COUNCIL

MINUTES of MEETING of STIRLING COUNCIL held in on THURSDAY 6 MARCH 1997 at 7.00 pm

Present:-

Provost John PATERSON (in the Chair)

Councillor Rob BALL Councillor Brenda HOLLIDAY Depute Provost Margaret BRISLEY Councillor Arthur IRONSIDE Councillor Tommy BROOKES Councillor Pat KELLY Councillor Kenneth CAMPBELL Councillor Ian LAMBIE Councillor Tom COLL Councillor Corrie McCHORD Councillor David DAVIDSON Councillor Catherine ORGAN Councillor Ann DICKSON Councillor Helen SCOTT Councillor Keith HARDING Councillor Ann Marie STRANG Councillor Thomas HAZEL Councillor Duncan THOMSON Councillor John HENDRY Councillor Helen HODGINS

In Attendance:-

Mr Bill Dickson, Director of Finance and Information Services Ms Margaret Doran, Head of Services to Schools, Education Services Mr Bob Jack, Director of Civic Services Mr Tom McCormack, Director of Technical and Commercial Services Ms Felicity McLelland, Head of Community Support, Community Services Mr David Martin, Director of Environmental Services Ms Fiona Matheson, Committee Services Manager, Civic Services Mr Don Monteith, Press and PA Manager, Chief Executive's Services Ms Helen Munro, Director of Community Services Ms Jill Preston, Director of Housing and Social Services Mr lain Robertson, Head of Planning and Resources, Education Services Mr Keith Yates, Chief Executive

Apology-.-

An apology for absence had been received from Councillor John Wyles.

SC103 URGENT BUSINESS

The Provost agreed that a report entitled "Balfron High School Replacement - the Preparation of Case for PFI" be considered as a matter of urgency following Item 9 on the Agenda to enable a decision to be taken concerning the submission of an Outline Business Case for private finance initiative funding for the replacement of the School to the Scottish Office.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC SC104 MINUTES - STIRLING COUNCIL 19 DECEMBER 1996

Decision

The Council approved the minutes of meeting of Stirling Council held on 19 December 1996 as a correct record of the proceedings subject to the vote on the Motion on item SC98 being amended as follows:-

For 12 Against 6 Not voting 2

SC105 QUESTIONS

The Provost confirmed that four written questions had been received in terms of Standing Order Number 23. The questions and answers are contained in Appendix 1.

SC106 QUESTION TIME

In terms of Standing Order number 24, Members had the opportunity to put questions to Chairs of Committee on relevant and competent matters contained in the current Volume of Minutes of Committees and Corporate Management Groups. On this occasion no questions were asked.

SC107 CHILDREN'S AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT OF THIRD STATUTORY REPRESENTATIVE

On 23 May l996, the Council agreed that the 2 statutory representatives previously appointed to the Children's Committee be appointed to the Community Committee. Subsequently, on 19 September 1996 the Council agreed that, in view of the delay being experienced in the appointment of the third Statutory representative, it be remitted to the Director of Civic Services to advertise the remaining vacancy and report on the applications received to a future meeting of the Council.

A report by the Director of Civic Services confirmed (a) that one response to the advert had been received from the Quaker Church and (b) that on the basis that the Episcopalian Church represented the third largest denominational body within the area, discussions had been ongoing with the Bishop of St Andrews how had previously been invited to nominate the third statutory representative to serve on both Committees.

The Director of Civic Services confirmed that the Bishop of St Andrews had now nominated Ms Heather Bovill, a member of the Episcopalian Church in , for appointment to both Committees.

Decision

The Council agreed to appoint Ms Heather Bovill, 26 Braemar Avenue, Dunblane, as the third Statutory representative on the Children's and Community Committee.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (Reference - Report by Director of Civic Services dated 12 February 1997 submitted.)

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC SC108 APPOINTMENT TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS

A report by the Director of Civic Services confirmed (a) the details of resignations from the Smith Art Gallery and Museum Joint Committee and Stirling Association of Voluntary Organisations; (b) that COSLA had invited Councillor John Wyles to serve on the CFBAC Joint Committee on the Audit Commission Report ‘In the Line of Fire' (c) The details of Falkirk Council's response to the Council's request for an additional Elected Member place on the Superannuation Fund investment forum; and (d) that following the Council meeting on 19 December 1996, the replacement on Vale Prison Visiting Committee suggested by Mrs Duke in her letter of resignation had indicated that they would be unable to take up position an the Prison Visiting Committee at this time.

The Council acknowledged the difficulty in securing appointments to Prison Visiting Committees in view of the significant time commitment required from those accepting these appointments.

