	Corporate Business Committee Thursday 18 January 2001 at 3.00 pm
	Present: Councillors Blair, Jackson, McCormick, McGraw, Nimmo and Robertson (Y).
	Chair: Councillor Robertson (Y) presided.
	In attendance: Depute Chief Executive, Director of Information Services, Director of Legal & Support Services, Head of Personnel Services, Head of Property Services and the Head of Revenue Services.
	Apologies: Councillors Moody, O'Rourke and White.
	With the exception of the decisions marked "C" which are open for confirmation or otherwise, the following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.
52	Revenue Monitoring Report - Period 8	52
	There was submitted a report dated 11 January 2001 by the Director of Resource Services on the position of the Revenue Budget as at Period 8 (15 November 2000).
	Decided: (1) that the current position of the 2000/2001 Revenue Budget be noted; and (2) that virement of £9,440 from Hardware and Software Upgrades to Staff Travel and Subsistence, within Information Services be approved.
53	Capital Programme 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 - Technical Progress	53
	There was submitted a report dated 7 December 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the technical progress of the Capital Programme 1999/2000 and 2000/2001.
	Decided: (1) that the technical progress of the Capital Programme 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 be noted; and (2) that the Committee approve the following expenditure decrease in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations:-
	Project Effect on Expenditure St Columba's High School - P.E. Department Re-roofing New plywood decking was not required, as the existing decking was confirmed as being satisfactory to allow the system application £6,396 decrease; and (3) that the accumulated variations in the St Columba's High School PE Department Re-roofing which are less than the accepted tender amount by 12.3% (£5,612) be approved in terms of the relevant Financial Regulations.
54	Capital Programme 2000/2001 - Financial Position	54
	There was submitted a report dated 13 December 2000 by the Director of Resource Services on the financial position of the Capital Programme 2000/2001. Noted
55	Progress Report on the ICT Capital Programme 2000/2001	55
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Information Services (1) advising of the progress to date of the ICT Capital Programme 2000/2001 and of the continuing commitments during 2001/2002, (2) seeking approval to progress a number of projects within the current financial years; and (3) seeking approval to invite competitive tenders for those projects outlined in the report.
	Decided: (1) that the progress to date on the ICT Capital and Development Programme 2000/2001 be noted; (2) that there be commitment to the projects outlined in Section 4 of the report within the current financial year; (3) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services in consultation with the appropriate Officers to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the cabling works at Highholm and Building Services premises; (4) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services in the usual manner to accept the lowest tender received for the cabling works at Highholm and Building Services premises in accordance with the Financial Regulations and the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts; (5) that approval be given to issue an invitation to tender to Magic Development Services for developing systems, under a negotiated procedure; (6) that the Committee endorse a framework agreement with Magic Software Enterprise UK Ltd, subject to its approval by the Director of Legal & Support Services; (7) that the progression of projects identified in Section 5 of the report in 2000/2001 be agreed, subject to the spend being managed in accordance with the recommendation of the Policy & Strategy Committee of 2 November 2000; (8) that the appointment of a consultant through the Society of IT Managers to assist with developing framework arrangements be approved; (9) that the slippage of projects identified in Section 6 of the report into the next financial year 2001/2002 be noted; and (10) that authority be granted to the Director of Legal & Support Services, in consultation with appropriate Officers, to arrange for the invitation of tenders for the replacement of Building Services systems.
56	ICT Training for Public Library Staff	56
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Information Services advising of the implementation of a training plan for all public libraries staff in support of the modernisation of Public Library Services within Inverclyde Council, as agreed by the Committee at its October meeting (para 928 refers).
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note that external funding has been secured to support ICT training of public libraries staff; and (2) that it be agreed that the training plan be made available to the UK Public Library Community.
