Policy And Resources Committee - 11/06/2007
At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 11th June, 2007.
Present:-
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Lord Provost John R LETFORD |
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BAILIES
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George REGAN |
Roderick A J WALLACE |
Derek J SCOTT |
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Helen WRIGHT |
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Ian BORTHWICK |
COUNCILLORS
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Kevin KEENAN |
Fraser MACPHERSON |
Nigel DON |
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Mohammed ASIF |
Ken GUILD |
Bob DUNCAN |
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Laurie BIDWELL |
Jim BARRIE |
Elizabeth F FORDYCE |
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Tom FERGUSON |
Jimmy BLACK |
Stewart HUNTER |
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Brian GORDON |
David BOWES |
Ken LYNN |
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Richard McCREADY |
Andrew DAWSON |
Christina ROBERTS |
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Joe MORROW |
Will DAWSON |
Donald HAY |
Councillor Kevin KEENAN, Convener, in the Chair.
The minute of meeting of this Committee of 16th April, 2007 was held as read.
Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.
I MINUTE OF MEETING OF PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE
The minute of meeting of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee of 23rd April, 2007, a copy of which is appended hereto, was submitted for information and record purposes.
II RECESS SUB-COMMITTEE
There was submitted Agenda Note AN156-2007 intimating that the Council's Recess commenced on 30th June, 2007 and ended on 11th August , 2007.
The Committee agreed that in order to facilitate the smooth continuous conduct of the Council's business, a Recess Sub-Committee of the Council be set up to deal with matters of an urgent nature which the Chief Executive or Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) believed cannot wait for the next ordinary meeting of the Committee concerned during that period and that its operating arrangements be as follows:-
(1) Membership - two members of the Administration, two members of the SNP Group and one member of the Conservative Group.
(2) Chair - Leader of the Administration and Depute Chair - Deputy Leader of the Administration.
(3) Substitutes - in terms of Standing Order No 45(3) it shall be competent for substitutions to be intimated and affected for individual meetings.
(4) Quorum - three members.
(5) Dates - to be arranged on a Monday when required.
(6) Remit - to deal with any urgent business arising during the recess period.
(7) Power - full delegated powers to deal with business laid before it.
III COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES 2007/2008
There was submitted Report No 318-2007 by Assistant Chief Executive (Community Planning) and the Director of Leisure and Communities relative to the above.
The Committee noted the process for allocating funding through the Local Community Regeneration Forums as agreed by the Dundee Partnership and endorsed the funding proposals detailed below:-
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Project Title/Applicant |
Brief Description |
Funding Awarded
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Dropped Kerbs, Planning and Transportation |
To improve accessibility within Kirkton by installing dropped kerbs. |
4,500 |
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Dalmahoy Drive Resurfacing of Footpaths, Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association |
Improve safety aspect of public footpaths within Ardler area. The footpaths at Dalmahoy Drive require to be resurfaced and a number of kerbs lowered to facilitate wheelchair users and disabled scooters. |
44,000 |
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Palisade Fencing, Housing Department |
To replace, re-supply and erect high galvanised palisade fencing at various locations in the Kirkton area, to improve the quality of surroundings for the residents. |
21,138 |
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Maxwelltown Information Centre |
Building and electrical works for move to new premises. |
5,000 |
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Dundee Employment and Aftercare (DEAP) |
To improve the space provided to residents at the Stobswell Jobshop facility. |
6,400 |
IV COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND SMALL GRANTS ALLOCATIONS
Councillors Asif and Black declared a non-financial interest in Grey Lodge by virtue of being Council representatives on the Board. Councillor Lynn declared a non-financial interest in Dundee Cyrenians by virtue of being an employee.
There was submitted Report No 317-2007 by the Assistant Chief Executive (Community Planning) and the Director of Leisure and Communities relative to the above.