Decision

The Council agreed:-

(1) to note the resignation of Councillor Arthur Ironside from the Smith Art Gallery and the Museum joint Committee and the Stirling Association of Voluntary Organisations;

(2) to appoint Provost John Paterson as the Council's representative on the Smith Art Gallery and Museum Joint Committee;

(3) to note that a new organisation was to be formed to replace the Stirling Association of Voluntary Organisations and on this basis it would not be necessary to appoint a replacement for Councillor Ironside at this time.

(4) to note that Falkirk Council had confirmed that it would not be appropriate to grant the Council's request for additional place on the Superannuation Fund Investment Forum but that the nomination of Councillor Organ as substitute was acceptable;

(5) that it be remitted to the Chief Executives to appoint an Officer representative on the Superannuation Fund Investment Forum-

(6) to appoint Councillor John Wyles to the CFBAC Joint Committee on the Audit Commission Report 'In the Line of Fire';

(7) to continue consideration of the appointment of the Council's seventh representative on Cornton Vale Prison Visiting Committee.

(Reference - Report by Director of Civic Services dated 24 February 1997 submitted.)

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC SC109 ODENWALD TRUST

The Odenwald Trust had been established in March 1975 by Stirling County Council. By the deed of Trust executed by the County Council, the sum of £15,000 had been put in trust for the purposes set out in the trust dead which included fostering exchange and partnership in the social, cultural, educational, sporting and other fields between the County and the Odenwald. After the reorganisation of Local Government in 1975 , the trust had essentially been managed and administered by Central Regional Council. Following the more recent re- organisation of Local Government on 1 April 1996, there was a requirement for agreement amongst the successors of Central Regional Council for revised arrangements for the future management and administration of the trust.

A report by the Director of Civic Services confirmed that discussions had now taken place at Officer level and with Elected Members of each of the three Councils. It was proposed that the trust fund formally held by Central Regional Council should vest in all three successor Councils with each of the Council's appointing one trustee. At the first meeting of the newly constituted Board, the Chair of the Odenwald Association would be assumed as a trustee and a Secretary and Treasurer appointed who would either be independent persons or Officers of one or more of the three Councils.

Decision

The Council agreed:-

(1) to approve the revised arrangements for the management and administration of the Odenwald Trust as set out in the report by the Director of Civic Services;

(2) to appoint provost John Paterson to serve as a trustee along with those to be appointed by the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils and the Odenwald Association.

(Reference - Report by Director of Civic Services dated 6 March, 1997 submitted.)

SC110 COMMUNITY COUNCILS - NEW SCHEME OF ESTABLISHMENT

On 7 November 1996 the Council approved a draft scheme for the establishment Community Councils and agreed that the draft scheme be issued for consultation. A report by the Directors of Community and Civic Services confirmed that by the end of the consultation period on 24 January 1997, twenty four replies had been received from existing Community Councils and four replies from other interested parties. Comments had been made on many issues, however, most comments had been made on the proposals for the composition of Community Councils. Many respondents considered that the Council's proposal for 2/3 members to represent Geographical Areas and 1/3 to represent Community and Voluntary Groups was unnecessary and would be devised. In a few areas, there had not been agreement on the boundaries proposed but there had been general acceptance that Community Councils should be as representative as possible and that there should be wide publicity about their existence and function.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC It was a statutory requirement that a redrafted scheme be published in the press and issued for further public consultation. Once the amended scheme had been finally adopted by Council, then a formal notice of adoption would be published with an invitation for bids for the establishment of Community Councils. Bids had to be made at the request of 20 electors from a given area. It was envisaged that this would take until the end June 1997. Given the summer holiday period, elections could not take place till August early September. The Council expressed regret at this further delay but acknowledged that a scheme adopted after full consultation and consensus would be much more sustainable and affective in the longer term.

Decision

The Council agreed:-

(1) that the draft scheme of Community Councils be revised to take into account:-

(a) further discussion an the remaining boundary issues;

(b) new proposals for the composition of Community Councils, given that the majority of respondents considered that the current proposals for the composition of Community Councils would be unworkable in practice;

(2) that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the amended scheme be submitted to Council on 8 May 1997;

(3) that a publicity campaign on Community Councils be undertaken.

(Reference - Report by Directors of Civic and Community Services dated 25 February 1997 submitted.)

SC111 VOLUNTARY SECTOR POLICY STATEMENT

On 7 November 1996, the Council approved a voluntary sector policy statement which had been jointly launched by the Voluntary Sector and the Council at a Conference hold on 15 November 1996. A report by the Chief Executive and the Director of Community Services outlined the result of the consultation process and provided an update on developments both within the voluntary sector and within the Council since approval of the policy statement.

