MES9903

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 10 March 1999 at 9.00 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Allan F Macleod (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Norman L Macdonald

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Iain Macsween

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Kenneth Mackay

Mr Donald Murray

Mr Colin Campbell

MINUTES

Environmental Services CH01.02

17

The Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 was approved.

FINANCE

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99 CH01.04

18

With reference to item 90 of the Minute of Meeting of 8 November 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services account for the period 1 April 1998 - 31 December 1998.

It was agreed to note the Report

TRADING STANDARDS

The Food Standards Agency

CH03.01.32

19*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the content of the Government Consultation Documents on the draft Food Standards Bill and the proposals to raise the new costs associated with the Food Standards Agency through an annual levy on food retailers and caterers. The Consultation Document on the draft Food Standards Bill invited further comments in the proposals for changes in the arrangements for handling food safety and standards issues in the United Kingdom.

It was agreed to recommend that the acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to respond to the invitation from the Scottish Office for comments on the draft Food Standards Bill and the proposed levy schemes in terms of the letters contained as an appendix to the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this item, the Committee Services Manager reported that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities had requested that the a copy of the Comhairle's submission be forwarded for consideration at the Protective Services Forum due to be held on 19 March 1999.

The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the request from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.

Mr Norman L Macdonald, having declared an interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Petrol Licence Conditions CH02.01.08

20*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that the Director of Environmental Services was currently authorised to issued petrol licences with standard conditions as recommended by the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards. The setting of blanket licence conditions took no account of the fact that sites were different, had different risks and required different control mechanisms. A more appropriate method of control would be to allow licensees the option of adopting a risk assessment approach to the storage and dispensing of petrol.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the following amendment to the Petrol Licence Conditions;

"licensees carrying out a risk assessment of their site in accordance with the current published guidance of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) shall be deemed to have met the conditions in part B"; and

(2) that the Scheme of Delegation be amended to enable the Director of Environmental Services to issue licences under Section 2 of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 and adopt licence conditions that reflect current best practice as required by the HSE and Lacots.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Addressing the Problem of Dog Fouling CH03.08.11

21*

With reference to item 94 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1998 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the problems of dog fouling, particularly in residential areas of Stornoway. The Report detailed a pilot scheme of initiatives which would raise awareness of the problems caused by dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership whilst raising awareness of the legislation on dog fouling and the penalties faced.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) dog waste bins and dog fouling notices be sited on Goathill Road, the roads leading to Springfield Road and Westview Terrace and in the Cearns area;

(2) an information leaflet and low cost "poop scoop" be sent to every house in the Goathill and Cearns area;

(3) a campaign of press radio and TV coverage of the launch of the pilot scheme be arranged; and

(4) the Environmental Services Department keep a stock of "poop scoops" for sale at cost price.

Animal Health Provision and Sheep Scab CH03.03

22*

With reference to item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report identifying the extent of the problem of sheep scab in the Western Isles. The Report indicated that a sum of £25K had been identified to facilitate the establishment of a dedicated animal health service within the Comhairle. This service would provide support to the crofting community and establish practices which were to the common good.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a dedicated animal health service in the Western Isles be established;

(2) the first priority for that service would be the control of sheep scab in the Western Isles, principally through co-ordinated treatment;

the Acting Director of Environmental Services would submit a Report to the June 1999 series of Meetings detailing a programme of work and personnel requirements for this service to be established; and

the Acting Director of Environmental Services take the necessary action to publicise the Comhairle's powers in relation to animal health.

Recycling and Community Involvement CH03.08.33

23*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report identifying a programme of work and range of initiatives which would be undertaken by the recycling officers in the coming year on recycling activities, enhancing an extending community involvement in environmental improvements and the development of anti-litter and dog fouling prevention campaigns.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the programme of work and proposed initiatives to be undertaken by the recycling officers in the coming year be noted; and

(2) construction of a recycling building and compound at the Bennadrove Landfill Site should proceed on a phased basis only when funds become available.