The Committee noted the process for allocating small grants through the Local Community Regeneration Forums as agreed by the Dundee Partnership and endorsed the funding proposals detailed below:-
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Project Title/Applicant |
Brief Description |
Funding Awarded
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Dundee Cyrenians |
Funding to establish a white goods re-use workshop. Aiming to provide good quality furniture for people in the CRF areas. |
1,000 |
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Charleston Neighbourhood Centre, Leisure and Communities Department |
Two workers to deliver drama classes to young people in Charleston and to work with children and young people with behavioural issues. |
2,780 |
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Ancrum Road Primary School, Education Department |
Costs towards a residential course for children from CRF area. |
1,500 |
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Project Title/Applicant |
Brief Description |
Funding Awarded
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Headway |
To help volunteers provide support groups for brain injured people. They provide a lunch club, crafts and other activities to help with motor skills etc. |
2,400 |
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Lookin Good |
To purchase resources to showcase/celebrate the regeneration of Kirkton over the last 10 years. |
266 |
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Dundee North Law Centre |
To update obsolete computing equipment. This is necessary to improve the efficiency of the administration and services in the centre. |
1,000 |
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Dundee Cyrenians |
Funding requested to establish white goods re-use workshop. Aiming to provide good quality furniture for people in CRF areas. |
1,000 |
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Changing Horizons |
Music and Arts - employ a qualified Youth Worker to co-ordinate and facilitate a programme of learning, utilising media - guitar, keyboards, percussion, dance, arts and crafts employing specialist tutors to deliver individual learning programmes. |
2,500 |
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Hearing Voices Network |
Scottish Mental Health First Aid Instructor training course for one network member. |
500 |
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Grey Lodge Youth Groups |
Contribution towards decoration, chairs and floor covering for youth 'chill room' and purchase of laptop and hi-fi system. |
1,970 |
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Friends of Baxter Park |
Contribution towards annual event of Celebration in the Park which provides information on various community services and activities for young people and children on the day. |
3,000 |
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22nd Fintry Scout Group |
Improve heating system within the scout hut. |
2,185 |
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Dundee Cyrenians |
To provide employment and training for unemployed and homeless clients who are referred. |
1,000 |
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Whitfield Inclusion Network Group - Out and About Programme |
To encourage families to participate in activities throughout the year in the North East area. |
2,400 |
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Project Title/Applicant |
Brief Description |
Funding Awarded
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Dunbar Park Owners Occupiers Residents Association (DOORA) |
This recently set up group involving residents in the Dunbar Park area of Whitfield wish to provide a newsletter (four per year) promoting the group and issues in the area. |
200 |
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Mill O'Mains Youth Group |
Contribution towards subsidised travel and admission costs to allow families in the Mill O'Mains area to participate in school holiday activities. |
2,650 |
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Fintry North Youth Project |
Contribution towards subsidised travel and admission costs to allow families in the Fintry area to participate in school holiday activities. |
2,650 |
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North East Children and Young People's Team, Leisure and Communities Department |
Contribution towards subsidised travel and admission costs to allow families in the Whitfield area to participate in school holiday activities. |
2,650 |
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Whitfest - Whitfield Community Centre Local Management Group |
To provide a two week programme of creative activities for children and families. |
2,400 |
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North East Jobs Fair Planning Group |
To assist unemployed people in the North East to gain employment. |
1,013 |
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Midlin Festival Committee |
Bringing Mid Craigie and Linlathen together - parade, demonstrations, entertainers, hire of bands, insurance and hire of barriers. |
2,000 |
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Douglas and Mid Craigie Church |
To purchase equipment for a community cafi and to provide training for volunteers (health and safety, first aid and basic good hygiene). |
2,245 |
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50+ Elderly and Disabled Group - Mid Craigie and Linlathen |
Contribution to transport for summer trip. |
160 |
V CITIES GROWTH FUND ANNUAL REPORT 2006-2007
There was submitted Report No 262-2007 by the Director of Planning and Transportation seeking the Committee's approval of the Annual Report in respect of the Cities Growth Fund 2003-2006 and the Cities Growth Fund 2006-2008 which had to be forwarded to the Scottish Executive by 30th June, 2007.
The Committee approved the report and remitted to the Director of Planning and Transportation to forward it to the Scottish Executive.
VI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION SERVICE PLAN - PERFORMANCE REPORT
There was submitted Report No 334-2007 by the Head of Information Technology providing details of the Information Technology Division's performance for the year ended 31st March, 2007.
The Committee approved the content of the report.
VII UNADOPTED FOOTWAYS
There was submitted Agenda Note AN157-2007 proposing that the Capital Budget for Unadopted Footways be increased by 300,000 per annum over the financial years 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, and 2010/11, it being noted that finance would be funded from savings arising from slippage within the Council's overall Capital Plan.
Councillor Borthwick moved that the Capital Budget for Unadopted Footpaths be increased by 150,000 per annum over the financial years 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11 and that the balance of the savings amounting to 150,000 per annum for the financial years as detailed above, arising from the slippage within the Council's overall Capital Plan be applied to increasing the provision for the repair and maintenance of adopted footpaths but failed to find a seconder, whereupon he asked that his motion be recorded.
As a further amendment, Councillor Borthwick moved that the Committee continue consideration of this matter to enable Chief Officers to bring forward a further report projecting slippage on other competing priorities and setting out spending proposals for consideration by this Committee after the summer recess but failed to find a seconder, whereupon he again asked that his motion be recorded.
Thereafter, the Committee approved the Agenda Note.
VIII HOUSING CAPITAL BUDGETS 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 - REVISION
On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 15th January, 2007 there was submitted Report No 299-2007 by the Director of Housing relative to the above.
