MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 28 AUGUST 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mrs T M Butchers (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mrs B D Clough, Mr A C Coburn, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr J H Fleming, Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mr A F Tiltman
Apologies :
Mr C B W Chapman, Miss H Humby, Mrs E Oulton
Portfolio Holders :
Mr E Fox, Mrs B Lawson
Also present (non-voting) :
Mr J A Bowker, Mr G P Price
26. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE DAY
It was reported that as the Chairman, Mrs T M Butchers, was unable to attend until later in the meeting it would necessary to appoint a Chairman for the day.
RESOLVED :
THAT Mr M J Cunningham be elected Chairman for the day.
27. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2002 be confirmed.
28. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT AS AT END OF JULY 2002
The Select Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director for Finance and Information and Treasurer detailing the revenue and capital spending position as at the end of July 2002. The revenue budget now included the carry forwards and overspends, as reported at the last meeting, had been approved by the Executive. There would be financial implications arising from the emergency works required at Coppins Bridge, Newport. It was estimated that these could cost in the region of £140,000. Arising from the problems experienced at this location the Council’s Bridge inspection programme had been revised to overcome any similar incidents at this or other such sites.
In relation to capital schemes members were made aware that a priority assessment process had been designed with the intention of using this to prioritise highway schemes for 2003/04.
The Select Committee noted that from the performance indicators, which were to be discussed later in the meeting, the number of road accident casualties were giving cause for concern. It was believed that the capital programme should ensure that relevant schemes were undertaken in known accident black spots. It was accepted that because of the small overall numbers involved the information was not statistically reliable.
Background was given to a number of the schemes included in the 2002/03 programme. On the matter of bus shelter provision officers indicated that there was no matching funding from Southern Vectis. Progress was being made on the contract for works to the Military Road and it was anticipated that these may start in September and be carried out over two financial years.
RESOLVED :
THAT the budget monitoring report as at the end of July 2002 be noted.
29. SERVICE PLANS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Consideration was given to the 2002/03 Service Plan for Engineering Services together with the Performance Indicators denoting the Council’s position for various activities against national, regional, professional and local statistics.
The priorities contained in the Service Plan reflected the principles contained within the Corporate Plan, Local Transport Plan and Best Value Inspection Plan.
In considering the performance indicators members were made aware that officers were investigating more relevant indicators through the South East Counties Service Improvement Group and the National Best Value Benchmarking Scheme. It was anticipated that all the relevant information would be compiled to enable revised indicators to be brought into use for 2002/2003.
As had been indicated earlier in the meeting the number of road accident casualties had been highlighted as a worsening position. A draft Road Safety Plan was currently out for consultation. The Select Committee indicated that it was not aware of this and requested that all members should be circulated with a copy. With regard to road maintenance the Select Committee received clarification as to the Council’s role in monitoring works undertaken by statutory undertakers. It was also noted that works were due to recommence on the installation of cable TV and this would have an impact on the highway network.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT a copy of the draft Road Safety Plan be sent to all members.
(b) THAT the report be noted.
30. SELECT COMMITTEE WORKPLAN
The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support outlined the workplan drawn up for the Select Committee following its away day on 31 May 2002.
Members noted that the Liaison Committee, at its meeting on 20 August 2002, had agreed that a joint Ecological Footprint Working Party between this Select Committee and the Resources Select Committee should be established to look at a range of relevant issues affecting greening the authority.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT the draft workplan be approved.
(b) THAT the establishment of a working party to consider the Council’s ecological footprint be agreed.
(Prior to the commencement of the following item the Chairman, Mrs T M Butchers entered the meeting)
31. MEMBERS QUESTION TIME
Mr D J Knowles submitted a question in relation to Road Traffic Accidents at the junction of Arundel Road and High Park Road, Ryde. (MQ66/02)
A copy of the question and reply is contained in the Members Question Time Register.
CHAIRMAN