THE "CALL IN"PERIOD FOR THESE DECISIONS EXPIRES AT 4.30 PM ON MONDAY, 11 JUNE 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, 31 MAY 2001 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs S A Smart (Chairman), Mr R R Barry, 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, Mr R A Sutton

Also present non-voting :

Mr A C Bartlett, Mr M G Barton, Mr C P Boswell, Mr E Fox, Mr V J Morey, Mr A J Mundy

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 24 May 2001 be approved as a correct record.

342. 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.

343. URGENT BUSINESS - BEMBRIDGE AIRPORT

The Chairman agreed to consideration of an urgent item of business as it was necessary to advise members of the latest position. Mr Bartlett read out a statement informing members that a CAA licence had been restored to Bembridge airport and the company wished to thank the Council for its support over the last year in rebuilding the company that had led to the creation of 80 jobs.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted.

344. REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Cowes Yachting Partnership

Mr R R Barry declared a non pecuniary interest as a member of Cowes Harbour Commissioners.

The Executive were advised of Cowes Yachting Centre's proposals for the creation of a Cowes Yachting Partnership and details were given of their application for funding of �10,000 for the current financial year. It was aimed that the Partnership would undertake the existing functions of Cowes Week Sponsorship Limited along with most of those of Cowes Yachting. Members were reminded that the Executive on 25 May 2000 granted �10,000 to Cowes Yachting Centre Limited so they could rationalise arrangements and demands made on the town by national and international yachting events. Members were advised that although there was no specific budget provision for this purpose, a sum of up to �10,000 could be found from Contingency Funds. Members were keen to support the idea of a streamlined uniform body for Cowes. Mr Troup the new chairman of Cowes Yachting Partnership attended the meeting and thanks were expressed to him and the outgoing chairman, Mr Power for their achievements.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the proposals for the creation of a Cowes Yachting Partnership be approved.

(ii) THAT a grant to Cowes Yachting Centre Ltd for sum of �10,000 for the financial year 2001/02 be granted, subject to the submission of a specific spending plan and targets for the year by the Company and their approval by the Council's Director of Finance and Information and Corporate Policy Manager.

(iii) THAT in future if other relevant grant applications relating to Cowes are received by the Council, they be automatically referred to the Partnership for comment.

(iv) THAT in future any report from Cowes Yachting Partnership to the Council record achievements as set against its targets.

(v) THAT in future any report from Cowes Yachting Partnership shows an analysis of investment made in relation to the benefit to the Island.

345. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

(a) Storm Damage

Members were advised that considerable progress had been made with clearance and cliff stabilisation works in the Sandown Bay following the extreme winter rainfall and that a meeting with residents to explain the implications of the weather and to inform them of action taken by the Council had received positive feedback. Members were also updated as to the geotechnical studies and investigations that were taking place in Upper Bonchurch and Undercliff Drive areas.

The Director of Environment Services outlined the current situation regarding correspondence with the DETR over the Bellwin scheme of eligibility for financial assistance. Members were informed that the advice received from the Council's Consultants indicated that works needed to be carried out in order to protect the Council's position. A member raised the issue of the poor state of repair of Osborne steps which would be looked into with a report made to him.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the progress with the urgent clearance and cliff stabilisation works in Sandown Bay be noted.

(ii) THAT the short and medium term strategy for addressing cliff stability issues in Sandown Bay be approved.

(iii) THAT the progress with geotechinal studies and investigations in the Isle of Wight Undercliff be noted.

(iv) THAT approval be given to expenditure of �482,400 as identified by Rendels and detailed in the schedule attached to the report.

(b) 2001/2002 Draft Isle of Wight ( Parking Places) Order - Results of Formal Consultation

Following a discussion Members considered deferring the decision until the first meeting of the Executive of the new Council.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be deferred until the first meeting of the Executive of the new Council and that Members be informed of the lost revenue for this interim period.

346. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

Best Value Review of Out of Hours Services

The Director of Social Services and Housing introduced his report on the Best Value Review of Out of Hours Services. A detailed action plan identified the need for improvement in the performance and financial management in out of hours services and set out proposals for future investment to improve existing services. The Select Committee discussed the issues at its meeting on 16 May 2001and supported a bid for grant from the 'Spend to Save' provision to fund the urgent appointment in 2001/02 of a manager for the out of hours service.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Best Value report of out of hours services be approved.

