The Inverclyde Council

Thursday 28 June 2007 at 4.00 pm

Present:  Provost McCormick, Councillors Ahlfeld, Blair, Brooks, Clocherty, Dorrian, Ferguson, Fyfe, Grieve, Loughran, McCabe, McCallum, McIlwee, McKenzie, Moran, Osborne, Rebecchi, Wilson and White.

Chair:  Provost McCormick presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Corporate Director Education & Social Care, Corporate Director Environment & Community Protection, Corporate Director Improvement & Performance, Corporate Director Regeneration & Resources, Head of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Head of Environmental Services, Head of Finance, Head of Legal & Administration, Head of ICT & Systems Improvement, Head of Performance Management & Procurement, Interim Head of Implementation & Development Projects, Head of Safer Communities, Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts) and Managing Solicitor (Litigation/Advice).

Attending also: Mr R Blackburn (PSBA Ltd).

Apologies: Councillor MacLeod.

Minutes of Meetings of

The Inverclyde Council, Committees, Sub-Committees and Boards

450

The Inverclyde Council – 19 April 2007

450

Approved on the motion of Provost McCormick.

451

The Inverclyde Council – Statutory Meeting – 24 May 2007

451

Approved on the motion of Provost McCormick subject to (1) the suspension of Standing Orders at paragraph 382 (Appointment of Committees, Sub-Committees and Regulatory Boards with Conveners and Vice-Conveners) to allow the substitution of Councillor Ferguson for Councillor MacLeod on the Planning Board and (2) with regard to paragraph 383 (Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies), the nomination of Councillor Ferguson to River Clyde Homes Board.

452

Education and Lifelong Learning Committee – 29 May 2007

452

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe.

453

Health and Social Care Committee – 5 June 2007

453

Approved on the motion of Councillor McIlwee.

454

Education and Lifelong Learning Committee (Special) – 12 June 2007

454

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe.

455

General Purposes Board – 13 June 2007

455

Approved on the motion of Councillor Ahlfeld.

456

Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee – 14 June 2007

456

Approved on the motion of Councillor Moran.

457

Policy and Resources Executive Sub-Committee – 14 June 2007

457

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe.

458

Planning Board – 20 June 2007

458

Approved on the motion of Councillor Wilson.

459

Audit Committee – 27 June 2007

459

Approved on the motion of Councillor Blair.

460

Human Resources Appeals Board – 28 June 2007

460

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCallum.

461

Inverclyde Royal Hospital: Parking Charges – Request from Councillor McKenzie

461

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on a request from Councillor McKenzie that the Council consider the recent announcement by Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board relative to the introduction of a parking charge at their hospital car parks, including Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Chief Executive to write to Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board expressing the Council’s strong opposition to the introduction of a parking charge at Inverclyde Royal Hospital as (a) its car parks are not used by commuters and/or shoppers and, accordingly, neither patients nor visitors have any difficulty in parking and (b) the proposal will result in congestion at other on-street locations in the vicinity of the hospital.

462

Appointments to Outside Bodies – Supplementary Report

462

There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Administration requesting Members to make a number of changes and additions to the list of outside bodies on which the Council is represented.

After discussion, Councillor White seconded by Councillor Rebecchi moved that Councillor Blair be appointed to Greenock Arts Guild. As an amendment, Councillor McCabe seconded by Councillor McKenzie moved that Councillor Clocherty be so appointed. As a further amendment, Councillor Brooks seconded by Councillor Ferguson moved that Councillor Osborne be appointed.  On a vote between the two amendments, 4 Members voted for the amendment by Councillor Brooks and 11 for the amendment by Councillor McCabe. The amendment by Councillor Brooks then fell. On a vote between the amendment by Councillor McCabe and the motion, 4 Members voted for the motion and 11 for the amendment which was declared carried.

Councillor Brooks seconded by Councillor Osborne moved that Councillor Grieve be appointed to Port Glasgow Traders’ Association. As an amendment, Councillor McCabe seconded by Councillor McKenzie moved that Councillors Wilson and Moran be so appointed. On a vote, 9 Members voted for the motion and 10 for the amendment which was declared carried.

Decided:

(1) that Councillor McCabe be appointed to the Clyde Valley Community Planning Partnership;

(2) that Councillor Clocherty be appointed to Greenock Arts Guild;

(3) that Councillors McCallum and Rebecchi be appointed to Inverclyde Voluntary Council of Social Services – Executive Committee;

(4) that Councillors Moran, Brooks and White be appointed to Invergreen 20/20 Ltd;

(5) that Councillor Clocherty stand down from Kilmacolm Community Centre Co Ltd (KNCC), Councillors McCabe and Wilson remaining as the Council’s representatives;

(6) that it be agreed that Mr A J MacPherson, Ryvoan, 5 Dhalling Park, Hunter Street, Kirn, Dunoon, be appointed to the Prison Visiting Committee,  Legalised Police Cells, Dunoon;

(7) that Councillors Moran and White be appointed to the Local Outdoor Access Forum;

(8) that Councillors Wilson and Moran be appointed to Port Glasgow Traders’ Association;

(9) that Councillors Loughran and White be appointed as substitute Members of the Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board; and

(10) that Councillor Blair stand down from the Scottish Maritime Museum Trust, Councillor Grieve remaining as the Council’s representative.

