Corporate Business Committee

Thursday 13 April 2000 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Blair, Jackson, McCabe, Moody, Morrison (M), O'Rourke and White.

Chair:  Councillor McCabe presided. 

In attendance:  Depute Chief Executive, Mr G Douglas (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Head of Exchequer Services, Head of Personnel Services and Mr A Gerrard (for Head of Property Services).

Apologies:  Councillors Mulholland and Nimmo.

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

353

Managing Attendance:  Absence Statistics - 4 October to 31 December 1999

353

There was submitted a report dated 28 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services advising the Committee of the Council's absence statistics for the period 4 October to 31 December 1999.  (Provost Roach and Councillor Blair entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business.)

Noted

354

Accommodation Works Projects (1999/2000) - Request for Committee Approvals

354

There was submitted a report dated March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to (1) homologate the works undertaken on the Third Floor West Wing of Greenock Municipal Buildings to the value of £3,500 and (2) reallocate the monies to various minor repairs projects under the heading of Accommodation Works relating to relocation of staff due to the new management structure as undernoted:-

(a)      Greenock Municipal Buildings - Alterations (Second Floor -

          South Wing Phase 1) to provide filing space/stores and offices                  £7,000

(b)      Greenock Municipal Buildings - Alterations (Second Floor -

          South Wing Phase 2) to provide office space, boxing-in of IT

          cabinet/equipment, bringing into use void to the side and rear of

          the new lift installation                                                                             £15,000

(c)      Balance of unallocated monies will be used for similar projects

          as accommodation is identified, eg alterations to provide

          accommodation for occupational health facilities                                      £16,865

Decided:

(1)   that the decision to undertake works to the value of £3,500 be homologated;

(2)   that the undertaking of additional projects as listed above be approved and that authority be delegated to the Head of Property Services to approve at his discretion any necessary additional minor works within the 1999/2000 budget;  and

(3)   that all other necessary approvals be granted in accordance with the decision of the Committee at the meeting on 10 June 1999 (para 552).

355

Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Technical Progress

355

There was submitted a report dated 20 March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the technical progress of the Capital Programme 1999/2000.

Noted

356

Capital Programme 1999/2000 - Financial Position

356

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the Capital Programme 1999/2000.

Noted

357

Cowdenknowes/Town Reservoirs:  Concrete Repairs and Replacement Fencing

357

There was submitted a report dated April 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept the lowest tender, that by MacKenzie Construction Ltd in the sum of £43,147.18 including fees, to undertake the concrete repair works and erection of replacement concrete fencing at Cowdenknowes/ Town Reservoirs.

Noted

358

Economic Development Services - Transportation and Roads Flood Prevention Strategy - Post of Engineer/Technician

358

There was submitted a report dated 4 April 2000 by the Director of Resource Services recommending the establishment of a post of Engineer within Economic Development Services (Transportation & Roads).  The report advised that the cost of the proposal was £23,586 including employers' costs which could be met from the funds allocated by the Council for flood prevention measures.

Decided:  that a post of Engineer/Technician be established at salary grade AP5-PO2/ Tech5-6 (£19,827- £24,789) within Economic Development Services.

359

Social Work & Housing Services:  Establishment of Post of Tenant Participation Officer

359

There was submitted a report dated 31 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services recommending the establishment of a post of Tenant Participation Officer within Housing Services.  The report advised that the cost of the proposal would be met from the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2000/2001. 

Decided:  that a post of Tenant Participation Officer be established at salary grade AP5/PO1 (£19,827-£24,009).

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Depute Chief Executive was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the works if agreed to proceed without delay.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

360

Major Repairs Budget 2000/2001 - Request for Committee Approvals

360

There was submitted a report dated March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive detailing major repairs projects required to be carried out and listing the projects in order of priority with the estimated costs.

Decided:

(1)  that the Committee approve the list of major repairs projects in the order of priority as follows:-

Priority

Location

Description

Value

1.

Minor Repairs

(At discretion of Head of Property Services)

£80,000

Projects currently under consideration for this Minor Repairs allocation:

a.  Hardridge Farm (March Fence) £4,000

b.  Greenock Municipal Buildings (Cold Water System) £15,000

2.

Greenock Municipal Buildings

(Rewire Phase 4)

£100,000

3.

