Leisure, Arts And Communities Committee - 21/11/2005

At a MEETING of the COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 21st November 2005.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor HIND, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 24th October 2005 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I ACCESS TO PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES FOR UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY STUDENTS

Councillor Grant declared a non financial interest in this item being a member of the University of Abertay staff.

There was submitted Report No 679-2005 by the Director of Leisure and Communities informing the Committee of the seamless access arrangements to Dundee City's library service for students of the University of Abertay, Dundee.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and the successful partnership work between Dundee City Council's Public Library and Information Service and the University of Abertay, Dundee.

II INSTALLATION OF DOOR ENTRY SYSTEM AND NEW WINDOWS, DUNDEE COMMUNITY SAFETY BASE

There was submitted Report No 653-2005 by the Director of Leisure and Communities seeking approval to proceed with the installation of new windows and a door entry system at the Community Safety Base - Kirkton Clinic at a total cost of 15,875.

The Committee agreed that the Director of Leisure and Communities be authorised to accept the quote of 15,875 submitted by Tayside Door and Window Specialists.

III NON-RECURRING REVENUE GRANTS FUND IV 2005/2006

Councillor Webster declared a non financial interest in this item being an employee of the University of Dundee.

There was submitted Report No 664-2005 by the Director of Leisure and Communities making a recommendation for a grant award from the Non-Recurring Revenue Grants Fund. The grant award would be met from the Department's Revenue Budget 2005/2006.

The Committee approved payment of the recommended grant of 1,908 to the University of Dundee.

IV CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN452-2005 recommending that all Community Centres, the Mitchell Street Centre and The Shore be closed from Friday 23rd December until Tuesday 27th December 2005 inclusive and closed again from Saturday 31st December 2005 until Tuesday 3rd January 2006 inclusive. It was further recommended that the Central Library and all Community Libraries be closed from Saturday 24th December until Tuesday 27th December 2005 inclusive and closed again on Monday 2nd January and Tuesday 3rd January 2006.

Experience had shown that on the day before festive public holidays that the Central Library and Community Libraries were very quiet. It was recommended that libraries scheduled to open beyond 5pm on Friday 23rd December and Friday 30th December be closed at 5pm on these dates.

Where appropriate, staff timetables would be adjusted to take account of these opening hours ie all staff throughout the Department would have the equivalent of five public holidays. Consultation had taken place with Trade Union representatives regarding these arrangements. Notices would be posted advising the public of the holiday period opening hours.

"The Corner" would be open from 1.00pm until 4.00pm on both Saturday 24th December and Saturday 31st December and a Family Planning Doctor would be available from 1.00pm until 3.00pm on both of these dates. "The Corner" would be closed on Monday 26th December and Tuesday 27th December and closed again on Monday 2nd January and Tuesday 3rd January 2006.

Throughout the Christmas and New Year period Community Safety Wardens would be on duty as usual.

The Committee approved the service arrangements as detailed.

Chris HIND, Convener