12 March 2003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 12 March 2003 at 11.00am.

PRESENT

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Tribute: Donald Mackay

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald Mackay, who had been Councillor for the Tiumpan Ward from 1975 to 1996 and had served as the first Chairman of the Transportation Committee, who had died recently. On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman conveyed sympathy and condolences to Mr Mackay's widow in her sad loss.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003

T02.01

1

The Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of HITRANS of 7 February 2003

T01.08.22

2

The Minute of Meeting of HITRANS of 7 February 2003 was noted.

FINANCE

Tender Monitoring

T12.62

3

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the comparison of tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, final costs for transportation schemes where the tender price which was in excess of £75k.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Winter Maintenance

T08.05.04

4

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure on winter maintenance in the current financial year.

It was agreed to note the Report.

FERRY SERVICES

Cal Mac Ltd Winter Timetables 2003/04

T06.01

5

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the draft timetables which Cal Mac propose to operate on services to and within the Western Isles from 19 October 2003 to 2 April 2004. Members were invited to comment on the draft timetables.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a Report to the Shipping Services Advisory Committee detailing the comments raised by Members at the Meeting and through correspondence.

Update on Eriskay/Barra Terminal Buildings

T06.02.04

6

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of progress with the provision of proposed waiting rooms and associated facilities at the ferry terminals for the Sound of Barra ferry. Local groups had expressed interest in providing improved facilities at both locations and discussions were ongoing with the potential developers. The Report indicated that the Comhairle should prepare outline designs and seek planning permission for a Comhairle development including the franchise option at both terminals. This twin track approach would ensure that the developers were affored time to seek the required funding and would enable an early start to building works should either of the local groups fail with the project.

It was agreed:

(1) to note that both groups are progressing their interest in developing suitable facilities at each of the new Sound of Barra ferry terminals and discussions will be continuing; and

(2) to recommend that the Comhairle seek planning permission for waiting rooms with an associated franchise area at both terminals to ensure that a start to building works can be made quickly should either of the groups fail to secure their required funding.

Sale of Comhairle Ferries

T06.01

7

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the sale of the two Comhairle vehicular ferries on termination of the Sound of Barra service.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle owned ferries Eilean Na h-Oige and Eilean Bhearnaraigh, including spares, are advertised for sale in the local and West of Scotland Press, inviting "offers as seen" in a sealed bid, with the reserve price being set by an accredited Marine Surveyor and that the terms and conditions of the sale be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Technical Services;

(2) in the event that the reserve price was not realised, the Director of Technical Services in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services engage a marine brokerage to handle the sale of the vessels; and

(3) when the vessels are sold, the mooring at Haun, Eriskay and the inflatable tender used to serve the vessels at the mooring are advertised for sale by offer.

Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Fuel at Fishery Piers

T07.02

8

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report on the proposed operation and management of the sale of fuel at Comhairle fishery piers. The Report detailed options which had been considered by the Fuel at Fishery Piers Member/Officer Working Group for the supply of fuel at fishery piers. The Working Group recommeded that fuel services at Comhairle piers should be directly provided and operated by the Comhairle with the Technical Services department having overall management responsibility.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Technical Services manages the sale of fuel at Fishery Piers, sub-contracting the daily monitoring and credit card transactions to Faire Community Alarm Service;

(2) 10 tanks be returned to JMW Public Transport Support Systems to Loanhead for modifying and testing of equipment;

(3) the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Ionmhas, sets and adjusts the level of mark-up according to turnover and operating costs;

(4) the Comhairle pursue the provision of fuel supply systems at Lochboisdale, Eriskay and Miavaig piers with application for funding being made to HIE/WIE and Europe; and

(5) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to arrange a meeting with interested parties to investigate the supply of fuel by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar at Stornoway Harbour as a matter or urgency.

