Environment Committee - 13/02/2012

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 13th February, 2012.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Bob DUNCAN, Convener, in the Chair.

Items marked thus * stand delegated.

I TRADING OPERATIONS FINANCIAL OPERATING STATEMENT AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31ST DECEMBER,2011

There was submitted Report No 41-2012 by the Directors of Finance and Environment appraising the Committee on the financial position and operational performance of trading operation within the Environment Department for the nine months ended 31st December, 2011.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the current financial position and operational performance for trading operations; and

(ii) note that the trading operation should exceed the statutory requirement of break-even for the third year of the current three year rolling period which commenced at the start of financial year 2009/2010.

II SUPPLY OF LAND SERVICES - PLANT 2012

There was submitted Report No 58-2012 by the Director of Environment seeking authorisation for the purchase of replacement plant required by the Environment Department to maintain operational efficiency.

The Committee approved the purchase of the replacement plant and authorised the expenditure of 207,543.

III RECYCLING OF RECOVERED MATERIALS

There was submitted Report No 17-2012 by the Director of Environment seeking authorisation for the appointment of a supplier for the re-processing of recyclable goods generated at the Council's three recycling centres.

The Committee agreed that approval be given to accept the bid from the preferred supplier as detailed within the report.

IV SUPPLY OF ELECTRIC CHARGING POINTS 2012

There was submitted Report No 64-2012 by the Director of Environment seeking authorisation of the purchase and installation of nine electric charging points.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) accept the tenders detailed in Appendix 1; and

(ii) remit the Corporate Fleet Manager to provide the required six monthly performance reports to Transport Scotland.

V CAIRD PARK VELODROME UPGRADING OF FACILITY

There was submitted Agenda Note AN19-2012 advising that the Director of Environment had identified the current cycling facilities within Caird Park by providing upgraded surfacing, lighting and drainage for the Velodrome. The works would include the resurfacing and upgrading of the cycle track, provision of drainage services and the upgrading and provision of lighting.

It was recommended that the City Engineer be instructed to include this work within the existing Partnership Agreement with Tayside Contracts for delivering the Roads Maintenance and Minor Road Works Service.

The Committee gave approval to extend the Partnership Agreement with Tayside Contracts for the work up to a value of 305,000, inclusive of professional fees and contingences, having noted that the Director of Finance advised that the expenditure could be met from the Environment Department Capital Plan for 2011/2012 and a Sports Scotland grant of 90,650.

VI GREEN CIRCULAR AND CORE PATH IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2

There was submitted Agenda Note AN18-2012 advising that as part of a programme of core path infrastructure improvements at Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve, Camperdown Country Park, Green Circular at Riverside and Magdalen Green, it was proposed to undertake further route improvement works comprising the:-

- installation of improved path surfaces on core paths in Camperdown and Templeton;

- installation of a new path linking paths a William Fitzgerald Way to the Green Circular at Trottick;

- installation of new safety signs and white line marking at Riverside Green Circular; and

- installation of new advisory white lining on the cycle route at Magdalen Green.

The above works would reduce maintenance costs of paths, improve safety for cyclists, and improve access for the community to green spaces and the Green Circular. The cost of undertaking these works would be 44,000 and the Director of Finance advised that this could be met from allowances within the Environment Departments capital budget for 2011/2012.

The Committee agreed that the proposed improvements be approved and the Director of Environment be instructed to undertake these works.

VII UPGRADE OF MACHINERY WASHBAY FACILITIES AT CAIRD PARK WORKSHOP

There was submitted Agenda Note AN22-2012 advising the Committee that following the formation of the new Environment Department, the corporate fleet division has carried out a review of its activities at Caird Park workshops. The review identified a requirement to upgrade the existing washbay filtration facilities with a new portable recycling wash-off system to avoid contamination of the local drainage and waterway systems. The new system would separate and breakdown all by-product contaminants associated with the washing of equipment involved in the Councils grass-cutting operations.

Following a review of appropriate treatment systems, three quotations were received and evaluated, taking particular consideration to specification, portability and price. An offer obtained from ESD waste2water Ltd for the supply and installation of a portable system, similar to the system currently in place at Camperdown Park, was considered to offer "best value". This portable system provided flexibility and can be easily relocated to suit future operational needs. Approval is sought for the purchase and installation by ESD waste2water Ltd of the proposed new system at a cost of 23,995.

The Director of Finance advised that the above expenditure could be met from allowances within the Environment Departments Capital Plan for 2011/2012.

The Committee approved the purchase and installation of the new treatment system as detailed.

Bob DUNCAN, Convener.