WESTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
SERVICES COMMITTEE
The 35th meeting of the Services Committee of the Western Education and
Library Board was held in Headquarters Office, Omagh on Wednesday 24 June
2009 at 2.30 pm.
PRESENT:
Mrs G McCafferty (Chair)
Mr A Orr (Vice-Chairman
Mrs F Brunt
Miss M Cunningham
Councillor M Devenney
Miss K Doherty
Mr P Duffy
Rev R Herron
Mrs S Hogg
Councillor R Irvine
Mr E McCaffrey
Councillor J O’Kane
Councillor T O’Reilly
Mr A Smyth
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs R Watterson (Chief Administrative Officer)
Ms I Barker (Head of Property Services)
Mrs J Baxter (Recorder)
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APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Dr Cornyn, Miss Cunningham and
Mr Wilson.
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 27 MAY 2009
The minutes were adopted on the proposal of Councillor
Devenney, seconded by Councillor O’Kane.
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MATTERS ARISING
(i) Business Plans 2009/10 – Human Resources (HR)
It was noted that the criteria for the ESA Directors’ posts has been
amended.
(ii) Pupil Road Safety
Mrs Hogg referred to a delegation to the Minister of Education
which she attended on 9 June 2009 with a group of post primary
school pupils from Fermanagh and Board Officers, regarding a
number of Pupil/Road Safety issues. She was impressed by the
Minister’s informed knowledge and support and said that the
young people and officers were to be congratulated on a very
attractive presentation, which she recommended should be
facilitated at a future Board meeting. The Chairman added that
Board Officers had met the Children’s Commissioner who
subsequently arranged for the Chair and Deputy Chair of the
Education Committee to discuss Pupil/Road safety issues.
It was noted that a local supplier of school uniforms has
investigated the possibility of sourcing appropriate reflective
fabrics into clothing. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) also
advised that Department of Education (DE) guidance to schools
will include recommendations which were made to the Minister on
9 June.
(iii) Human Resources Staffing/Workload
The Chairman informed members that the Heads of Human
Resources are in the process of compiling an advertisement to
appoint a select list of professionals to alleviate specialist work
pressures on existing HR personnel.
(iv) WELB Response to DE Consultation Document - Transfer
2010
In response to a query from Mrs Brunt, the CAO indicated that the
Final Guidance had not yet been received. Mrs Brunt expressed
her concerns at the delay, citing that the Document had significant
implications for all schools. Mrs Hogg, speaking in her capacity
as a Primary School Board of Governor representative, said that
the vacuum had created confusion amongst parents and pupils.
Mr Duffy left the meeting at this stage.
(v) Clothing Scheme – Extension of Clothing Scheme for Primary
School Pupils
The Chairman drew members’ attention to a tabled Board circular
entitled ‘Primary School Uniform Grants’ dated 27 May 2009
which had been sent to all Primary School Principals and
Chairpersons of Boards of Governors.
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CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS
There was no Chairman’s Business.
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CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence.
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S/09/6/06
FINANCE REPORT
The CAO introduced the Report and in particular drew attention to
the £½m planned overspend in the Maintenance budget. In her
discussions with the Chief Finance Officer, she had been advised
that some funding may be forthcoming to help offset this figure.
She indicated that it would be more appropriate to look at the
Transport budget when trends are beginning to emerge, ie
September/October. Referring to the Headquarters Administration
budget overspend, the CAO explained that a number of
temporary staff had been employed to enable other staff to deal
with issues such as Job Evaluation and it was hoped that some
re-charging to other budgets would help to alleviate the situation.
The Head of Property Services responded to a query from
Councillor Irvine regarding the Schools’ Centre Budget. She
indicated that no maintenance, other than response maintenance,
will be carried out in schools. A pressure bid for maintenance has
been submitted to DE.
The Report was noted.
IN COMMITTEE (proposed by Mr Orr, seconded by Councillor
Irvine)
S/09/6/07
PROPERTY SERVICES REPORTS
Report 1
The Head of Property Services introduced the Report in relation
to a number of capital and emergency maintenance works, for
information.
Report 2 (Tabled)
The Head of Property Services introduced the Report in relation
to the Disposal of the Former Lisneal College, Drumahoe
Campus, for information. The Report brought the Members’
attention to a request from Derry City Council (DCC) for WELB to
transfer the lands to DCC at nil value. However, the Head of
Property Services said that guidance from the DE on disposal of
redundant property requires the Board to gain best value for
money for the public purse. DDC has been advised that the
Board is willing to transfer the playing fields at market value which
has been determined by the Land and Property Services Unit.
Members fully supported this position.
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Report 3 (Tabled)
The Head of Property Services introduced Report No 3 in respect
of Tenders for (i) Dungiven New Library and (ii) Demolition and
Ground Works, Castlederg Transport Centre, for information.
Reports 1, 2 and 3 were adopted on the proposal of Miss Doherty,
seconded by Councillor Irvine.
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HUMAN RESOURCES REPORT
Report 1
The CAO introduced the Report relating to Panel Appointments.
The Report was adopted on the proposal of Councillor O’Kane,
seconded by Miss Doherty.
OUT OF COMMITTEE (proposed by Mr McCaffrey, seconded
by Mr Orr)
S09/6/09
SEALING OF DOCUMENTS
The following documents were approved on the proposal of
Rev Herron, seconded by Councillor Irvine.
1.
Contract:
Proposed Refurbishment of Science
Classrooms at Limavady Grammar School
Contractor:
(a)
(b)
(c)
S/09/6/10
Bradley Construction, Mountfield
Contract Agreement;
Bill of Quantities;
15 Contract Drawings.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Outstanding Building Control Approvals
It had been brought to Councillor Irvine’s attention that there is a
number of WELB building control files outstanding in the Co
Fermanagh area. Councillor Irvine said whilst he appreciated the
problems in getting contractors back to complete works, he would
like to see a resolution to the outstanding works, particularly in
light of the forthcoming merge into ESA. In response, the Head of
Property Services agreed to provide a more detailed report for
each District Council area, broken down by maintenance and
capital projects, and a proposed timescale for signing these off.
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Appointment of Transition Co-ordinator, ESAIT
The Chairman informed members that the former Head of
Administration and Management, Mr Adrian Kennedy, had been
seconded to ESAIT. She paid tribute to his work and recorded
her own appreciation and that of members for his valued
contribution to the Services Committee.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 3.05
pm.
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