57	COSLA - Scottish Office Joint Staffing Watch (September 2000)	57
	There was submitted a report dated 30 October 2000 by the Director of Resource Services advising the Committee of the workforce profile of Inverclyde Council as at 9 September 2000. Noted
58	Single Status and Job Evaluation Update	58
	There was submitted a report dated 13 November 2000 by the Director of Resource Services providing an update on the progress of the implementation of Single Status, and in particular Job Evaluation, within Inverclyde Council. (Councillor Blair entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business). Noted
59	Theatre Groups - Temporary Occupation of Hector McNeil Baths	59
	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising on the relocation of Inverclyde Theatre Groups following a routine inspection carried out by the Council's Insurer which identified a number of required changes to reduce the security risk.
	Decided: that the Committee note the position with respect to the relocation of the Theatre Groups from Hector McNeil Baths to the former changing rooms at Battery Park and the store at Gourock Park.
60	Public Holidays 2002	60
	There was submitted a report dated 21 December 2000 by the Director of Legal & Support Services requesting the Committee to fix the local public holidays for 2002.
	Decided: that the local public holidays for 2002 be as follows:
	Holiday Date New Year Tuesday 1 January 2002 Wednesday 2 January 2002 Good Friday Friday 29 March 2002 Easter Monday Monday 1 April 2002 Spring Holiday Monday 22 April 2002 May Day Monday 6 May 2002 Victoria Day Monday 3 June 2002 Fair Saturday Saturday 29 June 2002 Autumn Holiday Monday 9 September 2002 Christmas Wednesday 25 December 2002 Thursday 26 December 2002
61	Ardgowan Primary School, Greenock - Emergency Works	61
	There was submitted a report dated December 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of the background to the closure of Ardgowan Primary School on 13 November 2000 after the issue of a Section 13 (Dangerous Buildings) Notice, (2) outlining the works instructed under Financial Regulations Section 2(A) 1.1 Emergency Authority, (3) seeking approval to homologate the action taken in accordance with the Financial Regulations and (4) seeking approval to fund the work from the 2000/2001 Major Repairs Budget with subsequent adjustment of priorities. Further to that report, the Head of Property Services advised that the full structural report had now been received and the issues raised in that report would be addressed. The Committee requested their appreciation for the work undertaken by the Officers of the Council during the course of the project be recorded.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note the current position with regard to the contract; (2) that the action taken by Officers in regard to the instruction of making safe and repair works be homologated; (3) that the Committee note that the emergency shoring works were completed on Wednesday 22 November 2000 and that the Dangerous Buildings Notice was lifted by the Building Control Manager on Thursday 23 November 2000; and (4) that the Committee approve the addition of the project as outlined in the report to the Prioritised List of Major Repairs 2000/2001 and that it be remitted to the Head of Property Services to adjust the overall programme of major repairs to ensure the allocation is not exceeded.
62	Report Approved Under Delegated Powers	62
	There was submitted a report dated 20 December 2000 by the Head of Revenue Services advising of the use of the delegated powers procedure agreed by the Council on 23 November 2000 (para 1039) to approve the report entitled "Review of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates and Recovery Procedures". Noted
63	Reports Approved Under Delegated Powers	63
	There was submitted a report dated 8 January 2001 by the Head of Personnel Services advising of the use of the delegated powers procedure agreed by the Council on 23 November 2000 (para 1039) to approve the reports entitled (1) "Extension of Invervision" and (2) "Education Services - Wellpark Nursery Staffing". Noted
64	Effects of Industrial Action - Council Tax Service Update	64
	There was submitted a report dated 12 January 2001 by the Head of Revenue Services advising the Committee of how industrial action is affecting the Council Tax Collection Service and requesting the Committee to approve the establishment of alternative methods in order to bring the current workload outstanding up to date and to provide a full Council Tax service.
	Decided: (1) that it be remitted to the Head of Revenue Services to seek a replacement member of staff to carry out essential testing prior to Annual Billing should the strike recommence on 29 January 2001 and the designated member of staff does not wish to be exempted from industrial action; (2) that the Head of Revenue Services seek alternative methods of processing the backlog of work should the strike recommence; (3) that any costs, including additional overtime or external contractors, be met out of savings arising from the strike payroll savings and any additional expenditure in excess be referred to the Committee for approval; (4) that the Committee note the effect that the extended industrial action will have on Inverclyde Council's Council Tax Performance Indicator; and (5) that the Committee agree to the action to be taken at paragraph 4.7 of the report in order to return to normal working as soon as possible.
