MES9906

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 16 June 1999 at 9.00am

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr James L Macarthur

MINUTES

Environmental Services Committee

36

The Minutes of Meetings of 21 March 1999 and 19 May 1999 were approved.

FINANCE

Quarterly Forecast Out-turn: March 1999

37

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the period ended 31 March 1999 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: Annual Out-turn Figures 1998/99

38

The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the final out-turn expenditure in the financial year 1998/99 in respect of the Comhairle's Non-Housing Capital Programme. The Report compared the final out-turn expenditure with that budgeted and set out proposals for the management of slippage in the Programme and overspends.

It was agreed to recommend that the net underspend and slippage in the 1998/99 Programme of Capital Expenditure be carried forward to cover the consequent increased commitments in 1999/2000.

1998/99 Underspend: Carry Forward

39*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the underspend in the Environmental Services Department's Revenue Estimates for 1998/99. It was noted that there was an overall underspend for 1998/99 of £40,360. Proposals for utilising the underspend available for service improvements were set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that the £40,360 combined underspend in the 1998/99 Budget of the Environmental Services Department be carried forward and used in the following manner:

(1) £2000 to fund a Proof of Age Card Scheme;

(2) £3000 to deal with coastal strandings and other public health nuisances;

(3) £5000 to enable the replacement of amenity bins in Tarbert and Castlebay;

(4) £20000 to meet the demand for removal of derelict vehicles and to further develop the litter/recycling initiative; and

(5) £10360 for consultancy costs to draft community environmental improvement plan.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 March 1999

40

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding expenditure on the Repairs and Maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services account for the period ended 31 March 1999. The Report detailed the budget available and the expenditure committed and expended as at 31 March 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

TRADING STANDARDS

Licensing of Private Markets and Second-Hand Dealers

41*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to licence private markets and to extend the licensing of second-hand dealers to include dealers trading in second-hand furniture and electrical goods. It was indicated that the proposal was intended to address the problems associated with the activities of one day sales and itinerant traders which had been experienced by consumers. It was stated that the draft resolution had been published and that no representation had been received.

It was agreed to recommend that:

The Comhairle approve a resolution in the following terms:

"that:

(a) with effect from 1 April 2000 the activities of market operators and second-hand dealers shall require to be licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland ) Act 1982 relating to those activities;

(b) this resolution is made in relation to the whole of the area of the Comhairle; and

(c) this resolution, insofar as it relates to second-hand dealers, shall apply to the following classes of activity, namely, furniture and/or electrical goods."

(2) it be delegated to the Director of Environmental Services to issue these licences and to adopt any appropriate conditions.

Proof of Age Scheme for Young People

42*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding proposals to introduce a Proof of Age Card Scheme for young people. The background to the matter was set out in the Report, together with details of the proposal to adopt the "Validate" Scheme. It was indicated that the set up costs for the Scheme were estimated to be £2000.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle supports the introduction of the "Validate Proof of Age Card Scheme", which would operate on a voluntary basis; and

(2) the initiative be funded through the utilisation of £2000 from the sum carried forward from the 1998/99 Revenue Estimates for Environmental Services.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Maritime Traffic Surveys: Consultation Document: West of Hebrides and Minches

43*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding Maritime Traffic Surveys Conducted to the West of Hebrides, deep water route and the Minches. It was stated that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had issued a consultation document setting out traffic survey information regarding vessel movements, West of Hebrides, deep water route and the Minches. It was indicated that the Agency had concluded that there was no need to change the existing routing measures or to make the use of the deep water route mandatory for laden tankers over 10,000 gross tonnes. It was noted that the Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel had carried out a further survey of the Minches during a two month period in November and December 1997 and that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had concluded on the basis of that survey that there was no case for a mandatory reporting scheme in the Minches. Comments on the consultation document were detailed in the Report, together with a proposed response to the conclusions of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency following the survey.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to respond to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the following basis:

(1) to commend the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on undertaking the Maritime Traffic Surveys and to request that they continued their effort to monitor traffic to the West of Hebrides and the Minches;

(2) to urge the Government to undertake hydrographic surveys so as to allow realignment of the deep water route northern leg east of St Kilda and west of the Flannan Isles;