New Controls for Contaminated Land

CH03.06

24

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning Section 57 of the Environment Act 1995 which introduced new controls designed to deal with contaminated land. The Report detailed the five principal roles which the Comhairle would be required to perform. The Comhairle would be required to maintain a detailed database of contaminated land to aid in forward planning, assessing planning implications and addressing general environmental concerns.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Air Quality Review Study for the Western Isles CH03.06.10

25*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning part four of the Environment Act 1995 which required local authorities to undertake a review and assessment of air quality within their area. A considerable amount of work had already been undertaken on the first stage review and assessment but its completion was dependent on information awaited from a number of Statutory Consultees, along with climate data and national air quality pollution maps.

It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to forward the completed first stage review and assessment report of air quality for the Western Isles to the Scottish Office.

Coastal Protection Seminar DS60.01

26*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report indicating that a seminar would be held to consider issues relating to coast protection in the Western Isles. It was proposed that representatives from the Scottish Office and SNH would give presentations and an expert would be invited to speak about tidal predictions and global warming.

It was agreed to recommend that the Coastal Protection Seminar be held on 8 September 1999 in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Stornoway.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Business Plan 1999/2000 CH03.01

27*

With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing the Environmental Services Departments Business Plan for 1999/2000. The Report identified the management structure and responsibilities necessary to effect the plan.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the Business Plan for 1999/2000 for the Environmental Services Department as detailed in the Report; and

(2) that the revised managerial working arrangements necessary to effect the plan be noted.

Review of Progress and Decisions PR33.01.12

28

With reference to item 72 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the implementation of decisions of the Environmental Services Committee from January 1996 to January 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

The Chairman made a statement setting out the achievements of the Committee and the Environmental Services Department over the five year term of the Comhairle. He stated that most of the tasks identified at the start of the term had been achieved and highlighted particular areas of success. The Chairman identified the areas where action was still outstanding and indicated that most of these were likely to be concluded in the near future.

Outstanding Action PR33.01.12

29

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

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PRESENT	Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)
	Mr Allan F Macleod (Vice-Chairman)	Mr Alasdair G Macrae
	Mrs Katie M Mackenzie	Mr Norman L Macdonald
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Iain Macsween
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mr Kenneth Mackay
	Mr Donald Murray	Mr Colin Campbell