(ii) THAT Best Value in the current and future provision of out of hours services be promoted through investment in management and focus resources on emergencies only.

347. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND INFORMATION

(a) ICT Strategy and ICT Investment Proposals

Members gave consideration to the report which presented the ICT Strategy and investment proposals which aimed to transform the Council into a ' digital authority' by 2005 in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. It was emphasised that this would not be a replacement for other means of communication but would instead enhance them and give greater access to council services. It was noted that the investment proposals would provide, for the first time, a means for services and directorates to bid for funds within a strategic framework and that properly developed proposals would be considered sympathetically alongside the strategic proposals at the appropriate time.

Particular attention was drawn to the urgent need to replace the booking system operated by Isle of Wight Tourism. It was indicated that methods would be pursued to secure fund for this if a business case and supporting evidence were submitted.

It was agreed to discuss other issues relating to this report in conjunction with Best Value Pump Priming.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the ICT strategy be formally accepted.

(ii) THAT the new Council adopt an 'electronic service delivery champion' which ideally would be the relevant portfolio holder.

(b) Best Value Pump Priming

The Director of Finance and Information introduced his report on the 'Spend to Save' bids totalling �108,000 which were made as a result of undertaking Best Value reviews. Members were reminded that at the Council meeting on 21 February 2001, �250,000 was set aside in the budget for 2001/2 for ICT and Best value initiatives along with �534,000 which had been set aside from 1999/2000.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT �676,000 be released for projects as detailed in the ICT Strategy Investments proposals as attached to the report.

(ii) THAT the proposed principles for dealing with operational ICT requirements as set out in the ICT Strategy Investment Proposals be accepted.

(iii) THAT �108,000 one off funding be approved for the pump priming proposals arising from Best Value studies as set out in the appendix to the report.

348. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES

(a) Blackhouse Quay, Newport Harbour

The Director of Corporate Services introduced his report for discussions to commence relating to Council property which could be linked with other interests in the area. Members discussed the issue concerning regeneration in and around the Newport Quay and Harbour area.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT negotiations be undertaken based on a joint proposal with both parties to receive apportionments from the net proceeds.

(ii) THAT an overall development brief be reported back to the Executive prior to this particular proposal being concluded.

(b) Land at Culver Parade

Members had visited the site the previous day. They gave consideration to the report and were advised of the current situation. After a lengthy discussion on the options available it was

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT negotiations be continued in line with option 4 as detailed in the report with the following conditions to be imposed:

- landscaping and management of the Canoe Lake and surrounding area to enable the Dinosaur Museum and Browns to operate

- a contribution, as yet unspecified, to be made by the Developer to the costs of constructing the Eastern access

- provision of adequate parking space

- access for the Developer must be specific and not general

- the entrance and access track at the western end of the site to the Dinosaur museum be tidied up.

(ii) THAT if the above negotiations are not satisfactorily completed by 24 August 2001 then option 3 as set out in the report will be pursued.

349. MEMBERS' QUESTION TIME

Mr Kendall asked a question relating to works carried out by Transco in Staplers Road which had further worsened the flow of traffic. The Leader replied that she assumed they were carrying out emergency gas works and if this was not the case he would receive a reply detailing the reasons.

Mr Kendall asked if the Council could take action over what he regarded as powerlessness of local councillors in representing the interests of existing householders where new developments are proposed. The Leader replied that she shared his concern as members were elected to support the views of the community although she was not opposed to probity. She indicated that she would refer his concerns to the Planning Committee

Mr Sutton asked whether the Leader shared his concern over a recent attack on a hotel owner and his son and would she sign a letter with him for an increase in police numbers on the Island to deal with such incidents. Mr Sutton also asked whether she would call a meeting between the police and Council representatives at the earliest opportunity. He further asked if the Leader would ensure that parenting orders were placed on the parents of the youths concerned and asked whether she agreed with him that the sooner the birch was brought back the better.

The Leader agreed to send a joint letter to the Chief Constable and added there was a need to tackle the issue of crime and believed it was up to the courts to deal with such offenders. However she stated she was fiercely opposed to the custom of birching.

Mr Rees asked a question relating to the recent publication of a list of Members attendances at council meetings as he believed it did not accurately reflect the facts. The Director of Corporate Services agreed to look into the matter.

CHAIRMAN