The Policy statement set out the principles which would underpin a partnership between the Council and the Voluntary Sector and would commit each to a range of specific actions as detailed in paragraphs 6 and 7 of the statement. Following discussions between representatives of the Voluntary Sector and a cross service working group, a revised policy statement had been agreed which the Council was now requested to approve.

Decision

The Council agreed:-

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (1) to approve the revised policy statement maintained in Appendix 2;

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (2) agreed to appoint Councillor Gillie Thomson to act as the Council's spokesperson on Voluntary Sector issues;

(3) to welcome the formation of the new Stirling umbrella Voluntary Sector organisation known as the Stirling Voluntary Association (SVA);

(4) to note the ongoing work within the Council and in liaison with the Voluntary Sector to implement the revised Policy statement as detailed in the report by the Chief Executive and Director of Community Services.

(Reference - Report by Chief Executive and Director of Community Services dated 25 February 1997.)

SC112 CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1996/97 TO 1999/2000 - OVERVIEW

A report by the Director of Finance and Information Services provided an overview of the 1996/97 Capital Programme and the financial context within which the Programme would operate over the next 3 years.

The 1996/1997 Capital Programme totalled £17.429M which would be funded by Section 94 Consent of £10.598M and estimated Capital Receipts of £6.995M. Expenditure at the year end was planned to be some £164,000 less than the total available resources. The Council had succeeded in operating such an expansive Capital Programme in 1996/97 due to a number of one of factors which included (a) the high level of legal committed expenditure inherited from the former Councils following re-organisation; (b) significant capital receipts; (c) additional capital consent awarded by the Scottish Office to fund the Eastern Access route, remedial work to the Abbey Craig Rockface and the A907 Stirling/Tullibody Road; and (d) the need to pay the first "pooled" property instalment to Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils for their share of former Central Regional Council properties.

For a variety of reasons, the 1997/98 Capital Programme would be severely restricted. The Council have received Capital Consent of only £5.356M for 1997/98. A change in the capital receipt rules meant the Council would only be able to use 50% of its Capital Receipts in 1997/98 against 75% in the current financial year. Most of the Council's available capital resources would be utilised as a consequence of current commitments of £8.56M on projects such as Stirling Bus Station, Primary School, the Eastern Access route and "pooled" property payments to Clackmannanshire and Falkirk Councils.

Consequently, the total level of capital resources available to the Council in 1997/98 would be in the region of £9.5M compared with £17.429M in the current financial year. Capital Programmes for 1998/99 and 1999/2000 were unlikely to be increased significantly, however, it was hoped that the Council might be in a position to enhance its capital spending in these years as a result of approval of the Council's bid for Transport Challenge Funding 1998/99 and the potential generation of significant levels of capital receipts arising from the sale of the Council's interests in Thistle II Limited.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the Scottish Office had rejected the Council's two outline bids for Central Challenges Funding for 1997/98. These projects would

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC have allowed the Council and the partners to deliver locally significant projects in the Castleview area and the eastern villages (Bid One) and would have enabled improvements to higher priority primary schools - East and and the development of 7 multi-purpose IT basis in secondary schools (Bid Two). Both bids had totalled £1.289M and £1.115M for 1997/98 and £1.14M and £1.110M in later years respectfully.

The decision by the Scottish Office to approve Transport Challenge Funding of £4M was welcomed by the Council. Unfortunately, the monies being made available by the Scottish Office through Challenge Funding did not, in real terms, represent any now money for the Council since the Council would have expected to receive similar, if not higher, levels of funding through its ordinary Section 94 allocation.

Decision

The Council agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Reference - Report by Director of Finance and Information Services dated 26 February 1997 submitted.)

SC113 BALFRON HIGH SCHOOL REPLACEMENT - PREPARATION OF CASE FOR PFI

On 7 November 1996, the Council had appointed Coopers and Lybrand to act as consultants in the preparation of an Outline Business Case (OBC) for, a replacement for Balfron High School using Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Funding. The draft OBC had now been completed for submission to the Scottish Office. A report by the Director of Finance and Information Services outlined the contents and the financial and operational implications of the OBC.

