Report from I.W. Councillor Roger Mazillius

Posted by Admin on 22 April 2012, 2:29 pm

COUNCILLOR ROGER MAZILLIUS

I.W. COUNCILLOR FOR COWES SOUTH & NORTHWOOD
21 OXFORD STREET, NORTHWOOD
ISLE OF WIGHT PO31 8PT
Tel: 01983 295556
Email: roger.mazillius@iow.gov.uk

REPORT – MAY 2012

Energy Saving in Island Schools

The Isle of Wight Council is working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Schools’ Forum to help reduce the amount of energy used in schools.
Currently schools account for 43 per cent of the council’s total carbon footprint, which costs the council around £100,000 per year in carbon taxes, which were introduced by the Government as part of its Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme.
As part of the work to make schools more energy efficient, the council has recruited an energy and carbon management officer on a two-year fixed term post funded by the Isle of Wight Schools’ Forum.
Mason Murray, who has a background in facilities management, will work with schools to help them identify ways of saving energy – which will both save money and help contribute towards the council’s target of reducing its carbon footprint by six per cent each year. Part of his work will be to monitor data from smart meters that the council has installed at every Island school. These provide detailed information about gas and electricity usage, making it easier to identify potential savings.
For my part I am pleased the council has set tough targets to reduce its carbon footprint. This appointment shows our commitment to achieving these reductions which will not only be better for the environment but will save the schools and the council money.

Changes to Width Restrictions in Pallance Road
Draft proposals have been published by Highways to correct an historical error in the extent of the present Pallance Road width restriction limiting the size of large commercial vehicles using Pallance Road via Hillis Corner and Rolls Hill as a short cut through to Thorness and Yarmouth, etc. The original order incorrectly missed out the Hillis Gate Road section, so this Order will rectify this omission and correctly designate the roads covered by the restriction which the police have now stated must be done to legally limit the amount of large commercial traffic using these roads.
I know local residents wish to see such traffic restricted and this is a matter that the Parish Council will be commenting on at their May meeting. I have already signified my agreement. I would expect the proposals to be confirmed as soon as possible thereafter. Details are available via www.iwight.com or I can email a map of the proposed change if asked.

New Waste Contract Procurement Process
The present waste contract with Biffa expires in 2015. There are several elements of the present contract which need addressing in any new contract. It is widely recognised that a new contract of this nature, which apart from involving the collection and recycling arrangements will also need to find and operate a new landfill and depot site, needs to be of sufficient length to justify the large amount of capital expenditure any successful bidder will need to invest in such a contract.
This means long-term planning and operations of probably 25 years with a value over that time of as much as £120 million. This in turn means the Council will need to use highly qualified consultants for financial, technical and legal specialist advice to ensure that the best possible value for money and environmental considerations is obtained throughout the long life of the new contract.
Of course this will come at a cost and it is expected up to £500,000 will be spent in the current financial year for this vital expert advice.
Considering the length and value of the expected new contract and the importance of getting it right from the outset, I do not consider such costs to be unreasonable.
More on this important matter will be published as the year progresses but I think it right that I report facts to residents at this early stage. I will naturally be glad to respond to any residents’ queries if asked.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Charity Concert
Cowes Town Council is holding a charity concert at The Event Centre, Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday 1st June at 7.30pm. Tickets will be available shortly and can be ordered through me, the Town Council on 01983 209022 or email roger.hendey@btconnect.com.
Tickets can be collected at the Council Offices in Denmark Road.
The concert will feature the I.W. Youth Orchestra, the combined I.W Youth Wind Band and Concert Band as well as solo musicians and singers with the emphasis on Island local performers. I do hope residents will be able to support this important and high quality concert. Tickets cost £10 or £5 for school/college students.

Best Wishes to all

Roger

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