MES9908

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 18 August 1999 at 4.00 pm

PRESENT

Mr Donald I Nicholson (Chairman)

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs Katie M Mackenzie

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Ian M Macleod

Mrs Morag Munro

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr George Lonie

Mr James L Macarthur

MINUTES

Environmental Services Committee

CH01.02

53

The Minute of Meeting of 16 June 1999 was approved.

Environmental Services Sub-Committee

CH01.03

54

The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 23 March 1999 was noted.

Environmental Services Sub-Committee

CH01.03

55

The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 21 June 1999 was noted.

FINANCE

Quarterly Revenue Monitoring Report

PR110.08.14

56

With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 June 1999, 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 three months ended 30 June 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: 1999/2000

PR110.05

57*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 30 June 1999 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each service. It was noted that the forecast outturn for 1999/2000 was £52,000 below the initial approved programme of £14,856,000. A summary of the variance was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the forecast outturn expenditure on the Capital Programme 1998/99 of £14,856,000 as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance be approved as the revised programme for 1999/2000; and

(2) the South Uist Care Development be incorporated into the Programme and funded from £50,000 of existing resources within the Capital Programme.

Budget Strategy 2000-2003

PR110.01

58

The Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.

The Future Capital Programme

PR110.01

59*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report setting out proposals for the future capital planning process. The methods used to determine the Capital Programmes for 1999/2000 was outlined in the Report, together with a review of the process. The methods used by a number of authorities to determine their Capital Programmes were set out. Projected capital resources for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 were appended to the Report. Proposals for managing the Capital Programme and its projects and for allocating resources through a combined core funding and bidding process, including a suggested policy framework, were outlined in the Report, together with a proposed timetable for determining the Capital Programme 2000-2003.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) a Seminar be held for Members of the Comhairle to discuss the proposals set out in the Report regarding future capital planning, with the Report by the Director of Finance to form the basis of discussion at the Seminar;

(2) a further Report on future capital planning be submitted to take account of the views expressed at the Seminar; and

(3) Members of the Comhairle be surveyed in January or February 2000 as to the success or otherwise of the process of setting the capital programme.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1999/2000

CH01.04

60

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 1999-30 June 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning

CH03.01

61*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the ban on the gathering of scallops in the Minches. Comhairle Officers had been co-ordinating the dispatch of samples to the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen in order to speed up the lifting of the ban. Although Officers were authorised for investigating and enforcement of the Food Environment Protection Act 1985 there was no statutory duty in respect of assisting with routine sampling while a ban was in force.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the involvement of Officers of the Comhairle in the co-ordinated dispatch of samples of shellfish in respect of the current ban on the gathering of scallops in the Minches be homologated;

(2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to continue the co-ordinated dispatch of samples of shellfish while the current ban was in force; and

(3) in order to safeguard public health and support the economic development of the shellfish industry in the Western Isles, the Acting Director of Environmental Services and the Head of European and Development Services would bring a Joint Report to a future Meeting outlining the resources and costs necessary to expand the classification and monitoring of inshore waters for shellfish gathering.

Recycling Progress Report

CH03.08.33

62*

With reference to Item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1999, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing progress made on a range of recycling initiatives which would be piloted during the current financial year. One of the keys to recycling was to have a building to process materials and negotiations with the Contractor for Bennadrove Phase 2 meant the Comhairle was in a position to proceed with the building The Report outlined the potential for development of a waste paper recycling scheme which could convert waste paper into animal bedding which could then be offered at a nominal price to crofters and other businesses throughout the Islands.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) submission of an application for ERDF funding for the recycling building and recycling equipment be noted; and

(2) action taken to obtain the approvals for the detailed design of a recycling building necessary for the ERDF application be homolgated.

Energy from Waste Proposal

CH03.08.33

63*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing proposals to produce electricity from landfill gas. Part of the Contract for Bennadrove Landfill site involved the installation of gas wells and associated pipe work to handle landfill gas produced on the site. The costs and potential for receipt of European funding for the project were detailed together with the environmental and financial benefits which could accrue from such a project.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) Comhairle agrees in principle to support the bid for European funding for an energy from waste project at the Bennadrove Landfill site;

(2) Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take all necessary steps to allow a bid to be made for financial assistance from Europe for an energy from waste project at the Bennadrove Landfill site; and

(3) Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to examine alternative ways of funding the Comhairle's capital element of the project, other than directly from the Capital Programme.

Review of Door to Door Refuse Collection Service

CH03.08.07

64*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining the proposed public consultation exercise on the Refuse Collection Service. The Report detailed the level of service currently provided together with possible areas of service improvement and their cost implications.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the public consultation questionnaire on domestic refuse collection; and

(2) that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to distribute the questionnaires using the Royal Mail leaflet distribution service.

