Environment Committee - 07/12/2015

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 7th December, 2015.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Craig MELVILLE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 9th November, 2015 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II PARKS IMPROVEMENTS 2015/2016

There was submitted Agenda Note AN199-2015 whereby proposals to undertake various parks improvement works at various locations had been developed to improve the user experience for visitors to the play areas, 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.

(i) Baxter Park Play Area - Due to the poor condition of the existing surface and the health and safety risks to children, it was proposed to renew the safety Wetpour surfacing material within the play area. An offer of 36,627 had been received via the ESPO Procurement Framework from the specialist contractor Pennine Playgrounds Ltd.

(ii) Baxter Park Former Bowling Green - Reference was made to Article III of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 12th February, 2015 which sought approval for the closure of the bowling greens at Baxter Park. Following consultation with the Friends of Baxter Park, proposals had been developed for the landscaping of this area and incorporation of the remaining area into the main park. The works would include the removal of the former bowling green paths and boundary hedging and grassing of the area with the introduction of limited additional tree planting at a cost of 27,334. These measures would improve the security of this section of the park and reduce the long term maintenance burden.

(iii) Dudhope Park Play Area - Following consultation with the Friends of Dudhope, it was proposed to install new bow top fencing around the existing play area. This would enhance the safety of this facility for children and create a dog exclusion zone. The cost for the provision and installation of the fence was 12,510.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services advised that the costs of 76,118 could be met from allowances for Parks and Open Space within the Capital Plan 2016-2021.

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

III CEMETERY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT WORKS 2015/2016

There was submitted Agenda Note AN200-2015 advising the Committee that, following an annual review of the cemeteries across the city, a number of infrastructure improvement works had been identified. The proposed works would be undertaken at a cost of 79,440 and comprise a number of improvements including:-

- Balgay Cemetery - Phase 2 of making safe footpaths and steps within the original section of the cemetery, minor landscaping and renewal of boundary screen fencing at eastern boundary with Victoria Hospital;

- Eastern Cemetery - Repointing of north/west section of boundary wall and refurbishment of main gates on Arbroath Road;

- Birkhill Cemetery - Re-location of operational compound to release burial ground at northern extension, installation of walkway to the Baby Garden and installation of additional standpipes; and

- Barnhill Cemetery - installation of additional standpipe.

The Committee agreed that the proposed infrastructure improvements be approved and that the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs could be met from allowances for Cemeteries within the Capital Plan 2016-2021.

IV CAMPERDOWN PARK PLAY AREA - INCLUSIVE MULTI-PLAY UNIT REPLACEMENT

There was submitted Agenda Note AN201-2015 whereby reference was made to Article V of the Environment 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 represented Phase 2 of the Play Complex Restoration Programme and included the replacement of the current inclusive play unit, which was over 15 years old, beyond economic repair and did not provide adequate play value for todays requirements, at a cost of 55,745. The proposed works would comprise:-

- Removal of existing timber play equipment;

- Supply and installation of play unit offering inclusive access to children of all abilities featuring wheelchair access, steel slides and various play elements delivering a comprehensive play experience.

It was believed that the equipment offered by Sutcliffe Play Scotland would not only greatly enhance the inclusive play area but the whole of Camperdown Park. It would be aesthetically pleasing, well laid out, and very much in keeping with the country park surroundings and existing adjacent play equipment.

Tenders had been obtained through the single stage (open) tender procedure by the Corporate Procurement Team for the design and installation of the replacement unit.

The successful tender offer was received from Sutcliffe Play Scotland at a value of 55,745.

After full evaluation and detailed verification of the proposals it was determined that the best overall proposal, based on value for money and quality of the submission, was that of Sutcliffe Play Scotland. Details of the quality price assessment are provided below.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 55,745 could be met from allowances within the Capital Plan 2016-2021 for Environmental Improvements, Parks and Open Spaces and it is recommended that the Director of Environment be authorised to instruct these works.

In view of the timescales involved, this note was approved by the Director of Environment in consultation with the Convener of the Environment Committee, Labour Group spokesperson, Conservative member, Liberal Democrat member and the Independent member.

Craig MELVILLE, Convener.