Education Committee - 20/06/2005

At a MEETING of the EDUCATION COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 20th June, 2005.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

 

 

 

BAILIES

 

C D P FARQUHAR

John CORRIGAN

Bruce D MACKIE

Helen WRIGHT

Neil I C POWRIE

Ian BORTHWICK

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jill SHIMI

Nigel DON

Roderick A J WALLACE

Kevin KEENAN

Bob DUNCAN

Charles A WEBSTER

George REGAN

Richard BEATTIE

Derek J SCOTT

Julia M STURROCK

Willie W SAWERS

Monsignor J CREEGAN

Christopher HIND

Joe FITZPATRICK

Mr M Chohan

Joe MORROW

Christina ROBERTS

Mr E BAILLIE

Helen DICK

Elizabeth F FORDYCE

Mrs H Millar

 

Councillor KEENAN, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 16th May, 2005 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

 

I RELOCATION OF AVROM HOUSE

 

It was reported that a request had been received for a deputation to be heard against the relocation of Avrom House.

 

The Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) reported that to enable the deputation to be heard in private, the Committee should resolve under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

Councillor Morrow, seconded by Councillor Wallace, moved that the deputation be heard in private.

 

As an amendment Councillor Sawers, seconded by Councillor Fitzpatrick, moved that the deputation be heard in public.

 

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost, Bailies Farquhar, Wright, Powrie, Mackie and Borthwick, Councillors Shimi, Regan, Hind, Morrow, Dick, Wallace, Webster and Scott and Monsignor Creegan, Mr Chohan, Mr Baillie and Mrs Millar (19); and for the amendment - Bailie Corrigan and Councillors Sturrock, Don, Duncan, Beattie, Sawers, Fitzpatrick, Roberts and Fordyce (9) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

 

The deputation was then invited to speak and after they had stated their case and answered questions from members of the Committee they were thanked for their attendance and withdrew.

 

The press and public were then re-admitted to the meeting.

 

There was submitted Report No 417-2005 by the Director of Education, seeking Committee approval for Avrom House to be redesignated as a Resourced Location within Menzieshill High School.

The Convener, seconded by the Lord Provost, moved that the Committee:-

 

(i) note the contents of the report;

 

(ii) approve the detailed proposals set out in section 8.0 of the report noted below:-

 

"8.1It is proposed that Avrom House should be redesignated as a Resourced Location, for pregnant schoolgirls and young mothers, within Menzieshill High School. The facility will be registered with the Care Commission. Relocation will not take place until the necessary adaptations to Menzieshill have been made (paragraph 8.4 below).

 

8.2Young women entering Avrom House should be enrolled as pupils of Menzieshill High School with individually negotiated timetables incorporating as many of their chosen subjects as possible and specific PSHE classes.

 

8.3Any surplus capacity in the new nursery facility should be viewed as a community resource open to members of staff from surrounding schools, members of the community, and employees of Dundee City Council.

 

8.4The necessary adaptations to the interior and exterior of Menzieshill High School should be made, including:

 

7                    redesign and adaptation of two existing classrooms to provide nursery accommodation with associated toilet and meeting facilities;

7                    access to a designated outside safe play area;

7                    provision of safe pedestrian access from the front gate of the school to the main entrance;

7                    creation of a reception area within view of the front door;

7                    adaptation of a small classroom and office to provide a base and office for the Unit;

7                    provision of appropriate furniture, furnishings and equipment"; and

 

(iii)that the Avrom House accommodation be declared surplus to educational requirements when relocation occurs and to be remitted to the Director of Economic Development for disposal.

 

As an amendment Councillor Fitzpatrick, seconded by Councillor Sawers, moved not to approve the proposals in the report.

 

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Lord Provost, Bailies Farquhar, Wright, Powrie and Mackie, Councillors Shimi, Regan, Sturrock, Hind, Morrow, Dick, Wallace, Webster, and Scott and Monsignor Creegan, Mr Chohan and Mr E Baillie (18); and for the amendment - Bailie Borthwick and Councillors Don, Duncan, Beattie, Sawers, Fitzpatrick, Roberts and Fordyce (8) - Bailie Corrigan being absent when the vote was taken and Mrs Millar declining to vote - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

 

In addition, the Committee agreed the undernoted from Monsignor Creegan that:-

 

(i)the existing staff at Avrom House should be part of the new facility at Menzieshill High School for the first year, to provide continuity; and

 

(ii)the Committee look at this issue again twelve months after the unit has opened.

 

II MINUTE OF MEETING OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SUB-COMMITTEE OF 24TH MAY, 2005

 

The minute of the above meeting (Appendix I) was submitted for information.

