TR9711

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 19 November 1997 at 11.00am

PRESENT

Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Norman A Macdonald

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr George Lonie

Mr Norman Macdonald

Mr Iain Macsween

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Donald H M Maciver

Capt Roderick Mackinnon

Tribute: Lesley McDonald

C41.06

The Chairman referred to Miss Lesley McDonald, Principal Solicitor, who had recently been promoted, and on behalf of the Committee wished her every success in her new appointment.

MINUTES

Transportation

T02.01

106

The Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997 was approved.

FINANCE

Second Quarter Forecast Revenue

Out-turn

PR110.08.13

107

With reference to item 82 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 August 1997, the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out the pattern of actual expenditure as against budgeted expenditure for the current financial year. The overall picture presented in the Report indicated that expenditure, in general, was on target.

It was agreed to note the Report.

1997/98 Capital Monitoring Non-HRA

PR110.01.04

108*

With reference to item 83 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 August 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report informing the Committee of progress on the Capital Programme 1997/98 and seeking decisions to address overspends, slippage, savings and possible extra expenditure. The Report indicated the forecast out-turn for 1997/98 in the sum of £118,000 below Capital Consent. Slippage into 1998/99 of £294,000 masked a projected net overspend of £134,000, mainly as a result of a reduced estimate for an Objective 1 grant.

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

(1) approval of the Forecast Out-Turn, detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, as the revised Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Non-Housing Revenue Account for 1997/98, on the basis that this would involve higher expenditure on Grianan Pool and various road schemes than previously approved; and

(2) approval of the following Capital Expenditure Projects for 1997/98:

(a) New Refuse Vehicle for DSO - £130,000

(b) Play Area Upgrade - Cearns - £25,000

(c) Residential Centre for Adults with Learning Disabilities -

as a reserve if the bid for housing partnership funding

is unsuccessful - £75,000

(d) Upgrading of the Council wide area technology network £35,000

Growth and Savings Proposals for the 1998/99 Budget

PR110.03.24

109*

With reference to item 95 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report to ascertain the views of the Committee as to possible changes required to budgets in order that they would meet the approved Cash Planning Limits and seeking authority to use savings generated in 1997/98 to enhance Cash Planning Limits in 1998/99. A detailed Report from the Director of Technical Services was appended to the Director of Finance's Report. The Reports listed savings proposed to meet the approved Cash Planning Limits, further possible savings equal to a further reduction in controllable budget of 1% and further growth proposed with savings recommended to meet the cost of the proposed growth. The effect of the savings proposed in each case was described.

It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, approval of the net savings to meet the Cash Planning Limits, as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance.

BUILDINGS

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 30 September 1997

T01.01.02

110

With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 30 September 1997 in respect of Transportation properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

TRANSPORT POLICY

Integrated Transport Policy

T03.01

111*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Council's response to a Government invitation seeking comments on the development of an Integrated Transport Policy. Details of the background to the matter were outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Council fully supports the Government's commitment to an Integrated Transport Policy and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the formulation of the Policy;

(2) the Council expresses concern about the urban bias of the document and provides the following general comments on the development of proposals for the White Paper:

(a) Policy development must not concentrate solely on urban traffic problems and should take account of the specific transport needs of rural areas;

(b) Resources allocated to public transport could be moved from the existing formula approach to a more needs-based approach;

(c) Future policy must recognise the fragile nature of island economies and ensure that any changes to pricing, regulations and new funding mechanisms do not further damage this delicate balance;

(d) Transport awareness aimed at reducing car trips should be developed alongside a programme of resources targeted at improvements to public transport;

(e) The control of local ports should be more integrated into transport policies hence, where appropriate, local ports should be under the control of local Councils.

(3) The Director of Technical Services write to the Scottish Transport Forum seeking the appointment of Island representatives to the Forum and inviting them to ensure that the following points are given a high priority in their representations to the Scottish Office and other bodies:

(a) Ferry transport issues, particularly to the Western Isles;

(b) the importance of establishing a Road Equivalent Tariff basis for ferry charges; and

(c) the introduction of regulations for air transport routes, ensuring a legislative requirement for the maintenance of certain routes and, in particular, those associated with the Western Isles.

SEA TRANSPORT

Sound of Harris Ferry Service - Pier Dues

T07.08.02

112*

With reference to Item 49 of the Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a formula for the calculation of charges at the terminals used by the Sound of Harris Ferry. The background to the proposals was detailed.

