Mtr0005a

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 31 May 2000 at 11.00 am

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

MINUTES

Transportation Committee

C02.01

56

The Minute of Meeting of 17 May 2000 was approved.

Integrated Transport Forum

T01.08.22

57

The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 26 March 2000 was approved.

FINANCE

Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn

58

With reference to Item 46 of the Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 29 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services including the Housing Revenue Account, for the financial year 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 and comparing such income and expenditure with the revenue estimates of income and expenditure for the period. It was indicated that the out-turn figures showed a net overspend of £214,337 at 31 March 2000, representing 0.29% as compared with the total budget for the year.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Fourth Quarter Capital Outturn

59*

With reference to Item 48 of the Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 29 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and final out-turn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each Service. It was noted that the actual net expenditure for the year had been £11,703,000, which was £3,136,000 below the initial approved Programme. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Appended to the Report was the proposed Capital Programme from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2003 taking account of the previously approved three year Programme of Capital Expenditure, ongoing commitments and the available resources within the Programme.

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned that the:

(1) Comhairle note the 1999/2000 final Capital Monitoring Schedule as detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report; and

(2) Comhairle approve the non-Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2000/01 - 2002/03 as detailed at Appendix 2 to the Report by the Director of Finance;

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would present a Report to the next Meeting seeking to determine the priority for the spinal route schemes within the Capital Programme 2000/2003

TRANSPORT POLICIES

Local Transport Strategy

T03.01

60

With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's draft Local Transport Strategy. The strategy would attempt to develop and improve transport and communications infrastructure both within the Western Isles and with links to the mainland. The Report indicated that the draft strategy would be subject to public consultation.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Highlands and Islands Countryside Access Strategy

T12.07.01

61*

With reference to Item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the content of the Draft Highlands and Islands Countryside Access Strategy which had been developed taking on board proposed legislative changes which would give additional duties to Local Authorities in relation to the planning, construction and maintenance of paths and cycleways. The Report further detailed the content of the consultation paper issued by SNH entitled "Path Maintenance in Scotland: Options for the Future". Responses to the draft strategy and the path maintenance consultation paper were detailed.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to:

(1) respond to the Draft Highlands and Islands Countryside Access Strategy as detailed in the draft response;

(2) respond to the consultation paper on Path Maintenance as detailed in the draft response;

(3) seek assurances from the Scottish Executive that the necessary funding for the proposed roles of Local Authorities would be made and safeguarded both for the development of the planning and access provision and for the maintenance of that provision; and

(4) establish a Local Access Forum for the Western Isles on the basis that the assurances at (3) above are forthcoming so that a core path network could be determined and resources applied for to improve the core path network through the HISP with particular emphasis on the creation of jobs in the Community.

AIR SERVICES

It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information in terms of schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26(i) would be disclosed, namely, the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or for the supply of goods and services.

Inter Island Air Services

T04.02.03

62*

With reference to item 29 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the contractual position in relation to the Inter Island Air Services. The Report indicated that the current operator, after being offered a one year extension to the existing contract, had requested an increase in the contract price for which there was no current financial provision. Discussions with the Scottish Executive had indicated it was unlikely that further central funding would be forthcoming to cover such an increase.

It was agreed that the Director of Corporate Services:

(1) be authorised to advise Loganair Ltd that the Comhairle was not in a position to accept their price for a one year extension to the existing contract due to the non availability of further central funding;

(2) be authorised to invoke a 3 month extension to the existing contract from 5 August 2000 to allow a tendering exercise to take place; and

(3) in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to structure the Public Service Obligation in such a way as to ensure that the most economically advantageous tender could be obtained and to seek tenders for a period terminating on 31 March 2003 to bring the service into line with the Scottish Executive's Glasgow - Barra service.

SEA TRANSPORT

State Aids for Maritime Transport: Consultation Paper

T06.01

63*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the content of the consultation paper on Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services issued by the Scottish Executive entitled "Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services". The Report indicated that under European Law member states were required to put subsidised ferry services out to competitive tender and options for the future delivery of the West Coast and Clyde Ferry Services operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd were detailed.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Chief Executive be authorised to respond to the consultation paper "Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services" as detailed in the Report with the inclusion of the comment made at the Meeting regarding the role of CalMac management in the process; and

(2) the Director of Corporate Services would circulate copies of the Comhairle's response to Community Councils.