The Director of Finance and Information Services gave a detailed presentation during which he outlined the format of the OBC, the strategic context and objectives within which any development would take place, the four options for development and the costs and risks associated with each, the PFI and risk transfer, the PFI and affordability, and a value for money comparison of the costs of progressing with the PFI rather than the traditional method of building procurement. The key points made were that:-

(a) the Council's preferred option involved building a new school, either on a new site or on the site of the existing school;

(b) the Council was unlikely to have adequate capital resources either now, or in the future, to undertake development of a new school through traditional procurement;

(c) a new school built under the PFI would not belong to the Council although the Council would have a leasehold interest in the property and would pay a service charge for a period of some 35 years and would monitor the performance of the supplier over the life of the project;

(d) under the PFI scheme, some, or all, of the non-core educational functions of the school (eg building maintenance, grounds maintenance, Catering and building cleaning) would be provided by the private sector;

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (e) the estimated net annual cost to the Council of a new school provided under the PFI would be £224,000 in the first year of operation, or the equivalent of £7 Band D Council Tax;

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (f) the Council would not be responsible for the design and build of the school but would provide the specification to which the supplier would be required to conform.

It was not possible to reach a firm view as to whether the PFI would provide greater value for money than the traditional procurement route. With a net present value comparison of costs would indicate that the traditional procurement method was potentially cheaper, greater value for money might be achieved via the PFI through risk transfer to the private sector and through other factors which might affect a contractor's pricing but these were hypothetical and could not be assessed at this stage, a summary of the value for money study was contained in Appendix A of the report by the Director of Finance and Information Services. The study concluded that the VFM of the PFI was inconclusive and would remain so in the absence of the PFI bids from the private sector.

The replacement of Balfron High School was a key priority of the Council and the submission of the OBC to the Scottish Office was a main element of the process which would realise this given the inability of the Council to secure a replacement for the school by other means. The School Board and the Community would be involved in future stages of the project development.

Decision

The Council agreed:-

(1) to note the contents of the Report and to authorise the submission of the Outline Business Case to the Scottish Office once it had been finalised;

(2) to note that the costs associated with the appointed of Coopers and Lybrand to prepare the Outline Business Case total £20,000 which was within the sum of £50,000 set aside in the 1996/97 Capital Programme for professional fees associated with this project.

(Reference - Report by Director of Finance and Information Services dated 3 March 1997 submitted.)

SC114 CHARGING PROPOSALS - LOWER POLMAISE LANDFILL SITE

A Report by the Director of Technical and Commercial Services proposed revised waste disposal charges for Lower Polmaise Landfill Site for the financial year 1997/98. If the proposed increase in charges were approved by Council this would enable (a) a Hydrageological Investigation to ensure that the site continued to meet its statutory licensing requirements; (b) a central Composting Scheme; (c) the provision of a Wheel Washing Facility; (d) an increase in the recycling credits to Alloa Community Enterprise and Scottish Conservation Projects Trust who recycled household waste on behalf of the Council, and (e) financing of the ongoing annual running costs of the hook lift vehicle recently purchased by the Council.

It was noted that the additional expenditure (£80,000) associated with the Hydrogeological Investigation was subject to a bid within the 1997/98 non-Housing Capital Programme and whilst the outcome of this bid was not known at this stage

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC the project would still have to be undertaken it the landfill site was to continue to operate.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC Decision

Council agreed to approve the proposed waste disposal charges for lower Polmaise Landfill site for the financial year 1997/98 as detailed in Appendix 3.

(Reference - Report by Director of Technical and Commercial Services dated 6 March submitted.)

SC115 STATUTORY MOTIONS

(1) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (ON-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR DISABLED PERSONS NO 8) ORDER 1996

The Stirling Council resolved to make an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Sections 32(1) and 35(1) and of all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as “The Stirling Council (On-Street Parking Spaces for Disabled Persons No 8) Order 1996" the effect of which would be to designate the section of road described in the Schedule hereto as parking spaces for disabled persons.

SCHEDULE Road in Stirling

Upper Bridge Street, Stirling On the east side of that section of road adjacent to No 6 Upper Bridge Street for a distance of 6.6m or thereby.

(2) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (VARIOUS STREETS, ) (PROHIBITION AND RESTRICTION ON WAITING) (CONSOLIDATION AND AMENDMENT) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to make an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Sections 1(1) and (2), 2(1) to (3) and 4(2) and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1964 and of all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as “The Stirling Council (Various Streets, Bridge of Allan) (Prohibition and Restriction on Waiting) (Consolidation and Amendment) Order 1997" the effect of which would be to introduce a no waiting at any time restriction on the section of road described in the Schedule hereto.

SCHEDULE

Road in Bridge of Allan Side and Section of Road on Which Waiting is Restricted to No Waiting at Any Time

Henderson Street On the north side thereof from the projected turn of the east kerbline of Fountain Road for a distance of 55 metres or thereby in a south easterly direction.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (3) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (ON-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR DISABLED PERSONS NO 1) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to make an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Sections 32(1) and 35(1) and of all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as "The Stirling Council (On-Street Parking Spaces for Disabled Persons No 1) Order 1997” the effect of which would be to designate the section of road described in the Schedule hereto as parking spaces for disabled persons.

