Environment Committee - 12/11/2012

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 12th November, 2012.

Present:-

Lord Provost Bob DUNCAN

Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS

BAILIES

Willie SAWERS	Helen WRIGHT	Ian BORTHWICK
	Derek J SCOTT

COUNCILLORS

Ken GUILD	Ken LYNN	Lesley BRENNAN
John ALEXANDER	Vari McDONALD	Georgia CRUICKSHANK
David BOWES	Craig MELVILLE	Tom FERGUSON
Bill CAMPBELL	Gregor MURRAY	Brian GORDON
Kevin CORDELL	Alan G ROSS	Richard McCREADY
Will DAWSON	Kevin KEENAN	Norma McGOVERN
Stewart HUNTER	Mohammed ASIF	Fraser MACPHERSON
	Laurie BIDWELL

Councillor Craig MELVILLE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 29th October, 2012 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II PURCHASE OF END OF LEASE VEHICLES

There was submitted Agenda Note AN182-2012 advising the Committee that the recent fleet asset management review of vehicles had identified a number of vehicles whose leases expired in the financial year 2012/2013.

The most cost effective method to deal with these items would be to buy out the residual lease fee, allow the items to continue in service and then trade the residual value against their eventual replacements. The three vehicles, 2 x 23T Dennis Eagle and 1 x 26T Mercedes/Faun Rotopress Refuse Collection Vehicles were required to ensure ongoing operational efficiency.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the overall cost of 28,900 for purchasing the vehicles could be met from allowances within the Vehicle Fleet Capital Plan for 2012/2013.

The Committee approved accordingly.

III PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS 2012/2013

There was submitted Agenda Note AN187-2012 advising the Committee that proposals to undertake a programme of Play Area Improvements at a number of locations had been developed to address existing health and safety concerns and to enhance the amenity of these facilities. The proposed measures would also help reduce the long-term future maintenance burden.

1	Crescent Street, St Matthew's Lane, Malcolm Street Improve site drainage, renewal and repair of walling and fence, installation of play area safer surfacing. Note CRF Grant Application has been applied for which will enhance scope of work, if approved.
2	Magdalen Green, Victoria Park, Cobden Street Install roundabouts to replace those removed which were beyond economical repair.
3	Whorterbank, Baxter Park, Fairmuir Park, Stobsmuir Park, Gillies Park, Castle Green Installation of play area safer surfacing (at Whorterbank) and overlays.
4	Whitfield Green West Remove remaining equipment at Whitfield Green West due to constant vandalism. Store for repair and reuse at other facilities.
5	Fairmuir Park, Finlathen Park, Gillies Park Refurbish and replace spring rockers.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 50,000 could be met from allowances for Play Area Improvements within the Environment Departments capital budget 2012/2013.

The Committee agreed that the above proposals be approved and the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

IV PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS 2012/2013

There was submitted Agenda Note AN188-2012 advising the Committee that proposals to undertake Public Open Space Improvements at a number of locations had been developed to enhance the amenity whilst at the same time reduce the long-term maintenance burden. The proposed measures would also help reduce health and safety concerns.

1	Lochee Bypass/South Road Park - Regenerate existing shrub beds and create new shrub areas.
2	Magdalen Green/Logie Street/Pentland Bank - Prepare and plant hedging and refurbish shrub bed areas.
3	Balgay/Victoria Park/Hunter Street - Remove old shrub beds and create areas of new planting.
4	Macalpine Road/Alva Square/Stirling Street - Remove shrub beds and refurbish with new plantings and grassing also supply and install park benches.
5	Dudhope Banking - Redesign and plant new flower beds.
6	Stobsmuir Ponds/Taybank/McManus Galleries - Regenerate rose bed areas, restore railings and replant formative hedging.
7	Dundee Road/Drumgeith Park/Fintry Park - Refurbish shrub and tree areas also landscape areas to grass improving visual impact.

Barnhill Cemetery/Strathmore Avenue/Dawson Park - Landscape area to create seating and also refurbish shrub bed areas.

Castlegreen/Arbroath Road - Refurbish shrub beds and plantings to improve visual impact and maintenance.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 100,000 could be met from allowances for Open Space Improvements within the Environment Departments capital budget 2012/2013.