Policy And Resources Committee - 22/08/2011

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 22nd August, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost John R LETFORD

 

 

 

Depute Lord Provost Ian BORTHWICK

 

 

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Helen WRIGHT

Roderick A J WALLACE

 

Derek J SCOTT

 

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Elizabeth F FORDYCE

Mohammed ASIF

Jim BARRIE

Stewart HUNTER

Tom FERGUSON

Jimmy BLACK

Ken LYNN

Brian GORDON

David BOWES

Craig MELVILLE

Richard McCREADY

Andrew DAWSON

Christina ROBERTS

Donald HAY

Will DAWSON

Alan G ROSS

Fraser MACPHERSON

Bob DUNCAN

Kevin KEENAN

Helen DICK

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 27th June, 2011 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I MINUTES

 

(a) PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 20TH JUNE, 2011

 

(b) RECESS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 1ST AUGUST, 2011

 

The minutes of meetings of the above Sub-Committees, copies of which are appended hereto (Appendices I and II), were submitted for information and record purposes.

 

II FINANCE DEPARTMENT SERVICE PLAN REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 289-2011 by the Director of Finance reviewing the performance of the Finance Department in relation to their Service Plan 2010/2012.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) approved the contents of the Finance Department's Service Review and instructed the Director of Finance to continue to seek improvement on the level of performance; and

 

(ii) approved the actions identified in the review to be included in the Department's Service Plan.

 

III REVENUE MONITORING 2011/2012

 

There was submitted Report No 349-2011 by the Director of Finance providing the Committee with an analysis of the 2011/2012 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th June, 2011 monitored against the adjusted 2011/2012 Revenue Budget.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted that the overall General Fund 2011/2012 Projected Revenue Outturn as at 30th June, 2011 showed an overspend of 21,000 against the adjusted 2011/2012 Revenue Budget;

 

(ii) noted that the Housing Revenue Account as at 30th June, 2011 was projecting a breakeven position against the adjusted HRA 2011/2012 Revenue Budget;

 

(iii) instructed the Director of Finance to take every reasonable action to ensure that the 2011/2012 revenue expenditure was below or in line with the adjusted Revenue Budget; and

 

(iv) instructed the Director of Finance, in connection with all Chief Officers of the Council, to continue to monitor the Council's 2011/2012 Projected Revenue Outturn.

 

IV CAPITAL MONITORING

 

There was submitted Report No 437-2011 by the Director of Finance appraising members of the latest position regarding the Council's Capital Expenditure Programme for 2011/2012.

 

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

 

V RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

 

There was submitted Report No 366-2011 by the Director of Finance seeking authorisation to grant charity relief on the undernoted non-domestic properties:-

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

The Inclusion Group

Unit 17

Manhattan Works

Dundonald Street

Dundee

 

Resources Centre G/0

21A Park Avenue

Dundee

Deaf Link

Tayside Deaf Hub

Old Mill

23 Brown Street

Dundee

Office and Store

Tayside Deaf Hub

Old Mill

23 Brown Street

Dundee

 

University of Dundee

Finance (Assets Section)

Tower Building

Nethergate

Dundee

 

Laboratory

Ninewells Hospital and Medical School

Ninewells Avenue

Dundee

Debra

Christian Glazier

13 Wellington Business Park

Duke's Ride

Crowthorne

Berkshire

 

Shop

Unit 1

138 High Street

Lochee

Dundee

Hillcrest Housing Association Ltd

1 Explorer Road

Dundee

 

Office

1 Explorer Road

Dundee

 

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

Carr-Gomm Scotland

Per Fiona Buchan

Space

11 Harewood Road

Edinburgh

 

Office

64 Kirkconnel Terrace

Dundee

Shelter - The National Campaign For

Homeless People Ltd

88 Old Street

London

Office

4th Floor

1 Courthouse Square

Dundee

 

Dundee Museum of Transport

2nd Floor

18B West Marketgait

Dundee

 

Office

2nd Floor

18B West Marketgait

Dundee

Pure Media UK Ltd

Per Chika Inatimi

Salem Cottage

8 Salem Street

Dundee

 

Shop

209 Hilltown

Dundee

Pure Media UK Ltd

Per Chika Inatimi

Salem Cottage

8 Salem Street

Dundee

Shop

211 Hilltown

Dundee

 

The Committee authorised accordingly.

