Environment Committee - 08/12/2014

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 8th December, 2014.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Craig MELVILLE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 10th November, 2014 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II CEMETERY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT WORKS 2014/2015

There was submitted Agenda Note AN250-2014, whereby it was reported that following an annual review of the cemeteries across the city, a number of infrastructure improvement works had been identified and it was proposed to prioritise works this year in Balgay and Eastern cemeteries. The proposed works would be undertaken at a cost of 48,936 and comprised a number of improvements including:-

- Phase 1 of the restoration of steps to improve safety within Balgay cemetery;

- Improvements to drainage channels to reduce erosion of footpaths and headstones at Balgay cemetery;

- Improvement works to drainage gullies at Balgay and Eastern cemeteries.

Elements of the works to be undertaken were necessary to protect public safety and to ensure the fabric of the cemeteries would be maintained. In addition, the above works would also assist in the future maintenance and operation of the cemeteries.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs could be met from allowances for Cemetery Infrastructure Improvements within the Capital Plan 2014/2015.

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

III PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS 2014/2015

There was submitted Agenda Note AN251-2014, whereby it was reported that proposals to undertake a programme of Play Area Improvements at a number of locations had been developed to improve the user experience for visitors to the play areas, address existing health and safety concerns and enhance the amenity of these facilities. The proposed measures would also help reduce the long-term future maintenance burden.

1 Claypotts Park - refurbish toddler swings and climbing frame (3,222).

2 Cobden Street - refurbish climbing frame and upgrade weathered surfaces on swings (2,804).

3 Derwent Avenue - refurbish toddler and junior climbing frame. Upgrade weathered surfaces on swings and seating (4,886).

4 Foggyley Gardens - refurbish toddler swings and climbing frame.

5 Kenmore Gardens - upgrade weathered surfaces on equipment and seating (392).

6 Improvements to Signage - upgrade signage at entrances to refurbished play areas (990).

7 Safety Surfacing Improvements - Various Sites - undertake improvements to wetpour play safety surfaces under play equipment at the following sites, Claypotts Park, Derwent Avenue, Foggyley Gardens, Kenmore Gardens. Improve "loosefill" safety surfacing under play equipment at Tranent Grove (60,030).

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 74,621 could be met from allowances for Play Area Improvements within the Environment Department's Capital Budget 2014/2015.

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

IV NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT 1948 - BURIAL OR CREMATION OF DECEASED PERSONS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN252-2014 advising the Committee that under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act 1948, local authorities have a statutory responsibility:

"to cause to be buried or cremated the dead body of any person who has died or been found dead in their area, in any case where it appears to the authority that no suitable arrangements for the disposal of the body have been or are being made otherwise than by the authority".

In accordance with the Standing Orders of the Council and Schemes of Administration, quotes were invited for the Burial or Cremation of Destitute Dead Persons Three Year Contract, covering the period 1st January, 2015 to 31st December, 2017. On 6th October, 2014, an invitation to quote was published on the Public Contracts Scotland website and tender applications were received from Funeral Services Ltd trading as The Co-operative Funeralcare, Dundee and James Ashton and Son Ltd, Dundee.

Both had demonstrated that they met the quality evaluation criteria and details of the offers received were as follows:-

The Committee approved the acceptance of the lowest offer from James Ashton & Son Ltd, Dundee commencing 1st January, 2015.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the costs of providing this service would be met from the environment Department's 2014/2015 Revenue Budget and was within the planned Revenue Budgets for 2015/2016, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018.

V BAXTER PARK - MULTI USE GAMES AREA

There was submitted Agenda Note AN255-2014 whereby reference was made to Article VI of the minute of the meeting of the Leisure, Arts and Communities Committee of 28th June, 2010, which remitted the Director of Leisure and Communities to work in partnership with a recognised Steering Group to take forward the creation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Baxter Park, subject to the acceptance that the development required to be funded entirely externally. The design and specifications was to be developed by the Council and the contract managed through the Council and delivered to the Councils satisfaction.

In conjunction with the Friends of Baxter Park, finalised design proposals had been developed and planning permission approved for the construction of a MUGA. Following a successful application to the Big Lottery by the Friends of Baxter Park, confirmation of external funding had been received by the group and a lease for the use of the ground had been agreed between the Council and the Friends of Baxter Park.

Offers had been obtained for carrying out the necessary works on behalf of the Friends of Baxter Park. These works were to be funded entirely through the lottery funding and the following offers, inclusive of VAT, agreed with the Big Lottery Fund:-

It was noted that in-kind support had been provided by the Environment Department for the design and management of the project along with some associated proposed landscaping works. In addition to this in-kind support, a financial contribution of 5,000 for fees, survey work and warrant application was required from Dundee City Council.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above contribution of 5,000 could be met from allowances within the Capital Plan 2014/2015 for Environmental Improvements Parks and Open Spaces.

The Committee noted the progress made to date, authorised the letting of the above contracts on behalf of the Friends of Baxter Park and approved the contributions from Dundee City Council to the project.

VI SUPPLY OF RECYCLING CONTAINERS

There was submitted Report No 461-2014 by Director of Environment seeking approval for the purchase of recycling containers as required by Dundee City Council to ensure the implementation of the first phase of the Improvement and Expansion of Domestic Recycling Services, as specified in Report No 199-2014, to this Committee on 21st April, 2014.

The Committee noted the content of this report and approved the purchase of the recycling containers detailed in Appendix 1.

VII SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND STRENGTHENING TOBACCOCONTROL IN SCOTLAND

There was submitted Report No 460-2014 by Director of Environment seeking approval for the Council's proposed response to the above Scottish Government's consultation exercise.

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

VIII AIR QUALITY PROGRESS REPORT

There was submitted Report No 458-2014 by the Director of Environment advising the Committee on the results of the most recent ratified air quality monitoring data and on the progress being made to improve air quality within the city via the corporate Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP).

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

IX ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT SERVICE PLAN

There was submitted Report No 459-2014 by Director of Environment reviewing the performance of the Environment Department in relation to its Service Plan 2012-2017.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the content of the Service Plan Review; and

(ii) approve the new actions identified within Section 4.8.

Craig MELVILLE, Convener.