TR9803

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Wednesday 11 March 1998 at 11.30 a.m.

PRESENT

Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Donald A Mackay

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr George Lonie

Mr Norman Macdonald

Mr Donald H M Maciver

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Iain Macsween

Mr Colin Campbell

Mr Finlay Morrison

Capt Roderick Mackinnon

APOLOGIES

Mr Norman A Macdonald

MINUTES

Transportation

T02.01

22

The Minute of Meeting of 20 January 1998 was approved.

Transportation

T02.01

23

The Minute of Meeting of 25 February 1998 was approved.

FINANCE

Third Quarter Forecast Revenue Out-turn

PR100.08.13

24

With reference to item 107 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report setting out the pattern of actual expenditure against budgeted expenditure for the current financial year. It was indicated that there was no forecast of overspend in the current financial year.

AIR TRANSPORT

It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (f) namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Inter-island Air Services: PSO

T04.02.03

25*

With reference to item 98 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997 the Directors of Corporate Services and Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning the terms of the public service obligation to be advertised for the Inter-island air service. The background to the matter was outlined, together with details of the timescale.

It was recommended that:

(1) the public service obligation be advertised in the OJEC on a similar basis as previously but subjected to a 10% decrease in the current level of fares with a view to maximising revenue;

(2) the proposed timescale for award of the contract be noted; and

(3) no amendment be made to the existing conditions of contract which would impose a financial penalty on the contractor in the event of non operation of the service without prejudice to normal contractual liability for failure to perform a contract.

SEA TRANSPORT

EU Commission Green Paper on Ports

T07.08

26

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Green Paper on sea ports and marine infrastructure issued by the Commission of the European Communities on 10 December 1997. Details of the Green Paper were given and conclusion drawn.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Berneray Causeway and Sound of Harris Ferry Slipway

T07.08.02

27*

With reference to item 112 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Sound of Harris ferry slipway, seeking to determine the location of the slipway. Details of the Berneray Causeway Scheme were given and the potential for route development for the ferry outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that the new terminal for the Sound of Harris Ferry Service be located at Bays Loch, Berneray, and that the Ardmaree terminal be retained to provide operational options.

It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (f) namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Sounds of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Ferry Service: Annual Contract Price Review

T06.02.01

T06.01.01

28

With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the annual increase in contract price in respect of the Sounds of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Ferry Services. Details of the contract prices were given.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Eriskay Ferry: Staffing Arrangements

T06.02.03

29*

With reference to item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997, the Chief Executive submitted a Report.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the Chief Executive establish a post of Assistant Operator, Grade Tech III, for the Eriskay Ferry;

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to negotiate relief staffing arrangements with Caledonian MacBrayne Limited in order that both Vessel Masters could take annual leave entitlements;

(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to introduce a low water passage services using the new rigid inflatable vessel;

(4) both Assistant Ferry Operators be trained to operate the new service; and

(5) the Director of Technical Services undertake further investigation of the feasibility of extending the present vehicular ferry service.

Eriskay Vehicular Ferry - 1997 Carriage Statistics

T06.02.03

30

With reference to item 26 of the Minute of Meeting of 13 March 1996, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning carriage statistics for 1997 for the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Caledonian MacBrayne Limited - Winter Timetables 1998/99

T06.01.22

31*

With reference to item 115 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed Winter timetable for 1998/99 for Caledonian MacBrayne Limited services to and from the Western Isles.

It was agreed that all the issues raised at the meeting be raised at the next Shipping Services Advisory Committee and that the proposal for a meeting with the Chairman and Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne Limited be held as soon as possible in order to raise with them the serious concerns of the communities which they seek to serve.

Arising from the above item the Chairman referred to a letter of 23 February 1998 from Councillor Andrew Miller, of Highland Council seeking support for an independent enquiry into the Skye Bridge Project.

It was agreed to recommend support for the call for an independent enquiry into the Skye Bridge Project.