463

Modernisation and Efficiency Programme – Members Referral Group

463

There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Administration seeking nominations for membership of the Members Referral Group for the Modernisation and Efficiency Programme.

Decided: that Councillors McCabe, Blair, Osborne, McKenzie, McIlwee and Ferguson be nominated for membership of the Members Referral Group for the Modernisation and Efficiency Programme.

464

Administrative Arrangements: Cycle of Council, Committee and Board Meetings

464

There was submitted a report by the Head of Legal and Administration setting out for approval the schedule of Committee cycles for the period to June 2008 taking account of the report by the Chief Executive regarding the new decision making structure for the Council which was approved by the Council on 24 May 2007.

Decided:

(1) that the proposed cycle of Council/Committee/Board meetings for the year to June 2008 as set out in the timetable forming an appendix to the report be approved; and

(2) that all future Education and Lifelong Learning Committee meetings commence at 4pm.

465

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – On-Street Parking Places (Without Charges) Order No 2 2006

465

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources relative to the making of the Traffic Regulation Order – On-Street Parking Places (Without Charges) Order No 2 2006 in terms of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 and associated Regulations. It was noted that the making of the Order had been recommended for approval by the Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee on 14 June 2007.

Resolved on the motion of Councillor Moran seconded by Councillor Dorrian that “THE INVERCLYDE COUNCIL, incorporated under the Local Government Etc (Scotland) Act 1994, RESOLVE TO MAKE as they HEREBY MAKE a Resolution under Section 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 Planning and Transportation and the Head of Legal and Administration be authorised to take all necessary action in connection therewith.

466

Transformation Programme – Progress Report June 2007

466

There was a submitted a report by the Chief Executive together with a detailed position statement outlining progress against the overall Transformation Programme.

Decided:

(1) that the Council welcome the progress made to date in respect of addressing and progressing the Transformation Programme;

(2) that it be agreed to receive a further report in November 2007 outlining further progress and proposals for the next phase of organisational development and improvement; and

(3) that a further report be submitted in January 2008 concerning the proposed arrangements for preparing for the next audit of Best Value and Community Planning.

467

Directorate Plans 2007/08

467

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive presenting the 4 new Directorate Plans for 2007/08, which it was noted had been prepared on an interim basis, for consideration and approval.

Decided: that the Council adopt the Directorate Plans for 2007/08 for Education and Social Care, Environment and Community Protection, Improvement and Performance and Regeneration and Resources.

468

Event to Mark Visit by QE2

468

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources on an event to mark the visit by the QE2 to Greenock Ocean Terminal on 20 September 2007, the 40^th anniversary of her launch at Clydebank, at an estimated cost of £40,000.

Decided: that the Council confirm its support and the recommended funding in the report for the events associated with the arrival and departure of the QE2 at Greenock Ocean Terminal on 20 September 2007.

469

Maukinhill Stock Transfer

469

There was submitted a report by the Interim Head of Implementation and Development Projects on the Maukinhill Stock Transfer (1) recommending approval of the financial element to date of the amended Cloch Housing Association Business Plan, a copy of which was appended to the report, and (2) seeking delegated authority to finalise the proposal for the transfer.

Decided:

(1) that the Council approve the financial assessment of the revised Cloch Housing Association business plan for the Maukinhill Stock Transfer and note the Lead Advisor’s appraisal appended to the report;

(2) that it be noted that officers are progressing with an intended date of transfer in July 2007 and are liaising with Cloch Housing Association for an early suitable date; and

(3) that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, or other senior Officer as nominated by him, to approve the final configuration of the Cloch Housing Association Business Plan and to finalise transfer arrangements as soon as possible for the Maukinhill transfer.

470

Mr Gerry Douglas

470

Councillor Blair referred to Mr Gerry Douglas, Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts), who would be leaving the Council after 28 years’ service to take up a post with Renfrewshire Council and asked that the Council’s appreciation be recorded.  Provost McCormick also thanked Mr Douglas for his service to the Council and wished him every success in the future.

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 for the following 3 items of business on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item and the nature of the exempt information in respect of the item thereafter being that defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act, as detailed in the minute of the relevant Committee, Sub-Committee or Board.

Item                                                                                                Paragraph(s)

Appendix Relative to Agenda Item 10 Comprising                 6 and 9

Partial Financial Assessment of Cloch Housing

Association’s Proposal for the Maukinhill Estate

Waterfront Leisure Centre – Court Action                              6 and 12

The Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm                                                  2, 6 and 9

The Birkmyre Trust

471

Appendix Relative to Agenda Item 10 Comprising Partial Financial Assessment of Cloch Housing Association’s Proposal for the Maukinhill Estate

471

Noted

472

Waterfront Leisure Centre – Court Action

472

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources (1) advising on progress and prospects in the court action relative to the Waterfront Leisure Centre and (2) making recommendations in connection therewith and the Council agreed to proceed in accordance with the recommendations, all as detailed in the appendix.

473

The Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm

473

The Birkmyre Trust

There was submitted a report by the Corporate Director Regeneration and Resources seeking approval to lease an area of ground within the Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm and the Council agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the appendix.

Appendices to Minutes

474

Education and Lifelong Learning Committee – 29 May 2007

474

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe.

475

Policy and Resources Executive Sub-Committee  - 14 June 2007

475

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCabe.

476

Human Resources Appeals Board – 28 June 2007

476

Approved on the motion of Councillor McCallum.