 

VI SCOPING EXERCISE WITH BME COMMUNITIES (BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC)

 

On a reference to Article II of the minute of meeting of the Leisure, Arts and Communities Committee of 13th September, 2010, there was submitted Report No 265-2011 by the Director, Leisure and Communities reporting on the scoping exercise with young people in black and minority ethnic communities in Dundee, commissioned from the Yusif Youth Initiative.

 

The Committee noted the findings of the scoping exercise and approved the recommendations contained in the scoping exercise report.

 

VII LOCAL COMMUNITY PLAN MONITORING - 2010/2011

 

There was submitted Report No 358-2011 by the Director, Leisure and Communities presenting the findings from the annual output monitoring exercise of Local Community Plans for the period 1st April, 2010 to 31st March, 2011.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) recognised the significant level of progress made in terms of outputs achieved by Local Community Planning Partnerships for each area;

 

(ii) recognised the high level of collaboration, co-operation and support between Dundee City Council, partner agencies and community stakeholders in the implementation of Local Community Plans;

 

(iii) agreed that Dundee City Council should continue to work with public, private and voluntary sector agencies in partnership with local communities to address the long‑term aspirations, needs and issues identified in each Local Community Plan; and

 

(iv) agreed that community consultations which took place between April and June 2011 would inform the new Local Community Plans for the period from 2012/2015.

 

VIII DUNDEE COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2010/2011

 

On a reference to Article IV of the minute of meeting of the Leisure, Arts and Communities Committee of 27th April, 2009, there was submitted Report No 361-2011 by the Director, Leisure and Communities presenting the Dundee Community Safety Partnership Annual Report 2010/2011.

 

The Committee noted and approved the contents of the report.

 

IX EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND ACTION PLAN

 

There was submitted Report No 379-2011 by the Director of City Development providing information on the outcome of the independent evaluation of "Discovery Opportunities", the Dundee Partnership Employability Programme and highlighting the main points of the Employability Action Plan for the period up to March 2013.

 

The Committee noted the content of the report and, in particular, the points identified for improving effectiveness of the Employability Partnership which would be delivered through the Employability Action Plan.

 

X CORPORATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN

 

There was submitted Report No 357-2011 by the Chief Executive advising the Council of recommended actions outlined in the Scottish Government's Equally Well Review and the corporate health improvement actions underway across the Council to address these.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the recommended actions contained in the Scottish Government's Equally Well Review as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report;

 

(ii) noted the action already underway across Council departments to address issues identified in the Equally Well Review;

 

(iii) noted the extended timeframe of 'StobsWELLbeing', the Dundee Equally Well Test Site; and

 

(iv) remitted to the Corporate Division, Chief Executive's Department to produce a revised Corporate Health Improvement Action Plan in 2012 which reflected progress on the Equally Well Review recommendations and the next Single Outcome Agreement for Dundee.

 

XI DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2010/2011 TO 2012/2013

 

Councillors Black and Asif declared non-financial interests in the Grey Lodge Settlement Association by virtue of being Council representatives on the Association.

 

Councillor Ross declared a non-financial interest in St Mary's Primary School by virtue of his son attending the school.

 

There was submitted Report No 373-2011 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

The Committee approved the funding proposals contained in Section 5 of the report appended hereto (Appendix III), subject to the Committee noting that Ardler Village Trust had withdrawn its application to the Community Regeneration Fund because of an unsuccessful application for match funding to another source. The application was reference number SO16 for the amount of 2,500. As a result, the total grants recommended for allocation this month was 67,063 and the table in paragraph 5.1 would be amended accordingly in next month's report.

 

XII PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT SERVICE PLAN REVIEW

 

There was submitted Report No 382-2011 by the Head of Personnel reviewing the performance of the Personnel Department in relation to its Service Plan 2010/2012.

 

The Committee -

 

(i) approved the contents of the Personnel Department Service Review and instructed the Head of Personnel to continue to seek improvement on the level of performance; and

 

(ii) approved the actions identified in the review to be included in the Department's Service Plan.