ROADS

Programme and Progress Roads

T08.01

9

The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress report in respect of roads.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Roads Revenue Programme - Roads

T12.62.01

10

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed roads revenue programme 2003/04.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the enclosed Roads Revenue Programme for the 2003/04 financial year on the basis that minor changes may be necessary at departmental level because of unforeseen remedial works and other uncertainties in programming; and

(2) that, in respect of the glaring inadequacy of the roads resurfacing budgets, the new Council undertake as a matter or urgency an exercise to identify resources which would enable the enhancement of the roads resurfacing budgets

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would submit a Report to a future meeting reassessing prorities for primary and inter-island routes.

Allocation of Additional Roads Resources

T12.62.01

11

The Director of Technical Services submitted Report concerning an additional allocation of roads resources of £274k announced by the Scottish Executive. The Report detailed options for the use of the additional resources.

Mr Donald Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Manford moved that the Comhairle use the additional roads resources to enable a start to be made on the spinal route schemes within the Capital Programme.

Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham moved as an amendment that the additional £274k allocated by the Scottish Executive for Roads Resurfacing be allocated as follows:

50% - Roads Resurfacing Programme

50% - Minor Road Safety Programme.

To allow works in the next priority areas of these programmes to be progressed.

On the matter being put to the vote the amendment received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.30pm and readjourned at 3.00pm, when the following members were found to be present;

PRESENT

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Donald Macdonald

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Minor Road Safety Improvements

T08.05.06

12

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the prioritised list of projects for inclusion on the capital programme under the Minor Road Safety Improvements heading.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the prioritised Minor Road Safety Improvements Schemes listed in Appendix 2 of the Report be approved for the Capital Programme and that Priority 1, 2, 3 and 4 schemes should be commenced in the 2003/04 financial year; and

(2) further prioritisation of the remaining schemes be undertaken and an additional criterion be introduced to take account of the issues of peripherality.

Roads Revenue Programme: Unadopted Roads Allocation Review for 2003/04

T12.62

13

The Director of Technical Services detailed the proposed unadopted roads programme 2003/04. The Report further indicated that the proposed budget for 2003/04 would be allocated to Harris and the Uists. The Director of Technical Services circulated a revised list of schemes at the meeting.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) approve the list of unadopted roads given in Appendices 4, 5 and 6 as the approved lists for the 2003/04 financial year;

(2) allocate £133,295 of revenue resources to the Category B roads, as shown in Appendix 7;

(3) allocate £5k of revenue resources to the Category C Roads;

(4) allocate £5k of revenue resources to patch Lewis/Barra Category B roads; and

(5) allocate £12k of revenue resources to Social Work Access roads.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance, be authorised to utilise carry forward mechanisms to allow the completion of the unadopted roads programme space 2002/03 by the end of April 2003.

Roads to Communities

T08.01

14

The Director of Technical Services submitted Report detailing the prioritised list of schemes for inclusion in a Roads to Communities Programme. It was proposed to submit one scheme from the list for consideration by the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme for inclusion on their list of Locally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the list of schemes noted at Appendix 3 of the Report;

(2) that the top scheme on the prioritised list be submitted to the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme for inclusion in the list of locally significant infrastructure; and

(3) that further prioritisation be undertaken once the SCOTS road condition survey data is available.

Footpaths

T12.67

15

The Director of Techncial Services submitted a Report detailing a prioritised list of projects for inclusion in the Capital Programme under the All Footpaths heading. The schemes for the provision of footpaths on main and side roads and for streets and footpaths reconstructions in Stornoway had been proposed by Members and were detailed in the Report together with assesments according to the criteria previously agreed by the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the further prioritised All Footpath Schemes listed in Appendix B of the Report be approved for the Capital Programme and that Priority 1, 2 and 3 schemes for footpaths on both main roads and side roads, together with the streets and footpaths schemes, should be commenced in the 2003/04 financial year; and

(2) further prioritisation be undertaken of the remaining schemes.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle establish a Member/Officer Working Group early in the life of the new Comhairle to review the methods of allocating capital and revenue resources in respect of the Transportation portfolio.

White Lining Contract

T12.62

16

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval to extend the White Lining Contract with the current contractor until 31 March 2004.