(3) that all vessels carrying hazardous cargoes should be fitted with automatic towing pennants; and

(4) that all recommendations agreed by the Committee at its Meeting on 20 January 1998 and subsequently ratified by the Comhairle, be reiterated to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Radiation Monitoring During 1998/99

44

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the results of the Radiation Monitoring Programme in the Western Isles for the year 1998/99. Details of the result of the Monitoring were set out in the Report and an outline of the Sampling Programme was appended to the Report. It was concluded that the levels of radiation detected in the Western Isles were well below the generalised derived limits for radiation sampling and in many cases were below the limits of detection.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Genetically Modified Foods

45*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the question of genetically modified foods. An explanation of what constituted genetically modified food was set out in the Report, together with concerns which had been raised, particularly regarding the effect on human health and the effect on bio-diversity and the eco-system. Comments on the effect on human health and the effect on bio-diversity and eco-systems were set out in the Report. It was indicated that the Government had introduced amendments to the food labelling regulations which required all foods containing ingredients produced from genetically modified soya and maize to clearly state this fact on the label. It was noted that the regulations extended to food sold by restaurants, delicatessens, bakeries and other similar establishments. It was indicated that the regulations would have a considerable impact on food suppliers and caterers in the Western Isles, including the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that the Comhairle adopt a general policy of opposition to genetically modified foods.

Arising out of consideration of this matter it was further agreed that the main food retailers in the Western Isles CWS Limited and Safeway Plc be asked to provide information to the Comhairle on their policy regarding the sale of genetically modified foods.

Approval of Fishery Products and Shellfish Centres

46*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding a proposal to amend the Scheme of Delegation to allow the Director of Environmental Services to issue and revoke approvals of despatch centres, purification centres and fishery products establishments under the Food Safety (Fishery Product and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998. It was stated that the Comhairle was the approval authority for such premises and it would speed the process of issuing approvals if the matter were delegated to the Director of Environmental Services. It was noted that where approval had been refused or revoked there was a right of appeal to the Sheriff Court.

It was agreed to recommend that the Scheme of Delegation be amended to enable the Director of Environmental Services to issue and revoke the approval of premises to which the Food Safety (Fishery Product and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998 applied.

Air Quality Review and Assessment Report

47*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining the result of the first stage review and assessment of air quality for the Western Isles. It was noted that whilst the Report had concluded that a second stage review and assessment would not be required for the Western Isles, nitrogen dioxide monitoring undertaken by the Comhairle should continue and that a further review of air quality should be carried out by 2005.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the first stage review and assessment Report of the air quality in the Western Isles be noted;

(2) the monitoring of nitrogen dioxide by the Comhairle be continued; and

(3) a further first stage review and assessment be undertaken by 2005.

Refuse Collection at Erisort House

48*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding a request from the residents at Erisort House, Laxay, to provide a refuse collection service from the premises. The background to the matter was set out in the Report together with the implications for the Comhairle of providing the service. The Committee was asked to determine the matter.

it was agreed to recommend that a fortnightly refuse collection service be provided to the residents of Erisort House and Valtos House, Laxay.

Establishment of Post of Animal Health Officer

49*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to establish a post of Animal Health Officer. The job description for the post was appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that:

(1) the post of Animal Health Officer, Grade APIII be established; and

(2) the job description for the post appended to the Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services be approved.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Key Tasks 1999-2002

50

The Director of Corporate Services and Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the Comhairle's Key Tasks for the period 1999-2002. Appended to the Report were suggested draft Key Tasks for the Environmental Services Committee.

It was agreed that the draft Key Tasks for Environmental Services for 1999 - 2002 be discussed at a Seminar to be held on 1 July 1999.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to enable action to be taken prior to the next meeting of the Committee.

Food Hygiene Training

51*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to ensure that suitable and sufficient training of food handlers was available locally to meet mandatory food safety requirements. The legal requirements regarding food handling were set out in the Report, together with an outline of current training provision within the Western Isles. It was noted that there was a lack of suitable food hygiene courses for higher risk food businesses and it was suggested that a partnership be established to draw up a strategy whereby local food businesses were not disadvantaged by lack of training opportunities. It was noted that the Comhairle, Lews Castle College and Western Isles Enterprise were individually involved in promoting skills training and it was suggested that a co-ordinated strategy involving all three agencies appeared to be a means of supporting local industry in this area.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to co-operate with training providers and Western Isles Enterprise to ensure that suitable food hygiene training opportunities were available for food businesses in the Western Isles; and

(2) Comhairle Environmental Health Officers be available, when necessary, to participate in training courses.