Scottish Office Review of Bulk Freight Shipping Subsidies

T01.06.21

32

With reference to item 50 of the Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the current Scottish Office position on the review of bulk freight shipping subsidies. A copy of the letter from the Scottish Office was enclosed.

It was agreed to note the Report.

ROAD TRANSPORT

It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (f) namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.

Stage and School Bus Services Annual Contract Price Review

E05.01.21

33

With reference to item 41 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the annual increase in contract prices to bus operators under the terms and conditions of their individual contracts.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Bus Services: Road Safety Issues

T05.14

34*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning improved road safety for bus passengers at locations where changes of vehicle are required. Details of the different locations were given.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the list of transfer locations as detailed in the appendix to the Report by the Director of Technical Services, be approved;

(2) the works detailed in the appendix be included in the Roads Revenue Programme for 1998/99 subject to local arrangements being made for the disposal of unsuitable material; and

(3) the lists at (1) and (2) be regularly reviewed to take account of changing circumstances for both passenger numbers and traffic levels.

ROADS

Programme and Progress

T08.01

35

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

T08.62

36

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the 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.

Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 31 December 1997 T01.01.02

37

With reference to item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 31 December 1997 in respect of Transportation properties.

It was agreed to note the Report.

Roads Revenue Programme: Unadopted Roads: Allocation Review for 1998/99

T08.02

38*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed Unadopted Roads Programme for 1998/99. Detailed list of category A and category B unadopted roads were included in appendices.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the list of unadopted roads given in Appendix 3 and 4 of the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved as a list for the 1998/99 financial year; and

(2) the allocation of revenue resources to the category B roads in each ward as shown in Appendix 5 of the Report be approved.

Access Road to Small Piers/Beaches

T08.05.23

39*

With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Directors of Technical Services and Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning access roads to small piers and beaches. Details of the background to the matter were outlined.

It was agreed to recommend that where a request is made for servicing of an unadopted road serving as an access to a small pier the expenditure be conditional on the consent of the interested parties to facilitate unrestricted access to the pier.

Secondary Route C78 Tarbert to Kyles Scalpay Road, Carragreich to Kyles Scalpay

T08.05.23

40*

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the reinstatement of the public roads at Kyles Scalpay. Details of the proposals were given.

It was agreed to recommend that the provision of Armco barrier at the larger of the two rock cuts in the Kyles Scalpay road be approved with this being funded from the Roads Revenue Programme for 1998/99.

Cattle Grid - Eishken Road

T08.05.23

41*

With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning an application for installation of a cattle grid on the Eishken road. The Committee was invited to determine the matter.

The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 67 that there had been a material change of circumstances, namely the reasons for the cattle grid outlined in the letter of 6 February 1998 from FPD Savills Limited.

Mr Donald M Mackay, seconded by Mr Alexander A Macdonald moved that it be recommended that the application from Eishken Estate to install a Cattle Grid on the Eishken Road to the Technical Services Department's full specification as detailed in the drawing enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved.

Mr Donald H M Maciver seconded by Mr Angus M Graham moved, as an amendment, that the terms of the motion be not approved.

On a vote being taken by roll call there voted as follows:

MOTION

AMENDMENT

Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Donald M Mackay

Mr Donald A Mackay

Mr Angus M Graham

Mr George Lonie

Mr Donald H M Maciver

Mr Iain Macsween

Mr Finlay Morrison

Mr Norman Macdonald

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Colin Campbell

Capt Roderick Mackinnon

The Chairman declared the amendment carried and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Reports Outstanding

PR33.01.12

42

With reference to item 21 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the Reports outstanding from the Transportation Committee since May 1994.

It was agreed to note the Report.