Greenock Municipal Buildings

(Heating Phase 6)

£120,000

NB  (Cost to completion inc. this phase:  £200,000)

4.

St Columba's High School

(Flat Roof & Internal Redecoration)

£60,000

5.

Port Glasgow High School

(Repairs to Windows)

£43,000

6.

Port Glasgow Town Hall

(Balcony Concrete Repairs)

£50,000

7.

Port Glasgow High School

(Tied Houses Render System)

£45,000

8.

Highlanders Academy

(Replace Roof Covering)

£100,000

9.

Aileymill Nursery

(Replace Roof Covering))

£85,000

10.

Gourock Municipal Buildings

(Electrical Rewire)

£30,000

11.

Gourock Municipal Buildings

(Replacement Windows)

£35,000

12.

Reservoirs

(General Maintenance by T&R)

£50,000

13.

Oakfield Primary School

(Replacement Lintols)

£35,000

14.

Watt Complex Office

(Roof Renewal Phase 1)

£40,000

15.

Safety Escape Signage

(Upgrade)

£20,000

16

Wellpark Boundary Wall

(Repairs to Walls Phase 1)

£  25,000

Total: 

£918,000

(2)   that all projects listed be developed to tender stage as appropriate, with a view to their completion progressively programmed or tendered throughout the financial year 2000/2001 subject to a cost limit of £900,000;

(3)   that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received in each case, in accordance with the Financial Regulations and the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts;  and

(4)   that authority be delegated to the Head of Property Services to adjust the priority of those individual projects in the list with a contract value not exceeding £50,000.

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Resource Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the posts to be advertised and filled.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

361

Education Services - Staffing:  Posts of Classroom Assistants

361

There was submitted a report dated 12 April 2000 by the Director of Resource Services recommending the establishment of 25 posts of Classroom Assistants within Education Services.  The report advised that the cost of the proposal was £175,654 including employers' costs and could be met from the Council's allocation from the Excellence Fund.

Decided:  that 25 posts of Classroom Assistants be established within Education Services at Grade GS1/2 (£8,652-£11,685) (25 hours/39 weeks).

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 items 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.

Item

Paragraph(s)

Education Services - Review of Central Administration

1

Economic Development Services - Property Services - Review of Technical Posts

1

Annual Contract for Sign Maintenance

6

Annual Contract for Road Markings and Road Studs

6

Charges for Pre-Five Groups Based in Council Accommodation

2, 6 & 9

The Church of St Mary The Virgin:  Proposed Minute of Waiver

6 & 9

Proposed Disposal - Ground at West Blackhall Street, Greenock

2, 6 & 9

Proposed Disposal of Former St Saviour's Primary School, Greenock

2, 6 & 9

Tenders for Banking Services

6 & 8

Tenders for Re-evaluation Appeals 2000

6 & 8

Garage and Filling Station:  Main Street, Inverkip

2, 6 & 9

362

Education Services - Review of Central Administration

362

There was submitted a report dated 28 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services recommending revisions to the Central Administration function of Education Services.  The report advised that the cost of the proposals being £133,494 including employers' contributions would be funded from additional resources from the Scottish Executive.

Decided:

(1)  that the following revisions to the Central Administration function within Education Services be approved:

(i)  Planning and Resources

(a)  that the post of Administrative Assistant be regraded from salary grade AP3 (£15,240- £16,770) to salary grade AP5 (£19,827-£21,636),

(b)  that the post of Administrative Assistant be regraded from salary grade AP3 (£15,240- £16,770) to salary grade AP4 (£17,322-£19,224),

(c)  that a post of Administrative Assistant be established at salary grade AP1 (£12,405- £13,305); and

(d)  that a post of Clerical Assistant be established at salary grade GS1/2 (£8,652-£11,685);

(ii)  Finance and DMR

(a)  that a post of Principal Accountant be established at salary grade PO11 (£28,746- £30,837),

(b)  that a post of Administrative Assistant be established at salary grade AP1 (£12,405- £13,305); and

(c)  that the post of Senior Clerical Assistant be regraded and redesignated from salary grade GS3 (£11,898-£12,405) to Administrative Assistant on salary grade AP1 (£12,405- £13,305);

(iii)  Pre-Five and Support for Leaning

(a)  that the post of Principal Officer be regraded from salary grade PO5/8 (£24,789- £28,746) to salary grade PO11 (£28,746-£30,837),

