The Inverclyde Council

Thursday 9 May 2002 at 4.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Blair, Calvert, Campbell, Hill, Hunter, Jackson, McCabe, McCormick, McGhee, McGraw, Mitchell, Morrison (D), Morrison (M), Nimmo, O'Rourke, Rebecchi, Robertson (A), Robertson (Y) and White.

Chair:  Provost Roach presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community & Protective Services, Director of Education Services, Director of Finance Services, Mr H McNeilly (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Director of Social Work & Housing Services, Head of Personnel Services, Head of Property Services and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

The Reverend A Sorensen opened the proceedings with prayer.

    420

Policy and Strategy Committee - 25 April 2002

Paragraph 410:  Political Management Arrangements

420

Approved on the motion of Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke.

    421

Appoint Committees, including Conveners and Vice-Conveners

421

Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved (a) that the membership of Committees, Conveners and Vice-Conveners as detailed in the list circulated to the Council (Appendix 1 to this minute) and (b) that a Standards Committee be established comprising Councillors Jackson, O'Rourke, Mitchell and Calvert.

Councillor Blair seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Policy & Strategy Committee that Councillor Mitchell be appointed as Vice-Convener in place of Councillor O'Rourke.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the membership of the Policy & Strategy Committee that Councillor Hill be appointed in place of Councillor Robertson (A) and Councillor Nimmo be appointed in place of Councillor Robertson (Y).  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Corporate Business Committee that Councillor White be appointed Vice-Convener in place of Councillor McCormick.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Economic Regeneration Committee that Councillor Rebecchi be appointed as a Member of that Committee in place of Councillor Robertson (Y).  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Economic Regeneration Committee that Councillor Hill be appointed as Vice-Convener in place of Councillor McCormick.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee that Councillor Blair be appointed to that Committee in place of Councillor McCabe.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Health Improvement Committee that Councillor McGraw be appointed as Vice-Convener in place of Councillor Morrison (D).  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Community Committee that Councillor Rebecchi be appointed to that Committee in place of Councillor Robertson (A).  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Community Committee that Councillor Hunter be appointed as Vice-Convener in place of Councillor McGhee.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Licensing & Registration Panel that Councillor Nimmo be appointed Chair in place of Councillor Morrison (D).  On a vote, 10 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion.  In terms of the relevant Standing Order, the decision was determined by lot (by means of playing cards) and the motion was carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Education Sub-Committee that Councillor Campbell be appointed Convener in place of Councillor Robertson (A).  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Planning & Traffic Management Sub-Committee that Councillor Hill be appointed to that Committee in place of Councillor Robertson (Y).  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Planning & Traffic Management Sub-Committee that Councillor Blair be appointed Convener in place of Councillor McGhee.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that the membership of Committees and the appointment of Conveners and Vice-Conveners, including a Standards Committee, be as detailed in Appendix 1.

    422

Appoint Representatives to Outside Bodies

422

Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved that the representatives on outside bodies etc be as detailed on the list circulated to the Council (Appendix 2 to this minute).

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the CoSLA European Members Network that Councillor Blair be appointed in place of Councillor McGhee.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan Joint Committee that Councillor Campbell be appointed in place of Councillor McCormick.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Inverclyde Regeneration Partnership Executive Board that Councillor Hill be appointed in place of Councillor O'Rourke.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust that Councillor Hunter be appointed in place of Councillor McGhee.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Strathclyde Fire Board that Councillor Hunter be appointed in place of Councillor Jackson.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Strathclyde Joint Police Board that Councillor Nimmo be appointed in place of Councillor O'Rourke.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority that Councillor Campbell be appointed in place of Councillor McCormick.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved with reference to the West of Scotland Archaeological Service Joint Committee that Councillor Hunter be appointed in place of Councillor McGhee.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that the membership of outside bodies etc be as detailed in Appendix 2.

    423

Appointment to Outside Body:  Inverclyde Children's Panel Advisory Committee

423

There was submitted a report by the Director of Legal & Support Services requesting the Council to consider the nominations to fill the existing vacancy on the Inverclyde Children's Panel Advisory Committee.  Councillor O'Rourke seconded by Councillor Jackson moved that Mr J Bradley, 19 Divert Road, Gourock be appointed to the Inverclyde Children's Panel Advisory Committee.  As an amendment, Councillor Nimmo seconded by Councillor Campbell moved that Mr E Forbes, 49 Castle Wemyss Drive, Wemyss Bay be appointed to the Inverclyde Children's Panel Advisory Committee.  On a vote, 9 Members voted for the amendment and 11 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that Mr J Bradley, 19 Divert Road, Gourock be appointed to the Inverclyde Children's Panel Advisory Committee.

    424

Membership of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority

424

There was submitted a report dated 8 April 2002 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority that Inverclyde Council confirm the Council's current representatives serving as members of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority until the next local government elections.

Decided:  that the current representatives continue to serve as members of Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority until the next local government elections.

    425

Administrative Arrangements:  Cycle of Council/Committee Meetings

425

There was submitted a report dated 1 May 2002 by the Director of Legal & Support Services setting out for approval the schedule of Committee cycles for the period to May 2003 together with an additional paper setting out a further cycle to June 2003.

Decided:  that the recommended schedule of Committee cycles to June 2003 be approved.

Minutes of Meetings of

The Inverclyde Council, Committees and Sub-Committees

    426

The Inverclyde Council - 28 March 2002

426

Approved on the motion of Provost Roach seconded by Councillor Jackson.

    427

Education Services Committee - 2 April 2002

427

Approved on the motion of Councillor O'Rourke seconded by Councillor McCabe.