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

APOLOGIES	Mr Norman A Macdonald


		MINUTES
Transportation T02.01	22	The Minute of Meeting of 20 January 1998 was approved.
Transportation T02.01	23	The Minute of Meeting of 25 February 1998 was approved.
		FINANCE
Third Quarter Forecast Revenue Out-turn PR100.08.13	24	With reference to item 107 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Education and Leisure Services submitted a Report setting out the pattern of actual expenditure against budgeted expenditure for the current financial year. It was indicated that there was no forecast of overspend in the current financial year.
		AIR TRANSPORT
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (f) namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Inter-island Air Services: PSO T04.02.03	25*	With reference to item 98 of the Minute of Meeting of 1 October 1997 the Directors of Corporate Services and Technical Services submitted a joint Report concerning the terms of the public service obligation to be advertised for the Inter-island air service. The background to the matter was outlined, together with details of the timescale.
		It was recommended that: (1) the public service obligation be advertised in the OJEC on a similar basis as previously but subjected to a 10% decrease in the current level of fares with a view to maximising revenue; (2) the proposed timescale for award of the contract be noted; and (3) no amendment be made to the existing conditions of contract which would impose a financial penalty on the contractor in the event of non operation of the service without prejudice to normal contractual liability for failure to perform a contract.
		SEA TRANSPORT
EU Commission Green Paper on Ports T07.08	26	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Green Paper on sea ports and marine infrastructure issued by the Commission of the European Communities on 10 December 1997. Details of the Green Paper were given and conclusion drawn. It was agreed to note the Report.
Berneray Causeway and Sound of Harris Ferry Slipway T07.08.02	27*	With reference to item 112 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the Sound of Harris ferry slipway, seeking to determine the location of the slipway. Details of the Berneray Causeway Scheme were given and the potential for route development for the ferry outlined. It was agreed to recommend that the new terminal for the Sound of Harris Ferry Service be located at Bays Loch, Berneray, and that the Ardmaree terminal be retained to provide operational options.
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (f) namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Sounds of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Ferry Service: Annual Contract Price Review T06.02.01 T06.01.01	28	With reference to item 12 of the Minute of Meeting of 29 January 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the annual increase in contract price in respect of the Sounds of Barra and Eriskay Passenger Ferry Services. Details of the contract prices were given. It was agreed to note the Report.
Eriskay Ferry: Staffing Arrangements T06.02.03	29*	With reference to item 113 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997, the Chief Executive submitted a Report. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the Chief Executive establish a post of Assistant Operator, Grade Tech III, for the Eriskay Ferry; (2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to negotiate relief staffing arrangements with Caledonian MacBrayne Limited in order that both Vessel Masters could take annual leave entitlements;
		(3) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to introduce a low water passage services using the new rigid inflatable vessel; (4) both Assistant Ferry Operators be trained to operate the new service; and (5) the Director of Technical Services undertake further investigation of the feasibility of extending the present vehicular ferry service.
Eriskay Vehicular Ferry - 1997 Carriage Statistics T06.02.03	30	With reference to item 26 of the Minute of Meeting of 13 March 1996, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning carriage statistics for 1997 for the Eriskay Vehicular Ferry. It was agreed to note the Report.
Caledonian MacBrayne Limited - Winter Timetables 1998/99 T06.01.22	31*	With reference to item 115 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed Winter timetable for 1998/99 for Caledonian MacBrayne Limited services to and from the Western Isles. It was agreed that all the issues raised at the meeting be raised at the next Shipping Services Advisory Committee and that the proposal for a meeting with the Chairman and Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne Limited be held as soon as possible in order to raise with them the serious concerns of the communities which they seek to serve. Arising from the above item the Chairman referred to a letter of 23 February 1998 from Councillor Andrew Miller, of Highland Council seeking support for an independent enquiry into the Skye Bridge Project. It was agreed to recommend support for the call for an independent enquiry into the Skye Bridge Project.
Scottish Office Review of Bulk Freight Shipping Subsidies T01.06.21	32	With reference to item 50 of the Minute of Meeting of 23 April 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the current Scottish Office position on the review of bulk freight shipping subsidies. A copy of the letter from the Scottish Office was enclosed. It was agreed to note the Report.
