29 August 2001

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 29 August 2001 at 11.00am.

PRESENT

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Morrison

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

CONSTITUTION

It was agreed to suspend Section 10(a) of the Scheme of Administration to allow consideration of items 79 and 80.

Election of Chairman

79

The Democratic Services Manager chaired the meeting and called for nominations for Chairman of the Committee.

Mr Angus Nicolson, seconded by Mr Roderick Morrison, moved the election of Mr Norman A Macdonald.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Norman A Macdonald as Chairman of Transportation Committee until the end of the current term of the Comhairle, or the lifetime of the Committee, whichever was shorter.

Election of Vice-Chairman

80

The Chairman called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

Mr Roderick J Murray, seconded by Mr Angus Campbell, moved the election of Mr Donald Manford.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Donald Manford as Vice-Chairman of the Committee until the end of the current term of the Comhairle, or the lifetime of the Committee, whichever was shorter.

MINUTES

Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2001

T02.01

81

The Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2001 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of Transportation Committee of 2 August 2001

T02.01

82

The Minute of Meeting of 2 August 2001 was approved.

Minute of Meeting of Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 12 June 2001

T04.01.02

83

The Minute of Meeting of the Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 12 June 2001 was noted.

Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership of 4 July 2001

T01.08.22

84

The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership of 4 July 2001 was noted.

FINANCE

Quarterly Forecast Revenue Outturn

85

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

Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets

86*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report referring to the Council policy which allowed the carry forward of 2% of any underspend and 1% of any overspend in Departments' controllable budgets. Appended to the Report was:

(1) details of the out-turn position of each of Heads of Service which showed a net carry forward of £411,000 from 2000/2001, and;

(2) details of how Departments proposed to apply or achieve savings to meet these "carry forwards" in the current year.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:

(1) approve the carry forward of Revenue Budgets as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Finance; and

(2) approve the application of "carry forwards" as detailed in Appendix 2 of the Report by the Director of Finance.

1% Savings on Revenue Budgets

87*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report appending details of savings which it was proposed to implement in order to achieve savings of up to 1% within controllable budgets.

It was stated in the Report that a 1% saving across all controllable budgets equated to a total of £515,000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the 1% savings on Revenue Budgets as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Finance.

Capital Monitoring and Strategy

88*

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

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 2001

PR100.08.15

89

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning expenditure on the Repair and Maintenance of properties held on the Transportation account to 30 June 2001.

It was agreed to note the Report.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Business Plan Summary

90

There was submitted Business Plan Summaries prepared by each Head of Service.

It was agreed to note the Business Plan Summaries as submitted, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

SEA TRANSPORT

Mr Finlay Morrison declared an interest during consideration of the following item and left the meeting.

Cal Mac Timetables

T06.01.02

91*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Caledonian MacBrayne's proposed timetables for services within the Western Isles from September 2001 to 20 October 2001 and 21 October 2001 to 28 March 2002.

It was agreed to recommend that;

(1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make representations to Caledonian MacBrayne requesting that

(i) two sailings per day plus an overnight freight service be provided during the winter months on the Stornoway to Ullapool Service;

(ii) the departures from Stornoway be at 7.15am and 1.45pm during the winter months to tie in with south bound connections;

(iii) three sailings per day plus an overnight freight service be provided in the summer months on the Stornoway to Ullapool route and that the summer timetable be extended to run to October;

(iv) the overnight services be freight priority not freight only;

(v) subject to confirmation with the local Fisherman's Association, departures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Lochboisdale on the summer timetable 2002 be changed to 7.15am; and

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make representations to the Minister of Transport and Caledonian MacBrayne requesting the removal of peak fares from all Western Isles ferry routes; and

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to arrange a seminar on Western Isles Ferry Services and request that representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne and the Scottish Executive attend the Seminar.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provision of Paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable representations to be made at 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.

Port Marine Safety Code

T07.02

92*

The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report concerning the proposed implementation of the Port Marine Safety Code. The Code introduced a national standard for every aspect of port marine safety and harbour authorities would have to adopt a safety management system which must be based upon a formal risk assessment of all aspects of its port activities and produce periodic statements setting out the policy it had adopted for discharging its duties.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Comhairle commence with the implementation of the Port Marine Safety Code;

(2) Antel Business Services Ltd be engaged to undertake formal risk assessments, formulate the action plans and develop the implementation of the Safety Management System to satisfy the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code at a cost of £6,800; and

(3) the Comhairle agree to a daily Consultancy rate of £400, inclusive of travel and accommodation, for training requirements.

