Policy And Resources Committee - 09/06/2014

At a MEETING of the POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 9th June, 2014.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost Bob DUNCAN

 

Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS

 

BAILIES

 

Helen WRIGHT

Derek J SCOTT

Ian BORTHWICK

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Stewart HUNTER

Lesley BRENNAN

John ALEXANDER

Ken LYNN

Georgia CRUICKSHANK

Jimmy BLACK

Vari McDONALD

Tom FERGUSON

David BOWES

Craig MELVILLE

Brian GORDON

Bill CAMPBELL

Gregor MURRAY

Richard McCREADY

Kevin CORDELL

Kevin KEENAN

Norma McGOVERN

Will DAWSON

Mohammed ASIF

Fraser MACPHERSON

 

Laurie BIDWELL

 

 

Councillor Ken GUILD, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 21st April, 2014 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

Councillor Black declared a non-financial interest in Article VIII by virtue of a family member being employed by Craigowl Communities.

 

II MINUTES

 

(i) PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 8TH MAY, 2014

 

(ii) PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE OF 19TH, 20TH AND 21ST MAY, 2014

 

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

 

III RETIREMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN169-2014 reporting that the Chief Executive had intimated that he would retire on 30th November, 2014 and it was proposed that it be remitted to the Director of Corporate Services to initiate appropriate measures to recruit a new Chief Executive.

 

The Personnel Appointments Sub-Committee would be responsible for the appointment of the new Chief Executive including approval of appropriate recruitment procedures. It was proposed that the Sub‑Committee for this appointment would consist of five members of the Administration, one member of the Labour Group, Bailie Borthwick, Bailie Scott and Councillor Macpherson.

 

It was recommended that the Sub-Committee approve and commence the recruitment process before the Council Recess to ensure that the new Chief Executive was in post by no later than 30th November, 2014.

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

IV DUNDEE COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND 2014/2015

 

There was submitted Report No 248-2014 by the Chief Executive relative to the above.

 

The Committee noted the allocations to the Community Regeneration Forums for 2014/2015 and approved the funding proposals contained in Section 5.2 of the report appended hereto (Appendix III).

 

V COMMON GOOD

 

There was submitted Report No 180-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services explaining details of the Councils Common Good Fund Revenue Budget for 2014/2015 and making recommendations for the disbursement of funds for the financial year.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) approved the Common Good Fund 2014/2015 Revenue Budget as detailed in Appendix A of the report; and

 

(ii) approved the proposals for use of funds as shown below:-

 

 

2014/2015

000

Hogmanay Events

18

 

Mary Slessor Foundation

15

 

Whitehall Theatre

30

 

Transport Museum

30

 

Football Club Celebrations

 

Funding of City Centre events for Dundee and Dundee United Football Clubs (already approved by Chief Executive in consultation with the Convener of the Policy and Resources Committee, Labour Group spokesperson, Conservative member, Liberal Democrat member and the Independent member).

 

12

Roller Hockey Clubs

5

 

Kingspark School

5

 

TOTAL

115

 

VI RELIEF OF RATES - CHARITY RELIEF

 

There was submitted Report No 241-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services relative to the above.

 

Applicant

Subjects

 

Life with Art

Unit 2, Vision at Seabraes

20 Greenmarket

Dundee

 

 

Unit 3, Vision at Seabraes

20 Greenmarket

Dundee

 

 

 

Unit 5, Vision at Seabraes

20 Greenmarket

Dundee

 

 

Unit 6, Vision at Seabraes

20 Greenmarket

Dundee

 

 

Unit 7, Vision at Seabraes

20 Greenmarket

Dundee

 

 

Unit 12, Vision at Seabraes

20 Greenmarket

Dundee

 

Boomerang Community Centre

Neil Ellis

110 Albert Street

Dundee

Shop

9A/11 Albert Street

Dundee

 

The Committee approved the recommendations detailed in the report.

 

VII RECESS SUB-COMMITTEE - ARRANGEMENTS

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN168-2014 intimating that the Council's Recess commenced on 28th June, 2014 and ended on 16th August, 2014.

 

To facilitate the smooth continuous conduct of the Council's business, it was proposed that a Recess Sub-Committee of the Council be set up to deal with matters of an urgent nature which the Chief Executive or Head of Democratic and Legal Services believed could not wait for the next ordinary meeting of the Committee concerned during that period and that its operating arrangements be as follows:-

 

(i) Membership - 4 members of the Administration, 2 members of the Labour Group and either the Conservative, Liberal Democrat or Independent member.

 

(ii) Chair - Leader of the Administration or nominee.

 

(iii) Substitutes - in terms of Standing Order No 45(3) it shall be competent for substitutions to be intimated and effected for individual meetings.

 

(iv) Quorum - 3 members.

 

(v) Dates - to be arranged on a Monday when required.

 

(vi) Remit - to deal with any urgent business arising during the recess period.

 

(vii) Power - full delegated powers to deal with business laid before it.

 

Notwithstanding the above, it may be necessary in view of their quasi-judicial nature to arrange meetings of the Personnel Appeals Sub-Committee and Licensing Committee.

 

The Committee approved accordingly.

 

VIII PROCUREMENT OF EMPLOYABILITY SERVICES PROCESS

 

There was submitted Report No 224-2014 by the Director of City Development relative to the above.

