Representatives huddle for first full-house assembly of term

ple-juliol-20191The Consell de Formentera called council members today to the July plenary assembly—the first full-house session of the new legislative term. The session brought cross-party support for a proposed update of the Consell's organisational rules. Assembly members agreed to ask the parliamentary spokespersons' committee (Junta de Portaveus) to study a path forward.

Councillor of General Services, Bartomeu Escandell, pointed out that, since passing in March 2010, the rules, or Reglament Orgànic, “are what's given us our unique status as an administration at both the municipal and island levels. We think it's appropriate, nine years on, to update it for today's reality”.

Representatives agreed to urge the Balearic Parlament to expedite measures towards new legislation governing the island councils, or consells, that recognises the singularity of the Consell de Formentera, and puts the legal framework in place to organise and regulate it.

Upgrades at nature reserve
Support also came for a proposal from Sa Unió de Formentera PP-Compromís about accessibility at ses Salines natural reserve. Brokered by the GxF-PSOE Governing Team, the measure passed with “yes” votes from the 11 councillors of the cabinet, and despite the 6 opposition councillors' abstention.

Mobility councillor Rafael González stressed that the beaches located in ses Salines are among the island's leading draws for tourists, meaning “at rush hour, demand outstrips supply” in terms of parking spots for personal cars.

González framed the proposal as “enlisting tech to go beyond the Sustainable Mobility Strategy's backing of more sustainable modes of transport” to “improve the information we provide ses Salines' visitors about access and what parking conditions to expect”.

Another proposal launched by Sa Unió and brokered by the GxF-PSOE Governing Team concentrated on training opportunities in music and dance on the island. The measure passed despite Sa Unió abstention.

The measure calls on the Balearic Ministry of Education, Universities and Research and the Consell de Formentera to “work together to find an integrative solution to accredited and non-accredited studies in elementary and professional music and dance that uses public money in a way that is smart, efficient and responsible”.

Other proposals
The proposed configuration of the island's coalition of community stakeholders was ratified by unanimous vote. A vote to empower the Consell de Formentera president to oversee so-called special interest declarations for public works and other projects, and a vote to rewrite the waste collection contract with CESPA, both passed despite Sa Unió abstention.

31 July 2019
Communication department
Consell de Formentera