It was agreed to recommend that the proposed formula detailed in the Report by the Director of Technical Services be adopted as the basis for calculating the annual charges to be levied for use of Council terminals by the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry servicing the Sound of Harris.

Eriskay Ferry Improvements

T06.02.03

113*

With reference to Item 89 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 August 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning some of the existing problems with the Eriskay Ferry and proposing additional revenue funding for improvements in 1998/99. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that the inclusion of £20,000 growth in the Eriskay Ferry Budget for 1998/99 be approved.

Stornoway Ferry Terminal: Overnight Use of Marshalling Area

T07.02.34

114*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning representations which had been received from the Western Isles Road Haulage Association regarding the overnight use of the marshalling area at Stornoway Ferry Terminal. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services send a letter to the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission urging the Commission to convene a meeting with the Western Isles Road Haulage Association at an early date to discuss the overnight use of the marshalling area.

Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd Fare/Timetable: Update

T06.01.22

115

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding Caledonian MacBrayne's fares/timetable for the Summer of 1998. A summary of the issues associated with the fare increases, giving a detailed description of the impact of the proposals, was enclosed. It was indicated that a meeting of the Caledonian MacBrayne Joint Shipping Services Advisory Committee with the Scottish Office had been arranged for 20 November to consider the matter.

It was agreed to note the Report.

The Chairman ruled, in terms of Standing Order 8(a) that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order that Members may be fully briefed on the latest position on the carriage of livestock.

Carriage of Livestock on Ro-Ro Ferries

T06.01.07

116

With reference to Item 103 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the carriage of livestock on Ro-Ro ferries. The background to the matter was outlined.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ROADS

Programme and Progress

T08.01

117

The Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for road schemes.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Tender Monitoring

T11.62

118

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, projected final costs for those road schemes, the tender prices for which were in excess of £75,000.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Revenue Expenditure 1998/99:

Surface Dressing: Suggested Tender List

T12.62.02

119*

With reference to item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender lists for application of surface dressing for the financial year 1998/99. A list of contractors was given.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to seek tenders from the contractors named in the Report for the application of surface dressing to roads throughout the Council's area for the 1998/99 Financial Year and for the 1998-2001 Financial Years.

Annual Supplies 1998/99 - Coated Macadam: Suggested Tender Lists

T12.62.05

120*

With reference to Item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender lists for the annual supply of coated Macadam. A list of contractors was given.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services seek tenders from the contractors listed for the supply of coated Macadam to roads throughout the Council's area for the 1998/99 Financial Year and for the 1998-2003 Financial Years.

Annual Supplies 1998/99 - Roadstone and Concrete Aggregates and Bituminous Binders: Suggested Tender Lists

T12.62.05

121*

With reference to Item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender lists for the annual supply of roadstone and concrete aggregates and bituminous binders for 1998/99. A list of contractors was appended to the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services seek tenders from the contractors listed in the Report for the supply of roadstone and concrete aggregates and bituminous binders for the 1998/99 Financial Year.

Winter Maintenance Plan 1997-98

T08.05.04

122*

With reference to item 40 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Council's Policy on Winter Maintenance. A detailed Policy Statement and Plan was enclosed with the Report.

It was agreed to recommend that the Winter Maintenance Plan 1997/98, enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services, be approved.

TRANSPORTATION PIERS

Transportation and Fishery Piers: Dues 1998/99

T07.08.02

123*

With reference to Item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 November 1996, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning an updated schedule of rates and dues for Council-owned harbours and piers for 1998/99. The proposals were outlined, together with the financial implications.

It was agreed to recommend that, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, the proposed schedule of dues, enclosed in the Appendix to the Report by the Director of Technical Services, being the scale of charges to be applied to the Council's various piers and harbours with effect from 1 April 1997, be approved, with further reviews by the Director of Technical Services to be presented and approved annually.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Action Outstanding: Progress

124

The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing the outstanding action arising from the Transportation Committee since May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

_____

PRESENT	Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Norman A Macdonald	Mr Finlay Morrison
	Mr Angus M Graham	Mr Donald M Mackay
	Mr George Lonie	Mr Norman Macdonald
	Mr Iain Macsween	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Donald H M Maciver	Capt Roderick Mackinnon

