THE "CALL IN"PERIOD FOR THESE DECISIONS EXPIRES AT 4.30 PM ON MONDAY, 9 APRIL 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 THURSDAY, 29 MARCH 2001 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs S A Smart (Chairman), Mrs T M Butchers, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr P G Harris, Mr A D Hollands, Miss H L Humby, Mr G S Kendall, Mr G A Nichols, Mr H Rees

Apologies :

Mr R R Barry, Mr R A Sutton

Also present non-voting :

Mr A C Bartlett, Mr C B W Chapman, Mr J Effemey, Mr E Fox, Mrs A E Hewitt, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr V J Morey

283. MINUTES

RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 22 March 2001 be approved as a correct record.

284. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Interests were declared in the following matters:
Mr A D Hollands - a pecuniary interest in Education and Social Services matters as a contractor for a number of transport contracts for those departments. It was accepted that this was a standing declaration.

285. URGENT BUSINESS

The Chairman agreed to three items of urgent business, the first was a request from the Executive meeting the week before and the other two were to update Members on the current position.
(a) Beach Cafes - Shanklin Seafront
The Chairman felt that not withstanding its urgency and as not all Members had had an opportunity to read the above report and there had been insufficient time to make the report available to the public that the item should be deferred until the next meeting of the Executive following week.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be deferred until the next meeting of the Executive.
(b) Shanklin Esplanade
The Director of Environment Services gave an oral update as to the current situation on the recent cliff falls in the Shanklin area. Necessary works had been agreed with the insurers and loss adjusters while the question of land ownership was being clarified. Works had recently begun to remove the talus on the basis that the land owner would be responsible for costs.
It was reported that a fall of 100 tonnes had taken place at Winchester steps and the path had now been closed. With regard to the landslip at Bonchurch, an area of previous instability, another stability report had been commissioned. Further deterioration had been detected at Undercliff Drive and in Niton.
A public meeting was in the process of being arranged which would include local business people and the local hotel associations.
The Chairman wished to thank officers and the various agencies involved for their hard work over the past week.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
(c) Award for clean beaches
The Spokesperson for Leisure informed the Executive that the Island had achieved success in the Seaside Awards with 11 beaches gaining recognition. Two of the fifty-seven beaches that reached 'A' standard were located on the Island.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.

286. REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Corporate Objectives 2001-2002
The report of the Chief Executive proposed a range of corporate objectives for 2001-2002 which had been considered at select committees and also at a recent member development day.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL :
THAT the Council's corporate objectives for 2001-2002 be as follows:
(i) To care for vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
(ii) To raise standards of achievement, encourage learning and promote opportunities for all.
(iii) To develop the knowledge and skills needed for employment opportunities.
(iv) To protect and enhance the health, safety and environment of the Island and its people.
(v) To develop the Island's transport network for the benefit of local people.
(vi) To support and develop Council staff and to manage the Council's property and other resources efficiently and effectively.
(vii) To promote sustainable tourism, leisure, cultural and economic development.

287. JOINT REPORT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

Island Partnership - Contract for Delivery of Economic Development and Regeneration Services
The Chief Executive introduced the report which sought approval to roll forward the contract in order to provide stability for the next two years and a statement of intent for the third year. Members were informed that the contract was broadly similar to previous years but covered new areas relating to the development of a "bidder" website, assistance to Isle of Wight Council in developing its own bids, co-operation in the production of a social audit data base and a contribution to the Local Strategic Partnership and Community Planning process. The Chief Executive suggested that The Managing Director of the Isle of Wight Partnership could give a presentation on the Regeneration Strategy at a future date.
RESOLVED :
THAT the contract terms be endorsed and that the Director of Environment Services be authorised to complete the Service Level Agreement.

288. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

2001/2002 Draft Isle of Wight Council (Parking Places) Order
Members received the report which set out proposals for changes to the Isle of Wight Council Parking Order for 2001-2002. This Order was to be fundamentally reviewed in order to reflect amendments in the Council's parking policies including those of the UDP and LTP. Discussions took place as to the issue of parking permits which were currently sold at a heavily discounted rate compared to the equivalent daily cost of parking. Members felt that is could not be defended in the light of best value. Other possible changes included making Chapel Street car park into long stay to reflect its inner town location and its importance as a shoppers car park and the inclusion of an area at Upper Coppins Bridge car park for coach parking.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT existing parking tariffs be maintained until the review on parking policy is competed.
(ii) THAT Chapel Street car park be redesignated short stay.
(iii) THAT a coach parking area be provided at Upper Coppins Bridge car park within the formal Order.
(iv) THAT the 12 monthly parking permit be suspended and the 6,3 and 1 monthly parking permit be maintained until the results of the survey were known.

289. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

Day Care Charges for Elderly People 2001-02
The Director of Social Services and Housing introduced his report which asked Members to reconsider their previous decision which was to limit the increase in day care charges by 3% inflation. This request was in the light of recent Government draft guidance due to be implemented in April 2002 and the outcome of the budget.
RESOLVED :
THAT day care charges be limited to a 3% inflationary increase only.

290. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

(a) Isle of Wight Council Technical Assistance Project for the Government of Anguilla
The Director of Education and Community Developed presented his report which requested a two year extension to a contract awarded to the Isle of Wight Council by the Department for Internationale Development for provision of educational assistance to the Government of Anguilla. The Leader expressed her thanks to all those who had been involved with the project.
RESOLVED :
THAT all concerned be congratulated on the work so far and that an extension of the Project until December 2003 be agreed.
(b) Strategic Plan 2001-2004
Members received the Strategic Plan 2001-2004. This was aimed to provide a link between the Council's Corporate Plan and the individual Service Plans within the Directorate. The Leader expressed her thanks to those involved.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL :
THAT Strategic Plan for the period 2001-2004 be approved.

291 MEMBERS' QUESTION TIME

Mrs Butchers asked if the Education Directorate, who she felt produced plans in a readable format and in plain English could give advice to other areas of the Council. The Leader replied that this would be a good idea.

CHAIRMAN