The Committee:-
(a) approved the Housing Capital Budget for 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10;
(b) approved the action as detailed in paragraph 5 of the report;
(c) instructed the City Architectural Services Officer and City Engineer, in conjunction with the Director of Housing, to invite offers for the projects included in the Capital and Planned Maintenance estimates, and authorised the Director of Housing, City Architectural Services Officer and City Engineer to implement alternative methods of procurement with contractors where these were necessary, to achieve the value for money that would be required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (including partnering arrangements with contractors, where appropriate);
(d) authorised the Director of Housing to accept offers as detailed in paragraph 5.3 of the report.
IX SUPPLY OF IT EQUIPMENT
There was submitted Report No 311-2007 by the Head of Information Technology relative to the above.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the IT purchases amounting to 388,565 detailed in Appendix 1, for the period 5th April to 23rd May, 2007; and
(ii) approved ongoing engineering maintenance costs of 12,911 per annum.
X ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR STRATEGY - LOCAL OUTCOME AGREEMENTS MONITORING REPORT - 2006-2007
On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 17th October, 2005, there was submitted Report No 274-2007 by the Director of Leisure and Communities, Assistant Chief Executive (Community Planning) and the Depute Chief Executive (Support Services) relative to the above.
The Committee:-
(i) noted and approved the 2006-2007 Outcome Agreements monitoring report;
(ii) noted the public access arrangements outlined in Paragraph 8.2 of the report; and
(iii) noted the submission of the report to the Scottish Executive.
XI RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF
There was submitted Report No 310-2007 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic property:-
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Applicant |
Subjects |
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Tayside Council on Alcohol 13 King Street DUNDEE
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Shop 145 High Street Lochee DUNDEE |
The Committee approved accordingly.
XII ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND - DUNDEE FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE
There was submitted Agenda Note AN158-2007 intimating that a letter had been received requesting a grant to meet the costs of hiring the Caird Hall Complex on 3rd November, 2007 for the Dundee Festival of Remembrance.
The Committee approved accordingly and noted that the estimated cost of hall rentals and ancillary costs amounted to 1,231.
In addition, the Committee agreed that in future, this matter be delegated to the Head of Finance.
XIII EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY MONITORING
There was submitted Report No 237-2007 by the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) advising the Committee of the Employment Equality Monitoring statistics for 2007.
The Committee:-
(i) noted the Employment Equality Monitoring statistics appended to the report;
(ii) instructed the Race Equality and Diversity Action Group (REDAG), to monitor and analyse the statistics in relation to the Race Equality and Diversity objectives;
(iii) instructed the Disability Action Group (DAG) to monitor and analyse the statistics in relation to the Disability Equality and Diversity objectives;
(iv) instructed the Gender Equality and Diversity Action Group (GEDAG) to monitor and analyse the statistics in relation to the Gender Equality and Diversity objectives.
XIV EMPLOYMENT DISABILITY UNIT (EDU) - OUTCOMES 2006 AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
There was submitted Report No 304-2007 by the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) providing information relative to the above.
The Committee agreed that the outcomes be noted, that the future direction and expansion of the Unit be approved and that the name change from Employment Disability Unit to Employment Development Unit be approved.
XV SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT - CHANGES TO ESTABLISHMENT
There was submitted Agenda Note AN173-2007 intimating that the Manager of Finance and Support Services would be leaving the Council at the end of August 2007 and as a result the Director of Social Work and the Assistant Chief Executive (Management) had examined the current structure and proposed the following.
The establishment of a new post Manager, Finance and Contracts. Previous responsibilities of the Finance and Support Services Manager including staff development and IT, to become the responsibility of the Manager Strategy and Performance. Similarly, the Human Resources Section including outposting staff from Personnel in the short term to be managed within Strategy and Performance and that this arrangement be subject to a review at the end of the year.
It was also proposed that the new post of Manager, Finance and Contracts would also include responsibility for the Welfare Rights Section.
Accordingly, the Committee approved the undernoted:-
(i) the deletion of the post of Manager of Finance and Support Services grade CO31 - 66,873; and
(ii) the establishment of the post of Manager of Finance and Contracts grade CO21 - 52,404.
XVI GENDER EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY SCHEME 2007-2010
There was submitted Report No 339-2007 by the Director of Leisure and Communities and Assistant Chief Executive (Management) seeking approval for the above scheme.
The Committee approved the Gender Equality Scheme 2007/2010 and its plain English Executive Summary which set out how the Council planned to meet its duties under the Equality Bill 2006 and fulfil its commitment to Gender Equality and Diversity as a Council and as a partner in the Dundee Equality and Diversity Partnership.
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 I of Schedule 7A of the Act.
XVII RELIEF OF NON-DOMESTIC RATES ON GROUNDS OF HARDSHIP
There was submitted Report No 303-2007 by the Depute Chief Executive (Finance) relative to the above.
The Committee approved the recommendations detailed therein.
Kevin KEENAN, Convener.
APPENDIX