ROAD TRANSPORT

Programme and Progress - Roads

T08.01

93

The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in respect of road schemes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Minor Road Safety Improvement Programme

T08.01

94*

With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the minor road safety improvement programme. The Report sought delegation to take account of variances to individual schemes which were to be accommodated within the overall programme on an annual basis.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to take account of variances to individual schemes within the Minor Road Safety Improvement Programme on the basis that such variances are accommodated within the overall programme on an annual basis.

Newton Sea Wall

T08.01

95*

With reference to item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the responses from the affected utilities and interested parties in respect of the request to part fund a condition survey of the Newton Sea Wall.

It was agreed to recommend that the Technical Services Consultancy be authorised to carry out a condition survey on the Newton Sea Wall with the survey being funded from the Roads Revenue budget.

Public Lighting System: Energy Costs

T08.05.01

96*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning energy costs of the public lighting system. The Report indicated that local authorities in the area serviced by Scottish Hydro Electric had a forum which looked after the interests of the public lighting sections within these authorities. The Users Group intend to consider establishing a tendering process for energy which would benefit authorities due to the enlarged scale of the network.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to take an active part in the tender for energy costs by the Scottish Hydro Electric Users Group.

Public Lighting System: Replacement Programme

T08.05.01

97*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the capital allocation for street lighting replacements 2001/02 and 2002/03. The Report indicated that the Comhairle's public lighting system was ageing and those areas with potential structural and safety problems were identified.

It was agreed to recommend that the allocation for the Public Street Lighting Replacement Programme 2001/02 be used to replace or upgrade the following schemes on a progressive basis.

Estimated Number of Units

Keith Street/Lewis Street/Francis Street

25

Broadbay View

11

Gravir School - Church

12

Bennadrove

11

Lower Sandwick

16

Roadside Fencing Aline to Stornoway to Garynahine

T08.01

98*

With reference to item 52 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 March 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the fencing project from Aline-Stornoway-Garynahine. It had been indicated that the grid at Habost would not be required if 100 linear meters of fencing was provided but further discussions with the grazings committees had revealed that 959 linear meters plus 5 gates and a water grate would be required at an estimated total cost of £6604 resulting in a shortfall to the grazings committee of £2972. The Report further indicated that remedial works would shortly be required to be undertaken to the grid and an appropriate way forward would be for the Comhairle to part fund the above fencing to a maximum of £2k and remove the grid.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to part fund the fencing work detailed in the Report up to a maximum of £2,000 and on the condition that the cattlegrid at Habost be removed following completion of the fencing works.

Berneray Causeway - Rabbit Eradication Programme

T07.08.02

99*

The Director of Technical Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning a proposal from the local community to carry out rabbit control measures at Berneray Causeway. The Report indicated that it would be necessary to seek to have a rabbit exclusion zone in the vicinity of the causeway together with a larger zone adjoining this to access the buffer zone where the rabbit population was actively controlled.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make a contribution of £16,000 to Newton and Robach Machair Rabbit Control Group subject to a contract being concluded with the Group, outlining the Comhairle's requirements in relation to the control/eradication of rabbits on North Uist with a view to ensuring that rabbits are not permitted to infest the island of Berneray, to the satisfaction of the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services.

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

Alternative Vehicle Fuels Proposals

CH03.01

100*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning proposals for an alternative vehicle fuels pilot project for vehicles in the Western Isles.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle;

(1) give support in principle to developing an alternative vehicle fuels pilot project for the Western Isles in partnership with the Scottish Executive; and

(2) adopt a policy of promoting low omission cost effective alternative fuels while considering future vehicle requirements.

Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets

T12.67

101*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the comments made to the Scottish Executive in respect of the capital allocation for the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Initiative. The basis of the comments was the cycling and walking section of the Comhairle's local transport strategy.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Winter Maintenance Arrangements

T08.05.04

102*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed agreement between the Technical Services Client and the DSO to establish arrangements for Winter Maintenance for 2001/02. It had been agreed that the client would pay for any call outs for inspections and the base cost of establishment and plant would be covered by the increased standing charges which could be identified in advance.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the proposed agreements between Technical Services Client and the DSO for Winter Maintenance for the coming winter, subject to the detail being to the satisfaction of the Director of Technical Services, the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chairman of Transportation Committee and Chairman of Contract Services Committee.