Ardmhor Terminal - Barra

T06.02.11

64*

With reference to Item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Eriskay and Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project. Following trial sailings it had become apparent that the location at Ardmhor on Barra may offer a better long term alternative to the location at Ardveenish in respect of the Barra Slipway for the Sound of Barra vehicular ferry. The Report further indicated that, if the terminal were built at Ardmhor, it would be necessary to construct the access road and breakwater as well as the overnight berthing structure in addition to the tendered slipway works.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to carry out the necessary design works to enable the proposed slipway at Ardmhor to be realised;

(2) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to make any application for planning permission and any other necessary statutory consents;

(3) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to acquire any land that may be necessary; and

(4) the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director Corporate Services and Director of Finance, be authorised to submit a bid to the Highlands and Islands Special Programme European Funding Round in September 2000.

Eriskay Vehicular Ferry: Carriage and Income Statistics

T06.02.03

65

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Carriage and Income Statistics for the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry for the period 1 April 1999 - 31 March 2000. The figures showed a decline in traffic in almost all sections with commercial traffic significantly down on the previous year. The Report further indicated that the decline could be attributed to the improvements in the passenger ferry service and a reduction in building and renovation of housing and general contracting works.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ROAD TRANSPORT

Rural Transport Initiative: Community Projects

T03.02

66*

With reference to Item 35 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning financial support provided to community based transport projects under the Rural Transport Initiative. The Report detailed bids for funding which had been received from groups in Eriskay, Kinloch, Uist and Barra.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to award grants to the following community groups:

Eriskay Junior and Senior Football Teams £1,500

Pairc and Kinloch Minibus Group £2,500

Tagsa Uibhist £1,000

Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay £2,000

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to award 50% of the grants to all groups subject to the written acceptance of conditions as previously approved by the Comhairle and the balance of grant would be subject to submission of receipts from community groups in respect of previous expenditure; and

(3) eligibility for the use of the Dial a Bus service in Lewis and the Uists should in the first instance be restricted to holders of concessionary fare cards who were registered disabled or were assessed appropriate by the Social Work Department.

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Programme and Progress

T08.01

67

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Capital Works Programme and Progress in respect of Transportation Schemes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Revenue Estimate Priorities - Overlay and Surface Dressing

T12.02.01

68

With reference to Item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the criteria for determining priority in respect of overlay and surface dressing works within the Transportation Revenue Programme.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would submit a Report to a future Meeting detailing the condition of the roads at Portrona Drive, Morrison Avenue and Queensland Road.

Roads Revenue Programme: Unadopted Roads Allocation Review 2000/2001

T12.02.01

69*

With reference to Item 24 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed unadopted roads programme for 2000/2001. It had been decided that any budget for 2000/2001 would be allocated to Lewis and Barra but the Revenue Estimates programme did not contain any allocation for unadopted roads. The Report indicated that members could allocate any underspend from the 1999/2000 Transportation Revenue Budget to the unadopted Roads Programme.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the list of Unadopted Roads detailed in appendices in 4, 5 and 6 to the Report be the approved list for the 2000/2001 Financial Year with the inclusion of the unadopted roads at Kershader Gaelic Resource Centre and at 1A Skigersta, Ness, subject to both the roads meeting the criteria for inclusion;

(2) subject to recommendation (5) below, the allocation of £128k of revenue resources to category B roads in each ward as detailed in appendix 7 to the Report;

(3) subject to recommendation (5) below, the allocation of £5k of Revenue Resources to category C roads;

(4) subject to recommendation (5) below, the allocation of £5k of revenue resources to patch Harris/Uist category B roads;

(5) the allocation of revenue resources to Social Work access roads detailed in the Report be increased by £6k to allow an allocation of £18k of revenue resources to Social Work access roads with the additional resources to be financed from within the allocations identified at recommendations (2)-(4) above;and

(6) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a report to Policy and Resources Committee identifying resources within Technical Services Revenue Programmes to finance the unadopted roads allocation for 2000/2001.