 

XIII ROYAL MAIL, CRICHTON STREET COLLECTION OFFICE - PROPOSED CLOSURE

 

It was reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Macpherson.

 

The Committee approved the undernoted resolution.

 

The Policy and Resources Committee notes, with regret, the recent decision of Royal Mail Group to close its Crichton Street Enquiry Office and relocate its functions from 29th August, 2011 to Edward Street Delivery Office, Dundee for customers living in the DD1 postal area and from 5th September, 2011 to the Dundee West Delivery Office, Baird Avenue for customers living in the DD2 and DD3 postal areas.

 

Committee notes the many concerns raised by customers that, given that the Crichton Street Enquiry Office is a very central facility in the city and the Dundee Central Delivery Office and Dundee West Delivery office are not located in the city centre, this will have a detrimental impact on customers, particularly those who rely on public transport to visit Royal Mail facilities.

 

Committee instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Director of Scottish Affairs, Royal Mail Group, outlining the City Council's concerns at the decision to close the Crichton Street Enquiry Office, requests that Royal Mail Group postpone the Crichton Street Enquiry Office closure pending further discussion with the City Council and invites the Director of Scottish Affairs, Royal Mail Group to meet with the Chief Executive and City Councillors relative to such discussions.

 

Separately, this Committee instructs the Chief Executive to write to Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills and to Edward Davey MP, Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs protesting about the lack of an adequate consultation process before the decision was taken to close the Parcels Office in Dundee West and insisting that a proper consultation process is put in place.

 

XIV PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT FOR COUNCIL BUILDINGS

 

There was submitted Report No 398-2011 by the Director of City Development seeking to issue a tender for the supply, installation and operation of photovoltaic equipment.

 

The Committee agreed:-

 

(i) that the Council seek to implement a Photovoltaic Project for Council buildings and that a tender be issued as proposed in Paragraphs 4.11 and 4.12; and

 

(ii) that a future report be brought back to Committee in due course recommending acceptance of the most advantageous offer which would identify the revenue savings and the economic benefits to be delivered through this project.

 

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.

 

XV TENDER FOR TELEPHONE PABX MAINTENANCE

 

There was submitted Report No 391-2011 by the Head of Information Technology advising members of the outcome of a procurement exercise relative to the above.

 

The Committee approved the recommendation detailed in the report.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX I

 

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 20th June, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Stewart HUNTER

Christina ROBERTS

Mohammed ASIF

 

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 17th May, 2011 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

The Sub-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 items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

I APPEAL AGAINST DISMISSAL (PA3/11)

 

It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Education Department had been submitted.

 

The Sub-Committee heard the Council's representative and witnesses and thereafter, the Appellant and his representative.

 

After questions had been put and answers given by both parties to each other and the witnesses, and by members of the Sub-Committee, the parties withdrew.

 

Thereafter, following careful consideration of all the information, the Sub-Committee agreed that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and that the appeal be not upheld.

 

II APPEAL AGAINST DISMISSAL (PA8/11)

 

It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Education Department had been submitted.

 

The Sub-Committee heard the Council's representative and witnesses and thereafter, the Appellant and his representative.

 

After questions had been put and answers given by both parties to each other and the witnesses, and by members of the Sub-Committee, the parties withdrew.

 

Thereafter, following careful consideration of all the information, the Sub-Committee agreed that the grounds of the appeal had not been substantiated and that the appeal be not upheld.

 

 

 

 

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

 

APPENDIX II

 

At a MEETING of the RECESS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 1st August, 2011.

 

Present:-

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Roderick A J WALLACE

 

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Bob DUNCAN

Brian GORDON

Jim BARRIE

Kevin KEENAN

Fraser MACPHERSON

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I TENDERS RECEIVED

 

There was submitted Report No 348-2011 by the City Architectural Services Officer detailing tenders received and requesting a decision thereon:-

 

(a) CLEMENT PARK 2ND AND 3RD DEVELOPMENT - HEATING, KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to accept a partnering project with McGill Electrical Ltd, Dundee, amounting to FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX POUNDS (585,336) STERLING, together with the undernoted allowances:-

 

 

 

Decoration and Carpet Allowances

-

26,104

Decanting of Tenants

-

2,000

Gas Connection Charges

-

10,000

CDM Co-ordinator

-

2,949

Professional Services

-

30,640

 

making a total expenditure of SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEVEN THOUSAND AND TWENTY NINE POUNDS (657,029) STERLING.