	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) Former Hector McNeil Baths, Brachelston Street, Greenock 6 & 9 Former Gourock Primary School, Binnie Street, Gourock 6 & 9 The Cinema, Greenock Waterfront 6 & 9 Land Assembly, Central Port Glasgow - Proposed Land Disposal 6 & 9 Disposal of Ground: Ground at Health Centre, Port Glasgow 6 & 9 Remit from Policy and Strategy Committee: Approval of Specialist Contractors 6 & 8 Reports Approved Under Delegated Powers 6 & 9 Report Approved Under Delegated Powers 6 Ground at Fyfe Shore Road, Port Glasgow - Proposed Discharge of Servitude Right of Access 2 Lease of Premises: East Blackhall Street, Greenock 2, 6 & 9 Former Tenant Arrears - Consent to Write Off 2, 6 & 9 Former Tenant Arrears - Consent to Write Off 2, 6 & 9 Bad Debts 6 & 8 Ad Hoc Replacement of Heating Systems 2000/2001: Approval of Specialist Contractors 6 & 8 Lift Replacement Programme: Approval of Specialist Contractors 6 & 8 Port Glasgow Town Hall Balcony Repairs 6 & 8 Temporary Gas Heater Provision - Acceptance of Tender 6 & 8 Contract for Supply of Unmetered Electricity 6 & 8 Social Work Information Systems: Tender 9 & 12
65	Former Hector McNeil Baths, Brachelston Street, Greenock	65
	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on offers received following the marketing of the former Hector McNeil Baths for sale or lease for development principally as a leisure facility and the Committee agreed, following a vote, to take action, all as detailed in the Appendix.
66	Former Gourock Primary School, Binnie Street, Gourock	66
C	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on offers received following the marketing of the former Gourock Primary School and the Committee agreed, following a vote, to take action, all as detailed in the Appendix.	C
67	The Cinema, Greenock Waterfront	67
	There was submitted a report dated 11 December 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising on offers received for the marketing of the cinema for sale as a leisure investment opportunity.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee instruct the Director of Legal & Support Services to formally reject both offers received; and (2) that the total cost of advertising the cinema amounting to £7,856.80, anticipated for completion of the sale, be referred to the Policy & Strategy Committee for approval.
68	Land Assembly, Central Port Glasgow - Proposed Land Disposal	68
C	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to release land in Council ownership to facilitate redevelopment and the Committee agreed, following a vote, to the sale of land, all as detailed in the Appendix.	C
69	Proposed Disposal: Ground at Health Centre, Port Glasgow	69
	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the disposal of an area of ground at the Health Centre, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to take action, all as detailed in the Appendix.
70	Remit from Policy and Strategy Committee: Approval of Specialist Contractors	70
	There was submitted a report dated 5 January 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services advising on a remit from the Policy & Strategy Committee in respect of the approval of specialist contractors not on the Council's approved list but required to carry out works at the Waterfront Leisure Complex, Greenock.
	Decided: that the Committee approve the use of Colvic Industrial Services Ltd and Star Refrigeration as contractors for the purpose of carrying out works at the Waterfront Leisure Complex, Greenock.
71	Reports Approved Under Delegated Powers	71
	There was submitted a report dated 20 December 2000 by the Head of Revenue Services advising of the use of the delegated powers procedure agreed by the Council on 23 November 2000 (para 1039) to approve the reports entitled (1) "Proposed Extension of Council Broking Services" and (2) "Proposed Change of Insurance Renewal Date". Noted
72	Report Approved Under Delegated Powers	72
	There was submitted a report dated 8 January 2001 by the Head of Personnel Services advising of the use of the delegated powers procedure agreed by the Council on 23 November 2000 (para 1039) to approve the report entitled "The Renewal of Advertising Agency Contract." Noted
73	Ground at Fyfe Shore Road, Port Glasgow - Proposed Discharge of Servitude Right of Access	73
	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to the discharge of the Council's servitude right of access over an area of ground at Fyfe Shore Road, Port Glasgow.
