Mtr0002

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 2 February 2000 at 11.00am

PRESENT

Mr Angus M Graham (Chairman)

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Alexander A MacDonald

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

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Norman A MacDonald

CONSTITUTION

Election of Vice-Chairman

1

The Chairman indicated that, in terms of Standing Order 8(b), he was withdrawing this item from the Agenda.

MINUTES

Transportation Committee

C02.01

2

The Minute of meeting of 1 December 1999 was approved.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Chairman and Mr Donald Maclean would make joint representations to Caledonian MacBrayne requesting that the next meeting of the Shipping Services Advisory Committee be put back by two hours to enable the Comhairle representatives to attend.

Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum

T01.08.22

3

The Minute of meeting of The Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 2 November 1999 was noted.

FINANCE

Quarterly Revenue Monitoring Report

PR110.08

4

With reference to Item 117 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Accounts, for the nine months ended 31 December 1999 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed a forecast outturn expenditure for each of the Comhairle's services for the financial year ending 31 March 2000.

It was agreed to note the Report for the Sub-Committee's interest.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1999/2000

PR110.05

5*

With reference to Item 118 and 102 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999,

the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 31 December 1999 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each services. It was noted that the forecast outturn was £434,000 below the revised approved Programme of £14,030,000. A summary of the variations were set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the 1999/2000 outturn as the revised approved Non-Housing Capital Expenditure Programme for 1999/2000.

AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy

200/2001

6*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final aggregate external finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a first draft budget strategy for 2000/01. An outline of changes in grant aided expenditure was appended to the Report. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1999/2000 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and contingency fund were set out in the Report, together with policy issues which required to be addressed by the Comhairle in the budgetary process.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Draft Budget 2000/01

7*

The Director of Finance submitted a draft budget for the financial year 2000/01 detailing Income and Revenue Expenditure budgeted for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, together with revised growth and savings proposals for each of the Comhairle's services.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft budget of Income and Expenditure for 2000/01 and the growth and savings proposals detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Capital Programme 2000/03

8*

The Director of Finance submitted a Report outlining the process in determining the Capital Programme for the three years 2000/01 to 2002/03. Details of the proposed Capital Programme were appended to the Report, taking account of projects which had accepted through a scoring exercise, projects which had been amalgamated into composite programmes, projects which were conditional on external funding becoming available, projects considered to be essential to achieve the Comhairle's objectives and a list of reserve projects. Projects rejected at the scoring stage were also listed.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) both spinal route schemes be included in the Capital Programme 2000/03;

(2) the principles adopted in reducing the bid expenditure as outlined in paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 and detailed in Appendices 2, 3, 5 and 6 respectively of the Report be approved;

(3) the Comhairle approve the planning assumption that 40% of the bid resources on projects dependent on matching funding will be required;

(4) In the event of a project not attracting any external finance it is recommended that the project be excluded from the Capital Programme;

(5) In the event of such a project attracting only part of the finance currently estimated in the PIR, it is recommended that the project be subject to review perhaps to reduce costs to maintain the Comhairle's contribution at the estimate included in the PIR. Thereafter, the project will be presented together with any emergency works PIRs, special opportunity PIRs and the approved reserve list to be selected or otherwise for inclusion in the Capital Programme;

(6) the Composite Programme given in Appendix 3 to the Report be approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme;

(7) the projects given in Appendix 6 to the Report by the Director of Finance be approved as essential and include them in the Capital Programme;

(8) the Reserve List of projects given in Appendix 5 to the Report be approved;

(9) that the projects on the rejected list given in Appendix 7 to the Report be given no further consideration in their current form;

(10) that up to 13% of the gross costs of the project, where it is a project dependent on external finance and of a building nature, and 8%, where it is a project of engineering works may be incurred be approved;

(11) In the event of the project dependent on external finance on the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre be not successful in attracting external finance then the project at the top of the Rejected list on the same building be included in the Capital Programme;

(12) A survey of Members and Heads of Service be undertaken in February of this year;

(13) the Capital Programme 2000-03 be approved with the amendment at (1) above;

.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would bring a Report to the next Meeting detailing a funding package for the Tarbert Village Improvements

Repair and Maintenance Quarterly Expenditure

PR100.08.15

9

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Transportation Account up to 31 December 1999.