 

(b) WEST KIRKTON 2ND WHITSUN FAIRHURST BOILER AND HEATING REPLACEMENT

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to accept a partnering project with Dundee Contract Services, amounting to ONE HUNDRED AND TEN THOUSAND POUNDS (110,000) STERLING, together with the undernoted allowances:-

 

 

 

Decoration and Carpet Allowances

-

3,623

CDM Co-ordinator

-

1,050

Professional Services

-

10,200

 

making a total expenditure of ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE POUNDS (124,873) STERLING.

 

(c) DICK MCTAGGART GYMNASTIC CENTRE - EXTENSION AND ALTERATIONAL WORKS

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Hadden Construction Ltd, Aberuthven, amounting to ONE MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE POUNDS AND NINE PENCE (1,723,249.09) STERLING, as adjusted from 1,753,227.27 following a savings exercise, together with the undernoted allowances:-

 

 

 

Demolition Works etc

-

26,116

Gas Connection Charges

-

6,800

Planning Permission

-

160

Glazed Screen Artwork

-

8,000

Video System

-

4,000

Building Warrant

-

5,880

CDM Co-ordinator, Professional Services and Structural Engineering Services

-

206,790

 

making a total expenditure of ONE MILLION, NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE POUNDS AND NINE PENCE (1,980,995.09) STERLING.

 

The Sub-Committee also noted the undernoted sub-contractors had been listed by Hadden Construction:-

 

Down Takings - W MacMillan, Glasgow

Electrical Work - E W Edwardson (Electrical Contractors) Ltd, Glenrothes

Mechanical Works - Select Building Engineering Services Ltd, Glasgow

Cladding - McKay Roofing Ltd, Kirkintilloch

Gym Equipment - Gymnova, Lancashire

 

(d) BALDRAGON ACADEMY - NEW DIRECT HOT WATER DISTRIBUTION TO TECHNICAL/SCIENCE/TWO STOREY BLOCK

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Taylor Mechanical Services Ltd, Dundee amounting to FORTY TWO THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR POUNDS AND SEVENTY PENCE (42,744.70) STERLING, together with the undernoted allowances:-

 

 

 

CDM Co-ordinator

-

727

Professional Services

-

6,668

 

making a total expenditure of FIFTY THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINE POUNDS AND SEVENTY PENCE (50,139.70).

 

The Sub-Committee also noted the undernoted sub-contractors had been listed by Taylor Mechanical Services Ltd:-

 

Builder Works - Land and Building Services Ltd, Dundee

Insulation Work - Angus Insulation Ltd, Montrose

Painter Work - Arbroath Decorators, Arbroath

 

II TENDERS RECEIVED BY CITY ENGINEER

 

There was submitted Report No 331-2011 by the City Engineer detailing tenders received in respect of Dundee Central Waterfront Stage 3 Contract 3 Northern Ramp Replacement and Northern Boulevard provision.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to accept the offer with the highest ranking score for cost and quality received from Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, in the sum of EIGHT MILLION, ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND NINETY FOUR POUNDS AND TWELVE PENCE (8,148,594.12) STERLING, together with the undernoted allowances:-

 

 

 

Potential Contaminated Land Issues

-

500,000.00

Diversion of Public Utilities and Plot Servicing

-

277,000.00

Street Lighting

-

166,000.00

Traffic Signals

-

337,000.00

Traffic Signs

-

50,000.00

Professional Fees

-

964,886.00

CDM Co-ordinator

-

15,000.00

Archaeological Survey

-

10,000.00

Noise Monitoring

-

10,000.00

Miscellaneous Works

-

66,519.88

Contingencies

-

800,000.00

 

making a total expenditure of ELEVEN MILLION, THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS (11,345,000) STERLING.

 

III FOOD TRAIN SERVICE

 

There was submitted Report No 286-2011 by the Director of Social Work informing of the proposed establishment of the Food Train Service, a grocery delivery service for older people.

