Mtr0008

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday, 30 August 2000 at 11.00am

PRESENT

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Manford (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Alasdair G Macrae

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Angus Campbell

Mr Alexander A Macdonald

Mr Donald J Macsween

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Roderick J Murray

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

Mr Angus Nicolson

Tribute to Technical Services' Staff

The Chairman congratulated the Technical Services Department staff members, Mr Garry Dunn, Mr James Macarthur and Mr Kenny Morrison, on their achievement of Institute of Civil Engineering Incorporated Engineer status and presented them with their Certificates.

Transportation

Committee

T02.01

76

MINUTES

The Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, was approved.

Transportation Sub-Committee

T02.01

77

The Minute of Meeting of the Transportation Sub-Committee of 19 June 2000, was approved.

Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum

T01.08.22

78

The Minutes of Meetings of the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 26 May 2000 and 28 June 2000, were noted.

Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee

T04.01.02

79

The Minute of Meeting of the Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 14 August 2000, was noted.

First Quarter Revenue Monitoring

80

FINANCE

With reference to item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 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 three months ended 30 June 2000. The Report compared such income and expenditure with the Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Non-Housing Capital Monitoring

2000/01

81*

With reference to item 59 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and actual and committed expenditure as at 30 June 2000 for each service. It was indicated that the forecast net expenditure in 2000/2001 was £15,465,000, which compared with the initial approved Programme of £15,570,000. Details of the forecast out-turn against specific projects were appended to the Report. An outline of variations proposed was set out in the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the revised approved Capital Programme for 2000/2001;

(2) £168,000 be accelerated into the revised approved Programme for 2000/2001 for education in respect of work on the Crush Hall and west wing at the Nicolson Institute;

(3) £37,000 be included in the Programme for Safer Routes to School following specific Section 94 consent being made available;

(4) net expenditure of £34,000 for St Brendan's kitchen improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the Capital Programme;

(5) net expenditure of £105,000 for Dun Eisdean Dementia Unit be transferred from the reserve list of projects to the Capital Programme, on the basis of funding from slippage within the Programme;

(6) an additional sum of £50,000 be included in the Capital Programme, funded from slippage, to meet the expected additional costs of the Home Care Information System;

(7) the Balivanich Community regeneration expenditure of £234,000 be included in the Capital Programme on confirmation of additional consent being awarded;

(8) an overspend of £134,000 in respect of rock royalties for the Eriskay Causeway be included in the Capital Programme in 2001/2002, on the basis of funding from slippage;

(9) net expenditure of £35,000 from the Ard ma Ruibh waiting room be transferred from the conditional list of projects to the Capital Programme;

(10) the guarantee for An Lanntair in respect of the Arts Centre in Stornoway, be removed from the Capital Programme;

(11) net expenditure of £250,000 in respect of the Leverburgh Basin and Breakwater be transferred from the conditional list to the Capital Programme;

(12) expenditure of £30,000 in respect of the Tarbert Village Improvements to be transferred from the conditional list to the Capital Programme; and

(13) the Director of Finance be authorised to seek to obtain £1,000,000 additional Section 94 Consent in 2000/2001, to be repaid in 2001/2002 or 2002/2003.

Repairs and Maintenance: Quarterly Expenditure

PR100.08.15

82

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Transportation Account up to 30 June 2000.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Tender Monitoring

T12.62

83

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a comparison of tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, projected final costs for those Transportation Schemes where the tender price was in excess of £75K.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Air Services Winter Timetable

T04.02

84*

AIR SERVICES

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing British Regional Airlines' and Loganair's Winter timetables, which would commence on 29 October 2000 and run until 24 March 2001. The Report indicated that representations had been made to British Regional Airlines regarding connection times with Saturday flights. Representations had also been made to Loganair over the lack of public transport connections with the early morning Inverness to Stornoway flight and to ascertain whether the Monday to Friday departures from Benbecula to Barra and from Barra to Glasgow could be delayed by five minutes, to maintain post-bus connections at Barra.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Air Services' Winter Schedules for 2000/01, be noted;

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to negotiate with British Regional Airlines and Loganair, to obtain the best possible flight times on Winter Saturdays, to maximise connections; and

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to discuss with Loganair the promotion and publicity surrounding their sight-seeing flights from Stornoway to Benbecula and Barra.