Voluntary Tendering of Cleansing Services

52*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding progress made in meeting commitments in the Comhairle's Best Value submission to the Secretary of State. The background to the matter was set out in the Report, together with the current position regarding competition for refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries. It was indicated that, in the absence of direct competition, the Barony Group had been engaged to provide a benchmarking analysis of completed tenders. The summary conclusions and recommendations from Barony Consulting were appended to the Report.

The Chairman invited Mr Ken MacNeil, Barony Consulting, to present the finding of the company's exercise. Mr MacNeill outlined the process undertaken. He stated that he had concluded that the Environmental Services DSO's price for refuse collection was within the range expected. He indicated that there were some issues to be investigated regarding street cleansing, but there were no comments to be made regarding grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) tenders submitted by the Environmental Services DSO to provide services of refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries be accepted;

(2) the acceptance come into effect on 1 April 2000 on the clear understanding that the DSO shall continue to seek cost and service quality improvements in these services;

(3) expenditure due to Environmental Services DSO be adjusted to reflect any savings achieved by that section in respect of vehicle maintenance;

(4) the following recommendation by the Barony Group be accepted:

(a) the proposal presented by the Environmental Services DSO with respect to the provision of refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries services be accepted;

(b) further consideration be given to the vehicle maintenance costs incurred by the Environmental Services DSO;

(c) efforts continue to identify, consider and evaluate alternative means of service delivery particularly in the more remote areas;

(d) efforts continue to seek both cost and service quality improvements with regard to these services; and

(e) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to advise the Secretary of State for Scotland of the current position and the proposed resolution.

