THE "CALL IN"PERIOD FOR THESE DECISIONS EXPIRES AT 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY, 31 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, 21 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, Mrs B Lawson, Mr H Rees, Mrs J White

Also Present (non voting) :

Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J F Howe, Mr G S Kendall, Mr D J Knowles, Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs M J Miller, Mr A J Tiltman, Mr D G Williams, Mr D T Yates



31. MINUTES

RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 14 August 2001 be confirmed.

32. URGENT BUSINESS - RENOVATION/RESTORATION OF LYNNBOTTOM LANDFILL SITE

The Chairman agreed to an item of urgent business as a decision was needed before the next meeting.
The Director of Environment Services advised members that the planning and licensing conditions for the Lynnbottom landfill site required its capping and restoration to be commenced within six months of its closure. Previous phases of the restoration had been funded by Special Supplementary Credit Approvals from central Government but they were no longer available. Funding for the works to the site had been set aside from the Repairs and Renewals Fund.
Tenders had been invited from four contractors who had expressed an interest and met the Council's requirements. Three tenders were returned by the closing date of 13 August 2001. It was anticipated that work on the site would commence at the beginning of September 2001 with a twelve week contract period.
RESOLVED :
THAT �1,012,324.62 be released from the Repairs and Renewals Fund and the lowest technically acceptable tender be accepted.

33. PRESTWOOD FARM UPDATE

The Director of Environment Services outlined the history of the site and advised members generally on the negotiations that were currently taking place. A report would be brought to the Executive by the end of September 2001.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted and that a report be brought back to the Executive by the end of September 2001.

34. BEST VALUE REVIEW

The Portfolio Holder for Transport presented the Best Value Review for Highways and Transportation. Functions had been reviewed under four headings :
Maintenance of the network - aimed at safety and protection
Accident reduction - aimed at safety and protection
Development and Improvement of the Infrastructure
Management of the network.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be accepted and forwarded to the Best Value Inspector.

35. PORTFOLIO HOLDER - PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND WASTE

(a) Storm Damage : Bonchurch Landslide Assessment
The Director of Environment Services advised members of the progress made with ground movement investigations in Upper Bonchurch. Approval was being sought for the next phase of investigation comprising boreholes and the installation of monitoring and warning instrumentation.
The first phase of the investigation had been completed at a cost of �10,000. The budget cost for phase 2 was estimated to be �88,000.
Members were advised the cost could not be charged against the Belwin Rules as there was a cut off date for work to be completed.
RESOLVED :
THAT tenders be sought for the ground investigation and provision of instrumentation for Upper Bonchurch, at an estimated total cost of �88,000.
(b) Seaview Duver Coast Protection Scheme
The Director of Environment Services sought approval for formal submission of an application for coast protection grant aid for the Seaview Duver coast protection scheme to the Department of Environment, Flood and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Four public consultations, meetings and presentations had been held and the scheme had the full support of the Parish Council. A planning application had been submitted and subject to consent it was estimated that the scheme would cost �2,410,000. The scheme was expected to receive 55% coast protection grant aid from the DEFRA and ring-fenced coast protection SCA for the balance of the capital cost.
The acquisition of approximately 20 acres of land on the seaward side would be set aside for a nature reserve.
RESOLVED :
THAT an application be submitted to DEFRA for a coast protection scheme for the Seaview Duver frontage.

36. WIGHT LEISURE EXTERNALISATION

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Leisure reminded members that in December 2000 the full Council had agreed to pursue the transfer of Wight Leisure services to a Not for Profit Distributing Organisation (NPDO). In May 2001 the Executive agreed a framework for the transfer with the intention of completing by October 2001, subject to the advice of external advisors and the District Auditor's satisfaction with the process.
The District Auditor had questioned certain aspects of the transfer and remained to be satisfied that the proposed transfer met the requirements of the best value legislation. PMP, an Independent Leisure Consultancy who had been appointed to review the externalisation process and business plan proposals, were unable at the present time to recommend that the transfer represented best value to the Council and considered that the business plan was not sufficiently detailed or robust at present.
Members wished to see an early decision made to resolve the uncertainties relating to Wight Leisure and supported an early best value review providing it could be completed within a period of 6 months.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the transfer of Wight Leisure services to a NPDO be suspended and a Best Value Review of the services be undertaken.
(ii) THAT the verification of the NPDO's current business plan be continued.
(iii) THAT appropriate action be taken to ensure that officers have no conflict of interest throughout any negotiations, best value review or other strategic decisions taken in relation to Wight Leisure's services.
(iv) THAT the Best Value Review be undertaken within six months with its scope to be determined by the appropriate appraisal committee following a review of the existing 'reviews'/information.
(v) THAT the implications for the best value performance review plan of bringing forward the Wight Leisure review be considered under a separate report.

CHAIRMAN