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 Service

T04.02.03

85*

With reference to item 3 of the Minute of Meeting of the Emergency Powers Committee of 17 July 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the contractual position with the Inter-Island Air Service. The Comhairle had previously agreed to accept a reduced tender from Loganair Limited to operate the contract for a further year from 5 August 2000. The Report indicated that it was considered advisable to seek tenders for the next contract as soon as possible and the views of Members were sought in relation to certain provisions for the proposed conditions of contract for the Inter-Island Air Service.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services be authorised to:

(1) adopt the approach taken by the Scottish Executive for the Glasgow/Barra route in relation to penalties for non operation;

(2) permit the non operation of the service on Christmas Day and New Years Day in the contract conditions for the contract period 5 August 2001 to 31 March 2003; and

(3) discuss with the operators the non operation of the air service on Boxing Day and 2 January for the period 5 August 2001 to 31 March 2003.

British Regional Airlines: Revised Fares

T04.02

86

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revised fares on British Regional Airlines' routes from Glasgow to Benbecula and Stornoway. The increase of 3% would apply to the full range of fares over British Regional Airlines' routes and the Company has indicated that they are due to an increase in fuel costs over the previous twelve months.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the revised airfares introduced by BRA Ltd, be noted;

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to write to the Minister for Transport and the Environment outlining the problems faced in the Western Isles due to the high cost of transport to and from the Islands; and

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to discuss with BRA Ltd and Loganair Ltd, the possibility of introducing revised air fare structures, with a view to maximising passenger numbers through the increased availability of low rate fares.

CalMac Ltd Summer Timetables 2001

T06.01.02

87*

SEA TRANSPORT

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Caledonian MacBrayne Limited's proposed timetables for services within the Western Isles during the 2001 Summer period. The Report indicated that the timetables were essentially unaltered, with the exception of the Mallaig-Castlebay-Lochboisdale sailings, which have been withdrawn as they were outwith the undertaking with the Scottish Office. The Committee was circulated with further amendments which had been identified at the Shipping Services Advisory Committee and Members were invited to comment on the draft timetables.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to the Minister for Transport and the Environment regarding the removal of the Mallaig route from the undertaking;

(2) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to the Minister for Transport and the Environment, regarding the frequency and the levels of service on the Lochboisdale/Castlebay/Oban Ferry Service;

(3) representations be made to the Minister for the Highlands and Islands requesting him to approach the First Minister to discuss the removal of peak fares;

(4) in respect of the Stornoway to Ullapool service, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to discuss with Caledonian MacBrayne Limited, the possibility of discounted fares for commercial vehicles travelling on the unsociable hours journeys, an increase in the number of days on which there were three sailings, the 0615 sailing be retained on the days where there were three sailings and that consideration be given to the introduction of a late Saturday sailing; and

(5) the Director of Technical Services would inform Members of the number of changes to timetables which had previously been implemented following representations by the Comhairle.

Leverburgh Harbour Access Road and Basin

Improvements

88

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender process for Leverburgh Harbour Access Road and Basin Improvements. Tenders for the Project had been due to be returned on 28 August 2000, but, following representations from Contractors, insufficient time was available for pricing a lump sum contract and the tender deadline had been extended to Thursday, 7 September 2000, and the results would be reported to the September meeting of Policy and Resources Committee.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Sound of Barra Passenger Service

T06.02.11

89*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the effect of the Eriskay Causeway construction work upon the Sound of Barra passenger ferry service. As the Barra passenger service would be not able to cross the route of the causeway, the Harbour Master and Contractor had examined a number of options and the only suitable mooring location for the service around Eriskay would be in the existing Acarsaid Harbour. Operating the service from Ascarsaid will involve significant additional travelling for the vessel and, with tidal restrictions, together with the requirement to travel in day light hours, this would severely reduce the number of days where two return trips will be possible. The Contractor had indicated he was seeking additional costs to cover both loss of income as well as fuel/staff charges for the increased distances involved in the revised service.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and following discussions with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convener, Vice-Convener, Local Members and the Barra Transportation Committee, be authorised to progress the alternative service, including agreeing with the operator the additional payments for the Sound of Barra passenger ferry service, in light of the effects that the Eriskay Causeway construction work would have.

