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PRESENT

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)

 
 

Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)

 
 

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

 

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Angus Campbell

 

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Donald J Macsween

 

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Donald Macdonald

 

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Donald Maclean

 

Mr Angus Nicolson

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Tribute: Mr Donald M Mackay

 

The Chairman referred to Mr Donald M Mackay, Member for the Lochs electoral division, who was in hospital for an operation and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Mackay for a full and speedy recovery.

Tribute: Mr David Blaney

 

The Chairman referred to Mr David Blaney, Member for the Daliburgh and Eriskay electoral division who was currently unwell and, on behalf of the Committee, extended best wishes to Mr Blaney for a full and speedy recovery.

   

MINUTES

Transportation Committee

C02.01

30

The Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 was approved.

Transportation Committee C02.01

31

The Minute of Meeting of 19 February 2001 was approved.

Transportation Sub-Committee T02.01

32

The Minute of Meeting of Transportation Sub-Committee of 21 February 2001 was noted.

Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee T04.01.02

33

The Minute of Meeting of the Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 28 February 2001 was noted.

Integrated Transport Forum

T01.08.22

34

The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 9 March 2001 was noted.

Balivanich Airport Consultative Committee T04.01.02

35

The Minute of Meeting of the Balivanich Airport Consultative Committee of 12 March 2001 was noted.

   

FINANCE

Winter Maintenance

T08.05.04

36*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report indicating that projected expenditure on Winter Maintenance in the current financial year was £1650k as against a budget of £1263k.

It was agreed to recommend that a Report be submitted to the next meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee setting out how the anticipated overspend on Winter Maintenance could be covered from within the Comhairle's revenue resources.

Tender Monitoring T12.62

37

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

   

AIR TRANSPORTATION

The Future of Aviation - Government's Consultation Document on Air Transport Policy

T04.02

38*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report outlining the Government's Consultation Document on Air Transport Policy. The document was the first step towards an Air Transport White Paper and the Consultation Document would be followed by a set of six regional consultation documents, one of which would cover Scotland. The Report further detailed the Comhairle's draft response to the document.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to respond to the Government's consultation document on Air Transport Policy in terms of the draft response circulated at the meeting, taking on board Members comments.

It was 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 to enable the response to be made prior to the deadline and on the grounds that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

Second Forum on Air Transport in Europe's Remote Regions

T04.02

39*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report asking Members whether the Comhairle should be represented at the Second Forum on Air Transport in Europe's Remote Regions to be held in Jersey on 4 - 6 April 2001.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle be represented at the second Forum on Air Transport in Europe's Remote Regions in Jersey on 4 - 6 April 2001; and

(2) the Chairman or his nominee be authorised to attend the Forum on behalf of the Comhairle.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers as the Forum would be held prior to the next Comhairle meeting and on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

   

SEA TRANSPORT

Cal Mac Ltd Winter Timetables 2001/02

T06.01.02

40*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Cal Mac Ltd Winter Timetables for services to, from and within the Western Isles for 2001/02. Members were invited to comment on the draft timetables.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to pass on the comments from Members in respect of Cal Mac Ltd winter timetables for 2001/02; and

(2) the Director of Technical Services request that the Convener and Councillor Angus Graham be allowed to address the Board Members of Cal Mac Ltd at their next meeting.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendations on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable the response to be made to the next meeting of the Shipping Services Advisory Committee and on the grounds that the recommendations were not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

Road Equivalent Tariff

T06.01.01

41*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report outlining the principles of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET). RET had been developed in the mid seventies and was based on a Norwegian practice where ferry services were regulated as an integral part of the national road system. One of the key principles was the selection of the shortest feasible crossing, thereby reducing vessel size, cost, fares and charges while maximising frequency and capacity. As these principles had not been adopted in a comprehensive manner the result was that RET would be costly in terms of state subsidy. The Report suggested that an appropriate way forward would be for the Scottish Executive, the HIE network and local authorities to work together with the relevant shipping operators through the proposed Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership to devise a practical approach to achieving the aim of a system of charges which was consistent, fair and transparent and cost effective to both user and state subsidy.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the contents of the Report in respect of Road Equivalent Tariff be noted:

(2) the Comhairle reiterate its support for the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff: and

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to propose to the Scottish Executive that the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership be asked to investigate a system of charges which was consistent, fair and transparent and cost effective to both user and state subsidy and which would improve the economic prosperity of the Western Isles.

   

ROADS

Programme and Progress

T08.01

42

The Director of Technical Service submitted a Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of road schemes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Roads Revenue Programme

T12.62.01

43*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the draft Roads Revenue Programme for 2001/02. The Report outlined the continuing maintenance programmes undertaken to the roads network throughout the Comhairle's area on an annual basis including such works as resurfacing, surface dressing, general repairs etc.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the Roads Revenue Programme 2001/02 on the basis that minor changes may be necessary at Departmental level because of unforeseen remedial works and other uncertainties in programming.