 

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Barrie, moved:-

 

(i) to endorse the establishment of the Food Train Service;

 

(ii) to endorse the measures being taken in order to support community capacity building and co-production in order to meet the demands of demographic changes and future demand for services;

 

(iii) to instruct the Director of Social Work to proceed with developing a contractual arrangement with the Food Train; and

 

(iv) that a report be submitted to the Committee after a period of 12 months on the operation of the service.

 

As an amendment, Councillor Keenan, seconded by Councillor Gordon, moved to continue the deferment of this report to allow negotiations to continue with the relevant Trade Unions.

 

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener and Councillors Barrie, Duncan and Macpherson and Bailies Sawers and Wallace (6); and for the amendment - Councillors Keenan and Gordon (2) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

 

IV ELMGROVE HOUSE REPLACEMENT

 

There was submitted Report No 341-2011 by the Director of Social Work seeking approval to agree the mechanisms for providing a joint Housing Support and Care at Home Service as a replacement for Elmgrove House which was a residential care facility for adults with severe learning disabilities.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed:-

 

(i) to a partnership with Hillcrest Housing Association to replace the building with the development of a very sheltered model of care provision. This Housing Association had been selected through the Strategic Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) and the model of operation was based on the successful partnership model with another Housing Association operated at Rockwell Gardens, as outlined in Option 5 of the report;

 

(ii) to the rephasing of the Social Work Capital Plan to fund the shortfall in funding caused by a reduction in Housing Association Grant available; and

 

(iii) to the transfer of Elmgrove House and surrounding land to Hillcrest Housing Association in order that Housing Association Grant funding could be secured for the project.

 

V ACCOMMODATION AND SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH COMPLEX NEEDS RELATED TO ALCOHOL USE

 

There was submitted Report No 343-2011 by the Director of Social Work outlining plans for procuring accommodation with support for 10 individuals with complex needs related to alcohol use, many of whom were in homeless accommodation.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed:-

 

(i) to note the contents of the report; and

 

(ii) to instruct the Director of Social Work to procure accommodation with support for 10 individuals as indicated in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

 

VI TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF A CONSUMER AND SOCIAL SURVEY ON BEHALF OF DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL, THE DUNDEE PARTNERSHIP ANDANGUS COUNCIL

 

There was submitted Report No 344-2011 by the Chief Executive reporting on the tenders returned from market research companies for the conduct of a survey on behalf of the Council and the Dundee Partnership in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to accept the lowest tender from Research Resource at a cost to Dundee City Council of 55,650 over three years.

 

VII OUTSIDE BODIES - OFFICER REPRESENTATION

 

Councillor Guild declared a non-financial interest in this item of business by virtue of his Council appointment to the Board of Dundee Repertory Theatre.

 

Councillors Duncan and Macpherson declared a non-financial interest in this item of business by virtue of their Council appointment to the Board of Dundee Contemporary Arts.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN119-2011 requesting that following the recent changes to the departmental structures and designation posts that the undernoted appointments be approved.

 

Dundee Rep Board

Chief Executive

 

Dundee Heritage Trust

Head of Policy (Leisure, Culture and Communities)

 

Dundee Ice Arena (Managing Director)

Head of Environmental Management

 

Scottish Football Association Regional Committee

Head of Environment Management (for next two years)

 

Greenspace Scotland

Dundee Partnership for the Environment

Dundee Science Centre

 

Head of Policy (Leisure, Culture and Communities)

Commonwealth Games Legacy in Dundee

Director, Leisure and Communities (named contact)

 

Tayside and Fife Sporting Partnership

Leisure and Culture Dundee Manager for Sport and Leisure to be asked to act as its liaison and representative on the Tayside and Fife Sporting Partnership

 

Sport Dundee Executive Committee

Leisure and Culture Dundee Manager for Sport and Leisure to be asked to take the lead role

 

Board of Dundee Contemporary Arts

Leisure and Culture Dundee Section Leader, Halls and Music Development to be asked to sit on the Board of DCA and liaise with the City Council as appropriate

 

Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum

Director, Leisure and Communities

 