Sound of Barra Ferry Service

T06.02.11

90*

The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report concerning the funding package for the Sound of Barra Ferry Service. The Comhairle had been encouraged to apply for funding for the vessel and infrastructure and, in order to obtain matching funding, the Comhairle would apply to the Public Transport Fund, prior to submission of a bid for Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme Funding. The Report detailed the total funding package.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the funding package for the Sound of Barra Ferry Service, as detailed in the Report.

Programme and Progress: Roads

T08.01

91*

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

Arising from consideration of this item, it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would present a Report to the next meeting, in respect of the installation of traffic lights at Matheson Road/Goathill Road, Stornoway.

Street Lighting: New Amenity Programme

T08.05.01

92*

With reference to item 71 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposals to use £100K of Revenue contingency to provide new amenity lighting in 2000/01. The Report indicated that, subject to approval of the necessary finance, detailed consultation with Members and Community Councils would be undertaken to achieve a level of equitable distribution and a priority list would be prepared for consideration.

It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the utilisation of £100K of the Comhairle's Revenue contingency for new amenity lighting, be deferred until the mid-term review.

Road Safety: 20mph Speed Limits at Schools

T12.62

93*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the possible introduction of 20mph speed limits at some schools. The implementation of such limits could be authorised by the Comhairle, provided these limits were put in place in accordance with the appropriate guidelines. The Report outlined the important points which would need to be addressed prior to the implementation of any 20mph speed limit. A road adjacent to any school should be assessed in line with these guidelines and a 20mph speed limit should only be applied where appropriate speed reducing measures could be incorporated.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Unadopted Roads

T12.62

94*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request to include a number of sections of road to the unadopted roads list, so that surfacing work could be undertaken in the current financial year.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the unadopted roads identified in the summary, be added to the unadopted roads list for 2000/01;

(2) surfacing be undertaken at 2b, 3 and Tigh na Mara, Steinish;

(3) surfacing be undertaken at the Post Office, Shader; and

(4) in light of the new information that the road at the Post Office, Shader was less than 40m, the road be removed from the list of unadopted roads.

Portrona Drive/Morrison Avenue/

Queensland Road - Condition Survey

T12.62.01

95

With reference to item 68 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the condition of the roads at Portrona Drive, Morrison Avenue and Queensland Road, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the general condition of the roads was fair, with the exception of a few locations, where surface spalling was evident.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Met Office, Stornoway

T12.62.01

96*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to replace staff at the Met Office in Stornoway, with automatic equipment. The proposals for alteration could have a detrimental effect to the open road forecasting and aviation forecasting.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make further representations to the Met Office to keep a staff presence at Stornoway; and

(2) a delegation from the Transportation Committee be authorised to visit Aviemore Station following its automation in April 2001.

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

97

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

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

It was agreed to note the Report.

ADDITIONAL ITEM

The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provision 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 to allow the works to be carried out in conjunction with the resurfacing works already programmed for the area.

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

Road Revenue Works, Cannery Road

98*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals to carry out reconstruction to the footway at Cannery Road, Stornoway. It had become apparent that the footway adjacent to Caberfeidh Road was in need of extensive repair and to carry out the repairs would address parking arrangements in the street.

It was agreed to recommend approval of the proposed works at Cannery Road being implemented in conjunction with the road resurfacing works between Caberfeidh Road and Seaforth Road and funded from the Transportation Revenue Budget.