    428

Planning & Traffic Management Sub-Committee - 3 April 2002

428

Approved on the motion of Councillor McGhee seconded by Councillor McCormick.

    429

Licensing & Registration Panel - 4 April 2002

429

Approved on the motion of Councillor Morrison (D) seconded by Councillor McGhee.

    430

Social Work & Housing Committee - 9 April 2002

430

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe seconded by Councillor Morrison (D).

    431

Corporate Business Committee - 11 April 2002

431

Approved on the motion of Councillor Robertson (Y) seconded by Councillor McCormick.

    432

Economic Development Services Committee - 16 April 2002

432

Approved on the motion of Councillor McGhee seconded by Councillor McCormick.

    433

Community & Protective Services Committee - 18 April 2002

433

Approved on the motion of Councillor Morrison (M) seconded by Councillor McGhee.

    434

Finance & Audit Sub-Committee - 23 April 2002

434

Approved on the motion of Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke.

    435

Policy & Strategy Committee - 25 April 2002

435

Approval of the minute as a correct record was moved by Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke.  Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved with reference to paragraph 409 (Review of Community Councils) that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.  As an amendment, Councillor McCabe seconded by Councillor Robertson (A) moved that option 4 of the proposals outlined in the agenda item be adopted subject to amendment to allow the establishment of two separate Community Councils at Inverkip and Wemyss Bay, resulting in 8 Community Councils in total (Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow, Greenock Central East, Greenock Central West, Greenock South West, Gourock/Greenock West, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay).  On a vote, 4 Members voted for the amendment and 14 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that the minute be approved.

    436

Planning & Traffic Management Sub-Committee - 1 May 2002

436

Approved on the motion of Councillor McGhee seconded by Councillor McCormick.

    437

CoSLA Convention

437

There was submitted a report dated 30 April 2002 by the Chief Executive advising of a request from CoSLA that Inverclyde Council host the June 2002 convention meeting and seeking approval to make the appropriate arrangements.

Decided:

(1)   that the invitation from CoSLA to host the meeting be accepted;

(2)   that the Council agree to host a civic reception;

(3)   that it be remitted to the Chief Executive to make the appropriate arrangements in consultation with the Provost and Councillors Jackson, O'Rourke and Mitchell;  and

(4)   that the costs of hosting the events be met from civic funds.

    438

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order - On-Street Parking Places (Without Charges) Order No 1 2002

438

There was submitted a report dated 4 April 2002 by the Director of Legal & Support Services relative to the making of the Traffic Regulation Order - On-Street Parking Places (Without Charges) Order No 1 2002 in terms of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and associated Regulations.  It was noted that the making of the Order had been recommended for approval by the Planning & Traffic Management Sub-Committee on 3 April 2002.

Resolved on the motion of Councillor McGhee seconded by Councillor McCormick that "THE INVERCLYDE COUNCIL, incorporated under the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, RESOLVE TO MAKE as they HEREBY MAKE a Resolution under Sections 32(1) and Part III of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to permit the provision of parking places for disabled persons who hold a badge under the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 as amended, all as detailed in a copy of the Order forming a supplement to the principal minute hereof", and that the Head of Transportation & Roads Service and the Director of Legal & Support Services be authorised to take all necessary action in connection therewith.

    439

Request from West Dunbartonshire Council - Disregard of Industrial Injuries Benefit for Housing and Council Tax Benefit Purposes

439

There was submitted a report dated 15 April 2002 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a request from West Dunbartonshire Council that this Council gives its support to its proposal to a change in legislation in respect of the application of Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

Decided:  that the request be supported and that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to write to the relevant parties indicating that support.

    440

Code of Guidance on Funding External Bodies and Following the Public Pound

440

There was submitted a report dated 3 May 2002 by the Director of Finance Services seeking Council approval of the procedures to be followed when proposing the transfer of funds and other resources to external bodies.

Decided:  that the proposed Code be adopted but that the minimum amount of grant affected by the Code in respect of paragraph 2.2 of the report be amended from £500 to £2,000.

    441

Financial Regulations

441

Arising from the foregoing decision, it was necessary to amend the Council's Financial Regulations.

Resolved on the motion of Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke that "THE INVERCLYDE COUNCIL, incorporated under the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, under the powers conferred on them by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and the said Act of 1994, RESOLVE TO ADOPT as they HEREBY ADOPT Appendix± 3 to the Financial Regulations, a copy of which forms an Appendix to the principal minute hereof", and that with effect from the date of this Resolution videlicet 9 May 2002.

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended that the public and press be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that consideration of the following item involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as detailed in the minute of the relevant Committee or Sub-Committee.

Appendices to Minutes

    442

The Inverclyde Council - 28 March 2002

442

Approved on the motion of Provost Roach seconded by Councillor Jackson.

    443

Social Work & Housing Committee - 9 April 2002

443

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe seconded by Councillor Morrison (D).

    444

Corporate Business Committee - 11 April 2002

444

Approved on the motion of Councillor Robertson (Y) seconded by Councillor McCormick.

    445

Community & Protective Services Committee - 18 April 2002

445

Approved on the motion of Councillor Morrison (M) seconded by Councillor McGhee.

    446

Policy & Strategy Committee - 25 April 2002

446

Approval of the minute as a correct record was moved by Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke.

Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved with reference to paragraph 413 (Pension Fund - Financial Impact of FRS17) that the following be added to the minuted decision:-

"Without prejudice to the termination of the former Inverclyde District Council early retiral scheme on 30 September 2002, it be agreed that further negotiations and discussions be allowed with Trade Unions on the additional sum of £600,000 to phase out the enhancement over the period up to 2004/05."

Decided:  that the minute as amended be approved.