Execution of Engineering Works Contract

T12.62.05

103*

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

Seafood from the Western Isles: Storage and Distribution Issues

DS20.30

104*

The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the conclusions of a consultants Report on storage and distribution issues in the Western Isles seafood industry.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Report be noted;

(2) the Comhairle works with other bodies, agencies and companies to realign ferry services and timings, particularly in Uist and Barra, with the market requirements in the seafood sector; and

(3) the Comhairle facilitate improvements in marketing structures and live storage infrastructure throughout the Western Isles.

Ragwort at Sand Street, Stornoway

T08.01

105*

With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning a request to deal with an infestation of ragwort at Sand Street, Stornoway in line with the Comhairle policy. The Report indicated that the area in question was adjacent to a house owned by the Director of Technical Services and the matter could not be considered under delegated powers.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services submit a Report to the next meeting detailing the financial implications of carrying out the Comhairle's policy on ragwort eradication.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

106*

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising out of consideration of the above it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would submit a Report to the next meeting in respect of the identification of alternative rock sources.

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 8A, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow a scheme to improve the town centre name plates before the National Mod.

Mr Donald J Macsween declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Stornoway Town Centre Street Name Plates

T08.01

107*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning Stornoway Amenity Trust proposals to replace Stornoway Town Centre street name plates. The Report indicated that each of the five town Members had contributed £2k each of their Sustainable Communities monies towards the project with the Comhairle being asked to cover the shortfall of £10k.

It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to use £5k from the Traffic Planning Capital Allocation and £5k from the Traffic Management Revenue Allocation to fund the Comhairle's contribution to the Stornoway Town Centre Street Name Plates Scheme.

It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provision 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 scheme to be undertaken prior to the National Mod and on the grounds that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.

PRESENT	Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Morrison
	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


