Wildlife Trust - Funding Application CH03.09	13*	The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning a written request for funding received from the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The Trust was concerned with conserving all forms of wildlife throughout Scotland. It was agreed that the Comhairle does not give financial assistance to the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Officer Responsible for Food Safety - Pennington CH03.01.29	14*	The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed appointment of a Senior Environmental Health Officer to head Food Safety as recommended by the Pennington Report and the Scottish Office. The Report detailed the duties and responsibilities in relation to food safety which would be added to the Officers job description.
		It was agreed that Mr Alasdair MacEachan, Assistant Director, be designated as the Senior Environmental Health Officer heading food safety in conformity with the Pennington Report and that his job description be modified accordingly.
Minch Tanker Traffic - Consultation Document PR11.20.05	15*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report advising Members of a Maritime Traffic Survey - Consultation Exercise which had been undertaken by the Marine Safety Agency. The traffic details for the Minch were carried out from 6 December 1995 to 5 February 1996 by the Coastguard ETV Porto Salvo.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to respond to the invitation to comment as follows:
		(1) To endorse the efforts of the Marine Safety Agency to secure and promote the carriage of ship identification transponders;
		(2) That the Marine Safety Agency promote mandatory purchase of GMDSS equipment with built in VHF/DSC transponder capability;
		(3) To press for ETV presence in the Minches for the 1998/99 Winter months and to reiterate the Comhairle's desire to extend ETV presence throughout the year;
		(4) The Government consider implementing a mandatory ship reporting system for the Minches in conjunction with the Dover Strait System to provide a better geographic view;
		(5) The current recommended routes should become mandatory;
		(6) That any ship transiting contrary to the recommended routing due to stress of weather, could do so by means of a Traffic Separation Scheme to the North West of Skye or with the aid of a Coastguard controlled remote radar station located either at the North West point of Skye or the North East coastline of Harris; and
		(7) To endorse the Marine Safety Agency recommendation that future surveys be carried out which allow for clear identification of vessels with associated arrangements for more immediate report of rule breakers to the Marine Safety Agency.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Review of Progress on Decisions PR33.01.12	16	With reference to Item 43 of Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997 the Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the implementation of decisions of Environmental Services Committee from January 1996 to December 1997.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Outstanding Action PR33.01.12	17	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing the outstanding action arising from Environmental Services Committee since May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Objection to Disposal of Waste from Dounreay CH03.13.01	18	The Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing the objections recommended by the Nuclear Free Local Authorities to the application by United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to dispose of radioactive waste from Dounreay.
		It was agreed that the Comhairle objects to the application by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to dispose of radioactive waste from Dounreay in accordance with the recommendations issued by Nuclear Free Local Authorities and that the responses be drafted in consultation with the Chairman and the Comhairle's representative on Nuclear Free Local Authorities.
		It was agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (i), namely, that exempt information relating to the terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Council in the course of negotiation for a contract for acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services would be disclosed.
Rueval Landfill Extension - Redesign and Increase in Cost CH03.08.15	19*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report informing Members of the required redesign of Rueval Landfill extension with a consequent increase in costs. Aspinwall and Consultants in Environmental Management, were engaged by the Comhairle to design an extension to the existing landfill site at Rueval, Benbecula. Problems with the perimeter bund on soft areas of ground had resulted in sections of the contract being suspended.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle considers taking action to recover additional costs from Aspinwall; and
		(2) £100k of additional funds be made available from the Capital Programme to cover these costs in the interim.
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