It was agreed to recommend that the contract with Prismo be extended for a further year on the basis that the original rates will be held for a further year.

Roads Revenue Programmes 2003/04; Supply of General Engineering Materials

T12.62

17

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed list of suppliers of general civil engineering materials to the Committee for approval.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the list of suppliers of General Civil Engineering Materials for the 2003/04 financial year detailed in the Report.

Road Safety; Proposed 30mph Speed Limit Adjacent to Tong School

T05.14

18

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the implementation of 30mph speed limit adjacent to Tong School to replace the recently removed 20mph limit. The Report indicated that the 30mph limit adjacent to the school would fit into the overall speed pattern throughout Tong and would allow speed reduction measures to be implemented.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle implement a 30-mph speed limit adjacent to Tong School as indicated on the plan detailed in the Report.

Newton Sea Wall

T08.01

19

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the findings from the first years monitoring of Newton Sea Wall. Details of Counsel's opinion in respect of the ownership of Newton Sea Wall was circulated.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Safety Barriers on Clisham

T05.14

20

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the use of vehicle safety barriers on the A859 Stornoway - Tarbert road near Loch na Ciste.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ROAD TRANSPORT

Rural Transport Fund 2003/04: Proposed Expenditure

T01.17

21

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the expenditure of the Comhairle's Rural Transport Fund allocation for 2003/04.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the breakdown of Rural Transport Funding 2003/04 as follows:

Contribution to maintain key bus network 120k

Additional Services (mainly evening services) 148k

Contribution to HITRANS 10k

Network Enhancements - Shopping Services 15k

Enhancements for links to Sound of Barra Vehicle Ferry 25k

Local Community Transport Schemes 34k

Local Publicity/Infrastructure 10k

National Public Transport Information Service 10k

Contribution to minibus manager provision 10k

Additional Staffing Costs - Transportation Office 22k

Additional Staffing Costs - Harbours and Ferries 22k

Total 426k

Bus Contracts Re-tendering 2004

T05.01

22

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the programme for re-tendering bus service contracts throughout the Western Isles. As with previous tendering of these contracts a consultation exercise would be undertaken inviting comments from current bus service users, community groups, local Members and bus operators. The results of these consultations would be used, together with the annual passenger surveys, to refine the bus service network.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the programme for the re-tendering of all bus contracts as shown in the appendix to the Report.

Mr Malcolm J Graham declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Fares in Respect of Taxi Licensing and Private Hire Car Licensing

T01.18

23

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report reviewing the current level of fares for taxi/private hire car licensing in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of Option 3 in the Report as the fares structure for taxi and private hire car licensing;

(2) that, when carrying 5 or more passengers the normal start-off rate would be tariff 2. When carrying 5 or more passengers between midnight and 7am Monday - Thursday, between midnight on Friday and 7am on Monday and public holidays, including 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January, tariff 3 would apply;

(3) that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to examine ways of encouraging taxi and private hire car operators and drivers to join the Western Isles Taxi Association;

(4) approval of the ongoing consultation with the Western Isles Taxi and Private Hire Association as the representative body of the local taxi and private hire care licensing community and the placing of an advertisement in the Stornoway Gazette giving details of the Comhairle's proposal to review its maximum rates of fares in respect of taxi and private hire car licensing (where the private hire cars are fixed with taxi meters); and

(5) that, should no further representations be made, the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to implement the revised fare structure.

GENERAL

Sale of Land at Newpark, Laxdale, Isle of Lewis

24

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the sale of a plot of unused, Comhairle owned land at Newpark, Laxdale, Isle of Lewis.

It was agreed to recommend that, subject to confirmation that no Comhairle department has a use for the land;

(1) the land be declared surplus to requirements; and

(2) the land be sold on the open market.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding: Progress

PR33.01.12

25

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance, would submit a Report to the August 2003 series on the provision of streetlights from within the Capital Programme.