		MINUTES
Environmental Services CH01.02	17	The Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 was approved.
		FINANCE
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99 CH01.04	18	With reference to item 90 of the Minute of Meeting of 8 November 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revenue expenditure on the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services account for the period 1 April 1998 - 31 December 1998. It was agreed to note the Report
		TRADING STANDARDS
The Food Standards Agency CH03.01.32	19*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the content of the Government Consultation Documents on the draft Food Standards Bill and the proposals to raise the new costs associated with the Food Standards Agency through an annual levy on food retailers and caterers. The Consultation Document on the draft Food Standards Bill invited further comments in the proposals for changes in the arrangements for handling food safety and standards issues in the United Kingdom. It was agreed to recommend that the acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to respond to the invitation from the Scottish Office for comments on the draft Food Standards Bill and the proposed levy schemes in terms of the letters contained as an appendix to the Report.
		Arising out of consideration of this item, the Committee Services Manager reported that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities had requested that the a copy of the Comhairle's submission be forwarded for consideration at the Protective Services Forum due to be held on 19 March 1999. The Committee unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle, under delegated powers, in light of the request from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the need to have the matter dealt with prior to the next meeting of the Comhairle, on the basis that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy position of the Comhairle.
		Mr Norman L Macdonald, having declared an interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Petrol Licence Conditions CH02.01.08	20*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report indicating that the Director of Environmental Services was currently authorised to issued petrol licences with standard conditions as recommended by the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards. The setting of blanket licence conditions took no account of the fact that sites were different, had different risks and required different control mechanisms. A more appropriate method of control would be to allow licensees the option of adopting a risk assessment approach to the storage and dispensing of petrol.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the following amendment to the Petrol Licence Conditions; "licensees carrying out a risk assessment of their site in accordance with the current published guidance of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) shall be deemed to have met the conditions in part B"; and (2) that the Scheme of Delegation be amended to enable the Director of Environmental Services to issue licences under Section 2 of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 and adopt licence conditions that reflect current best practice as required by the HSE and Lacots.
		ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Addressing the Problem of Dog Fouling CH03.08.11	21*	With reference to item 94 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 November 1998 the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the problems of dog fouling, particularly in residential areas of Stornoway. The Report detailed a pilot scheme of initiatives which would raise awareness of the problems caused by dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership whilst raising awareness of the legislation on dog fouling and the penalties faced. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) dog waste bins and dog fouling notices be sited on Goathill Road, the roads leading to Springfield Road and Westview Terrace and in the Cearns area; (2) an information leaflet and low cost "poop scoop" be sent to every house in the Goathill and Cearns area; (3) a campaign of press radio and TV coverage of the launch of the pilot scheme be arranged; and (4) the Environmental Services Department keep a stock of "poop scoops" for sale at cost price.
Animal Health Provision and Sheep Scab CH03.03	22*	With reference to item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 January 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report identifying the extent of the problem of sheep scab in the Western Isles. The Report indicated that a sum of £25K had been identified to facilitate the establishment of a dedicated animal health service within the Comhairle. This service would provide support to the crofting community and establish practices which were to the common good. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) a dedicated animal health service in the Western Isles be established; (2) the first priority for that service would be the control of sheep scab in the Western Isles, principally through co-ordinated treatment; the Acting Director of Environmental Services would submit a Report to the June 1999 series of Meetings detailing a programme of work and personnel requirements for this service to be established; and the Acting Director of Environmental Services take the necessary action to publicise the Comhairle's powers in relation to animal health.
Recycling and Community Involvement CH03.08.33	23*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report identifying a programme of work and range of initiatives which would be undertaken by the recycling officers in the coming year on recycling activities, enhancing an extending community involvement in environmental improvements and the development of anti-litter and dog fouling prevention campaigns. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the programme of work and proposed initiatives to be undertaken by the recycling officers in the coming year be noted; and (2) construction of a recycling building and compound at the Bennadrove Landfill Site should proceed on a phased basis only when funds become available.
New Controls for Contaminated Land CH03.06	24	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning Section 57 of the Environment Act 1995 which introduced new controls designed to deal with contaminated land. The Report detailed the five principal roles which the Comhairle would be required to perform. The Comhairle would be required to maintain a detailed database of contaminated land to aid in forward planning, assessing planning implications and addressing general environmental concerns. It was agreed to note the Report.
Air Quality Review Study for the Western Isles CH03.06.10	25*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning part four of the Environment Act 1995 which required local authorities to undertake a review and assessment of air quality within their area. A considerable amount of work had already been undertaken on the first stage review and assessment but its completion was dependent on information awaited from a number of Statutory Consultees, along with climate data and national air quality pollution maps. It was agreed to recommend that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to forward the completed first stage review and assessment report of air quality for the Western Isles to the Scottish Office.
Coastal Protection Seminar DS60.01	26*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report indicating that a seminar would be held to consider issues relating to coast protection in the Western Isles. It was proposed that representatives from the Scottish Office and SNH would give presentations and an expert would be invited to speak about tidal predictions and global warming. It was agreed to recommend that the Coastal Protection Seminar be held on 8 September 1999 in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Stornoway.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Business Plan 1999/2000 CH03.01	27*	With reference to item 36 of the Minute of Meeting of 11 March 1999 the Acting Director of Environmental Service submitted a Report detailing the Environmental Services Departments Business Plan for 1999/2000. The Report identified the management structure and responsibilities necessary to effect the plan. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the Business Plan for 1999/2000 for the Environmental Services Department as detailed in the Report; and (2) that the revised managerial working arrangements necessary to effect the plan be noted.
Review of Progress and Decisions PR33.01.12	28	With reference to item 72 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 August 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the implementation of decisions of the Environmental Services Committee from January 1996 to January 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
		The Chairman made a statement setting out the achievements of the Committee and the Environmental Services Department over the five year term of the Comhairle. He stated that most of the tasks identified at the start of the term had been achieved and highlighted particular areas of success. The Chairman identified the areas where action was still outstanding and indicated that most of these were likely to be concluded in the near future.
Outstanding Action PR33.01.12	29	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
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