Tribute: Lesley McDonald C41.06		The Chairman referred to Miss Lesley McDonald, Principal Solicitor, who had recently been promoted, and on behalf of the Committee wished her every success in her new appointment.
		MINUTES
Transportation T02.01	106	The Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997 was approved.
		FINANCE
Second Quarter Forecast Revenue Out-turn PR110.08.13	107	With reference to item 82 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 August 1997, the Director of Environmental Services submitted a Report setting out the pattern of actual expenditure as against budgeted expenditure for the current financial year. The overall picture presented in the Report indicated that expenditure, in general, was on target. It was agreed to note the Report.
1997/98 Capital Monitoring Non-HRA PR110.01.04	108*	With reference to item 83 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 August 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report informing the Committee of progress on the Capital Programme 1997/98 and seeking decisions to address overspends, slippage, savings and possible extra expenditure. The Report indicated the forecast out-turn for 1997/98 in the sum of £118,000 below Capital Consent. Slippage into 1998/99 of £294,000 masked a projected net overspend of £134,000, mainly as a result of a reduced estimate for an Objective 1 grant.
		It was agreed, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, to recommend: (1) approval of the Forecast Out-Turn, detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance, as the revised Programme of Capital Expenditure for the Non-Housing Revenue Account for 1997/98, on the basis that this would involve higher expenditure on Grianan Pool and various road schemes than previously approved; and