PRESENT	Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Donald J Macsween
	Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Angus Nicolson	Mr Donald Macdonald
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Angus Campbell	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Tribute: Donald Mackay		The Chairman referred to Mr Donald Mackay, who had been Councillor for the Tiumpan Ward from 1975 to 1996 and had served as the first Chairman of the Transportation Committee, who had died recently. On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman conveyed sympathy and condolences to Mr Mackay's widow in her sad loss.
		MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 T02.01	1	The Minute of Meeting of 5 February 2003 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of HITRANS of 7 February 2003 T01.08.22	2	The Minute of Meeting of HITRANS of 7 February 2003 was noted.
		FINANCE
Tender Monitoring T12.62	3	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the comparison of tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, final costs for transportation schemes where the tender price which was in excess of £75k. It was agreed to note the Report.
Winter Maintenance T08.05.04	4	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure on winter maintenance in the current financial year. It was agreed to note the Report.


		FERRY SERVICES
Cal Mac Ltd Winter Timetables 2003/04 T06.01	5	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the draft timetables which Cal Mac propose to operate on services to and within the Western Isles from 19 October 2003 to 2 April 2004. Members were invited to comment on the draft timetables. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a Report to the Shipping Services Advisory Committee detailing the comments raised by Members at the Meeting and through correspondence.
Update on Eriskay/Barra Terminal Buildings T06.02.04	6	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect of progress with the provision of proposed waiting rooms and associated facilities at the ferry terminals for the Sound of Barra ferry. Local groups had expressed interest in providing improved facilities at both locations and discussions were ongoing with the potential developers. The Report indicated that the Comhairle should prepare outline designs and seek planning permission for a Comhairle development including the franchise option at both terminals. This twin track approach would ensure that the developers were affored time to seek the required funding and would enable an early start to building works should either of the local groups fail with the project. It was agreed: (1) to note that both groups are progressing their interest in developing suitable facilities at each of the new Sound of Barra ferry terminals and discussions will be continuing; and (2) to recommend that the Comhairle seek planning permission for waiting rooms with an associated franchise area at both terminals to ensure that a start to building works can be made quickly should either of the groups fail to secure their required funding.
Sale of Comhairle Ferries T06.01	7	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the sale of the two Comhairle vehicular ferries on termination of the Sound of Barra service. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle owned ferries Eilean Na h-Oige and Eilean Bhearnaraigh, including spares, are advertised for sale in the local and West of Scotland Press, inviting "offers as seen" in a sealed bid, with the reserve price being set by an accredited Marine Surveyor and that the terms and conditions of the sale be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Technical Services; (2) in the event that the reserve price was not realised, the Director of Technical Services in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services engage a marine brokerage to handle the sale of the vessels; and (3) when the vessels are sold, the mooring at Haun, Eriskay and the inflatable tender used to serve the vessels at the mooring are advertised for sale by offer.
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Fuel at Fishery Piers T07.02	8	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report on the proposed operation and management of the sale of fuel at Comhairle fishery piers. The Report detailed options which had been considered by the Fuel at Fishery Piers Member/Officer Working Group for the supply of fuel at fishery piers. The Working Group recommeded that fuel services at Comhairle piers should be directly provided and operated by the Comhairle with the Technical Services department having overall management responsibility. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Technical Services manages the sale of fuel at Fishery Piers, sub-contracting the daily monitoring and credit card transactions to Faire Community Alarm Service; (2) 10 tanks be returned to JMW Public Transport Support Systems to Loanhead for modifying and testing of equipment; (3) the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Ionmhas, sets and adjusts the level of mark-up according to turnover and operating costs; (4) the Comhairle pursue the provision of fuel supply systems at Lochboisdale, Eriskay and Miavaig piers with application for funding being made to HIE/WIE and Europe; and (5) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to arrange a meeting with interested parties to investigate the supply of fuel by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar at Stornoway Harbour as a matter or urgency.