___

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

Tribute to Technical Services' Staff		The Chairman congratulated the Technical Services Department staff members, Mr Garry Dunn, Mr James Macarthur and Mr Kenny Morrison, on their achievement of Institute of Civil Engineering Incorporated Engineer status and presented them with their Certificates.
Transportation Committee T02.01	76	MINUTES The Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, was approved.
Transportation Sub-Committee T02.01	77	The Minute of Meeting of the Transportation Sub-Committee of 19 June 2000, was approved.
Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum T01.08.22	78	The Minutes of Meetings of the Highlands and Islands Integrated Transport Forum of 26 May 2000 and 28 June 2000, were noted.
Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee T04.01.02	79	The Minute of Meeting of the Stornoway Airport Consultative Committee of 14 August 2000, was noted.
First Quarter Revenue Monitoring	80	FINANCE With reference to item 58 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 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 three months ended 30 June 2000. The Report compared such income and expenditure with the Revenue Estimates of Income and Expenditure. It was agreed to note the Report.
Non-Housing Capital Monitoring 2000/01	81*	With reference to item 59 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Finance submitted a Report regarding the Programme of Capital Expenditure for the period 2000/2001 to 2002/2003 for all services except the Housing Revenue Account. The Report detailed the approved expenditure and actual and committed expenditure as at 30 June 2000 for each service. It was indicated that the forecast net expenditure in 2000/2001 was £15,465,000, which compared with the initial approved Programme of £15,570,000. Details of the forecast out-turn against specific projects were appended to the Report. An outline of variations proposed was set out in the Report.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the forecast out-turn be approved as the revised approved Capital Programme for 2000/2001; (2) £168,000 be accelerated into the revised approved Programme for 2000/2001 for education in respect of work on the Crush Hall and west wing at the Nicolson Institute; (3) £37,000 be included in the Programme for Safer Routes to School following specific Section 94 consent being made available; (4) net expenditure of £34,000 for St Brendan's kitchen improvements be transferred from the conditional list to the Capital Programme; (5) net expenditure of £105,000 for Dun Eisdean Dementia Unit be transferred from the reserve list of projects to the Capital Programme, on the basis of funding from slippage within the Programme; (6) an additional sum of £50,000 be included in the Capital Programme, funded from slippage, to meet the expected additional costs of the Home Care Information System; (7) the Balivanich Community regeneration expenditure of £234,000 be included in the Capital Programme on confirmation of additional consent being awarded; (8) an overspend of £134,000 in respect of rock royalties for the Eriskay Causeway be included in the Capital Programme in 2001/2002, on the basis of funding from slippage; (9) net expenditure of £35,000 from the Ard ma Ruibh waiting room be transferred from the conditional list of projects to the Capital Programme;
		(10) the guarantee for An Lanntair in respect of the Arts Centre in Stornoway, be removed from the Capital Programme; (11) net expenditure of £250,000 in respect of the Leverburgh Basin and Breakwater be transferred from the conditional list to the Capital Programme; (12) expenditure of £30,000 in respect of the Tarbert Village Improvements to be transferred from the conditional list to the Capital Programme; and (13) the Director of Finance be authorised to seek to obtain £1,000,000 additional Section 94 Consent in 2000/2001, to be repaid in 2001/2002 or 2002/2003.
Repairs and Maintenance: Quarterly Expenditure PR100.08.15	82	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the repair and maintenance of properties held on the Transportation Account up to 30 June 2000. It was agreed to note the Report.
Tender Monitoring T12.62	83	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing a comparison of tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, projected final costs for those Transportation Schemes where the tender price was in excess of £75K. It was agreed to note the Report.
Air Services Winter Timetable T04.02	84*	AIR SERVICES The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing British Regional Airlines' and Loganair's Winter timetables, which would commence on 29 October 2000 and run until 24 March 2001. The Report indicated that representations had been made to British Regional Airlines regarding connection times with Saturday flights. Representations had also been made to Loganair over the lack of public transport connections with the early morning Inverness to Stornoway flight and to ascertain whether the Monday to Friday departures from Benbecula to Barra and from Barra to Glasgow could be delayed by five minutes, to maintain post-bus connections at Barra.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Air Services' Winter Schedules for 2000/01, be noted; (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to negotiate with British Regional Airlines and Loganair, to obtain the best possible flight times on Winter Saturdays, to maximise connections; and (3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to discuss with Loganair the promotion and publicity surrounding their sight-seeing flights from Stornoway to Benbecula and Barra.