 

In view of the timescales involved it was noted that the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Convener of the Policy and Resources Committee, Labour Group spokesperson, Conservative member, Liberal Democratic member and the Independent member, had approved the recommendations of the Dundee Partnership Employability Assessment Group and remitted to Officers to let the contracts involved.

 

IX CORPORATE RISK REGISTER

 

There was submitted Report No 229-2014 by the Director of Corporate Services.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) noted the content of the report and approved the revised Corporate Risk Register; and

 

(ii) remitted to the Scrutiny Committee to review in further detail the content of the Register and to examine the validity of the assessments contained therein.

 

The Convener agreed that the undernoted be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

 

X TENDERS RECEIVED FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE OBLIGATION FLIGHTS TO LONDON

 

There was submitted Report No 262-2014 by the Director of City Development regarding tenders received for the above.

 

The Committee:-

 

(i) agreed to award the PSO contract to Loganair Ltd for their proposed service between Dundee and London Stansted as set out in the report; and

 

(ii) agreed the details of the funding package as set out in the report and specifically approved a contribution of up to 200,000 payable in financial year 2016/2017 from the budget provision for supporting the London Air Service accumulated from financial years 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017.

 

 

 

 

Ken GUILD, Convener.

 

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 8th May, 2014.

 

APPENDIX I

 

Present:-

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Stewart HUNTER

Jimmy BLACK

Mohammed ASIF

 

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 23rd April, 2014 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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

II APPEAL AGAINST DISMISSAL

 

It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Social Work 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 appeal had not been substantiated and that the appeal be not upheld.

 

 

 

 

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

 

At a MEETING of the PERSONNEL APPEALS SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 19th, 20th and 21st May, 2014.

 

APPENDIX II

 

Present:-

 

Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Jimmy BLACK

Mohammed ASIF

 

Councillor Jimmy BLACK, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 8th May, 2014 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 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

II APPEAL AGAINST DISMISSAL

 

It was reported that an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Social Work 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 been substantiated and that the appeal be upheld.

 

 

 

 

Jimmy BLACK, Convener.

 

APPENDIX III

 

Applicant

Description of Project

Forum

Decision Amount

Alva Square Sheltered Housing

Funding is sought to purchase a Pool Table that will be located in the Community Lounge and will be for the use of the sheltered housing tenants and local residents.

 

650

The MAXwell Centre

To employ two sessional staff for 28 hours per week for a pilot six week summer gardening programme. It is aimed at local primary school children and will provide a combination of benefits such as experience of gardening for food, healthy eating and physical activity.

 

6,720

Douglas and Mid-Craigie Church

To contribute towards building refurbishment, paintworks and to purchase new equipment. To encourage wider use of the building that is currently used by nine community groups.

 

3,663

Under 12s Project

To enable the project to hold a summer fun day to promote their services and provide a community activity open to all. Over 100 people are expected to participate.

 

1,500

Brooksbank Centre and Services

To contribute to the Brooksbank Centres week of fun activities for local families during the summer holidays. Overall fifteen events will be run, with approximately 100-150 people participating in each.

 

1,609

Charleston Residents' Group

To provide the residents of Charleston and surrounding areas with an inexpensive, entertaining and enjoyable Fun Day. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to participate.

 

3,000

Charleston Residents' Group

To print and deliver of news letter to 2,500 households in the Charleston Area, highlighting a range of local news, events and activities.

 

430

Art and Craft Groups

To provide travel costs for twelve group members to visit craft exhibitions held at the Glasgow SECC.

 

105

St Marys Parish Church

To provide low cost meals to users of a new community cafe. Approximately 45 people will be able to benefit and have access to additional drop-in services on a regular basis.

 

2,000

 

Menzieshill Community Centre Management Group

To provide the local community with their annual Fun Day. Approximately 700 people will be able to access a range of stalls, rides, activities and information.

2,985

Camperdown Nursery Class

To purchase raised beds, two benches, bird tables, trellis, hanging baskets, fruit trees and plants to improve the outdoor space at the nursery. Approximately 180 children will benefit each year.

 

877

Festival of Lochee Life Group

To provide the local community with their annual Fun Day. Approximately 1,000 people will be able to access a range of stalls, rides, activities and information.

 

3,000

Dundee Survival Group

To fund the continuation of the engagement project by providing resources to carry out cultural outings for 35 service users. To also fund attendance at various classes and training courses including cooking and ICT.

 

3,333

Stobswell Events Group

To support a community festival in Baxter Park that brings thirty local organisations together with approximately 2,000 local people. Funding will contribute to the infrastructure and activities on the day including stage, toilets, tables/chairs, carnival rides and publicity.

 

4,034

Stobswell Forum

To contribute towards the costs for planting, hanging and taking down 26 flower baskets in various locations along Albert Street and Arbroath Road.

 

340

Fintry LMG

To provide the local community with their annual Gala Day. Approximately 1,000 people will be able to access a range of stalls, rides, activities and information.

 

1,600

Mill OMains Pavilion

To provide the local community with their annual Fun Day. Approximately 500 people will be able to access a range of stalls, activities and information.

 

1,480

Ardler Womens Group

To purchase a sewing machine and sewing resources so the group can recycle and upcycle items.

 

199

School Community Support Service

To contribute to a family play week of fun activities for local targeted families during the summer holidays. Overall 30 family members will participate each day.

 

600