			CONSTITUTION
			It was agreed to suspend Section 10(a) of the Scheme of Administration to allow consideration of items 79 and 80.
Election of Chairman	79		The Democratic Services Manager chaired the meeting and called for nominations for Chairman of the Committee. Mr Angus Nicolson, seconded by Mr Roderick Morrison, moved the election of Mr Norman A Macdonald. It was agreed to appoint Mr Norman A Macdonald as Chairman of Transportation Committee until the end of the current term of the Comhairle, or the lifetime of the Committee, whichever was shorter.
Election of Vice-Chairman	80		The Chairman called for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Committee. Mr Roderick J Murray, seconded by Mr Angus Campbell, moved the election of Mr Donald Manford. It was agreed to appoint Mr Donald Manford as Vice-Chairman of the Committee until the end of the current term of the Comhairle, or the lifetime of the Committee, whichever was shorter.
			MINUTES
Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2001 T02.01	81		The Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2001 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of Transportation Committee of 2 August 2001 T02.01	82		The Minute of Meeting of 2 August 2001 was approved.
Minute of Meeting of Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 12 June 2001 T04.01.02	83		The Minute of Meeting of the Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 12 June 2001 was noted.
Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership of 4 July 2001 T01.08.22	84		The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership of 4 July 2001 was noted.
			FINANCE
Quarterly Forecast Revenue Outturn	85		The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Carry Forward of Revenue Budgets	86*		The Director of Finance submitted a Report referring to the Council policy which allowed the carry forward of 2% of any underspend and 1% of any overspend in Departments' controllable budgets. Appended to the Report was: (1) details of the out-turn position of each of Heads of Service which showed a net carry forward of £411,000 from 2000/2001, and; (2) details of how Departments proposed to apply or achieve savings to meet these "carry forwards" in the current year. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle: (1) approve the carry forward of Revenue Budgets as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Finance; and (2) approve the application of "carry forwards" as detailed in Appendix 2 of the Report by the Director of Finance.
1% Savings on Revenue Budgets	87*		The Director of Finance submitted a Report appending details of savings which it was proposed to implement in order to achieve savings of up to 1% within controllable budgets. It was stated in the Report that a 1% saving across all controllable budgets equated to a total of £515,000. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the 1% savings on Revenue Budgets as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Report by the Director of Finance.
Capital Monitoring and Strategy	88*		The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 2001/2002: Quarterly Expenditure Report to 30 June 2001 PR100.08.15	89		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning expenditure on the Repair and Maintenance of properties held on the Transportation account to 30 June 2001. It was agreed to note the Report.
			BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Business Plan Summary	90		There was submitted Business Plan Summaries prepared by each Head of Service. It was agreed to note the Business Plan Summaries as submitted, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.
			SEA TRANSPORT
			Mr Finlay Morrison declared an interest during consideration of the following item and left the meeting.
Cal Mac Timetables T06.01.02	91*		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Caledonian MacBrayne's proposed timetables for services within the Western Isles from September 2001 to 20 October 2001 and 21 October 2001 to 28 March 2002. It was agreed to recommend that; (1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make representations to Caledonian MacBrayne requesting that (i) two sailings per day plus an overnight freight service be provided during the winter months on the Stornoway to Ullapool Service; (ii) the departures from Stornoway be at 7.15am and 1.45pm during the winter months to tie in with south bound connections; (iii) three sailings per day plus an overnight freight service be provided in the summer months on the Stornoway to Ullapool route and that the summer timetable be extended to run to October; (iv) the overnight services be freight priority not freight only; (v) subject to confirmation with the local Fisherman's Association, departures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Lochboisdale on the summer timetable 2002 be changed to 7.15am; and (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make representations to the Minister of Transport and Caledonian MacBrayne requesting the removal of peak fares from all Western Isles ferry routes; and
			(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to arrange a seminar on Western Isles Ferry Services and request that representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne and the Scottish Executive attend the Seminar.
			It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provision of Paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration, the Committee determine the above recommendation on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to enable representations to be made at 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.
Port Marine Safety Code T07.02	92*		The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report concerning the proposed implementation of the Port Marine Safety Code. The Code introduced a national standard for every aspect of port marine safety and harbour authorities would have to adopt a safety management system which must be based upon a formal risk assessment of all aspects of its port activities and produce periodic statements setting out the policy it had adopted for discharging its duties. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Comhairle commence with the implementation of the Port Marine Safety Code; (2) Antel Business Services Ltd be engaged to undertake formal risk assessments, formulate the action plans and develop the implementation of the Safety Management System to satisfy the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code at a cost of £6,800; and (3) the Comhairle agree to a daily Consultancy rate of £400, inclusive of travel and accommodation, for training requirements.
			ROAD TRANSPORT
Programme and Progress - Roads T08.01	93		The Director of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in respect of road schemes. It was agreed to note the Report.
Minor Road Safety Improvement Programme T08.01	94*		With reference to item 13 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the minor road safety improvement programme. The Report sought delegation to take account of variances to individual schemes which were to be accommodated within the overall programme on an annual basis. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to take account of variances to individual schemes within the Minor Road Safety Improvement Programme on the basis that such variances are accommodated within the overall programme on an annual basis.
Newton Sea Wall T08.01	95*		With reference to item 20 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the responses from the affected utilities and interested parties in respect of the request to part fund a condition survey of the Newton Sea Wall. It was agreed to recommend that the Technical Services Consultancy be authorised to carry out a condition survey on the Newton Sea Wall with the survey being funded from the Roads Revenue budget.
