Environment Committee - 27/10/2014

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 27th October, 2014.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Vari McDONALD, Depute Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 8th September, 2014 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillors Dawson, Campbell and Gordon declared a non-financial interest in item IV by virtue of their membership of the Tayside and Central Scotland Transport Partnership (TACTRAN).

Councillors McCready and Macpherson declared a non-financial interest in Article VI due to their membership of the Friends of Magdalene Green Group.

II RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OF BOTTOM ASH RESIDUES

There was submitted Report No 400-2014 by the Director of Environment seeking approval to enter into an eighteen month service contract, with an option to extend, for the transport and recycling of the bottom ash residues from the DERL Energy from Waste (EfW) Plant.

The Committee authorised the acceptance of the offer from DJ Laing Recycling Solutions Ltd.

III IMPROVEMENTS TO ANCRUM ROAD ALLOTMENTS

There was submitted Report No 406-2014 by the Director of Environment seeking approval for the provision of community allotment gardens and improvements to the site layout and security at Ancrum Road Allotments.

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

IV SUPPLY OF PLANT AND VEHICLES 2014/2015

There was submitted Report No 408-2014 by the Director of Environment seeking approval for the purchase of plant and vehicles as required by Dundee City Council to ensure ongoing operational efficiency and support the delivery of frontline services.

The Committee noted the content of the report and approved the purchase of the plant and vehicles detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

V CAMPERDOWN PLAY AREA TODDLER ZONE IMPROVEMENTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN222-2014, whereby reference was made to Article V of this Committee of 10th September 2012, which approved the Camperdown Development Plan 2012/2017 that identified the need to undertake improvements to the play area. The proposed works would be undertaken within the Toddler Zone at a cost of 50,850 and comprise:-

(i) Refurbishment of the Kompan toddler play equipment, installing new equipment to replace equipment that is beyond economic repair due to wear and weathering;

(ii) Refurbish perimeter fence;

(iii) Upgrade entrances into the play area including removal of dog-grids, installation of self-closing gates;

(iv) Enhancement of central seating area providing new circular picnic tables, new vehicular/pedestrian gates, removal of fencing, repairs and repainting of rain-shelter; and

(v) Improvements to the associated signage.

The above works would improve the user experience for visitors to the play area, address issue of dogs accessing the play area, enhance the amenity of these facilities and assist in the future maintenance of this destination play facility.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 50,850 could be met over two financial years from allowances within the Capital Budget - Environmental Improvements Parks and Open Spaces 2014-2016.

The Committee agreed that the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

VI MAGDALEN GREEN PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN224-2014, whereby reference was made to Article III of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 19th August, 2013, wherein it was remitted to the Director of Environment to work in partnership with the Friends of Magdalen Green in seeking external funding and progressing the play improvements for Magdalen Green. The report also authorised a contribution of up to 10,000 capital funding from Dundee City Council in 2013/2014, towards the improvement programme.

In conjunction with the Friends of Magdalen Green, finalised design proposals had been developed for the refurbishment and upgrading of the play park. The proposed works incorporate detailed landscaping, safety surfacing and upgrade and replacement of play equipment for all age groups as well as the provision of specialist equipment for ambulant disabled.

Commitments to external funding had been achieved through Sport Scotland, Play Scotland Active Places Grant Award of 62,000, Friends of Magdalen Green have raised 60,000, SUSTRANS funding of 10,000. This in total provided external funding to the value of 132,000. In addition, Sir Robert McAlpine had agreed to in-kind fund site clearance and preparation works to the value of 20,000.

The Chief Executive approved these works to be undertaken through the Roads Maintenance Service Partnering Agreement and a quotation of 160,000, had been obtained from Tayside Contracts, which included the 20,000 in-kind site clearance works to be sub contracted to Sir Robert McAlpine. This had been checked to ensure rates present value for money. In addition, an allowance of 14,500 for professional fees for the City Engineers Division was required, giving an overall project cost of 174,500.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs could be met from the external funding of 152,000, together with the previously agreed allowance of 10,000 carried forward from 2013/2014 and a further allowance of 12,500 to be met from the Environment Departments Budget, Playground Improvements, 2014/2015.

The Committee approved the improvement works and authorised the City Engineer to appoint Tayside Contracts to undertake these works.

VII GREEN CIRCULAR AND CORE PATH IMPROVEMENTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN223-2014, whereby reference was made to Article III of this Committee of 29th October, 2012, when approval was given for the Dundee Access Strategy 2012‑2017. As part of a programme of Green Circular and Core Path infrastructure improvements, which takes account of annual surveys and feedback from users, it was proposed to undertake the following improvement works.

(i) Green Circular - Installation of improved directional, destination and safety signage and lining at various locations. Safety signs aim to encourage users to share paths showing consideration for others.

(ii) Core Paths, Caird Park, Mains Loan, Drumsturdy Road and Wester Gourdie Industrial Estate - Installation of new safety signs and improvements to path surface.

The above improvements would improve safety for cyclists and improve access for the community to green spaces and the Green Circular. An offer of 8,000 had been received from Tayside Contracts for carrying out these works.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs could be met from allowances within the Capital Budget - Environmental Paths for All for 2014/2015.

The Committee approved the above proposals and authorised the Director of Environment to appoint Tayside Contracts to undertake this work.

VIII ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

There was submitted Agenda Note AN225-2014, wherein it was reported than an offer of additional grant funding had been received from Transport Scotland to further improve the citys electric vehicle charging facilities, as part of the country-wide charging infrastructure network, to enable electric vehicles to be driven throughout Scotland.

The funding for Dundee City would be used to install two new 22kw Fast Chargers within the city and it was recommended that these installations are positioned within Council properties, while making the facilities fully available for public use. The two locations that had been identified were at the Whitfield Life Services Centre and the West Housing Office.

The cost of the new charging infrastructure would be 22,000 and the Director of Corporate Services advised that this would be funded from the Transport Scotland grant in relation to the Rollout of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure project.

The Committee agreed the proposed spend and instructed the Director of Environment to undertake these works.

Vari McDONALD, Depute Convener.