		(2) approval of the following Capital Expenditure Projects for 1997/98: (a) New Refuse Vehicle for DSO - £130,000 (b) Play Area Upgrade - Cearns - £25,000 (c) Residential Centre for Adults with Learning Disabilities - as a reserve if the bid for housing partnership funding is unsuccessful - £75,000 (d) Upgrading of the Council wide area technology network £35,000
Growth and Savings Proposals for the 1998/99 Budget PR110.03.24	109*	With reference to item 95 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997, the Director of Finance submitted a Report to ascertain the views of the Committee as to possible changes required to budgets in order that they would meet the approved Cash Planning Limits and seeking authority to use savings generated in 1997/98 to enhance Cash Planning Limits in 1998/99. A detailed Report from the Director of Technical Services was appended to the Director of Finance's Report. The Reports listed savings proposed to meet the approved Cash Planning Limits, further possible savings equal to a further reduction in controllable budget of 1% and further growth proposed with savings recommended to meet the cost of the proposed growth. The effect of the savings proposed in each case was described.
		It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, approval of the net savings to meet the Cash Planning Limits, as detailed in the Report by the Director of Finance.
		BUILDINGS
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 30 September 1997 T01.01.02	110	With reference to Item 7 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 30 September 1997 in respect of Transportation properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
		TRANSPORT POLICY
Integrated Transport Policy T03.01	111*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Council's response to a Government invitation seeking comments on the development of an Integrated Transport Policy. Details of the background to the matter were outlined. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Council fully supports the Government's commitment to an Integrated Transport Policy and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the formulation of the Policy; (2) the Council expresses concern about the urban bias of the document and provides the following general comments on the development of proposals for the White Paper: (a) Policy development must not concentrate solely on urban traffic problems and should take account of the specific transport needs of rural areas; (b) Resources allocated to public transport could be moved from the existing formula approach to a more needs-based approach;
		(c) Future policy must recognise the fragile nature of island economies and ensure that any changes to pricing, regulations and new funding mechanisms do not further damage this delicate balance; (d) Transport awareness aimed at reducing car trips should be developed alongside a programme of resources targeted at improvements to public transport; (e) The control of local ports should be more integrated into transport policies hence, where appropriate, local ports should be under the control of local Councils. (3) The Director of Technical Services write to the Scottish Transport Forum seeking the appointment of Island representatives to the Forum and inviting them to ensure that the following points are given a high priority in their representations to the Scottish Office and other bodies: (a) Ferry transport issues, particularly to the Western Isles; (b) the importance of establishing a Road Equivalent Tariff basis for ferry charges; and (c) the introduction of regulations for air transport routes, ensuring a legislative requirement for the maintenance of certain routes and, in particular, those associated with the Western Isles.
		SEA TRANSPORT
Sound of Harris Ferry Service - Pier Dues T07.08.02	112*	With reference to Item 49 of the Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a formula for the calculation of charges at the terminals used by the Sound of Harris Ferry. The background to the proposals was detailed. It was agreed to recommend that the proposed formula detailed in the Report by the Director of Technical Services be adopted as the basis for calculating the annual charges to be levied for use of Council terminals by the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry servicing the Sound of Harris.
Eriskay Ferry Improvements T06.02.03	113*	With reference to Item 89 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 August 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning some of the existing problems with the Eriskay Ferry and proposing additional revenue funding for improvements in 1998/99. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to recommend that the inclusion of £20,000 growth in the Eriskay Ferry Budget for 1998/99 be approved.
Stornoway Ferry Terminal: Overnight Use of Marshalling Area T07.02.34	114*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning representations which had been received from the Western Isles Road Haulage Association regarding the overnight use of the marshalling area at Stornoway Ferry Terminal. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services send a letter to the Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission urging the Commission to convene a meeting with the Western Isles Road Haulage Association at an early date to discuss the overnight use of the marshalling area.
Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd Fare/Timetable: Update T06.01.22	115	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report regarding Caledonian MacBrayne's fares/timetable for the Summer of 1998. A summary of the issues associated with the fare increases, giving a detailed description of the impact of the proposals, was enclosed. It was indicated that a meeting of the Caledonian MacBrayne Joint Shipping Services Advisory Committee with the Scottish Office had been arranged for 20 November to consider the matter. It was agreed to note the Report.
		The Chairman ruled, in terms of Standing Order 8(a) that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency in order that Members may be fully briefed on the latest position on the carriage of livestock.
Carriage of Livestock on Ro-Ro Ferries T06.01.07	116	With reference to Item 103 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the carriage of livestock on Ro-Ro ferries. The background to the matter was outlined. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ROADS
Programme and Progress T08.01	117	The Director of Technical Services submitted the Capital Works Programme and Progress Report for road schemes. It was agreed to note the Report.
Tender Monitoring T11.62	118	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing tender amounts, actual costs and, where appropriate, projected final costs for those road schemes, the tender prices for which were in excess of £75,000. It was agreed to note the Report.
Revenue Expenditure 1998/99: Surface Dressing: Suggested Tender List T12.62.02	119*	With reference to item 22 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender lists for application of surface dressing for the financial year 1998/99. A list of contractors was given. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services be authorised to seek tenders from the contractors named in the Report for the application of surface dressing to roads throughout the Council's area for the 1998/99 Financial Year and for the 1998-2001 Financial Years.
Annual Supplies 1998/99 - Coated Macadam: Suggested Tender Lists T12.62.05	120*	With reference to Item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender lists for the annual supply of coated Macadam. A list of contractors was given. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services seek tenders from the contractors listed for the supply of coated Macadam to roads throughout the Council's area for the 1998/99 Financial Year and for the 1998-2003 Financial Years.
Annual Supplies 1998/99 - Roadstone and Concrete Aggregates and Bituminous Binders: Suggested Tender Lists T12.62.05	121*	With reference to Item 23 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the tender lists for the annual supply of roadstone and concrete aggregates and bituminous binders for 1998/99. A list of contractors was appended to the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Director of Technical Services seek tenders from the contractors listed in the Report for the supply of roadstone and concrete aggregates and bituminous binders for the 1998/99 Financial Year.
Winter Maintenance Plan 1997-98 T08.05.04	122*	With reference to item 40 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Council's Policy on Winter Maintenance. A detailed Policy Statement and Plan was enclosed with the Report. It was agreed to recommend that the Winter Maintenance Plan 1997/98, enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services, be approved.
		TRANSPORTATION PIERS
Transportation and Fishery Piers: Dues 1998/99 T07.08.02	123*	With reference to Item 109 of the Minute of Meeting of 20 November 1996, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning an updated schedule of rates and dues for Council-owned harbours and piers for 1998/99. The proposals were outlined, together with the financial implications. It was agreed to recommend that, insofar as the Committee's interest was concerned, the proposed schedule of dues, enclosed in the Appendix to the Report by the Director of Technical Services, being the scale of charges to be applied to the Council's various piers and harbours with effect from 1 April 1997, be approved, with further reviews by the Director of Technical Services to be presented and approved annually.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Action Outstanding: Progress	124	The Director of Administration and Legal Services submitted a Report detailing the outstanding action arising from the Transportation Committee since May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
_____