SCHEDULE

Location Dumbrock Drive, On the east side from the boundary of No 6 in a southerly direction for a distance of 6 metres or thereby.

(4) MOTION - THE STIRLING COUNCIL (ON-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR DISABLED PERSONS NO 2) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to make an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Sections 32(1) and 35(1) and of all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as 'The Stirling Council (On-Street Parking Spaces for Disabled Persons No 2) Order 1997' the effect of which would be to designate the section of road described in the Schedule hereto as parking spaces for disabled persons.

SCHEDULE

Road in Stirling

Burghmuir Road, Stirling On the west side thereof from a point 113 metres or thereby north of the projected north kerbline of the Linden Avenue Car Park access road, in a northerly direction for a distance of 13.2 metres or thereby.

(5) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (TANNERY LANE, STIRLING) (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to homologate an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 and all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as "The Stirling Council (Tannery Lane, Stirling) (Temporary Closure) Order 1997" the effect of which had been to close the section of road described in the Schedule hereto from 9 January 1997 to Thursday 30 January 1997 to facilitate sewer improvement works.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC SCHEDULE

Road in Stirling Tannery Lane, Stirling From its junction with Cowane Street to the pedestrian section at No 10 Tannery Lane. Pedestrian access to Nos 1-10 Tannery Lane from the Queen Street junction will be unaffected.

(6) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (PLEAN MILL ROAD, COWIE) (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to homologate an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 and all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as "The Stirling Council (Plean Mill Road, Cowie) (Temporary Closure) Order 1997" the effect of which had been to close the section of road described in the Schedule hereto from 9 January 1997 to 6 February 1997 to facilitate the laying of a water main.

SCHEDULE

Road in Stirling Plean Mill Road, Cowie From the junction of B9124 to Rosehill (unclassified), immediately north of M9 underpass.

(7) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (B829, ABERFOYLE - ) (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to homologate an Order under the powers conferred upon then by Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 and all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as 'the Stirling Council (B829, Aberfoyle - lnversnaid) (Temporary Closure) Order 1997" the effect of which had been to closed the section of road described in the Schedule hereto for a maximum period of five weeks from Thursday 9 January 1997 to facilitate the replacement of a water main.

SCHEDULE

Road in Stirling B829, Aberfoyle - Inversnaid Approximately one mile from Aberfoyle.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC (8) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (BRIDGEND, DUNBLANE) (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to homologate an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 and all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as "The Stirling Council (Bridgend, Dunblane) (Temporary Closure) Order 1997 the effect of which had been to close the section of road described in the Schedule hereto for a maximum period of one week from 6 February 1997 to facilitate cable laying operations by Scottish Hydro Plc;

SCHEDULE

Road in Dunblane

Bridgend From its junction with Stirling Road (B8064) to No 7 Bridgend.

(9) THE STIRLING COUNCIL ST JOHN STREET/MAR PLACE, STIRLING (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 1997

The Stirling Council resolved to homologate an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 and all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as "The Stirling Council (St John Street/Mar Place, Stirling) (Temporary Closure) Order 1997" the effect of which had been to close the section of road described in the Schedule hereto for a maximum period of four weeks from 17 February 1997 to facilitate essential roadworks.

SCHEDULE

Road in Stirling

St John Street/Mar Place From its junction with Jail Wynd to its junction with Broad Street.

(10) THE STIRLING COUNCIL (B80, ABERFOYLE -INVERSNAID) (TEMPORARY CLOSURE) ORDER 1997

That the Stirling Council resolved to homologate an Order under the powers conferred upon them by Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 and all other powers enabling them in that behalf to be known as "The Stirling Council (B829, Aberfoyle - lnversnaid) (Temporary Closure) Order 1997 the effect of which had been to close the section of road described in the Schedule hereto for a maximum period of two weeks from 22 February 1997 to facilitate the replacement of a water main.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC SCHEDULE

Road in Stirling

B829, Aberfoyle - lnversnald Approximately one mile from Aberfoyle.

The Provost declared the meeting closed at 8.15 pm.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC APPENDIX 1

Question from Councillor Brenda Holliday for answer by Chair of the Resources Committee.

Question

"What is the cost to this Council of the full page advertisement features in the Stirling Observer on 18 December 1996, 22 January 1997 and 19 February 1997?"

Answer

Each page costs £1,059. This is considered good value for money. To print that quantity of information and deliver to households direct would cost the Council £5,340 per issue; it would also require a 6 week lead-in period - not feasible for this type of consultation.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC Question from Councillor Helen Scott for answer by Chair of the Environmental Quality Committee.