Arising from consideration of this matter it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with Acting Director of Environmental Services, would submit a Report to the next Meeting detailing proposals to include a planning condition on commercial developers to provide an access road to any commercial housing development.

Minor Road Safety Improvements

T08.05

70*

With reference to Item 40 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a prioritised list of projects for inclusion in the Capital Programme under the Minor Roads Safety Improvements heading. The Report indicated that the remaining uncommitted schemes from the previous programme had been included in the new list for consideration along with new projects which had been proposed by Members.

It was agreed to recommend approval of prioritised Minor Road Safety Improvement Schemes detailed in appendix A to the Report for inclusion in the Capital Programme and that Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4 Schemes be commenced during the 2000/2001 Financial Year.

Street Lighting: Budget and Priorities

T08.05.01

71*

With reference to Item 29 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Capital Allocation for Street Lighting for 2000/2003. The Report indicated that there were various requests from Members for new amenity lighting, but the level of capital expenditure proposed would not allow the allocation for new units together with a replacement programme necessary to protect public safety. The Comhairle had a duty of care to ensure highway electrical equipment was maintained in a safe condition.

It was agreed to recommend that the:

(1) total capital allocation of £275k over the years 2000/01 to 2002/03 be used for the replacement of existing systems to protect public safety;

(2) allocation for 2000/01 be used to replace the following schemes on a progressive basis:

Newmarket (old scheme) - 25 units

Marybank - 23 units

Valtos/Kneep - 29 units

Northbay - 35 units; and

(3) remaining schemes in category 4 be prioritised for consideration in subsequent years.

Mr Angus M Graham seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham moved as a motion, that in light of the inadequate provision within the Capital Programme 2000/2003 for new streetlighting, a Report be submitted to the next series of Meetings seeking to authorise the use of £100k of Revenue Contingency to provide new streetlighting during 2000/2001

Mr Alexander A Macdonald seconded by Mr Roderick J Murray, moved as an amendment that no Report be submitted to the next series of Meetings seeking consideration of the use of £100k of Revenue Contingency to provide new streetlighting in 2000/2001

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

Adhoc Works 1999/2000

T08.05

72*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning adhoc works undertaken in 1999/2000 in Lewis and Harris. The Roads Maintenance budget included an allocation for adhoc works and the Report detailed all the adhoc works undertaken by the DLO and DSO as area contractor.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to utilise £2k from Transportation Revenue Resources to carry out minor improvements to the verges between Holm and Melbost.

Black Bridge, Gress River

T12.65

73*

With reference to Item 46 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report detailing the Comhairle's legal position with respect to a request for repairs to the Black Bridge, Gress. An investigation had found no record of the Comhairle having taken title to the land on which the bridge had been constructed or of having entered into any agreement with regard to maintenance of the bridge.

Mr Angus M Graham, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham moved as a motion that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to carry out repairs to the Black Bridge, Gress with the works to be funded from the Transportation Revenue Programme.

Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Manford moved as an amendment that, as there was no evidence that the Comhairle had taken title to the land on which the bridge had been constructed, the Comhairle do not carry out repairs to the Black Bridge, Gress.

On the matter being but to the vote the motion received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

74

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

Technical Services Department Service Plan 2000 - 2003

PR33.01.12

75*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Technical Services Department's Service Plan for 2000 - 2003. The plan incorporated the relevant sections of the Comhairle's Best Value submission designed to ensure value for money throughout local government. The plan examined progress over the previous year and incorporated the Comhairle's Key Tasks.

It was agreed to recommend that the Service Plan 2000 - 2003 be approved as a basis of the operation and development of the Technical Services Department.

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

		MINUTES
Transportation Committee C02.01	56	The Minute of Meeting of 17 May 2000 was approved.
Integrated Transport Forum T01.08.22	57	The Minute of Meeting of the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 26 March 2000 was approved.

