Environment Committee - 09/12/2013

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 9th December, 2013.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Craig MELVILLE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 11th November, 2013 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTS DRAFT NOISE ACTION PLAN CONSULTATION

There was submitted Report No 508-2013 by Director of Environment advising the Committee on the EU Environmental Noise Directive, providing an update on how Dundee City Council was working with the Scottish Government to meet compliance with this directive, and seeking Committees approval for the Councils proposed response to the current associated Scottish Government consultation exercise.

The Committee noted the content of this report, approved the attached response, and remitted the Director of Environment to submit this to the Scottish Government accordingly.

III AIR QUALITY PROGRESS REPORTS

There was submitted Report No 510-2013 by Director of Environment advising the Committee of the most recent ratified air quality monitoring data and of the progress being made to improve air quality via the Corporate Air Quality Action Plan.

The Committee noted the content of this report and remitted the Director of Environment to continue to progress with implementing the measures and actions detailed within the AQAP.

IV LAUNCH OF DUNDEE ECO STARS FLEET RECOGNITION SCHEME

There was submitted Report No 509-2013 by Director of Environment advising the Committee of the Dundee ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme and the launch event at Discovery Point on 13th December, 2013.

The Committee noted the aims of the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme and the launch of the Scheme in Dundee.

V TRADING OPERATIONS FINANCIAL OPERATING STATEMENT AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR SIXMONTHS ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2013

There was submitted Report No 493-2013 by Director of Environment appraising the Committee on the financial position and operational performance of trading operation within the Environment Department for the six months ended 30th September, 2013.

The Committee agreed to:-

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

(ii) note that the trading operations should exceed the statutory requirement or break‑even over a three year rolling period.

VI PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS 2013/2014

There was submitted Agenda Note AN136-2013, whereby it was reported 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.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 33,000 could be met from allowances for Play Area Improvements within the Environment Departments capital budget 2013/2014. The Committee agreed that the above proposals be approved and the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

Craig MELVILLE, Convener.