Tender List for the Supply of Wheeled Bins

CH03.08.13

65*

The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the need to replenish the current stock of wheeled bins held by the Comhairle. The Report detailed a list of suppliers who could be invited to submit tenders for the supply of wheeled bins and ancillary equipment for domestic and commercial properties.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) list of wheeled bin suppliers detailed in the Appendix to the Report be included in the Comhairle's Standing List of Contractors; and

(2) Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to proceed with invitations to tender for the supply of wheeled bins and ancillary equipment from the Standing List of Contractors.

Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum

CH03.09.16

66*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report asking the Committee to consider the appointment of a Member to serve on the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum. The Forum had been established to allow interested parties to exchange information, air concerns and discuss relevant issues in respect of the environmental aspects of oil industry operations and the Comhairle had been represented on the Forum since January 1997.

It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman, or his nominee, be appointed to serve on the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Key Tasks 1999-2002

PR33.01.12

67*

The Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Joint Report detailing Environmental Services Key Tasks for 1999-2002.

It was agreed to recommend that the Environmental Services Key Tasks for 1999-2002 be as follows:

_ Support Action by Communities on their Environment (ACE) by the enhancement of Environmental Improvement Grants.

_ Co-ordinate a Stornoway Amenity Development Scheme.

_ Critically examine the disparity in refuse collection frequencies between Stornoway and the rural area.

_ Secure the continuous removal, crushing, storage and recycling of derelict vehicles.

_ Develop a long term waste disposal strategy placing particular emphasis on recycling where practicable.

_ Reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from landfill by the installation of energy from waste technologies.

_ Develop a business support initiative to assist businesses meet the increase in legislative controls.

_ Introduce areas based street cleaning practices to improve street cleaning efficiencies and coverage.

_ Promote the improvement of animal health and welfare in the Western Isles; and

_ Examine new ways of decentralising the management of services to involve communities.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Crofting Development Officer, would submit a Report to Policy and Resources Committee outlining solutions to the potential problem surrounding the disposal of cast ewes.

Outstanding Action

PR33.01.12

68

The Director of Corporate Services informed the Committee that there were no Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