		FINANCE
Fourth Quarter Revenue Outturn	58	With reference to Item 46 of the Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 29 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report detailing the income and revenue expenditure incurred for the Comhairle's services including the Housing Revenue Account, for the financial year 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 and comparing such income and expenditure with the revenue estimates of income and expenditure for the period. It was indicated that the out-turn figures showed a net overspend of £214,337 at 31 March 2000, representing 0.29% as compared with the total budget for the year.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Fourth Quarter Capital Outturn	59*	With reference to Item 48 of the Minute of Meeting of the Finance Sub-Committee of 29 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and final out-turn expenditure for the financial year 1999/2000 for each Service. It was noted that the actual net expenditure for the year had been £11,703,000, which was £3,136,000 below the initial approved Programme. A summary of the variations was set out in the Report. Appended to the Report was the proposed Capital Programme from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2003 taking account of the previously approved three year Programme of Capital Expenditure, ongoing commitments and the available resources within the Programme.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned that the: (1) Comhairle note the 1999/2000 final Capital Monitoring Schedule as detailed at Appendix 1 of the Report; and (2) Comhairle approve the non-Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2000/01 - 2002/03 as detailed at Appendix 2 to the Report by the Director of Finance;
		Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would present a Report to the next Meeting seeking to determine the priority for the spinal route schemes within the Capital Programme 2000/2003
		TRANSPORT POLICIES
Local Transport Strategy T03.01	60	With reference to item 27 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Comhairle's draft Local Transport Strategy. The strategy would attempt to develop and improve transport and communications infrastructure both within the Western Isles and with links to the mainland. The Report indicated that the draft strategy would be subject to public consultation.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Highlands and Islands Countryside Access Strategy T12.07.01	61*	With reference to Item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 6 October 1999 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the content of the Draft Highlands and Islands Countryside Access Strategy which had been developed taking on board proposed legislative changes which would give additional duties to Local Authorities in relation to the planning, construction and maintenance of paths and cycleways. The Report further detailed the content of the consultation paper issued by SNH entitled "Path Maintenance in Scotland: Options for the Future". Responses to the draft strategy and the path maintenance consultation paper were detailed.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to: (1) respond to the Draft Highlands and Islands Countryside Access Strategy as detailed in the draft response; (2) respond to the consultation paper on Path Maintenance as detailed in the draft response; (3) seek assurances from the Scottish Executive that the necessary funding for the proposed roles of Local Authorities would be made and safeguarded both for the development of the planning and access provision and for the maintenance of that provision; and (4) establish a Local Access Forum for the Western Isles on the basis that the assurances at (3) above are forthcoming so that a core path network could be determined and resources applied for to improve the core path network through the HISP with particular emphasis on the creation of jobs in the Community.
		AIR SERVICES It was agreed that the public, including the press, be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following Item on the grounds that exempt information in terms of schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as defined in Standing Order 26(i) would be disclosed, namely, the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or for the supply of goods and services.
Inter Island Air Services T04.02.03	62*	With reference to item 29 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the contractual position in relation to the Inter Island Air Services. The Report indicated that the current operator, after being offered a one year extension to the existing contract, had requested an increase in the contract price for which there was no current financial provision. Discussions with the Scottish Executive had indicated it was unlikely that further central funding would be forthcoming to cover such an increase.
		It was agreed that the Director of Corporate Services: (1) be authorised to advise Loganair Ltd that the Comhairle was not in a position to accept their price for a one year extension to the existing contract due to the non availability of further central funding; (2) be authorised to invoke a 3 month extension to the existing contract from 5 August 2000 to allow a tendering exercise to take place; and (3) in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to structure the Public Service Obligation in such a way as to ensure that the most economically advantageous tender could be obtained and to seek tenders for a period terminating on 31 March 2003 to bring the service into line with the Scottish Executive's Glasgow - Barra service.
		SEA TRANSPORT
