32. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 29 October 2004 were confirmed.
33. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Mr A J Mundy declared a personal interest in any matter relating to environmental issues as his son was an Environmental Engineer.
34. FORWARD PLAN
The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support outlined the items contained within the Forward Plan for the period December 2004 to March 2005 which were relevant to the remit of the Select Committee.
The Portfolio Holder for Transport indicated that proposals for workplace travel would be incorporated within the draft 2005 car parking order for implementation from 1 April 2005.
35. QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REPORT – QUARTER 2 2004-05
The Select Committee was advised of the performance of various services coming within its remit for the quarter ending 30 September 2004. The report included that where possible the comments made by the Select Committee, when it considered the figures for quarter 1, had been incorporated.
Members were told of the significant progress being made on cycling targets, waste management, casualties resulting form RTA’s, bus patronage, repair of serious damage to the highway and reduction in insurance claims.
It was anticipated that the performance indicator for the cleanliness of public conveniences would see an improvement in quarter 3 as a new contractor had commenced in November 2004. Members also noted that the highway maintenance budget was still insufficient and this had implications for the completion of bridge inspections. The action being specifically taken on the latter issue was outlined. The Portfolio Holder for Transport advised of the settlement received for 2005-06 with regard to highways. This would not enable the Council to take any substantial action to overcome the problems being experienced with the poor condition of the highway network. The only way forward appeared to be by way of the PFI and members were updated on the progress of this. It was noted that the Government now intended to introduce a bidding process which could impact on the number of PFI’s available.
Concern was expressed by members as to the likely shortfall in income at Ventnor Haven and the impact that this could have if money from the highway maintenance had to be utilised to meet the balance.
Whilst the Council’s work in implementing measures to increase cycling had been recognised nationally the Select Committee identified the need to ensure that adequate resources were available to maintain the cycle track network. The current budget of £7,000 was believed to be insufficient to guarantee the riding quality of these. This matter had been highlighted by Cyclewight at its recent AGM.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR TRANSPORT AND HEAD OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
The need for adequate revenue funding for maintenance works to the Council’s cycle track network be taken into account when preparing the highways budget.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE COASTAL MANAGER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Detailed financial information be
circulated to the Select Committee on the income and expenditure for Ventnor
Haven for the current year.
36.
LOCAL AGENDA 21
The Select Committee considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development, Environment and Planning Policy which outlined the progress being made in the implementation of the Council’s Agenda 21 Strategy. Members were reminded that the Strategy was published in 2000 after an extensive public consultation exercise. The post of Agenda 21 Officer was jointly funded by the Council and the Primary Care Trust because of the strong links between sustainable development and quality of life.
Key actions were included within the Strategy for its 5 key themes :- environmental stewardship; sustainable economy; sustainable transport; sustainable resource management and Council leadership. The Agenda 21 Officer highlighted the progress made on these during 2004 and the priorities for 2005.
A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund had been received by the West Wight Landscape Partnership. It was anticipated that this would pump prime initiatives that would lead to a further grant of up to £2m aimed at a range of activities to maintain and protect the local environment, culture and heritage of towns and villages in the West Wight.
The success of the Green Island tourism initiative was highlighted. It was also proposed to develop a Local Food Network.
The implementation of the Island’s Renewable Energy Strategy would be assisted when details of the formation of the Isle of Wight Low Carbon Company are fully considered by the Executive in February 2005. The promotion of energy efficiency was a key element and the potential offered by the Pan Village development was of vital importance. The Select Committee was informed that the Council had recently signed a contract with a new energy provider which meant that all its electricity supplies were from green sources. Work had also begun on an Environmental Management System leading to reduced energy, water and material consumption by the Council. Members discussed a range of issues connected with heating and lighting and steps that could be taken to save costs.
The Select Committee had previously requested that officers investigate the introduction of performance indicators for sustainable development. A basket of 16 indicators covering all four key elements of sustainable development would be utilised.
A major project for 2005 would be a Green Fair. If sponsorship was secured it was hoped to stage this in May 2005 and build on the good relationships with a number of related organisations and the work already undertaken at events such as the County Show and Garlic Festival.
ACTION TO
BE TAKEN BY THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND
PLANNING POLICY
The Portfolio Holder be fully supported in proposals to arrange an Energy Awareness Week in 2005.
ACTION TO
BE TAKEN BY THE HEAD OF PROPERTY SERVICES AND AGENDA 21 OFFICER
Staff be reminded to turn off all non essential equipment over the Christmas period and also at all other times when not required.
37. MEMBERS’ QUESTION TIME
Mrs E Oulton asked if details could be received of the outcomes of
the Select Committee’s recommendations.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE
SUPPORT
Details of the
outcomes of the Select Committee’s recommendations be circulated.
Mr R C Richards referred to a number of complaints that he had
received from residents following the spreading of salt on the highway.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE HEAD OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
A check be undertaken of the calibrations on the equipment
utilised for the spreading of salt on the highway.
CHAIRMAN