___

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

		MINUTES
Environmental Services Committee CH01.02	53	The Minute of Meeting of 16 June 1999 was approved.
Environmental Services Sub-Committee CH01.03	54	The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 23 March 1999 was noted.
Environmental Services Sub-Committee CH01.03	55	The Minute of Meeting of the Environmental Services Sub-Committee of 21 June 1999 was noted.
		FINANCE
Quarterly Revenue Monitoring Report PR110.08.14	56	With reference to Item 42 of the Minute of Meeting of 14 June 1999, 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 three months ended 30 June 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: 1999/2000 PR110.05	57*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 30 June 1999 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each service. It was noted that the forecast outturn for 1999/2000 was £52,000 below the initial approved programme of £14,856,000. A summary of the variance was set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) the forecast outturn expenditure on the Capital Programme 1998/99 of £14,856,000 as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance be approved as the revised programme for 1999/2000; and
		(2) the South Uist Care Development be incorporated into the Programme and funded from £50,000 of existing resources within the Capital Programme.
Budget Strategy 2000-2003 PR110.01	58	The Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
The Future Capital Programme PR110.01	59*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report setting out proposals for the future capital planning process. The methods used to determine the Capital Programmes for 1999/2000 was outlined in the Report, together with a review of the process. The methods used by a number of authorities to determine their Capital Programmes were set out. Projected capital resources for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 were appended to the Report. Proposals for managing the Capital Programme and its projects and for allocating resources through a combined core funding and bidding process, including a suggested policy framework, were outlined in the Report, together with a proposed timetable for determining the Capital Programme 2000-2003.
		It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) a Seminar be held for Members of the Comhairle to discuss the proposals set out in the Report regarding future capital planning, with the Report by the Director of Finance to form the basis of discussion at the Seminar;
		(2) a further Report on future capital planning be submitted to take account of the views expressed at the Seminar; and
		(3) Members of the Comhairle be surveyed in January or February 2000 as to the success or otherwise of the process of setting the capital programme.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1999/2000 CH01.04	60	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 1999-30 June 1999. It was agreed to note the Report.
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning CH03.01	61*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the ban on the gathering of scallops in the Minches. Comhairle Officers had been co-ordinating the dispatch of samples to the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen in order to speed up the lifting of the ban. Although Officers were authorised for investigating and enforcement of the Food Environment Protection Act 1985 there was no statutory duty in respect of assisting with routine sampling while a ban was in force. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the involvement of Officers of the Comhairle in the co-ordinated dispatch of samples of shellfish in respect of the current ban on the gathering of scallops in the Minches be homologated; (2) the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to continue the co-ordinated dispatch of samples of shellfish while the current ban was in force; and (3) in order to safeguard public health and support the economic development of the shellfish industry in the Western Isles, the Acting Director of Environmental Services and the Head of European and Development Services would bring a Joint Report to a future Meeting outlining the resources and costs necessary to expand the classification and monitoring of inshore waters for shellfish gathering.
Recycling Progress Report CH03.08.33	62*	With reference to Item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 10 March 1999, the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing progress made on a range of recycling initiatives which would be piloted during the current financial year. One of the keys to recycling was to have a building to process materials and negotiations with the Contractor for Bennadrove Phase 2 meant the Comhairle was in a position to proceed with the building The Report outlined the potential for development of a waste paper recycling scheme which could convert waste paper into animal bedding which could then be offered at a nominal price to crofters and other businesses throughout the Islands. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) submission of an application for ERDF funding for the recycling building and recycling equipment be noted; and (2) action taken to obtain the approvals for the detailed design of a recycling building necessary for the ERDF application be homolgated.
Energy from Waste Proposal CH03.08.33	63*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report detailing proposals to produce electricity from landfill gas. Part of the Contract for Bennadrove Landfill site involved the installation of gas wells and associated pipe work to handle landfill gas produced on the site. The costs and potential for receipt of European funding for the project were detailed together with the environmental and financial benefits which could accrue from such a project. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) Comhairle agrees in principle to support the bid for European funding for an energy from waste project at the Bennadrove Landfill site; (2) Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to take all necessary steps to allow a bid to be made for financial assistance from Europe for an energy from waste project at the Bennadrove Landfill site; and (3) Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to examine alternative ways of funding the Comhairle's capital element of the project, other than directly from the Capital Programme.
Review of Door to Door Refuse Collection Service CH03.08.07	64*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report outlining the proposed public consultation exercise on the Refuse Collection Service. The Report detailed the level of service currently provided together with possible areas of service improvement and their cost implications. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the public consultation questionnaire on domestic refuse collection; and (2) that the Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to distribute the questionnaires using the Royal Mail leaflet distribution service.
Tender List for the Supply of Wheeled Bins CH03.08.13	65*	The Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report concerning the need to replenish the current stock of wheeled bins held by the Comhairle. The Report detailed a list of suppliers who could be invited to submit tenders for the supply of wheeled bins and ancillary equipment for domestic and commercial properties. It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) list of wheeled bin suppliers detailed in the Appendix to the Report be included in the Comhairle's Standing List of Contractors; and (2) Acting Director of Environmental Services be authorised to proceed with invitations to tender for the supply of wheeled bins and ancillary equipment from the Standing List of Contractors.
Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum CH03.09.16	66*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report asking the Committee to consider the appointment of a Member to serve on the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum. The Forum had been established to allow interested parties to exchange information, air concerns and discuss relevant issues in respect of the environmental aspects of oil industry operations and the Comhairle had been represented on the Forum since January 1997. It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman, or his nominee, be appointed to serve on the Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum.

		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Key Tasks 1999-2002 PR33.01.12	67*	The Director of Corporate Services and the Acting Director of Environmental Services submitted a Joint Report detailing Environmental Services Key Tasks for 1999-2002. It was agreed to recommend that the Environmental Services Key Tasks for 1999-2002 be as follows: _ Support Action by Communities on their Environment (ACE) by the enhancement of Environmental Improvement Grants. _ Co-ordinate a Stornoway Amenity Development Scheme. _ Critically examine the disparity in refuse collection frequencies between Stornoway and the rural area. _ Secure the continuous removal, crushing, storage and recycling of derelict vehicles.
		_ Develop a long term waste disposal strategy placing particular emphasis on recycling where practicable. _ Reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from landfill by the installation of energy from waste technologies. _ Develop a business support initiative to assist businesses meet the increase in legislative controls. _ Introduce areas based street cleaning practices to improve street cleaning efficiencies and coverage. _ Promote the improvement of animal health and welfare in the Western Isles; and _ Examine new ways of decentralising the management of services to involve communities. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Acting Director of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Crofting Development Officer, would submit a Report to Policy and Resources Committee outlining solutions to the potential problem surrounding the disposal of cast ewes.
Outstanding Action PR33.01.12	68	The Director of Corporate Services informed the Committee that there were no Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.