(b)  that the two posts of Administrative Assistant be regraded from salary grade AP3 (£15,240-£16,770) to salary grade AP4 (£17,322-£19,224),

(c)  that a post of Administrative Assistant be established at salary grade AP1 (£12,405- £13,305),

(d)  that a post of Senior Clerical Assistant be established at salary grade GS3 (£11,898- £12,405); and

(e)  that two posts of Clerical Assistant be established at salary grade GS1/2 (£8,652- £11,685);

(iv)  Directorate Support

(a)  that the post of Principal Officer be regraded from salary grade PO5/8 (£24,789- £28,746) to salary grade PO11 (£28,746-£30,837) (no change as existing postholder retains PO14 on a personal basis),

(b)  that a post of Administrative Assistant be established at salary grade AP1 (£12,405- £13,305); and

(c)  that a post of Clerical Assistant be established at salary grade GS1/2 (£8,652-£11,685);  and

(2) that the matter be referred to the Personnel (Applied Conditions of Service) Sub-Committee to hear representations from the trade union in respect of the exclusion from the recommendations of employees within the Planning and Resource Section who are transferring to Personnel Services.

363

Economic Development Services - Property Services - Review of Technical Posts

363

There was submitted a report dated 28 March 2000 by the Director of Resource Services advising the Committee of the outcome of a review of posts within Property Services and making recommendations in respect of the grades and designations of those posts.

Decided:

(1)   that the proposals contained in the report be approved;

(2)   that the Policy and Strategy Committee be requested to consider the additional funding, currently estimated as £18,036, for the cost of the proposals;  and

(3)   that the matter be referred to the Personnel (Applied Conditions of Service) Sub-Committee to hear representations from the trade union on the effective dates for implementation of the proposals.

364

Annual Contract for Sign Maintenance

364

There was submitted a report dated 13 March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to invite specialist contractors to tender for the Annual Contract for Sign Maintenance.

Noted

365

Annual Contract for Road Markings and Road Studs

365

There was submitted a report dated 13 March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to invite specialist contractors to tender for the Annual Contract for Road Markings and Road Studs.

Noted

366

Charges for Pre-Five Groups based in Council Accommodation

366

There was submitted a report dated 27 March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising that the Education Services Committee at its meeting in February 2000 (para 159) made recommendations relating to charges for pre-five groups based in Council accommodation.  The Education Services Committee agreed that the Head of Property Services make the appropriate arrangements and that the matter be referred to the Corporate Business Committee for further consideration.

Decided:  that the Head of Property Services be authorised to impose the proposed charges as authorised in the report for 2000/01 and each year thereafter in accordance with the recommended formula.

367

The Church of St Mary The Virgin, Port Glasgow:  Proposed Minute of Waiver

367

There was submitted a report dated 23 March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to vary the conditions in title in the land at the Church of St Mary The Virgin, Port Glasgow to permit the installation of a telecommunications mast within the church grounds.

Decided:  that the contents of the application be noted and that the application be continued pending further consultation.

368

Proposed Disposal:  Ground at West Blackhall Street, Greenock

368

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the disposal of an area of ground at West Blackhall Street, Greenock and the Committee agreed to take action, all as detailed in the Appendix.

369

Proposed Disposal:  Former St Saviour's Primary School, Greenock

369

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on offers received in response to the re-advertising of the former St Saviour's Primary School, Greenock and the Committee agreed to take action, all as detailed in the Appendix.

370

Report on Tenders for Banking Services

370

There was submitted a report by the Director of Resource Services on the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to accept the lowest tender, that by Bank of Scotland, for the variable price of £40,257 to undertake Banking Services on behalf of Inverclyde Council from 1 April 2000 until 31 March 2005.

Noted

371

Report on Tenders for Revaluation Appeals 2000

371

There was submitted a report by the Director of Resource Services on four tenders received for the provision of services for revaluation appeals on behalf of Inverclyde Council for the year 2000.

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to accept the lowest tender, that by D M Hall & Sons, on the percentage of savings achieved basis with the total fees payable capped at £42,500.

372

Garage and Filling Station, Inverkip:  Disposal of Ground

372

There was submitted a report dated 30 March 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive on the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to dispose of an area of ground or thereby to Mr J Carswell at the price of £22,500, subject to terms and conditions satisfactory to the Director of Legal & Support Services.

Noted