	Decided: that the Committee approve the discharge of the Council's servitude right of access over an area of ground at Fyfe Shore Road, as outlined in the report, to Mr John Campbell for the provisionally agreed sum of £1,750 together with the Council's reasonable Surveyor's fee and legal costs to be met by Mr Campbell, subject to terms and conditions considered appropriate by the Director of Legal & Support Services.
74	Lease of Premises: 14 East Blackhall Street, Greenock	74
	There was submitted a report dated December 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to extend the lease of premises at 14 East Blackhall Street, Greenock to Armadale Autos for a period of 10 years on the basis of a rental of £4,300 per annum, subject to terms and conditions considered appropriate by the Director of Legal & Support Services.³ Noted
75	Former Tenant Arrears: Consent to Write Off	75
	There was submitted a report dated 7 November 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to write off arrears of rent as detailed in the report.
	Decided: that approval be given to write of the arrears as detailed in the report, totalling £6,423.40, without prejudice to the future recovery of the debt should that prove possible.
76	Former Tenant Arrears - Consent to Write Off	76
	There was submitted a report by the Director of Social Work & Housing Services seeking approval to write off arrears of rent as detailed in the report.
	Decided: that approval be given to write off the arrears as detailed in the report, totalling £21,076.53, without prejudice to the future recovery of the debt should that prove possible.
77	Bad Debts	77
	There was submitted a report dated 16 November 2000 by the Director of Resource Services (1) on the current position regarding unpaid debts which are now thought to be irrecoverable and (2) seeking authority to write these off against the bad debt provision.
	Decided: that the debts totalling £5,052.47 be written off, without prejudice to any future recovery of the debts should that prove possible.
78	Ad Hoc Replacement of Heating Systems 2001/2002: Approval of Specialist Contractors	78
	There was submitted a report dated December 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to issue tenders in respect of the ad hoc replacement of gas heating systems 2001/2002 within the Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001 to specialist contractors who are not on the Council's current list of approved contractors. Noted
79	Lift Replacement Programme: Approval of Specialist Contractors	79
	There was submitted a report dated December 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the emergency powers procedure under Standing Order 66(a) to issue tenders in respect of the lift replacement programme within the Housing Capital Programme 2000/2001 to specialist contractors who are not on the Council's current list of approved contractors. Noted
80	Port Glasgow Town Hall Balcony Repairs	80
	There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to issue tenders in respect of the concrete repairs to the balcony at Port Glasgow Town Hall to specialist contractors who are not on the Council's current list of approved contractors and the Committee agreed to the request, all as detailed in the Appendix.
81	Temporary Gas Heater Provision - Acceptance of Tender	81
	There was submitted a report dated November 2000 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to accept a tender other than the lowest for the temporary gas heater provision contract.
	Decided: that the Committee accept tenders received from Blackstock & Co for both the supply of gas heaters and for the supply of bottled gas for heaters (13 & 15 kgs).
82	Contract for Supply of Unmetered Electricity	82
	There was submitted a report dated 4 January 2001 by the Head of Accountancy Services advising of the advertisement of a contract for the supply of unmetered electricity to the Council and requesting that authority be delegated in the usual manner to the Director of Legal & Support Services for the acceptance of the most economically advantageous tender.
	Decided: (1) that the Committee note that the supply of unmetered electricity is being made the subject of a competitive tender; and (2) that authority be delegated to the Director of Legal & Support Services in consultation with the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Groups to accept the most economically advantageous tender for the supply of unmetered electricity from 1 April 2001.
	The Convener being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Director of Information Services was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to allow the Committee to consider without delay the evaluation of the tenders to progress the contract. This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.
83	Social Work Information Systems: Tenders	83
	There was submitted a report dated 17 January 2001 by the Director of Information Services recommending that the Council suspend Standing Order 9.1 of the Standing Orders Relating to Contracts to allow tenders to be evaluated for the replacement of Social Work Information Systems.
	Decided: that the Committee recommend to Inverclyde Council that Standing Order 9.1 of the Council's Standing Orders Relating to Contracts be suspended to allow the tenders received for replacement of Social Work Information Systems to be evaluated.