		ROAD TRANSPORT
		It was agreed that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds defined in Standing Order 26 (f) namely, that exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person other than the Comhairle would be disclosed.
Stage and School Bus Services Annual Contract Price Review E05.01.21	33	With reference to item 41 of the Minute of Meeting of 12 March 1997, the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the annual increase in contract prices to bus operators under the terms and conditions of their individual contracts. It was agreed to note the Report.
Bus Services: Road Safety Issues T05.14	34*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning improved road safety for bus passengers at locations where changes of vehicle are required. Details of the different locations were given. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the list of transfer locations as detailed in the appendix to the Report by the Director of Technical Services, be approved; (2) the works detailed in the appendix be included in the Roads Revenue Programme for 1998/99 subject to local arrangements being made for the disposal of unsuitable material; and (3) the lists at (1) and (2) be regularly reviewed to take account of changing circumstances for both passenger numbers and traffic levels.
		ROADS
Programme and Progress T08.01	35	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 T08.62	36	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing the 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.
Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 31 December 1997 T01.01.02	37	With reference to item 110 of the Minute of Meeting of 19 November 1997 the Director of Technical Services submitted a report concerning the Repairs and Maintenance (Revenue) Programme for 1997/98: Quarterly Expenditure to 31 December 1997 in respect of Transportation properties. It was agreed to note the Report.
Roads Revenue Programme: Unadopted Roads: Allocation Review for 1998/99 T08.02	38*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed Unadopted Roads Programme for 1998/99. Detailed list of category A and category B unadopted roads were included in appendices. It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the list of unadopted roads given in Appendix 3 and 4 of the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved as a list for the 1998/99 financial year; and (2) the allocation of revenue resources to the category B roads in each ward as shown in Appendix 5 of the Report be approved.
Access Road to Small Piers/Beaches T08.05.23	39*	With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Directors of Technical Services and Corporate Services submitted a joint Report concerning access roads to small piers and beaches. Details of the background to the matter were outlined.
		It was agreed to recommend that where a request is made for servicing of an unadopted road serving as an access to a small pier the expenditure be conditional on the consent of the interested parties to facilitate unrestricted access to the pier.
Secondary Route C78 Tarbert to Kyles Scalpay Road, Carragreich to Kyles Scalpay T08.05.23	40*	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the reinstatement of the public roads at Kyles Scalpay. Details of the proposals were given. It was agreed to recommend that the provision of Armco barrier at the larger of the two rock cuts in the Kyles Scalpay road be approved with this being funded from the Roads Revenue Programme for 1998/99.
Cattle Grid - Eishken Road T08.05.23	41*	With reference to item 15 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning an application for installation of a cattle grid on the Eishken road. The Committee was invited to determine the matter. The Chairman ruled in terms of Standing Order 67 that there had been a material change of circumstances, namely the reasons for the cattle grid outlined in the letter of 6 February 1998 from FPD Savills Limited.
		Mr Donald M Mackay, seconded by Mr Alexander A Macdonald moved that it be recommended that the application from Eishken Estate to install a Cattle Grid on the Eishken Road to the Technical Services Department's full specification as detailed in the drawing enclosed with the Report by the Director of Technical Services be approved.
		Mr Donald H M Maciver seconded by Mr Angus M Graham moved, as an amendment, that the terms of the motion be not approved. On a vote being taken by roll call there voted as follows:
		MOTION	AMENDMENT
		Mr Alexander A Macdonald (Chairman)	Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)
		Mr Donald M Mackay	Mr Donald A Mackay
			Mr Angus M Graham
			Mr George Lonie
			Mr Donald H M Maciver
			Mr Iain Macsween
			Mr Finlay Morrison
			Mr Norman Macdonald
			Mr Donald Maclean
			Mr Colin Campbell
			Capt Roderick Mackinnon
		The Chairman declared the amendment carried and it was agreed to recommend accordingly.
		PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Reports Outstanding PR33.01.12	42	With reference to item 21 of the Minute of Meeting of 28 January 1998 the Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the Reports outstanding from the Transportation Committee since May 1994. It was agreed to note the Report.
___