It was agreed to note the Report.

SEA TRANSPORT

Berneray Causeway

T07.08.02

10*

With reference to Item 83 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the provision of ferry facilities at Otternish and Ard ma Ruibhe. Whilst the previous Council decision had been for a widened and improved slipway at Ard ma Ruibhe together with an overnight berthing structure at Otternish, subsequent discussions with Caledonian MacBrayne had indicated that the priority was for a berthing structure at Otternish and the widening of the existing slipway at Ard ma Ruibhe was adequate for the current vessel although heightening of the alignment structure was still required. In order to meet the Objective One timescale of having projects committed before the end of December 1999 and to take advantage of innovative ideas and methods from contractors, the Director of Technical Services had issued the contract on the basis of a lump sum design and build package. The Report further detailed the tenders which had been received.

It was agreed to recommend that the action of the Director of Technical Services in revising the tender procedure for the provision of modified ferry facilities at Otternish and Ard ma Ruibhe be homologated.

Fares Review

T06.02.03

11*

With reference to Item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning proposed changes in fares and charges in respect of the Sound of Eriskay vehicular and passenger ferry services and the Sound of Barra passenger ferry service from 1 April 2000.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to increase fares and charges which apply to the Sound of Eriskay Vehicular and passenger ferry services and the Sound of Barra Passenger Services broadly in line with the 2000/01 cash planning financial model as detailed in the amended Report.

AIR TRANSPORT

Inter-Island Air Service

T04.02.03

12

The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning proposals for a new fare structure to be applied by the operator on the Inter-Island air service. The Report detailed the proposed air structure together with the operators explanation for the increases. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle had an option to extend the contract for a further year from 5 August 2000 on the terms of conditions of the existing contract plus an inflation increase.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the revised fare structure proposed by Loganair Ltd be approved; and

(2) the Director of Technical Services would present a Report to the next Meeting outlining the options available to the Comhairle in respect of the Inter-island Air Service including clarification of the implications of not extending the current contract and the introduction of more stringent penalty clauses.

It was unanimously agreed that in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration the Committee determine recommendation (1) above on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to allow the fare structure to be introduced with immediate effect.

Changes to the Air Passenger Duty System

T04.02

13*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the representations made in respect of the consultation letter concerning proposed changes to the Air Passenger Duty system. The Committee was further informed of discussions which had taken place between the Chairman and Mr Stephen Timms MP, Secretary to the Treasury, in respect of Air Passenger Duty.

It was agreed that:

(1) the representations made to date in respect of changes to the Air Passenger Duty system be noted; and

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make further representations with the aim of exempting flights to as well as from Highlands and Islands airports from Air Passenger Duty.

ROAD TRANSPORT

Lease of Perceval Square and North Beach Quay Car Parks

T01.02.03

14*

With reference to Item 133 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999. The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning negotiations with the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission in respect of the construction of appropriate walls and railings at the car parks at Perceval Square and North Beach Quay, Stornoway. The Pier and Harbour Commission had indicated they would only be prepared to consider railings to a combined height of not less than 5ft. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle did not hold formal leases for the car parks as the Pier and Harbour Commission had declined to sign the leases until the matter of the boundary walls and railings have been resolved.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to conclude the leases of Perceval Square and North Beach Quay car parks on the basis of the Comhairle being responsible for 50% of the cost of railings or a combination of walls and railings to a combined height of 5ft along the west boundary of Perceval Square car park and the north boundary of North Beach Quay car park; and

(2) the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Technical Services be authorised to conclude the lease of the South Beach Car Park on the basis that the Comhairle agree to be responsible for 50% of the cost of walls and railings to a specification agreed with the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission during the currency of the lease.

Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997

T09.03

15*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the implications to the Comhairle of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. The Act would require all Local Authorities to prepare Reports containing an assessment of the existing levels of local road traffic and a forecast of expected growth in these levels. Authorities would also be required to specify targets for reductions in local traffic levels within their areas.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the requirements to be placed on the Comhairle with the introduction of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 be noted: and

(2) the Director of Technical be authorised to acquire automatic traffic counting equipment within existing Transportation revenue budgets to enable annual vehicle counts to be established at key sites throughout the islands with first year costs expected to be below £2k and subsequent year cost less than £1k.

Susiephone Ltd

T09.03

16*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning an invitation to join Susiephone Ltd, a company which provided a computerised system for the management of streetworks information. The Report indicated that it appeared to be of no advantage to the Comhairle in joining the system as the islands were self contained and a paper based system was operated to meet the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to decline the invitation to join Susiephone Ltd.

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Programme and Progress

T08.01

17

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

Leverburgh Pier Road

T08.01

18*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report indicating that the tenders received for the Leverburgh Road Pier Project were considerably in excess of the budget. A substantial part of the cost of the works was the requirement for imported rockfill but, should the Leverburgh Harbour Development Programme be included in the Capital Programme 2000/03 then a substantial amount of rock will be excavated and would require disposal which could then result in cost savings to both projects if they were considered as a single contract.

It was agreed that:

(1) the result of the tendering process from the Leverburgh Pier Project be noted; and

(2) the consideration of inviting tenders for a combined Leverburgh Pier Road and Harbour Development Project be made subject to the inclusion of Leverburgh Harbour Development and the Capital Plan for 200/03, with a view to going to tender as quickly as possible.

Eriskay Causeway and Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project

T06.02.03

19*

With reference to Item 55 of the Minute of Meeting of the Comhairle of 20 December 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the Eriskay Causeway and Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project. The Report detailed savings which had been identified in the contract. The savings would involve some changes to alignments etc. which would require further detailed evaluation and subsequent revision to the planning approval.

It was agreed to:

(1) note the progress being made in discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage to develop an alternative route on Eriskay;

(2) recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services be authorised to purchase any additional land required to accommodate the realignment on Eriskay; and

(3) recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a revised notice of intention to develop.

Winter Maintenance

T08.05.04

20

With reference to Item 130 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the current position with winter maintenance expenditure.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Eishken Road Weight Limit - Exception

T09.03

21*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request by NOSWA for an exception to the 8 tonne weight limit on the Eishken road to allow the transport of sludge from the Eishken Fish Hatchery Settlement Tank.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to revoke the existing order and promote a new order with an exception to the 8 tonne weight limit on the Eishken Road for use by the NOSWA waste water sludge tanker on a maximum of 8 occasions per year with a maximum laden weight of 22 tonnes together with infrequent visits with a maximum laden weight of 15 tonnes.

Rural Transport Fund Expenditure

T03.02

22*

With reference to Item 126 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the operations of projects introduced under the Rural Transportation Fund Initiative. The Report detailed the various services provided under the initiative and indicated that changes to the Ness bus contract had resulted in the removal of two Saturday morning services to Benside and Newmarket. Following representations, one service had been reinstated and was being publicised locally for a trial period following which an assessment would be made on the levels of patronage and, if appropriate, approval would be sought to incorporate this service within the Summer timetables.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to approve the allocation of the balance of the grant of £800 to Carloway Community Council; and

(2) the decision of the Director of Technical Services to reinstate the Saturday mid-morning service to Benside/Newmarket be homologated and approval be given to the continuation of the service for the 8 week trial period, the total cost of the service being £56 for the 8 weeks which could be accommodated within the Rural Transport Funding.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

23

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

PRESENT	Mr Angus M Graham (Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Morrison	Mr Angus Campbell
	Mr Alexander A MacDonald	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
	Mr Alasdair G Macrae	Mr Donald Manford


APOLOGIES	Mr Norman A MacDonald

		CONSTITUTION

Election of Vice-Chairman	1	The Chairman indicated that, in terms of Standing Order 8(b), he was withdrawing this item from the Agenda.
		MINUTES

Transportation Committee C02.01	2	The Minute of meeting of 1 December 1999 was approved. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Chairman and Mr Donald Maclean would make joint representations to Caledonian MacBrayne requesting that the next meeting of the Shipping Services Advisory Committee be put back by two hours to enable the Comhairle representatives to attend.

Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum T01.08.22	3	The Minute of meeting of The Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 2 November 1999 was noted.

		FINANCE

Quarterly Revenue Monitoring Report PR110.08	4	With reference to Item 117 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Income and Revenue Expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services, including the Housing Revenue Accounts, for the nine months ended 31 December 1999 and comparing such Income and Expenditure with the Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure for the period. The Report detailed a forecast outturn expenditure for each of the Comhairle's services for the financial year ending 31 March 2000. It was agreed to note the Report for the Sub-Committee's interest.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 1999/2000 PR110.05	5*	With reference to Item 118 and 102 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Comhairle for the period 1 April to 31 December 1999 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report approved expenditure and estimated outturn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each services. It was noted that the forecast outturn was £434,000 below the revised approved Programme of £14,030,000. A summary of the variations were set out in the Report. Details of the Capital Programme, together with proposed revisions were appended to the Report.

		It was agreed to recommend approval of the 1999/2000 outturn as the revised approved Non-Housing Capital Expenditure Programme for 1999/2000.

AEF Announcement, Policy Framework and Budget Strategy 200/2001	6*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the final aggregate external finance (AEF) announcement and outlining a first draft budget strategy for 2000/01. An outline of changes in grant aided expenditure was appended to the Report. Comments on the effect of the AEF settlement, the 1999/2000 budgetary performance and movements in reserves, balances and contingency fund were set out in the Report, together with policy issues which required to be addressed by the Comhairle in the budgetary process.

		It was agreed to recommend approval of the recommendations detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.

Draft Budget 2000/01	7*	The Director of Finance submitted a draft budget for the financial year 2000/01 detailing Income and Revenue Expenditure budgeted for each of the Comhairle's Services for the financial year 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, together with revised growth and savings proposals for each of the Comhairle's services.

		It was agreed to recommend approval of the draft budget of Income and Expenditure for 2000/01 and the growth and savings proposals detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned.


Capital Programme 2000/03	8*	The Director of Finance submitted a Report outlining the process in determining the Capital Programme for the three years 2000/01 to 2002/03. Details of the proposed Capital Programme were appended to the Report, taking account of projects which had accepted through a scoring exercise, projects which had been amalgamated into composite programmes, projects which were conditional on external funding becoming available, projects considered to be essential to achieve the Comhairle's objectives and a list of reserve projects. Projects rejected at the scoring stage were also listed.

		It was agreed to recommend that:

		(1) both spinal route schemes be included in the Capital Programme 2000/03;
		(2) the principles adopted in reducing the bid expenditure as outlined in paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 and detailed in Appendices 2, 3, 5 and 6 respectively of the Report be approved;
		(3) the Comhairle approve the planning assumption that 40% of the bid resources on projects dependent on matching funding will be required; (4) In the event of a project not attracting any external finance it is recommended that the project be excluded from the Capital Programme; (5) In the event of such a project attracting only part of the finance currently estimated in the PIR, it is recommended that the project be subject to review perhaps to reduce costs to maintain the Comhairle's contribution at the estimate included in the PIR. Thereafter, the project will be presented together with any emergency works PIRs, special opportunity PIRs and the approved reserve list to be selected or otherwise for inclusion in the Capital Programme; (6) the Composite Programme given in Appendix 3 to the Report be approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme; (7) the projects given in Appendix 6 to the Report by the Director of Finance be approved as essential and include them in the Capital Programme; (8) the Reserve List of projects given in Appendix 5 to the Report be approved; (9) that the projects on the rejected list given in Appendix 7 to the Report be given no further consideration in their current form; (10) that up to 13% of the gross costs of the project, where it is a project dependent on external finance and of a building nature, and 8%, where it is a project of engineering works may be incurred be approved; (11) In the event of the project dependent on external finance on the Nicolson Lewis Sports Centre be not successful in attracting external finance then the project at the top of the Rejected list on the same building be included in the Capital Programme; (12) A survey of Members and Heads of Service be undertaken in February of this year;
		(13) the Capital Programme 2000-03 be approved with the amendment at (1) above;
		.

		Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would bring a Report to the next Meeting detailing a funding package for the Tarbert Village Improvements

Repair and Maintenance Quarterly Expenditure PR100.08.15	9	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Transportation Account up to 31 December 1999.
		It was agreed to note the Report.

		SEA TRANSPORT

Berneray Causeway T07.08.02	10*	With reference to Item 83 of the Minute of Meeting of 18 August 1999, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the provision of ferry facilities at Otternish and Ard ma Ruibhe. Whilst the previous Council decision had been for a widened and improved slipway at Ard ma Ruibhe together with an overnight berthing structure at Otternish, subsequent discussions with Caledonian MacBrayne had indicated that the priority was for a berthing structure at Otternish and the widening of the existing slipway at Ard ma Ruibhe was adequate for the current vessel although heightening of the alignment structure was still required. In order to meet the Objective One timescale of having projects committed before the end of December 1999 and to take advantage of innovative ideas and methods from contractors, the Director of Technical Services had issued the contract on the basis of a lump sum design and build package. The Report further detailed the tenders which had been received.
		It was agreed to recommend that the action of the Director of Technical Services in revising the tender procedure for the provision of modified ferry facilities at Otternish and Ard ma Ruibhe be homologated.

Fares Review T06.02.03	11*	With reference to Item 11 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning proposed changes in fares and charges in respect of the Sound of Eriskay vehicular and passenger ferry services and the Sound of Barra passenger ferry service from 1 April 2000.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to increase fares and charges which apply to the Sound of Eriskay Vehicular and passenger ferry services and the Sound of Barra Passenger Services broadly in line with the 2000/01 cash planning financial model as detailed in the amended Report.

		AIR TRANSPORT

Inter-Island Air Service T04.02.03	12	The Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning proposals for a new fare structure to be applied by the operator on the Inter-Island air service. The Report detailed the proposed air structure together with the operators explanation for the increases. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle had an option to extend the contract for a further year from 5 August 2000 on the terms of conditions of the existing contract plus an inflation increase.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the revised fare structure proposed by Loganair Ltd be approved; and (2) the Director of Technical Services would present a Report to the next Meeting outlining the options available to the Comhairle in respect of the Inter-island Air Service including clarification of the implications of not extending the current contract and the introduction of more stringent penalty clauses. It was unanimously agreed that in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 17 of the Scheme of Administration the Committee determine recommendation (1) above on behalf of the Comhairle under delegated powers to allow the fare structure to be introduced with immediate effect.

Changes to the Air Passenger Duty System T04.02	13*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the representations made in respect of the consultation letter concerning proposed changes to the Air Passenger Duty system. The Committee was further informed of discussions which had taken place between the Chairman and Mr Stephen Timms MP, Secretary to the Treasury, in respect of Air Passenger Duty.
		It was agreed that: (1) the representations made to date in respect of changes to the Air Passenger Duty system be noted; and (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make further representations with the aim of exempting flights to as well as from Highlands and Islands airports from Air Passenger Duty.
		ROAD TRANSPORT

Lease of Perceval Square and North Beach Quay Car Parks T01.02.03	14*	With reference to Item 133 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999. The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning negotiations with the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission in respect of the construction of appropriate walls and railings at the car parks at Perceval Square and North Beach Quay, Stornoway. The Pier and Harbour Commission had indicated they would only be prepared to consider railings to a combined height of not less than 5ft. The Report further indicated that the Comhairle did not hold formal leases for the car parks as the Pier and Harbour Commission had declined to sign the leases until the matter of the boundary walls and railings have been resolved.