		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 Service T04.02.03	85*	With reference to item 3 of the Minute of Meeting of the Emergency Powers Committee of 17 July 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the contractual position with the Inter-Island Air Service. The Comhairle had previously agreed to accept a reduced tender from Loganair Limited to operate the contract for a further year from 5 August 2000. The Report indicated that it was considered advisable to seek tenders for the next contract as soon as possible and the views of Members were sought in relation to certain provisions for the proposed conditions of contract for the Inter-Island Air Service.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director of Technical Services be authorised to: (1) adopt the approach taken by the Scottish Executive for the Glasgow/Barra route in relation to penalties for non operation; (2) permit the non operation of the service on Christmas Day and New Years Day in the contract conditions for the contract period 5 August 2001 to 31 March 2003; and (3) discuss with the operators the non operation of the air service on Boxing Day and 2 January for the period 5 August 2001 to 31 March 2003.
British Regional Airlines: Revised Fares T04.02	86	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing revised fares on British Regional Airlines' routes from Glasgow to Benbecula and Stornoway. The increase of 3% would apply to the full range of fares over British Regional Airlines' routes and the Company has indicated that they are due to an increase in fuel costs over the previous twelve months.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the revised airfares introduced by BRA Ltd, be noted; (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to write to the Minister for Transport and the Environment outlining the problems faced in the Western Isles due to the high cost of transport to and from the Islands; and (3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to discuss with BRA Ltd and Loganair Ltd, the possibility of introducing revised air fare structures, with a view to maximising passenger numbers through the increased availability of low rate fares.
CalMac Ltd Summer Timetables 2001 T06.01.02	87*	SEA TRANSPORT The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing Caledonian MacBrayne Limited's proposed timetables for services within the Western Isles during the 2001 Summer period. The Report indicated that the timetables were essentially unaltered, with the exception of the Mallaig-Castlebay-Lochboisdale sailings, which have been withdrawn as they were outwith the undertaking with the Scottish Office. The Committee was circulated with further amendments which had been identified at the Shipping Services Advisory Committee and Members were invited to comment on the draft timetables.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to the Minister for Transport and the Environment regarding the removal of the Mallaig route from the undertaking; (2) the Chairman be authorised to make representations to the Minister for Transport and the Environment, regarding the frequency and the levels of service on the Lochboisdale/Castlebay/Oban Ferry Service; (3) representations be made to the Minister for the Highlands and Islands requesting him to approach the First Minister to discuss the removal of peak fares; (4) in respect of the Stornoway to Ullapool service, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to discuss with Caledonian MacBrayne Limited, the possibility of discounted fares for commercial vehicles travelling on the unsociable hours journeys, an increase in the number of days on which there were three sailings, the 0615 sailing be retained on the days where there were three sailings and that consideration be given to the introduction of a late Saturday sailing; and (5) the Director of Technical Services would inform Members of the number of changes to timetables which had previously been implemented following representations by the Comhairle.
Leverburgh Harbour Access Road and Basin Improvements	88	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender process for Leverburgh Harbour Access Road and Basin Improvements. Tenders for the Project had been due to be returned on 28 August 2000, but, following representations from Contractors, insufficient time was available for pricing a lump sum contract and the tender deadline had been extended to Thursday, 7 September 2000, and the results would be reported to the September meeting of Policy and Resources Committee.
		It was agreed to note the Report.
Sound of Barra Passenger Service T06.02.11	89*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the effect of the Eriskay Causeway construction work upon the Sound of Barra passenger ferry service. As the Barra passenger service would be not able to cross the route of the causeway, the Harbour Master and Contractor had examined a number of options and the only suitable mooring location for the service around Eriskay would be in the existing Acarsaid Harbour. Operating the service from Ascarsaid will involve significant additional travelling for the vessel and, with tidal restrictions, together with the requirement to travel in day light hours, this would severely reduce the number of days where two return trips will be possible. The Contractor had indicated he was seeking additional costs to cover both loss of income as well as fuel/staff charges for the increased distances involved in the revised service.