Public Lighting System: Energy Costs T08.05.01	96*		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning energy costs of the public lighting system. The Report indicated that local authorities in the area serviced by Scottish Hydro Electric had a forum which looked after the interests of the public lighting sections within these authorities. The Users Group intend to consider establishing a tendering process for energy which would benefit authorities due to the enlarged scale of the network. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to take an active part in the tender for energy costs by the Scottish Hydro Electric Users Group.
Public Lighting System: Replacement Programme T08.05.01	97*		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the capital allocation for street lighting replacements 2001/02 and 2002/03. The Report indicated that the Comhairle's public lighting system was ageing and those areas with potential structural and safety problems were identified. It was agreed to recommend that the allocation for the Public Street Lighting Replacement Programme 2001/02 be used to replace or upgrade the following schemes on a progressive basis.
				Estimated Number of Units
		Keith Street/Lewis Street/Francis Street		25
		Broadbay View		11
		Gravir School - Church		12
		Bennadrove		11
		Lower Sandwick		16
Roadside Fencing Aline to Stornoway to Garynahine T08.01	98*		With reference to item 52 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 March 2001 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the fencing project from Aline-Stornoway-Garynahine. It had been indicated that the grid at Habost would not be required if 100 linear meters of fencing was provided but further discussions with the grazings committees had revealed that 959 linear meters plus 5 gates and a water grate would be required at an estimated total cost of £6604 resulting in a shortfall to the grazings committee of £2972. The Report further indicated that remedial works would shortly be required to be undertaken to the grid and an appropriate way forward would be for the Comhairle to part fund the above fencing to a maximum of £2k and remove the grid. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to part fund the fencing work detailed in the Report up to a maximum of £2,000 and on the condition that the cattlegrid at Habost be removed following completion of the fencing works.
Berneray Causeway - Rabbit Eradication Programme T07.08.02	99*		The Director of Technical Services and the Director of Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning a proposal from the local community to carry out rabbit control measures at Berneray Causeway. The Report indicated that it would be necessary to seek to have a rabbit exclusion zone in the vicinity of the causeway together with a larger zone adjoining this to access the buffer zone where the rabbit population was actively controlled. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make a contribution of £16,000 to Newton and Robach Machair Rabbit Control Group subject to a contract being concluded with the Group, outlining the Comhairle's requirements in relation to the control/eradication of rabbits on North Uist with a view to ensuring that rabbits are not permitted to infest the island of Berneray, to the satisfaction of the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services.
			Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Alternative Vehicle Fuels Proposals CH03.01	100*		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning proposals for an alternative vehicle fuels pilot project for vehicles in the Western Isles. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle; (1) give support in principle to developing an alternative vehicle fuels pilot project for the Western Isles in partnership with the Scottish Executive; and (2) adopt a policy of promoting low omission cost effective alternative fuels while considering future vehicle requirements.
Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets T12.67	101*		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the comments made to the Scottish Executive in respect of the capital allocation for the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Initiative. The basis of the comments was the cycling and walking section of the Comhairle's local transport strategy. It was agreed to note the Report.
Winter Maintenance Arrangements T08.05.04	102*		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a proposed agreement between the Technical Services Client and the DSO to establish arrangements for Winter Maintenance for 2001/02. It had been agreed that the client would pay for any call outs for inspections and the base cost of establishment and plant would be covered by the increased standing charges which could be identified in advance. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle approve the proposed agreements between Technical Services Client and the DSO for Winter Maintenance for the coming winter, subject to the detail being to the satisfaction of the Director of Technical Services, the Director of Finance and the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Chairman of Transportation Committee and Chairman of Contract Services Committee.
Execution of Engineering Works Contract T12.62.05	103*		The Principal Administrator sought and obtained the Chairman's permission to withdraw this item.
Seafood from the Western Isles: Storage and Distribution Issues DS20.30	104*		The Director for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report concerning the conclusions of a consultants Report on storage and distribution issues in the Western Isles seafood industry. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Report be noted; (2) the Comhairle works with other bodies, agencies and companies to realign ferry services and timings, particularly in Uist and Barra, with the market requirements in the seafood sector; and (3) the Comhairle facilitate improvements in marketing structures and live storage infrastructure throughout the Western Isles.
Ragwort at Sand Street, Stornoway T08.01	105*		With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 January 2001 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning a request to deal with an infestation of ragwort at Sand Street, Stornoway in line with the Comhairle policy. The Report indicated that the area in question was adjacent to a house owned by the Director of Technical Services and the matter could not be considered under delegated powers. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services submit a Report to the next meeting detailing the financial implications of carrying out the Comhairle's policy on ragwort eradication.
			PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	106*		The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising out of consideration of the above it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would submit a Report to the next meeting in respect of the identification of alternative rock sources.
			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 8A, the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order to allow a scheme to improve the town centre name plates before the National Mod.
			Mr Donald J Macsween declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the following item.
Stornoway Town Centre Street Name Plates T08.01	107*		The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning Stornoway Amenity Trust proposals to replace Stornoway Town Centre street name plates. The Report indicated that each of the five town Members had contributed £2k each of their Sustainable Communities monies towards the project with the Comhairle being asked to cover the shortfall of £10k. It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree to use £5k from the Traffic Planning Capital Allocation and £5k from the Traffic Management Revenue Allocation to fund the Comhairle's contribution to the Stornoway Town Centre Street Name Plates Scheme. It was unanimously agreed that, in accordance with the provision 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 scheme to be undertaken prior to the National Mod and on the grounds that the recommendation was not contentious and did not breach a major policy consideration of the Comhairle.