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

		MINUTES
Environmental Services Committee	36	The Minutes of Meetings of 21 March 1999 and 19 May 1999 were approved.
		FINANCE
Quarterly Forecast Out-turn: March 1999	37	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Account, for the period ended 31 March 1999 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates for Income and Expenditure for the period. It was agreed to note the Report.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring: Annual Out-turn Figures 1998/99	38	The Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the final out-turn expenditure in the financial year 1998/99 in respect of the Comhairle's Non-Housing Capital Programme. The Report compared the final out-turn expenditure with that budgeted and set out proposals for the management of slippage in the Programme and overspends. It was agreed to recommend that the net underspend and slippage in the 1998/99 Programme of Capital Expenditure be carried forward to cover the consequent increased commitments in 1999/2000.
1998/99 Underspend: Carry Forward	39*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the underspend in the Environmental Services Department's Revenue Estimates for 1998/99. It was noted that there was an overall underspend for 1998/99 of £40,360. Proposals for utilising the underspend available for service improvements were set out in the Report. It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that the £40,360 combined underspend in the 1998/99 Budget of the Environmental Services Department be carried forward and used in the following manner: (1) £2000 to fund a Proof of Age Card Scheme; (2) £3000 to deal with coastal strandings and other public health nuisances; (3) £5000 to enable the replacement of amenity bins in Tarbert and Castlebay; (4) £20000 to meet the demand for removal of derelict vehicles and to further develop the litter/recycling initiative; and (5) £10360 for consultancy costs to draft community environmental improvement plan.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1998/99: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 31 March 1999	40	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding expenditure on the Repairs and Maintenance of properties held on the Environmental Services account for the period ended 31 March 1999. The Report detailed the budget available and the expenditure committed and expended as at 31 March 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
		TRADING STANDARDS
Licensing of Private Markets and Second-Hand Dealers	41*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to licence private markets and to extend the licensing of second-hand dealers to include dealers trading in second-hand furniture and electrical goods. It was indicated that the proposal was intended to address the problems associated with the activities of one day sales and itinerant traders which had been experienced by consumers. It was stated that the draft resolution had been published and that no representation had been received. It was agreed to recommend that: The Comhairle approve a resolution in the following terms: "that: (a) with effect from 1 April 2000 the activities of market operators and second-hand dealers shall require to be licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland ) Act 1982 relating to those activities; (b) this resolution is made in relation to the whole of the area of the Comhairle; and (c) this resolution, insofar as it relates to second-hand dealers, shall apply to the following classes of activity, namely, furniture and/or electrical goods." (2) it be delegated to the Director of Environmental Services to issue these licences and to adopt any appropriate conditions.
Proof of Age Scheme for Young People	42*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding proposals to introduce a Proof of Age Card Scheme for young people. The background to the matter was set out in the Report, together with details of the proposal to adopt the "Validate" Scheme. It was indicated that the set up costs for the Scheme were estimated to be £2000. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle supports the introduction of the "Validate Proof of Age Card Scheme", which would operate on a voluntary basis; and (2) the initiative be funded through the utilisation of £2000 from the sum carried forward from the 1998/99 Revenue Estimates for Environmental Services.
		ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Maritime Traffic Surveys: Consultation Document: West of Hebrides and Minches	43*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding Maritime Traffic Surveys Conducted to the West of Hebrides, deep water route and the Minches. It was stated that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had issued a consultation document setting out traffic survey information regarding vessel movements, West of Hebrides, deep water route and the Minches. It was indicated that the Agency had concluded that there was no need to change the existing routing measures or to make the use of the deep water route mandatory for laden tankers over 10,000 gross tonnes. It was noted that the Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel had carried out a further survey of the Minches during a two month period in November and December 1997 and that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency had concluded on the basis of that survey that there was no case for a mandatory reporting scheme in the Minches. Comments on the consultation document were detailed in the Report, together with a proposed response to the conclusions of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency following the survey. It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to respond to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the following basis: (1) to commend the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on undertaking the Maritime Traffic Surveys and to request that they continued their effort to monitor traffic to the West of Hebrides and the Minches; (2) to urge the Government to undertake hydrographic surveys so as to allow realignment of the deep water route northern leg east of St Kilda and west of the Flannan Isles; (3) that all vessels carrying hazardous cargoes should be fitted with automatic towing pennants; and (4) that all recommendations agreed by the Committee at its Meeting on 20 January 1998 and subsequently ratified by the Comhairle, be reiterated to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Radiation Monitoring During 1998/99	44	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the results of the Radiation Monitoring Programme in the Western Isles for the year 1998/99. Details of the result of the Monitoring were set out in the Report and an outline of the Sampling Programme was appended to the Report. It was concluded that the levels of radiation detected in the Western Isles were well below the generalised derived limits for radiation sampling and in many cases were below the limits of detection. It was agreed to note the Report.
