THE "CALL IN"PERIOD FOR THESE DECISIONS EXPIRES AT 5.00 PM ON THURSDAY, 23 AUGUST 2001. NONE OF THE DECISIONS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL AFTER THAT DATE.

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 14 AUGUST 2001 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs S A Smart (Chairman), Mr R R Barry, Mr J A Bowker, Mr E Fox, Mr P G Harris, Mrs M A Jarman, Mr H Rees, Mrs J White

Apologies :

Mrs B Lawson, Mr M O Morgan Huws

Also present non-voting :

Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mrs B D Clough, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J H Fleming, Mr J F Howe, Miss H L Humby, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr V J Morey, Mr R A Sutton, Mr D T Yates

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 7 August 2001 be approved as a correct record.

29. LAND AT CULVER PARADE

The Portfolio Holder for Resources advised members of the outcome of negotiations with Frincon Securities Limited (FSL). Following the Executive's instructions at its meeting on 31 May 2001, officers had met with representatives of FSL to agree terms for a Supplementary Deed of Variation. The conditions that the Executive had expressed to be met had been achieved with the exception of restricting the access to be enjoyed by FSL through the Council's land as to a specific use rather than a general access.

Concern was expressed over the future cost of cleaning and maintaining the canoe lake. It was felt this responsibility and indeed all of FSL's obligations should not be allowed to lapse over time or through a change in ownership. Covenants that ran with the land and a possible lease back agreement were discussed to overcome the problem.

The issue of whether adequate car parking had been allocated was discussed . Members were advised that FSL would grant an annual licence to the Council of the grass overflow car park until FSL provided a new public car park with a minium of 150 spaces nearby. This would be regardless of what other development took place on the remainder of the land owned by FSL.

Members were delighted with the success of the recent opening of Dinosaur Isle and believed that this could be a catalyst for further development.

Members recognised the need to be realistic in what could be achieved in relation to the site and understood a shift had taken place in terms of Environment Agency policies which inturn have an impact on the value of FSL's potential development. Members felt that the proposals in front of them were the only viable way forward.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Council agrees the Deed of Variation and the terms set out in the report on the understanding that the obligations of FSL will be binding on future owners.

(ii) THAT the possibility of a lease back agreement in respect of the canoe lake be explored and reported back to the Executive.

(iii) THAT the offer by FSL to reacquire all its property on terms set out in the report be not accepted.

30. RURAL BUS SUBSIDY GRANT

The Portfolio Holder for Transport informed members that the current RBSG service contracts were due to terminate in September 2001 and the contract for Isle of Wight Council funded services 13 (Freshwater/Totland) and 22/23 (Sandown / Alverstone/ Newchurch/ Sandown / Yaverland) were due to terminate in October 2001. Consultation had been undertaken in respect of future provision of these services and a full examination of patronage levels on such services had also been completed. A report had been made to the Select Committee for Environment and Transport held on 1st August 2001 in respect of the complex rules and processes that had to be considered as part of the tendering exercise. The Select Committee endorsed the de-minimis award of contracts and requested officers to carry out post-tender negotiations.

Members were advised that following the award of de-minimis contracts to Southern Vectis for the continuation of current RBSG services, a further �133,000 of RBSG remained available to spend in 2001/02. The Portfolio Holder then outlined details of the two tenders and advised that the tender from Southern Vectis for �113,000 for one year would best preserve and improve the network, give the best value for money as well as giving greatest flexibility for the Island.

The Portfolio Holder also summarised other possible methods of funding bus services through the Parish Transport Grant, Rural Transport Partnership Grant and the Rural Bus Challenge process although members were aware that continued work was required to find innovative ways of providing convenient and affordable public transport.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the award of de-minimis contracts to Southern Vectis at an annual total cost of �70,000 for a three year term, and to Wightbus at an annual total cost of �36,000 for a two year term be noted.

(ii) THAT a contract to Southern Vectis at an annual cost of �113,000 for a one year term in respect of their RBSG group tender "Option 1" as detailed in the report be awarded.

(iii) THAT RBSG contracts to Wightbus for a one year period at a total cost of �20,000 in 2001/02 and a total cost of �20,000 in 2002/03 in respect of additional Newport town services and a new East Wight bus service be awarded.

CHAIRMAN