		ROADS
Programme and Progress Roads T08.01	9	The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress report in respect of roads. It was agreed to note the Report.
Roads Revenue Programme - Roads T12.62.01	10	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed roads revenue programme 2003/04. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the enclosed Roads Revenue Programme for the 2003/04 financial year on the basis that minor changes may be necessary at departmental level because of unforeseen remedial works and other uncertainties in programming; and (2) that, in respect of the glaring inadequacy of the roads resurfacing budgets, the new Council undertake as a matter or urgency an exercise to identify resources which would enable the enhancement of the roads resurfacing budgets Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would submit a Report to a future meeting reassessing prorities for primary and inter-island routes.
Allocation of Additional Roads Resources T12.62.01	11	The Director of Technical Services submitted Report concerning an additional allocation of roads resources of £274k announced by the Scottish Executive. The Report detailed options for the use of the additional resources. Mr Donald Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Manford moved that the Comhairle use the additional roads resources to enable a start to be made on the spinal route schemes within the Capital Programme. Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham moved as an amendment that the additional £274k allocated by the Scottish Executive for Roads Resurfacing be allocated as follows: 50% - Roads Resurfacing Programme 50% - Minor Road Safety Programme. To allow works in the next priority areas of these programmes to be progressed. On the matter being put to the vote the amendment received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
		The meeting was adjourned at 1.30pm and readjourned at 3.00pm, when the following members were found to be present;
PRESENT		Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)
		Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)
		Mr Roderick Morrison
		Mr Malcolm J Graham	Mr Donald Macdonald
		Mr Angus Campbell	Mr Donald Maclean
		Mr Finlay Morrison	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon
Minor Road Safety Improvements T08.05.06	12	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the prioritised list of projects for inclusion on the capital programme under the Minor Road Safety Improvements heading. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the prioritised Minor Road Safety Improvements Schemes listed in Appendix 2 of the Report be approved for the Capital Programme and that Priority 1, 2, 3 and 4 schemes should be commenced in the 2003/04 financial year; and (2) further prioritisation of the remaining schemes be undertaken and an additional criterion be introduced to take account of the issues of peripherality.
Roads Revenue Programme: Unadopted Roads Allocation Review for 2003/04 T12.62	13	The Director of Technical Services detailed the proposed unadopted roads programme 2003/04. The Report further indicated that the proposed budget for 2003/04 would be allocated to Harris and the Uists. The Director of Technical Services circulated a revised list of schemes at the meeting. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the list of unadopted roads given in Appendices 4, 5 and 6 as the approved lists for the 2003/04 financial year; (2) allocate £133,295 of revenue resources to the Category B roads, as shown in Appendix 7; (3) allocate £5k of revenue resources to the Category C Roads; (4) allocate £5k of revenue resources to patch Lewis/Barra Category B roads; and (5) allocate £12k of revenue resources to Social Work Access roads. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance, be authorised to utilise carry forward mechanisms to allow the completion of the unadopted roads programme space 2002/03 by the end of April 2003.
Roads to Communities T08.01	14	The Director of Technical Services submitted Report detailing the prioritised list of schemes for inclusion in a Roads to Communities Programme. It was proposed to submit one scheme from the list for consideration by the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme for inclusion on their list of Locally Significant Infrastructure Projects. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the list of schemes noted at Appendix 3 of the Report; (2) that the top scheme on the prioritised list be submitted to the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme for inclusion in the list of locally significant infrastructure; and (3) that further prioritisation be undertaken once the SCOTS road condition survey data is available.
Footpaths T12.67	15	The Director of Techncial Services submitted a Report detailing a prioritised list of projects for inclusion in the Capital Programme under the All Footpaths heading. The schemes for the provision of footpaths on main and side roads and for streets and footpaths reconstructions in Stornoway had been proposed by Members and were detailed in the Report together with assesments according to the criteria previously agreed by the Comhairle. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the further prioritised All Footpath Schemes listed in Appendix B of the Report be approved for the Capital Programme and that Priority 1, 2 and 3 schemes for footpaths on both main roads and side roads, together with the streets and footpaths schemes, should be commenced in the 2003/04 financial year; and (2) further prioritisation be undertaken of the remaining schemes. Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle establish a Member/Officer Working Group early in the life of the new Comhairle to review the methods of allocating capital and revenue resources in respect of the Transportation portfolio.