Question

"Can you tell me how long it will take to move the 30 mph sign and erect the necessary lamp post on Dunmore Street, Balfron to take account of the very busy junction with Roman Road?"

Answer

"Technical and Commercial Services were approached by the Community Council two weeks ago with a request to move the 30 mph signs from one site of the Dunmore/Roman Road junction to the other. While agreeing the idea has merit, there are legal procedures to be gone through by the Service in order that the signs can be moved.

Together with the moving of the signs we also considered it a good idea to extend the street lighting accordingly.

The junction in question has a good accident record and therefore there is no justification in terms of an accident remedial scheme for carrying out the work. Given the budgetary position the Service now finds itself in, I cannot see the work going ahead in the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, the Community Council want to erect a new village sign at the new location proposed for the 30 mph sign. This would be welcome as long as it ties in with the Council's policies on 'Gateways to our communities".

Technical and Commercial Services will be continuing discussion with the Community council to ensure that the erection of the new village sign complies with that policy."

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC Question from Councillor Helen Scott for answer by Chair of the Environmental Quality Committee.

Question

"Can you tell me when the rubbish bins requested a long time ago by Balfron Community Council and Balfron High School will be available and installed?"

Answer

"The Balfron Community Council requested an additional three litter bins to be sited within Balfron village, These bins were to be resited from Stirling once the new sponsored litter bins were installed. There was a delay in the installation of the new bins in Stirling and the bins for Balfron have only recently become available.

The bins have now become available and are in Balfron Depot awaiting installation which should take place within the next couple of weeks, depending on weather conditions."

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC Question from Councillor Catherine Organ for answer by Chair of the Environmental Quality Committee.

Question

"What action is being taken by Officers to ensure that Community Councils receive timeous replies to correspondence and what steps have been taken to ensure that when changes are made to plans during the planning process, as a result of consultation that these alterations are notified - if only by phone call - to the said Community Council for response?"

Answer

"Correspondence from Community Councils on Planning Applications which raise questions are responded to by Officers as soon as possible after receipt and always before a recommendation is made on the related Application.

If alterations are made to an Application while it is being processed then amended plans are sent to Community Councils along with other consultees if these are considered by Officers to involve material changes. If, however, there are changes which specifically address points made by the Community Council then they are updated with amended plans as a matter of course. Substantial changes to applications are also notified to Community Councils via the Planning Schedule when a recommendation is being made.

Planning Officers also have good regular informal contact with Community Councils with communication often being by telephone to provide quick responses where possible."

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC APPENDIX 2

DEVELOPING A POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STIRLING COUNCIL AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR

1.0 Introduction

1.1 This Policy Statement has been drawn up by Stirling Council and representatives from the new Voluntary Sector umbrella organisation, the Stirling Voluntary Association (SVA), Its principle aim to provide a framework for developing a positive partnership between the voluntary sector and the Council. It would be followed by a range of more detailed proposals aimed at implementing the framework in a practical and coherent manner.

1.2 The Statement also seeks to define the voluntary sector, highlight its importance and outline some broad principles upon which a strong and meaningful partnership can be based. Such a partnership would provide the basis from effective working relationship across the many area of life where both the voluntary sector and the Council have a role and specific responsibilities.

1.3 Section 1 outlines broadly the background to the voluntary sector, and the relationship between it and Stirling Council. Section 2 describes the way ahead, outlines the principles for future partnership working and describes specific actions to be undertaken by the Council and the voluntary sector.

2.0 What is the Voluntary sector?

2.1 A number of attempts have been made to define just what is meant by the "voluntary sector'. It is sometimes referred to as the 'third sector', a term which is itself open to definition, but which can cover all organisations which are not purely commercial or part of government. It may be more useful to regard the voluntary sector as those organisations whose management and/or service provision takes place on a voluntary basis for public benefit. These organisations are usually formally constituted and self-governing, and are primarily non-commercial.

2.2 A formal definition is much less important than having a picture of the work which the voluntary sector does, and an understanding of why it is so important. The voluntary sector plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of 's communities. Each week it mobilises around 10 million hours of unpaid voluntary work in areas such as economic and community development, anti-poverty work education, social care, the arts and culture and the environment. Furthermore, Scotland's voluntary sector employs more than 40,000 people and has an income of around £2.5 billion a year (about 4% of Scotland's GDP).