Board of Dundee Energy Recycling Ltd (including its two subsidiaries, Dundee Waste Management Ltd and Dundee Electric Company Ltd)

 

Head of Environmental Protection

Dundee City Disability Sports Association

Leisure and Culture Dundee Disability Sports Officer to be asked to act as its representative

 

Dundee Historic Environment Trust

Head of Planning

 

Design Dundee Ltd

Chief Executive

 

Dundee Waterfront Partnership

Chief Executive and Director of City Development

 

Dundee City Developments Ltd

Director of City Development

 

VIII VOLUNTARY EARLY RETIREMENT/VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY SCHEME

 

Reference was made to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 26th April, 2010, wherein "Dundee City Council - Voluntary Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy Scheme" was approved. The scheme provided for employees meeting defined criteria to receive up to five added years pensionable service on a sliding scale linked to years of service with the Council. Applications had to be made by 31st August, 2010.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN120-2011 reporting that the scheme was successful in contributing towards the Council's efficiency savings for 2011/2012. Since then, the Council's Changing For The Future programme had made progress in achieving further long term efficiencies via a number of projects and initiatives, some of which had been completed, while others continued. Amongst the latter was the Chief Executive's review and restructure of Council departments. The move towards larger, but fewer in number, departments was producing ongoing opportunities for rationalisation and efficiency savings.

 

In the course of this, a number of employees had indicated that they would have applied for the early retirement provisions offered last year had they appreciated the extent of the mergers and integrations of functions now being implemented. Internal restructurings currently underway could be assisted if certain employees were able to retire voluntarily. Further direct savings towards 2012/2013 would also be generated by not filling and deleting posts.

 

In order to continue the process begun last year, it was reported that it would assist matters greatly if the previous VER/VR Scheme arrangement of up to five added years was offered now and in future, as an incentive, in order to facilitate departmental reviews, restructurings, rationalisations and efficiency savings, etc.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed:-

 

(i)                                          that in order to facilitate the implementation of Changing For The Future projects and in other appropriate circumstances, as listed above, the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to consult relevant heads of departments, approve voluntary early retirals/voluntary redundancies and agree up to five added years of pensionable service in accordance with the Voluntary Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy Scheme provisions in Report No 227‑2010; and

 

(ii)                                         to note that approval would be subject to the usual decision-making process, whereby the Chief Executive, Director of Finance and the Head of Personnel considered applications based on cost and service provision.

 

IX COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND GRANT TO KIRKTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN123-2011 requesting approval of a community regeneration grant of 850 to enable Kirkton Community Centre to run "Kirkton Kids", a nine day programme of diverse activities for primary school age children during early August, reaching 450 local children. Funding will be allocated from the Strathmartine Community Regeneration Forum budget leaving a balance of 73,991 for 2011/2012.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to the award of grant as outlined.

 

The Sub-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 items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

X EARLY RETIREMENT

 

Reference was made to Article VIII of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 26th April, 2010, wherein the grounds of voluntary retiral were agreed. Reference was also made to Article VI of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 14th March, 2011, wherein the transfer of departmentally based IT staff into the IT Division was agreed and which also indicated that further savings may be made as workloads were consolidated.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN121-2011 reporting that an early opportunity had arisen to consolidate workloads and the Sub-Committee agreed to the voluntary retiral of employee ERO3/11, within the Information Technology Department with effect from 31st August, 2011 on the terms outlined in the note.

 

XI APPOINTMENTS - LEISURE AND CULTURE DUNDEE BOARD

 

Bailie Wallace and Councillors Duncan and Gordon declared a non-financial interest in this item of business by virtue of their Council appointments as Directors of Leisure and Culture Dundee.

 

Reference was made to Article IX of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 25th April, 2011, wherein the constitution of Leisure and Culture Dundee was approved.

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN122-2011 reporting that following 61 expressions of interest, the Nominations Committee of Leisure and Culture Dundee agreed at its meeting on 20th July, 2011 to recommend to the Council the appointment of the following individuals as independent charity trustees:-

 

Sinclair Aitken

Alice Bovill

Sandy Cameron

Val Dinsmore

Iain Luke

Alan Rae

Gary Robinson

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to the appointments as listed above.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

APPENDIX III

 

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Grey Lodge Settlement

To purchase resources including urn, collapsible tables, cups and saucers for use by community groups both within and outwith the centre.