Genetically Modified Foods	45*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the question of genetically modified foods. An explanation of what constituted genetically modified food was set out in the Report, together with concerns which had been raised, particularly regarding the effect on human health and the effect on bio-diversity and the eco-system. Comments on the effect on human health and the effect on bio-diversity and eco-systems were set out in the Report. It was indicated that the Government had introduced amendments to the food labelling regulations which required all foods containing ingredients produced from genetically modified soya and maize to clearly state this fact on the label. It was noted that the regulations extended to food sold by restaurants, delicatessens, bakeries and other similar establishments. It was indicated that the regulations would have a considerable impact on food suppliers and caterers in the Western Isles, including the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that the Comhairle adopt a general policy of opposition to genetically modified foods. Arising out of consideration of this matter it was further agreed that the main food retailers in the Western Isles CWS Limited and Safeway Plc be asked to provide information to the Comhairle on their policy regarding the sale of genetically modified foods.
Approval of Fishery Products and Shellfish Centres	46*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding a proposal to amend the Scheme of Delegation to allow the Director of Environmental Services to issue and revoke approvals of despatch centres, purification centres and fishery products establishments under the Food Safety (Fishery Product and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998. It was stated that the Comhairle was the approval authority for such premises and it would speed the process of issuing approvals if the matter were delegated to the Director of Environmental Services. It was noted that where approval had been refused or revoked there was a right of appeal to the Sheriff Court. It was agreed to recommend that the Scheme of Delegation be amended to enable the Director of Environmental Services to issue and revoke the approval of premises to which the Food Safety (Fishery Product and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Regulations 1998 applied.
Air Quality Review and Assessment Report	47*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining the result of the first stage review and assessment of air quality for the Western Isles. It was noted that whilst the Report had concluded that a second stage review and assessment would not be required for the Western Isles, nitrogen dioxide monitoring undertaken by the Comhairle should continue and that a further review of air quality should be carried out by 2005. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the first stage review and assessment Report of the air quality in the Western Isles be noted; (2) the monitoring of nitrogen dioxide by the Comhairle be continued; and (3) a further first stage review and assessment be undertaken by 2005.
Refuse Collection at Erisort House	48*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding a request from the residents at Erisort House, Laxay, to provide a refuse collection service from the premises. The background to the matter was set out in the Report together with the implications for the Comhairle of providing the service. The Committee was asked to determine the matter. it was agreed to recommend that a fortnightly refuse collection service be provided to the residents of Erisort House and Valtos House, Laxay.
Establishment of Post of Animal Health Officer	49*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to establish a post of Animal Health Officer. The job description for the post was appended to the Report. It was agreed to recommend, for the Committee's interest, that: (1) the post of Animal Health Officer, Grade APIII be established; and (2) the job description for the post appended to the Report by the Acting Director of Environmental Services be approved.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Key Tasks 1999-2002	50	The Director of Corporate Services and Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding the Comhairle's Key Tasks for the period 1999-2002. Appended to the Report were suggested draft Key Tasks for the Environmental Services Committee. It was agreed that the draft Key Tasks for Environmental Services for 1999 - 2002 be discussed at a Seminar to be held on 1 July 1999.
		ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
		The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 8, that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency to enable action to be taken prior to the next meeting of the Committee.
Food Hygiene Training	51*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out proposals to ensure that suitable and sufficient training of food handlers was available locally to meet mandatory food safety requirements. The legal requirements regarding food handling were set out in the Report, together with an outline of current training provision within the Western Isles. It was noted that there was a lack of suitable food hygiene courses for higher risk food businesses and it was suggested that a partnership be established to draw up a strategy whereby local food businesses were not disadvantaged by lack of training opportunities. It was noted that the Comhairle, Lews Castle College and Western Isles Enterprise were individually involved in promoting skills training and it was suggested that a co-ordinated strategy involving all three agencies appeared to be a means of supporting local industry in this area. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to co-operate with training providers and Western Isles Enterprise to ensure that suitable food hygiene training opportunities were available for food businesses in the Western Isles; and (2) Comhairle Environmental Health Officers be available, when necessary, to participate in training courses.
Voluntary Tendering of Cleansing Services	52*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report regarding progress made in meeting commitments in the Comhairle's Best Value submission to the Secretary of State. The background to the matter was set out in the Report, together with the current position regarding competition for refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries. It was indicated that, in the absence of direct competition, the Barony Group had been engaged to provide a benchmarking analysis of completed tenders. The summary conclusions and recommendations from Barony Consulting were appended to the Report. The Chairman invited Mr Ken MacNeil, Barony Consulting, to present the finding of the company's exercise. Mr MacNeill outlined the process undertaken. He stated that he had concluded that the Environmental Services DSO's price for refuse collection was within the range expected. He indicated that there were some issues to be investigated regarding street cleansing, but there were no comments to be made regarding grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) tenders submitted by the Environmental Services DSO to provide services of refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries be accepted; (2) the acceptance come into effect on 1 April 2000 on the clear understanding that the DSO shall continue to seek cost and service quality improvements in these services; (3) expenditure due to Environmental Services DSO be adjusted to reflect any savings achieved by that section in respect of vehicle maintenance; (4) the following recommendation by the Barony Group be accepted: (a) the proposal presented by the Environmental Services DSO with respect to the provision of refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance and gravedigging in cemeteries services be accepted; (b) further consideration be given to the vehicle maintenance costs incurred by the Environmental Services DSO; (c) efforts continue to identify, consider and evaluate alternative means of service delivery particularly in the more remote areas; (d) efforts continue to seek both cost and service quality improvements with regard to these services; and (e) the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to advise the Secretary of State for Scotland of the current position and the proposed resolution.