State Aids for Maritime Transport: Consultation Paper T06.01	63*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the content of the consultation paper on Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services issued by the Scottish Executive entitled "Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services". The Report indicated that under European Law member states were required to put subsidised ferry services out to competitive tender and options for the future delivery of the West Coast and Clyde Ferry Services operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd were detailed.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Chief Executive be authorised to respond to the consultation paper "Delivering Lifeline Ferry Services" as detailed in the Report with the inclusion of the comment made at the Meeting regarding the role of CalMac management in the process; and (2) the Director of Corporate Services would circulate copies of the Comhairle's response to Community Councils.
Ardmhor Terminal - Barra T06.02.11	64*	With reference to Item 38 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Eriskay and Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project. Following trial sailings it had become apparent that the location at Ardmhor on Barra may offer a better long term alternative to the location at Ardveenish in respect of the Barra Slipway for the Sound of Barra vehicular ferry. The Report further indicated that, if the terminal were built at Ardmhor, it would be necessary to construct the access road and breakwater as well as the overnight berthing structure in addition to the tendered slipway works.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to carry out the necessary design works to enable the proposed slipway at Ardmhor to be realised; (2) the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services, be authorised to make any application for planning permission and any other necessary statutory consents; (3) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to acquire any land that may be necessary; and (4) the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director Corporate Services and Director of Finance, be authorised to submit a bid to the Highlands and Islands Special Programme European Funding Round in September 2000.
Eriskay Vehicular Ferry: Carriage and Income Statistics T06.02.03	65	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Carriage and Income Statistics for the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry for the period 1 April 1999 - 31 March 2000. The figures showed a decline in traffic in almost all sections with commercial traffic significantly down on the previous year. The Report further indicated that the decline could be attributed to the improvements in the passenger ferry service and a reduction in building and renovation of housing and general contracting works.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		ROAD TRANSPORT
Rural Transport Initiative: Community Projects T03.02	66*	With reference to Item 35 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning financial support provided to community based transport projects under the Rural Transport Initiative. The Report detailed bids for funding which had been received from groups in Eriskay, Kinloch, Uist and Barra.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to award grants to the following community groups: Eriskay Junior and Senior Football Teams £1,500 Pairc and Kinloch Minibus Group £2,500 Tagsa Uibhist £1,000 Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay £2,000 (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to award 50% of the grants to all groups subject to the written acceptance of conditions as previously approved by the Comhairle and the balance of grant would be subject to submission of receipts from community groups in respect of previous expenditure; and (3) eligibility for the use of the Dial a Bus service in Lewis and the Uists should in the first instance be restricted to holders of concessionary fare cards who were registered disabled or were assessed appropriate by the Social Work Department.
		ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Programme and Progress T08.01	67	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Capital Works Programme and Progress in respect of Transportation Schemes.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Revenue Estimate Priorities - Overlay and Surface Dressing T12.02.01	68	With reference to Item 39 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the criteria for determining priority in respect of overlay and surface dressing works within the Transportation Revenue Programme.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
		Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would submit a Report to a future Meeting detailing the condition of the roads at Portrona Drive, Morrison Avenue and Queensland Road.
Roads Revenue Programme: Unadopted Roads Allocation Review 2000/2001 T12.02.01	69*	With reference to Item 24 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the proposed unadopted roads programme for 2000/2001. It had been decided that any budget for 2000/2001 would be allocated to Lewis and Barra but the Revenue Estimates programme did not contain any allocation for unadopted roads. The Report indicated that members could allocate any underspend from the 1999/2000 Transportation Revenue Budget to the unadopted Roads Programme.