 

581

Grey Lodge Settlement

To purchase industrial fans as the centre has no air conditioning.

 

539

Maxwelltown Information Centre

Development of a community garden space and equipment to maintain the garden, including disabled ramp. This will allow current centre users to have a garden to use and socialise in with the associated health benefits that will bring.

 

9,988

Bottom of the Hill Tenants

and Residents

The purchase of bins for glass and paper recycling for Dallfield multis.

 

1,800

4AAAA's Youth Group

Hire of a drama worker, venue and transport for 18 drama workshop sessions at the Rep for approximately 25 young people.

 

1,044

Pure Media UK: Changing

Faces of the Hilltown

Sessional Creative Workers (dancer and actor) and materials for programmes with the Hilltown Out of School Care Club. Two hours three times a week for 10 weeks per term over two terms plus a holiday programme of five day workshops in October. A booklet and photography exhibition will also be produced.

 

3,750

Balerno Activities Group

To contribute towards the cost of the bowling club's ground maintenance work for 2011.

 

3,000

St Vincent's Primary School

To make improvements to the school grounds and outdoor facilities for use by pupils and other groups accessing the school.

 

15,000

Dryburgh Community Association

To fund a 10th Anniversary Celebration Fun Day which will include a range of activities and demonstration of what activities clubs have provided during the past 10 years.

 

1,523

Lochee Traders - Gala Day

To bring in events and activities to allow the citizens of Lochee and surrounding area to enjoy a fun event in their community.

 

1,839

Central Baptist Church

Installation of clear polycarbonate protective panels on 13 exterior windows to prevent vandalism.

 

4,320

St Mary's Primary School

"Lets go Outside" will develop the playgrounds into facilities that stimulate children, leading to more beneficial play activity.

 

5,000

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Sports Development

Activity will fund the delivery of football and athletics programmes to 78 children between August and March.

 

1,871

Ancrum Primary School

To support P7 residential trip.

 

448

Stobswell Toddler Group

To update and replace broken toys for the 20/25 toddlers regularly attending and to purchase tables/chairs for snack and playtimes to also benefit the 15/20 parents attending.

 

650

Craigie Street Sheltered Housing

To improve garden area by purchasing benches, tables and chairs, planters and plants and solar lighting.

 

1,472

Dura Street Sheltered Housing Social Group

To remove overgrown bushes and dispose of overgrown garden area by laying mono-blocking and keeping plants in tubs around area for easy maintenance for the 50 residents and their families.

 

4,170

Sports Development

To fund a football programme for 16 Glebelands P5 pupils over a 24 week period.

 

829

Mill O'Mains Out of School Club

Funding towards trips for 25 children attending the Out of School Club.

 

1,594

Kirkton Community Centre LMG

To fund the Kirkton Festival which aims to benefit 1,200 people, including activities for young children.

 

1,072

No 10 Sheltered Housing

Complex Social Group

Funding for transport and refreshments to enable 26 sheltered housing residents to visit Glamis Castle.

 

250

SMILE Newsletter

To fund two issues of the SMILE newsletter. These will be distributed to approximately 5,000 people.

 

1,200

St Marys Community Church

To fund the installation of a disabled access ramp to the premises as part of a larger regeneration of the community church building.

 

2,500

Chalmers Ardler Family Project

To purchase replacement safety play mats for the group.

 

360

Tayside Fire and Rescue

To part fund the purchase of thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers which will be used to replace dangerous chip pans as part of the ongoing Fire and Rescue safety visit programme.

 

500

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum Decision Amount

Ardler Village Trust: Supporting Families Project

To part fund a project to examine interventions aimed at reducing levels of chronic family social exclusion in the Ardler Village area, develop a holistic understanding of family needs and help to plan future services in a co-ordinated way.

 

2,500

Kirkton Kips Gymnastics Club

To replace existing gymnastics crash mats and beam pads.

 

888

Sports Development

To fund the delivery of a football programme for 16 P4 - P7 pupils, from August to March at the Ardler Community Centre P4-P7.

 

875