2.3 In the Stirling Council area a vast and diverse array of voluntary organisations make a vital contribution to the economic, social and cultural lives of our citizens and communities. Nearly all of these organisations have their roots in local communities and/or specific interest groups such as carers, the unemployed, disabled people and those from ethnic minority groups. They are therefore extremely well placed to identify, understand, and articulate the needs and aspirations of these groups and communities. The flexibility and responsiveness of many voluntary organisations

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC means that they can adapt and respond to the changing needs, demands and aspirations of citizens as well as being valuable service providers across many area of cavity. The involvement and commitment of voluntary workers in these organisations promotes and encourages active citizenship and builds community spirit and civic pride.

2.4 The relationship between the Council and the voluntary sector is a complex one. An important part of this relationship (but only part) is the Council's financial support to the voluntary sector. In 1996/97 Stirling Council will have provided financial support to around £1.7 million to around 200 organisations. This funding is made available through a number of different mechanisms such as one-off grants, core funding and service level agreements. The continuing development of purchasing agreements between the Council and voluntary organisations is an area of increasing importance. This financial support is complemented by other support, such as information and advise, which the Council provides to the voluntary sector.

3.0 Stirling Council

3.1 Stirling Council recognises the value of the voluntary sector and its vital role in enabling the Council to achieve its vision, values and strategic aims. It believes that the voluntary sector's role is much wider and deeper than simply providing services. For Stirling Council, the voluntary sector’s specialist knowledge and expertise, its links to communities and its roots in active citizenship mean that it has an important contribution to make to the development of policies and services to meet the needs of citizens and communities.

3.2 Stirling Council recognises that there are some areas, such as community care, where the voluntary sector must be statutory consulted. However, it believed that a more active partnership based on the meaningful participation of the voluntary sector in a wide range of issues, will bring benefits to the Council, the voluntary sector and the people of Stirling. Such active partnership can take place though mechanisms such as the involvement of the voluntary sector in working groups on particular issues, joint working on specific projects and initiatives and the participation of the voluntary sector in the monitoring and evaluation of services. One of the first tasks of a Council voluntary sector partnership will be to consider these and other mechanisms for making an active partnership a reality.

3.3 At the outset it must be recognised that for a partnership to be effective it must be based on shared principles, and a shared understanding of the roles, responsibilities and complementary strengths of the voluntary sector and the Council. The shared principles which the Partnership will be based an are outlined in Section Five. The initial approaches and actions which Stirling Council will take to facilitate an active partnership are outlined in Section SL.

4.0 The Voluntary Sector

4.1 Voluntary organisations in the Stirling Council area make an important contribution to improving the quality of life of the area's residents and in particular to the lives of individuals, groups and communities experiencing disadvantage and/or discrimination. The voluntary sector believes that through working in partnership with Stirling Council and meaningful participation in policy development and service delivery it can enhance this already important contribution.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC 4.2 Voluntary sector participation in Stirling Council's policy and service deliver will help the Council achieve its strategic aims. At the same time, the resources and expertise available through Stirling Council will help voluntary sector organisations achieve their aims and objectives.

4.3 The voluntary sector believes that Stirling Council has statutory responsibilities to fulfil and that the Council's policies and services will not always run in parallel with those of the voluntary sector. Similarly, the policies and priorities of the voluntary sector will not always run in parallel with those of the Council.

4.4 The voluntary sector believes that the partnership will enable the Council and the voluntary sector to develop a shared understanding of their differences and, where possible, to address these differences. It will also provide the means of considering issues before they become problems and addressing communication and information problems.

Section 2: The Way Ahead

5.0 Principles for Partnership Working

5.1 Both Stirling Council and the voluntary sector are committed to working together, so that we can use available resources as well as possible, thereby maximising the benefits for all our citizens. These resources are much more than financial - we hope to use the expertise and understanding of both sectors to achieve a greater momentum or 'synergy' than would be possible if we worked in isolation. Whilst recognising the independence of both sectors, a partnership approach provides the basis for two way participation in policy development, service delivery and decision- making.

5.2 Partnership can only work if they are based on shared or common principles. The principles on which the partnership between Stirling Council and the voluntary sector will be based are:

5.3 Quality and Effectiveness

• Through the delivery of high quality, efficient and effective services which meet the needs of citizens and communities.

• By maximising the use of resources and, where possible, identifying ways to share or pool them.

• Wherever possible identifying and implementing best practice through consultation and evaluation processes.

5.4 Active Citizenship

• Increasing the opportunity and capacity for individuals to contributes to their communities.

• Encouraging participation in local democratic processes and to actively support those groups traditionally marginalised to participate effectively.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC 5.5 Accountability

• To the public and to service users.

5.6 Equality

• Equal opportunities and fair treatment in employment, policy development and service delivery.