Unadopted Roads Allocation Review 2001/02

T12.62.01

44*

The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report detailing the draft Unadopted Roads Programme for 2001/02. In accordance with previous decisions the Unadopted Roads Budget for 2001/02 would be allocated to Harris and the Uists. The criteria for prioritising category A, B and C unadopted roads, together with the proposed lists of unadopted roads within these categories, were detailed in the appendices to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend approval of:

(1) the list of unadopted roads given in appendices 4, 5 and 6 of the Report as the approved list for the 2001/02 financial year;

(2) the allocation of £128k of revenue resources to Category B roads as detailed in appendix 7 of the Report;

(3) the allocation of £5k of revenue resources to Category C roads as detailed in the Report;

(4) the allocation of £5k of revenue resources to patch Lewis/Barra category B roads;

(5) the allocation of £12k of revenue resources to Social Work access roads; and

(6) the £150k bid for additional resources for unadopted roads be allocated to Category B roads in Uist and Harris in 2001/02.

Arising out of consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that, in relation to the North Glendale road, only work up to the gates could be considered.

Supply of General Civil Engineering Materials

T12.62

45*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a proposed list of suppliers of general civil engineering materials to the Comhairle. Advertisements had been placed in the Stornoway Gazette seeking applications from interested suppliers but, as no new applications were received, the proposed list was identical to that for 2000/01.

It was agreed to recommend that the list of suppliers detailed in the Report be approved as the list for the supply of general civil engineering materials for 2001/02.

Street Lighting

T12.63

46*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning revenue expenditure on street lighting. The Report indicated that, while the number of street lights had increased, the level of funding available for maintenance had gradually decreased. While staff had made efforts to limit expenditure it was estimated that the budget for 2000/01 would be exceeded by £25k due to the difference between that budget and the necessary minimum maintenance required so as not to compromise public safety.

   

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the budgetary difficulties in respect of the maintenance of the street lighting network be noted; and

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a Report to the next meeting outlining options in respect of the future level of service for street lighting maintenance.

Revenue Expenditure 2001/02 - Street Lighting

T12.63

47*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the existing street lighting maintenance contract. A Best Value Review of street lighting was due to be completed in October 2001 and the formal policy for street lighting would be produced in the current financial year. The policy would require extensive consultation and it would be prudent to continue to existing street lighting contract for a further year in order to complete the Best Value Review and finalise the Comhairle's street lighting policy.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to extend the term of the contract awarded to the DSO in 1996 for the maintenance of street lighting by 12 months in order to allow for the completion of the Best Value Review.

Street Lighting - Best Value Service Review Update

T12.63

48*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the draft terms of reference for the Best Value Service Review of the street lighting service.

It was agreed to recommend that the terms of reference for the Street Lighting Best Value Service Review, as detailed in the appendix to the Report be approved.

Dispute over Drainage at 1 Back, Isle of Lewis

T08.01

49*

With reference to item 18 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a dispute over a drainage ditch at 1 Back, Isle of Lewis. The Report detailed discussions that had taken place with interested parties and asked Members to determine whether, in light of the particular circumstances identified in the Report, the Comhairle should exercise its power to carry out works at this location.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle exercise its power to construct or lay a drain at 1 Back in view of the particular circumstances of the case; and

(2) the works be undertaken on the basis of Option 3, detailed in the Report, at an estimated cost of £2.5k

Cattle Grid - Kyles, Leverburgh

T08.03

50*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request from Mr Tom Jourdan, Kyles Lodge, Leverburgh for permission to install a cattle grid on the adopted road leading to Kyles Lodge. The Report indicated that any grid would be provided in accordance with the Comhairle's specifications and the applicant would meet the cost of provision and installation. Maintenance of the grid would be the responsibility of the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend that Mr Tom Jourdan, Kyles Lodge, Leverburgh be authorised to install a cattle grid to the Technical Services Departments standard specification on the adopted road leading to Kyles Lodge.

   

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12

51

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

   

ADDITIONAL ITEM

   

The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provisions of Section 50B(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, as detailed in terms of Standing Order 8(A) the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow a scheme to improve stock management in the Lochs area to progress.

Roadside Fencing: Aline-Stornoway-Garynahine T08.01

52*

With reference to item 111 of the Minute of Meeting of 4 October 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the roadside fencing scheme from Aline-Stornoway-Garynahine. The Report outlined discussions that had taken place with the relevant grazings committees. The southern section of the scheme had been completed and stock proofing in that area was now dependent on the installation of a grid on the Eishken Road. The northern section of the scheme was still to be fenced but the Leurbost Grazings Committee hope to be able to complete the north side of the main A859 road by October 2001.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to the phased installation of the proposed cattle grids on the Aline-Stornoway-Garynahine Roadside Fencing Project with the Eishken Road grid being installed as soon as possible and the moor road Achmore grid being installed upon completion of the fencing on the north side of the A859 by Leurbost Common Grazings Committee.

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