		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to conclude the leases of Perceval Square and North Beach Quay car parks on the basis of the Comhairle being responsible for 50% of the cost of railings or a combination of walls and railings to a combined height of 5ft along the west boundary of Perceval Square car park and the north boundary of North Beach Quay car park; and (2) the Director of Corporate Services in consultation with the Director of Technical Services be authorised to conclude the lease of the South Beach Car Park on the basis that the Comhairle agree to be responsible for 50% of the cost of walls and railings to a specification agreed with the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission during the currency of the lease.
Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 T09.03	15*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the implications to the Comhairle of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. The Act would require all Local Authorities to prepare Reports containing an assessment of the existing levels of local road traffic and a forecast of expected growth in these levels. Authorities would also be required to specify targets for reductions in local traffic levels within their areas.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the requirements to be placed on the Comhairle with the introduction of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 be noted: and (2) the Director of Technical be authorised to acquire automatic traffic counting equipment within existing Transportation revenue budgets to enable annual vehicle counts to be established at key sites throughout the islands with first year costs expected to be below £2k and subsequent year cost less than £1k.
Susiephone Ltd T09.03	16*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning an invitation to join Susiephone Ltd, a company which provided a computerised system for the management of streetworks information. The Report indicated that it appeared to be of no advantage to the Comhairle in joining the system as the islands were self contained and a paper based system was operated to meet the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to decline the invitation to join Susiephone Ltd.

		ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Programme and Progress T08.01	17	The Director of Technical Services submitted Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of road schemes.
		It was agreed to note the Report.

Leverburgh Pier Road T08.01	18*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report indicating that the tenders received for the Leverburgh Road Pier Project were considerably in excess of the budget. A substantial part of the cost of the works was the requirement for imported rockfill but, should the Leverburgh Harbour Development Programme be included in the Capital Programme 2000/03 then a substantial amount of rock will be excavated and would require disposal which could then result in cost savings to both projects if they were considered as a single contract.
		It was agreed that: (1) the result of the tendering process from the Leverburgh Pier Project be noted; and (2) the consideration of inviting tenders for a combined Leverburgh Pier Road and Harbour Development Project be made subject to the inclusion of Leverburgh Harbour Development and the Capital Plan for 200/03, with a view to going to tender as quickly as possible.

Eriskay Causeway and Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project T06.02.03	19*	With reference to Item 55 of the Minute of Meeting of the Comhairle of 20 December 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the Eriskay Causeway and Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project. The Report detailed savings which had been identified in the contract. The savings would involve some changes to alignments etc. which would require further detailed evaluation and subsequent revision to the planning approval.
		It was agreed to: (1) note the progress being made in discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage to develop an alternative route on Eriskay; (2) recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services be authorised to purchase any additional land required to accommodate the realignment on Eriskay; and (3) recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a revised notice of intention to develop.
Winter Maintenance T08.05.04	20	With reference to Item 130 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the current position with winter maintenance expenditure.
		It was agreed to note the Report.

Eishken Road Weight Limit - Exception T09.03	21*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request by NOSWA for an exception to the 8 tonne weight limit on the Eishken road to allow the transport of sludge from the Eishken Fish Hatchery Settlement Tank.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to revoke the existing order and promote a new order with an exception to the 8 tonne weight limit on the Eishken Road for use by the NOSWA waste water sludge tanker on a maximum of 8 occasions per year with a maximum laden weight of 22 tonnes together with infrequent visits with a maximum laden weight of 15 tonnes.

Rural Transport Fund Expenditure T03.02	22*	With reference to Item 126 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 December 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the operations of projects introduced under the Rural Transportation Fund Initiative. The Report detailed the various services provided under the initiative and indicated that changes to the Ness bus contract had resulted in the removal of two Saturday morning services to Benside and Newmarket. Following representations, one service had been reinstated and was being publicised locally for a trial period following which an assessment would be made on the levels of patronage and, if appropriate, approval would be sought to incorporate this service within the Summer timetables.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to approve the allocation of the balance of the grant of £800 to Carloway Community Council; and (2) the decision of the Director of Technical Services to reinstate the Saturday mid-morning service to Benside/Newmarket be homologated and approval be given to the continuation of the service for the 8 week trial period, the total cost of the service being £56 for the 8 weeks which could be accommodated within the Rural Transport Funding.
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	23	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding arising from decisions of the Transportation Committee.
		It was agreed to note the Report.