White Lining Contract T12.62	16	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval to extend the White Lining Contract with the current contractor until 31 March 2004. It was agreed to recommend that the contract with Prismo be extended for a further year on the basis that the original rates will be held for a further year.
Roads Revenue Programmes 2003/04; Supply of General Engineering Materials T12.62	17	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed list of suppliers of general civil engineering materials to the Committee for approval. It was agreed to recommend approval of the list of suppliers of General Civil Engineering Materials for the 2003/04 financial year detailed in the Report.
Road Safety; Proposed 30mph Speed Limit Adjacent to Tong School T05.14	18	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the implementation of 30mph speed limit adjacent to Tong School to replace the recently removed 20mph limit. The Report indicated that the 30mph limit adjacent to the school would fit into the overall speed pattern throughout Tong and would allow speed reduction measures to be implemented. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle implement a 30-mph speed limit adjacent to Tong School as indicated on the plan detailed in the Report.
Newton Sea Wall T08.01	19	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the findings from the first years monitoring of Newton Sea Wall. Details of Counsel's opinion in respect of the ownership of Newton Sea Wall was circulated. It was agreed to note the Report.
Safety Barriers on Clisham T05.14	20	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the use of vehicle safety barriers on the A859 Stornoway - Tarbert road near Loch na Ciste. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ROAD TRANSPORT
Rural Transport Fund 2003/04: Proposed Expenditure T01.17	21	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the expenditure of the Comhairle's Rural Transport Fund allocation for 2003/04. It was agreed to recommend approval of the breakdown of Rural Transport Funding 2003/04 as follows: Contribution to maintain key bus network 120k Additional Services (mainly evening services) 148k Contribution to HITRANS 10k Network Enhancements - Shopping Services 15k Enhancements for links to Sound of Barra Vehicle Ferry 25k Local Community Transport Schemes 34k Local Publicity/Infrastructure 10k National Public Transport Information Service 10k Contribution to minibus manager provision 10k Additional Staffing Costs - Transportation Office 22k Additional Staffing Costs - Harbours and Ferries 22k Total 426k
Bus Contracts Re-tendering 2004 T05.01	22	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the programme for re-tendering bus service contracts throughout the Western Isles. As with previous tendering of these contracts a consultation exercise would be undertaken inviting comments from current bus service users, community groups, local Members and bus operators. The results of these consultations would be used, together with the annual passenger surveys, to refine the bus service network. It was agreed to recommend approval of the programme for the re-tendering of all bus contracts as shown in the appendix to the Report.
		Mr Malcolm J Graham declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Fares in Respect of Taxi Licensing and Private Hire Car Licensing T01.18	23	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report reviewing the current level of fares for taxi/private hire car licensing in the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of Option 3 in the Report as the fares structure for taxi and private hire car licensing; (2) that, when carrying 5 or more passengers the normal start-off rate would be tariff 2. When carrying 5 or more passengers between midnight and 7am Monday - Thursday, between midnight on Friday and 7am on Monday and public holidays, including 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January, tariff 3 would apply; (3) that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to examine ways of encouraging taxi and private hire car operators and drivers to join the Western Isles Taxi Association; (4) approval of the ongoing consultation with the Western Isles Taxi and Private Hire Association as the representative body of the local taxi and private hire care licensing community and the placing of an advertisement in the Stornoway Gazette giving details of the Comhairle's proposal to review its maximum rates of fares in respect of taxi and private hire car licensing (where the private hire cars are fixed with taxi meters); and (5) that, should no further representations be made, the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to implement the revised fare structure.
		GENERAL
Sale of Land at Newpark, Laxdale, Isle of Lewis	24	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report seeking approval for the sale of a plot of unused, Comhairle owned land at Newpark, Laxdale, Isle of Lewis. It was agreed to recommend that, subject to confirmation that no Comhairle department has a use for the land; (1) the land be declared surplus to requirements; and (2) the land be sold on the open market.