6.0 Stirling Council: Approach and Actions for Partnership

Stirling Council agrees to take the following approaches and actions as part of its commitment to working in partnership with the voluntary sector. Stirling Council will:-

6.1 Adopt a Council-wide approach with:

• Recognises the integrity and independence of voluntary organisations, and the diversity of structures, eg unincorporated associations, charities, companies limited by guarantee and collectives.

• Ensure Services understand the role of the voluntary sector and their responsibilities to it eg in what circumstances they can offer legal or personnel opinions and advice.

• Works in partnership to promote the strategic aims of the Council.

6.2 Build Partnership structures across the Council by:

• Establishing a cross-Service liaison group of Officers to deal with voluntary sector issues. This group would be the main point of contact with the voluntary sector, and would be integral to the partnership.

• Nominating within each Service a contact person for the voluntary sector, who should normally be a member of the cross-service liaison group.

• Designating an appropriate Council Committee chairperson to act as the Council's spokesperson on strategic Voluntary Sector Issue's

6.3 Establish clear and transparent financial arrangements by:

• Undertake an open review of current financial arrangements with voluntary sector organisations.

• Relating funding criteria to the Council's strategic aims, the promotion of equality and the needs of the voluntary sector, including the need to support voluntary sector infrastructure, build capacity and strengthen development.

• Developing a clear long term financial policy (where appropriate with a minimum three year contract) in relation to voluntary sector organisations.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC • Establish the legal framework on which services within the voluntary sector are paid for eg Service Agreements.

• Ensuring public accountability by adhering to the Accounts Commission and COSLA "Following the Public Pound' document.

7.0 Voluntary Sector: Approach and Actions for Partnership

The voluntary sector agrees to take the following approaches and actions as part of its commitment to working in partnership with Stirling Council. The voluntary sector will:

7.1 Build Partnership Structures by

• Establishing by April 1997 a single-wide voluntary sector umbrella organisation which is representative of the many and diverse voluntary organisations in the Stirling Council area.

• Nominating key contact points for liaison with Council Services and for specific consultation/participation processes,

7.2 Develop an Effective Voluntary Sector by:

• Building on existing capacity to identify and respond to needs.

• Working with the Council to develop the range of financial arrangements and then fulfil conditions of funding.

• Promoting partnerships between the voluntary sector and the public and private sectors.

• Developing an equal opportunities policy for employment and service delivery (including information and communications), to ensure participation and access for all individuals.

7.3 Promote Participation by:

• Encouraging and mobilising community involvement throughout the range of community, voluntary activities and support mechanisms.

• Fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to involvement in statutory consultation processes.

8.0 Working Together: Approach and Actions for Partnership

Together, the voluntary sector and Stirling Council agree to take the following approaches and actions as part of their commitment to working in partnership. They will:

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC 8.1 Take the Policy Statement Forwarded by:

• Setting a timetable for developing and implementing the actions set out in the Statement.

• Meeting regularly to develop practical ways of implementing the policy statement, including consideration of participation mechanisms.

• Meeting regularly to monitor the Policy Statement.

• Working to develop the policy statement on volunteering which the Scottish Office has requested by April 1997.

8.2 Developing agreed Support Structures by:

• Building appropriate and feasible systems of management support and training.

• ldentifying areas in which resources can usefully be shared, including a database about voluntary organisations, and a directory to be kept up-to-date.

• Identifying and accessing external sources of funding.

• Establishing agreed monitoring and evaluation procedures, taking account of the legal and financial requirements by which we are all bound.

• Clarifying the role of Council Officers and Councillors on Management Committees.

• Exploring the opportunities for staff secondments between the two sectors.

• Develop and advise voluntary organisations about effective development plans and exit strategies, in view of changes in external sources of funding eg Urban Programme and European Social Fund.

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC APPENDIX 3

CHARGES

DISPOSAL CURRENT PROPOSED OTHER COUNCIL OPERATION CHARGES 1997/98 CURRENT 1996/97 CHARGES

Civic Amenity £4 per visit (including £6 per visit (including Falkirk £8.08 Landfill Tax Landfill Tax (including Landfill excluding VAT) excluding VAT) Tax excluding VAT)

Landfill Site* £6 per tonne. No £7.50 per tonne with Clackmannan minimum charge a minimum charge £5.67* (approximate) set at 1 tonne Falkirk £9.38*

Special Waste £12 Special Waste £15 Falkirk £16.66* per tonne with a per tonne with a minimum charge of minimum charge of £50 per load £50 per load

Soil and rubble Soil & Rubble Falkirk £1.10* minimum charge of minimum of £3 per £3 per tonne tonne

*Charges for Landfill Site operation Landfill Tax and VAT

File Name: N:\DEMSUPP\DECISION\MINUTES\COUNCIL\SC060397.DOC