III TENDERS RECEIVED

 

There was submitted Report No 404-2005 by the City Architectural Services Officer detailing tenders received and requesting a decision thereon:-

 

(i) LAW NURSERY SCHOOL - REPLACEMENT OF HEATING

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Jaydee Heating and Electrical, Dundee for replacement heating at Law Nursery School for 16,634.40 together with allowances of 300.00 for planning supervisor and 2,495.00 for professional services making a total expenditure of 19,429.40.

 

The Committee noted that Jaydee Heating and Electrical, Dundee had listed the undernoted sub-contractors:-

 

ARDS, Dundee - Asbestos Removal

Pro-Duct, Cardenden - Ducting

AA Thermal Insulation, Thornton - Insulation

 

(ii) CLEPINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL - NEW KITCHEN VENTILATION

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Scan Building Services Ltd, Dundee for new kitchen ventilation at Clepington Primary School for 9,167.99 together with allowances of 300.00 for planning supervisor and 1,375,00 for professional services giving a total expenditure of 10,842.99.

 

The Committee noted that Scan Building Services Ltd, Dundee had listed the undernoted sub-contractors:-

 

Bruce Jamieson, Dundee - Electrical work

Pro-Duct, Cardenden - Ducting

Angus Insulation Ltd, Montrose - Insulation

 

(iii)CLEPINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL - REPLACEMENT OF FAN CONVECTORS - PHASE 2

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Taylor Mechanical Services Ltd, Dundee for Phase 2 replacement of fan convectors at Clepington Primary School for 22,474.20, together with an allowance of 2,663.00 for professional services making a total expenditure of 25,137.20.

 

The Committee noted that Taylor Mechanical Services Ltd, Dundee had listed the undernoted sub-contractors:-

 

Bruce Jamieson, Dundee - Electrical Work

R G Cumming, Dundee - Painterwork

 

(iv) DOUGLAS PRIMARY SCHOOL - TEMPORARY CLASSROOM UNITS

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from R B Farquhar Hires Ltd, Huntly for temporary classroom units at Douglas Primary School for 109,312.00 together with the undernoted allowances:-

 

Enabling works (by Dundee Contract Services)

20,000.00

Additional hire period charges (maximum 23 months)

45,760.00

Additional classroom/office unit at Ardler Primary School

60,000.00

Building Warrant

100.00

Planning Supervisor

408.00

Professional Services

8,844.00

 

making a total expenditure of 244,424.00.

(v) FRANCES WRIGHT PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE - PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest tender from Land and Building Services Dundee for playground improvements at Frances Wright Pre-school Centre for 6,304, together with an allowance of 945.00 for professional services making a total expenditure of 7,249.00.

 

The Committee noted that Land and Building Services, Dundee had listed the undernoted sub-contractor:-

 

Fenwick Blacksmiths Ltd, Dundee - Metalwork

 

(vi) CRAIGIE HIGH SCHOOL - UPGRADING OF STAFF TOILETS

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for upgrading staff toilets at Craigie High School for 13,000 together with an allowance of 1,950 for professional services making a total expenditure of 14,950.

 

(vii) MILL O' MAINS PRIMARY SCHOOL - SINK REPLACEMENT

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for sink replacement at Mill O' Mains Primary School for 4,100 together with an allowance of 615 for professional services making a total expenditure of 4,715.

 

(viii) NEWFIELDS PRIMARY SCHOOL - SINK REPLACEMENT

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for sink replacement at Newfields Primary School for 4,500 together with an allowance of 675 for professional services making a total expenditure of 5,175.

 

(ix) VARIOUS SCHOOLS - PLAYGROUND GAMES MARKINGS

 

The Committee agreed to accept the negotiated offer with Dundee Contract Services for playground games marking at various schools for 41,997.93 together with an allowance of 1,470.00 for professional services making a total expenditure of 43,467.93.

 

The Committee noted that Dundee Contract Services had listed the undernoted sub-contractor:-

 

Educational and Special Projects Ltd, Burnley - Painting.

 

(x) BARNHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL - REPAIRS TO CAR PARKS AND FOOTPATHS

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for repairs to car parks and footpaths at Barnhill Primary School for 23,500 together with an allowance of 3,525 for professional services making a total expenditure of 27,025.

 

(xi) CRAIGIEBARNS PRIMARY SCHOOL - REPAIRS TO GYMNASIUM WINDOWS

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for repairs to gymnasium windows at Craigiebarns Primary School for 5,000 together with an allowance of 750 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 5,750.

(xii) BARNHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL - NEW FLOORING TO KITCHEN

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Harrows of Forfar for new kitchen flooring at Barnhill Primary School for 6,100.72 together with allowances of 2,600 for specialist kitchen alteration work and 1,305 for professional services making a total expenditure of 10,005.72.

