Leisure, Arts And Communities Committee - 20/09/2004

At a MEETING of the LEISURE AND ARTS SERVICES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 20th September, 2004.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Bailie FARQUHAR, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 21st June, 2004 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DUNDEE CEMETERIES - POLICY REVIEW

Councillor Duncan declared a financial interest by virtue of his employment with a company included in the Memorial Headstone Registration Scheme.

There was submitted Report No 565-2004 by the Director of Leisure and Arts seeking approval for number of policy changes relating to the administration and operation of cemeteries in Dundee.

The Committee agreed :-

(i) to approve the introduction of a Permission and Inspection regime for new headstones, based on the principle that permission for a new headstone would be granted for a maximum period of 30 years with regular safety inspections carried out by inspection staff;

(ii) to the introduction of a Memorial Mason Registration Scheme to ensure the integrity and safety of new headstones erected in cemeteries;

(iii) to the introduction of a small grants fund to assist the public to repair their own dangerous headstones as detailed in the report;

(iv) to the adoption of a Charter for the Bereaved, to provide for external assessment of the quality of the Councils Cemetery services;

(v) to the introduction of new and revised cemetery charges as detailed in the report;

(vi) to note the introduction of a new computerised cemetery records scheme and the development of a comprehensive IT system for enhancement of cemetery administration; and

(vii) to the creation of a memorial garden in Birkhill and Eastern Cemeteries for the erection of memorial plaques as outlined in the report.

II REDEVELOPMENT OF CASTLE GREEN PLAY AREA AND PADDLING POOL, BROUGHTY FERRY

There was submitted Report No 556-2004 by the Director of Leisure and Arts seeking approval to appoint contractors to undertake the redevelopment work at Castle Green Play Area, Broughty Ferry.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to proceed on the basis of Partnering and to accept Dundee Contract Services as the Partnering Contractor for the Castle Green Play Area Improvements at a cost of 313,444;

(ii) to accept the offer of 90,056 from Sun Safe Play Systems Ltd as a specialist water display company for the redevelopment of Castle Green Paddling Pool; and

(iii) to approve the payment to the Broughty Ferry Environmental Project of 1,500 for the Community Mosaic Wall Project within the play area to cover all material costs and community volunteer expenses.

III SMALL PROJECTS GRANTS

There was submitted Report No 632-2004 by the Director of Leisure and Arts seeking approval to award a grant to an arts and heritage organisation.

The Committee authorised the payment of a grant of 400 to the Council for Music in Hospitals.

IV PROJECTOR GRANT

There was submitted Report No 633-2004 by the Director of Leisure and Arts seeking approval to award grants to an arts and heritage organisation.

The Committee authorised the payment of a grant of 3,000 to "Projector Animation Festival".

V RELOCATION OF ANIMAL ENCLOSURES AT CAMPERDOWN WILDLIFE CENTRE

There was submitted Report No 656-2004 by the Director of Leisure and Arts seeking approval for tenders received for the relocation of the animal enclosures at Camperdown Wildlife Centre.

The Committee agreed that the lowest offer of 27,900 from RBS Muir of Strathmartine be accepted.

VI TENDERS RECEIVED

There was submitted Report No 657-2004 by City Architectural Services Officer detailing tenders received in respect of the undernoted projects.

(a) LOCHEE AND DOWNFIELD PAVILIONS - WINDOWS AND SECURITY GRILLS

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Dundee Contract Services in the sum of 17,821 to which required to be added allowances amounting to 3,005 giving a total expenditure of 20,826.

(b) BAXTER PARK RANGER CENTRE - ENTRANCE ROOFSPACING

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from T & N Gilmartin Limited in the sum of 43,510.83 to which required to be added allowances amounting to 7,844 giving a total expenditure of 51,354.83

VII PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURES - CAMPERDOWN PARK

There was submitted Agenda Note AN345-2004 advising the Committee that the recent temporary closure to the Western Gateway of Camperdown had relieved problems regarding speeding vehicles using the Park as a through route to Liff and beyond, and improved the safety of the Park as well as leading to a reduction in the number of damaged and abandoned/dumped cars and improving security generally.

It was therefore agreed that the temporary closure to the West Gate become permanent and that the South Drive access which exits on to Liff Road be closed up, following concerns regarding the number of drivers abusing the one way system which exits on to Liff Road.

It was further agreed to install a barrier which would allow free flow of pedestrians, cyclists and horses at an estimated cost of 2,000.

It was noted that as there had been an unimpeded right of passage for more than twenty years it would be necessary to formally close the road subject to the appropriate Traffic Order being processed by the Planning and Transportation Department.

VIII FIREWORKS DISPLAY

There was submitted Agenda Note AN346-2004 advising that it was intended to hold fireworks displays at Lochee and Baxter Parks on Friday, 5th November, 2004.

The Committee agreed to accept an offer for the supply and delivery, firing and associated training for the displays from specialist contractor, Alan Hillary Events, Gateshead amounting to 23,000.

IX MCMANUS GALLERIES - THURSDAY EVENING OPENING

There was submitted Agenda Note AN347-2004 whereby reference was made to Article IV of the minute of meeting of the Arts and Heritage Committee of 19th October 1998 which approved evening opening at McManus Galleries and Museum on Thursday evenings from 5 pm to 7 pm in support of the city's evening economy. It was reported that this decision was implemented and despite focusing a number of events and activities on this period the results had proved disappointing. The Committee therefore agreed to cease Thursday evening opening as from Thursday, 7th October, 2004.

X BELMONT ESTATE, MEIGLE - REMEDIATION TO SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT

There was submitted Agenda Note AN348-2004 whereby reference was made to a report undertaken by the City Engineer regarding the Belmont Estate Sewage Works. It was reported that as a result of the findings of the report Scottish Water had been approached regarding adoption of the plant; however the type, condition and location had precluded this option. It was therefore proposed to extend the life expectancy of the existing plant by carrying out remediation and renewal measures and implementing actions in the interests of health and safety.

The City Engineer had obtained costs for the improvement measures from specialist companies in this field and the Committee agreed to accept the undernoted offers:-

and approved allowances of 1,844 for contingencies, 3,815 for works by Dundee Contract Services and professional services amounting to 3,500, giving a total expenditure in the current financial year of 32,000.

It was noted that provision could be met from allowances within the Leisure and Arts Capital allowances of 16,000 and a contribution of an equal sum of 16,000 from the Church of Scotland as tenants of Belmont Estate.

It was reported that the Convener had agreed that the undernoted item be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

XI TENDERS RECEIVED - CAMPERDOWN PARK AQUIFER WATER SUPPLY

There was submitted Report No 649-2004 by the City Engineer detailing offers received in respect of the above.

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer, from D A Kennedy Construction Limited, in the sum of 221,158.78 to which required to be added allowances amounting to 200,841.22, giving a total expenditure of 422,000.

The Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

XII LEASE OF PART PAVILION, MILL O' MAINS PARK

There was submitted Agenda Note AN349-2004 whereby the Committee were advised that the Mill O' Mains Residents Association had applied to lease the westmost part of the pavilion at Mill O' Mains Park for the use of meeting rooms and other activities in connection with the association.

The Committee approved the request on the terms and conditions detailed in the note.

CHARLES FARQUHAR, Convener