		It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and following discussions with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convener, Vice-Convener, Local Members and the Barra Transportation Committee, be authorised to progress the alternative service, including agreeing with the operator the additional payments for the Sound of Barra passenger ferry service, in light of the effects that the Eriskay Causeway construction work would have.
Sound of Barra Ferry Service T06.02.11	90*	The Director of Technical Service submitted a Report concerning the funding package for the Sound of Barra Ferry Service. The Comhairle had been encouraged to apply for funding for the vessel and infrastructure and, in order to obtain matching funding, the Comhairle would apply to the Public Transport Fund, prior to submission of a bid for Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme Funding. The Report detailed the total funding package.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the funding package for the Sound of Barra Ferry Service, as detailed in the Report.
Programme and Progress: Roads T08.01	91*	ROADS AND HIGHWAYS The Director of Technical Services submitted a Capital Works Programme and Progress Report in respect of road schemes. It was agreed to note the Report. Arising from consideration of this item, it was agreed that the Director of Technical Services would present a Report to the next meeting, in respect of the installation of traffic lights at Matheson Road/Goathill Road, Stornoway.
Street Lighting: New Amenity Programme T08.05.01	92*	With reference to item 71 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposals to use £100K of Revenue contingency to provide new amenity lighting in 2000/01. The Report indicated that, subject to approval of the necessary finance, detailed consultation with Members and Community Councils would be undertaken to achieve a level of equitable distribution and a priority list would be prepared for consideration.
		It was agreed to recommend that consideration of the utilisation of £100K of the Comhairle's Revenue contingency for new amenity lighting, be deferred until the mid-term review.
Road Safety: 20mph Speed Limits at Schools T12.62	93*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the possible introduction of 20mph speed limits at some schools. The implementation of such limits could be authorised by the Comhairle, provided these limits were put in place in accordance with the appropriate guidelines. The Report outlined the important points which would need to be addressed prior to the implementation of any 20mph speed limit. A road adjacent to any school should be assessed in line with these guidelines and a 20mph speed limit should only be applied where appropriate speed reducing measures could be incorporated. It was agreed to note the Report.
Unadopted Roads T12.62	94*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request to include a number of sections of road to the unadopted roads list, so that surfacing work could be undertaken in the current financial year. It was agreed to recommend that:
		(1) the unadopted roads identified in the summary, be added to the unadopted roads list for 2000/01; (2) surfacing be undertaken at 2b, 3 and Tigh na Mara, Steinish; (3) surfacing be undertaken at the Post Office, Shader; and (4) in light of the new information that the road at the Post Office, Shader was less than 40m, the road be removed from the list of unadopted roads.
Portrona Drive/Morrison Avenue/ Queensland Road - Condition Survey T12.62.01	95	With reference to item 68 of the Minute of Meeting of 31 May 2000, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the condition of the roads at Portrona Drive, Morrison Avenue and Queensland Road, Stornoway. The Report indicated that the general condition of the roads was fair, with the exception of a few locations, where surface spalling was evident. It was agreed to note the Report.
Met Office, Stornoway T12.62.01	96*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning proposals to replace staff at the Met Office in Stornoway, with automatic equipment. The proposals for alteration could have a detrimental effect to the open road forecasting and aviation forecasting.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to make further representations to the Met Office to keep a staff presence at Stornoway; and (2) a delegation from the Transportation Committee be authorised to visit Aviemore Station following its automation in April 2001.
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	97	PERFORMANCE REVIEW The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing reports outstanding from decisions of the Committee. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ADDITIONAL ITEM The Chairman ruled that, in accordance with the provision 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 to allow the works to be carried out in conjunction with the resurfacing works already programmed for the area.
		Mr Angus Campbell declared an interest in the following item and left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
Road Revenue Works, Cannery Road	98*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing proposals to carry out reconstruction to the footway at Cannery Road, Stornoway. It had become apparent that the footway adjacent to Caberfeidh Road was in need of extensive repair and to carry out the repairs would address parking arrangements in the street.
		It was agreed to recommend approval of the proposed works at Cannery Road being implemented in conjunction with the road resurfacing works between Caberfeidh Road and Seaforth Road and funded from the Transportation Revenue Budget.
___