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the list of Unadopted Roads detailed in appendices in 4, 5 and 6 to the Report be the approved list for the 2000/2001 Financial Year with the inclusion of the unadopted roads at Kershader Gaelic Resource Centre and at 1A Skigersta, Ness, subject to both the roads meeting the criteria for inclusion; (2) subject to recommendation (5) below, the allocation of £128k of revenue resources to category B roads in each ward as detailed in appendix 7 to the Report; (3) subject to recommendation (5) below, the allocation of £5k of Revenue Resources to category C roads; (4) subject to recommendation (5) below, the allocation of £5k of revenue resources to patch Harris/Uist category B roads; (5) the allocation of revenue resources to Social Work access roads detailed in the Report be increased by £6k to allow an allocation of £18k of revenue resources to Social Work access roads with the additional resources to be financed from within the allocations identified at recommendations (2)-(4) above;and (6) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to submit a report to Policy and Resources Committee identifying resources within Technical Services Revenue Programmes to finance the unadopted roads allocation for 2000/2001. Arising from consideration of this matter it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with Acting Director of Environmental Services, would submit a Report to the next Meeting detailing proposals to include a planning condition on commercial developers to provide an access road to any commercial housing development.
Minor Road Safety Improvements T08.05	70*	With reference to Item 40 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a prioritised list of projects for inclusion in the Capital Programme under the Minor Roads Safety Improvements heading. The Report indicated that the remaining uncommitted schemes from the previous programme had been included in the new list for consideration along with new projects which had been proposed by Members.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of prioritised Minor Road Safety Improvement Schemes detailed in appendix A to the Report for inclusion in the Capital Programme and that Priority 1, 2, 3, and 4 Schemes be commenced during the 2000/2001 Financial Year.
Street Lighting: Budget and Priorities T08.05.01	71*	With reference to Item 29 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Capital Allocation for Street Lighting for 2000/2003. The Report indicated that there were various requests from Members for new amenity lighting, but the level of capital expenditure proposed would not allow the allocation for new units together with a replacement programme necessary to protect public safety. The Comhairle had a duty of care to ensure highway electrical equipment was maintained in a safe condition.
		It was agreed to recommend that the: (1) total capital allocation of £275k over the years 2000/01 to 2002/03 be used for the replacement of existing systems to protect public safety; (2) allocation for 2000/01 be used to replace the following schemes on a progressive basis: Newmarket (old scheme) - 25 units Marybank - 23 units Valtos/Kneep - 29 units Northbay - 35 units; and (3) remaining schemes in category 4 be prioritised for consideration in subsequent years. Mr Angus M Graham seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham moved as a motion, that in light of the inadequate provision within the Capital Programme 2000/2003 for new streetlighting, a Report be submitted to the next series of Meetings seeking to authorise the use of £100k of Revenue Contingency to provide new streetlighting during 2000/2001 Mr Alexander A Macdonald seconded by Mr Roderick J Murray, moved as an amendment that no Report be submitted to the next series of Meetings seeking consideration of the use of £100k of Revenue Contingency to provide new streetlighting in 2000/2001 On the matter being put to the vote the motion received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
Adhoc Works 1999/2000 T08.05	72*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning adhoc works undertaken in 1999/2000 in Lewis and Harris. The Roads Maintenance budget included an allocation for adhoc works and the Report detailed all the adhoc works undertaken by the DLO and DSO as area contractor.
		It was agreed to note the Report. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to utilise £2k from Transportation Revenue Resources to carry out minor improvements to the verges between Holm and Melbost.
Black Bridge, Gress River T12.65	73*	With reference to Item 46 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 March 2000 the Director of Technical Services and Director of Corporate Services submitted a Joint Report detailing the Comhairle's legal position with respect to a request for repairs to the Black Bridge, Gress. An investigation had found no record of the Comhairle having taken title to the land on which the bridge had been constructed or of having entered into any agreement with regard to maintenance of the bridge.
		Mr Angus M Graham, seconded by Mr Malcolm J Graham moved as a motion that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to carry out repairs to the Black Bridge, Gress with the works to be funded from the Transportation Revenue Programme.
		Mr Norman A Macdonald, seconded by Mr Donald Manford moved as an amendment that, as there was no evidence that the Comhairle had taken title to the land on which the bridge had been constructed, the Comhairle do not carry out repairs to the Black Bridge, Gress.
		On the matter being but to the vote the motion received the majority of votes cast and it was agreed to recommend accordingly
		PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	74	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
Technical Services Department Service Plan 2000 - 2003 PR33.01.12	75*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the Technical Services Department's Service Plan for 2000 - 2003. The plan incorporated the relevant sections of the Comhairle's Best Value submission designed to ensure value for money throughout local government. The plan examined progress over the previous year and incorporated the Comhairle's Key Tasks.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Service Plan 2000 - 2003 be approved as a basis of the operation and development of the Technical Services Department.