 

(xiii) MENZIESHILL HIGH SCHOOL - CONTROL SYSTEMS

 

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from McGill Electrical Ltd, Dundee for improvements to the existing heating system at Menzieshill High School for 21,783.40 together with an allowance of 3,269 for professional services making a total expenditure of 25,052.40.

 

The Committee noted that McGill Electrical Ltd, Dundee had listed the undernoted sub-contractor:-

 

East Coast Controls Ltd, Kilsyth - Controls.

 

(xiv) CRAIGIE HIGH SCHOOL - FORMATION OF NEW IT CLASSROOM

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for the formation of a new IT classroom at Craigie High School for 14,000 together with an allowance of 2,100 for professional services making a total expenditure of 16,100.

 

(xv) BALDRAGON ACADEMY - REPLACEMENT OF HOT WATER HEATERS

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for replacement of hot water heaters at Baldragon Academy for 10,000 together with an allowance of 1,500 for professional services making a total expenditure of 11,500.

 

(xvi) VARIOUS SCHOOLS - KITCHEN FLY SCREENS

 

The Committee agreed that the work be carried out under the Property Maintenance and Small Works Partnership with Dundee Contract Services for installation of fly screens at various schools for 7,800 together with an allowance of 1,170 for professional services making a total expenditure of 8,970.

 

(xvii) EDUCATION PROPERTIES (VARIOUS) - WATER HYGIENE PHASE 5

 

The Committee agreed to accept the negotiated offer with Building Environmental Hygiene Ltd, Dundee for Phase 5 water hygiene works at various education properties for 87,000 together with an allowance of 13,000 for professional services making a total expenditure of 100,000.

 

(xviii) VARIOUS SECONDARY SCHOOLS - UPGRADE OF TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTS

 

The Committee agreed to accept the negotiated offer with Active Energy Solutions Ltd, Glasgow for upgrading technical departments in various secondary schools for 54,800 together with an allowance of 8,200 for professional services making a total expenditure of 63,000.

 

IV FACADE REPAIRS TO MENZIESHILL HIGH SCHOOL PHASE 1

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN273-2005 informing the Committee that as part of the ongoing preventative maintenance strategy programme undertaken by the Director of Education, essential concrete facade repairs had been identified at Menzieshill High School. For Health and Safety reasons and to minimise disruption to pupils, approval was sought for the City Engineer to seek tenders and for the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) to award the contract to the most favourable tenderer to undertake these works at the earliest opportunity.

 

The budget cost for these works were 30,000 and the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) advised that the cost of these works would be met from the Capital Allowance for 2005/06.

Tenders received would be reported to a future meeting of the Committee for information.

 

The Committee agreed accordingly.

 

The Convener agreed that the undernoted item be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(B) in view of the timescales involved.

 

V ST JOHN'S RC HIGH SCHOOL - REFURBISHMENT AND EXTENSION (PARTNERSHIP)

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN279-2005. Reference was made to Article I of the meeting of the Education Committee held on 15th November, 2004 where the committee authorised the City Architectural Services Officer to negotiate a contract within the overall allowance for construction works of 11.5m under a partnering arrangement with an appropriate contractor and that the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services), in conjunction with the Director of Education, issue an acceptance for this contract.

 

During the development of the design, additional works were identified including replacement of the heating system in the Iona Block in the interests of energy efficiency; upgrading of the Technical Department; rewiring and electrical upgrading of the Iona Block due to the condition of the existing installation following a detailed inspection. These items increased the total cost of the works to 12.488m for which additional funding was identified as detailed below.

 

Following advertisement in the OJEC, submission of questionnaires, interviews and an extensive pricing exercise, Muirfield (Contracts) Ltd, Dundee were identified as the preferred contractor. An Agreed Maximum Price would be established which will bring out a total cost for the project within the amounts as follows:-

 

Construction Works

11,109,587

Demolitions

148,600

Building Warrant

27,630

Planning Application

9,840

Professional Services

1,192,343

 

------------------

Total

12,488,000

 

------------------

 

Funded from:

 

Education Capital Programme

12,183,000

Chief Executive's Capital Programme - Disabled Access

75,000

Energy Efficiency Fund

120,000

Renewal and Repair Fund

110,000

 

------------------

Total Cost of Project

12,488,000

 

------------------

 

Accordingly an acceptance would be issued, after an Agreed Maximum Price had been set, to the successful contractor by the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services).

 

The Committee agreed to the above.

 

 

 

 

KEVIN KEENAN, Convener.

APPENDIX I