Environment Committee - 14/03/2016

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 14th March, 2016.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Ken GUILD, Leader of the Administration, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 11th January, 2016 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

II CEMETERY HEADSTONE SAFETY

There was submitted Agenda Note AN17-2016 whereby reference was made to the cemetery headstone inspection and testing programme. Significant progress had been made in the last few years in both the recording of and making safe dangerous stones in cemeteries. A full record of the condition of the stones had been recorded in the Council database and any dangerous stones up to 1.5 metres were dealt with during the inspection process. Dangerous larger stones were sub‑contracted to a specialist contractor to make safe.

A programme of actions over a number of years including the application of minimum, standards relating to foundations, limiting the size of headstones, introducing a memorial mason registration scheme and a small grant scheme to assist individuals to repair their headstones, had all contributed to reducing the risks in cemeteries. However, there were still ongoing problems of dangerous headstones within cemeteries and there was a need from a health and safety perspective to continue the inspection and action programme.

It was therefore proposed to continue the inspection, testing and programme of making dangerous stones safe by utilising capacity within Neighbourhood Services. The programme would include the proper recording of the condition of headstones and by dealing with dangerous stones during the inspection process. It was intended that, where possible, such headstones would be made safe on a more permanent basis. Any headstones in excess of 1.5m would be referred to the specialist contractor who would be appointed using 'Quick Quote' under the Council's E-procurement system. Where a risk was identified, and if possible, the headstone owner would be contacted and consulted. An allowance of 20,000 was included in the overall costs of the project for these specialist works.

The Committee approved the above works and authorised the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services to undertake these works, with the exception of any specialist works above that would require to be undertaken separately. The Executive Director of Corporate Services advised that the total capital improvement works of 186,000 could be met from allowances within the Recreation, Culture, Arts and Heritage: Parks and Open Spaces section of the Capital Plan 2016-2021. It was anticipated that this project would be completed by 31st March, 2017.

III PLAY AREA REFURBISHMENTS - GREENDYKES AND KIRK STREET

There was submitted Agenda Note AN18-2016 whereby reference was made to the Policy and Resources Committee meetings of 9th February, 2015 and 14th September, 2015 (Articles II and IV refer), which approved the CRF funding for the refurbishment of Greendykes and Kirk Street play areas respectively. Following consultations with the local community, proposals had now been finalised in respect of these refurbishments.

The proposed works would be undertaken by Neighbourhood Services at a cost of 50,727 and 47,960 for Greendykes and Kirk Street play areas respectively and comprised:-

(i) Removal of existing equipment and surfacing;

(ii) Reinstallation of new surfacing and improved layout;

(iii) Supply and installation of new equipment as agreed, in principle, with local residents through consultation;

(iv) Greendykes play area is to have the fence-line relocated to reflect the aspirations for a more welcoming community play facility; and

(v) Kirk Street was to encompass all refurbishments within its current fenced boundary.

The price covered all works, including making good of any surfacing disturbed during installation.

The above works would improve the user experience and general amenity of the facility for local residents.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services advised that the costs of 50,727 for the refurbishment of Greendykes play area could be met from allowances within the Jobs and Regeneration: Community Regeneration Fund section of the Capital Plan 2016-2021.

The costs of 47,960 for the refurbishment of Kirk Street play area would be met from the Community Regeneration Fund 2015/2016 (Revenue).

The Committee agreed that the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services be authorised to undertake the works for both of these projects. It was anticipated that both projects would be completed by 30th June, 2016.

IV FINTRY PARK PLAY AREA

There was submitted Report No 104-2016 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Resources seeking approval for improvement works identified for Fintry Park, including the development of play and landscape works and the allocation of partial funding for these works.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) remit the Executive Director to work in partnership with Fintry Community Council in seeking external funding and progressing procurement for the implementation and construction of a new play area for the park; and

(ii) authorise a contribution of up to 20,000 from Dundee City Council towards the play improvement programme.

V MICROCHIPPING OF DOGS (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2016

There was submitted Report No 105-2016 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Resources informing the Committee of the implications of the new Microchipping of Dogs (Scotland) Regulations 2016 and making recommendations for the implementation of this new statutory responsibility.

The Committee agreed to:-

(i) note the content of this report and the implications of the new Regulations;

(ii) remit the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services to arrange for the necessary staff training; and

(iii) remit the Head of Democratic and Legal Services to make appropriate amendments to the Scheme of Delegation of Powers to Officers.

Ken GUILD, Leader of the Administration.