Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Committee - 20/11/2023

At a MEETING of the FAIR WORK, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE held remotely on 20th November, 2023.

Present:-

Depute Lord Provost Kevin CORDELL

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Steven ROME, Convener, in the Chair.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Crichton declared an interest in the item of business at Article III of this minute by virtue of a family member being the author of the report and took no part in the proceedings and withdrew from the meeting during its consideration.

II EVENTS STRATEGY 2023/2028

There was submitted Report No 326-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, seeking approval for the Events Strategy for the next five year period and highlighting the impact of events on Dundee.

Thereafter, Councillor Alexander, seconded by Councillor Tolland, moved that the Committee:-

(i) recognises the significant economic and social impact of events that have been delivered in the city in recent years;

(ii) approves the Events Strategy as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

(iii) supports the emphasis on being a welcome host and working with others to create a vibrant calendar of events;

(iv) notes that a successful events calendar in Dundee will require collaboration between the Council and a range of external partners, both public and private, as well as our communities;

(v) notes that the attraction of events of scale to Dundee may require additional resource and that any such proposals will be brought to the appropriate Committee for approval; and

(vi) notes that Officers are exploring options for a new event focused on food and sustainability and remits the Executive Director of City Development to bring a further report to Committee early in 2024 providing further information and identifying the resource implications.

As an amendment, Councillor Coleman, seconded by Councillor Duncan, moved that the Committee noted the proposed events strategy covering the period 2023-2028 and in addition to the recommendations at 2.1 of the report, Committee agreed to a further recommendation as follows:-

2.1.g Committee instructs officers to give consideration to the viability - from 2024 onwards - of:

(i) Restoring annual public fireworks displays every 5th November, recognising that the provision of professionally managed public displays assists the message of discouraging the public using fireworks, given the risk of harm in handling them.

Possible sites would be Balgay Park and Drumgeith Park, given that Baxter Park is no longer a viable site in the east of the city for a public fireworks display.

However, officers are instructed to consider all possible viable sites - one in the east and one in the west of the city - and liaise with appropriate partner organisations, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland on the viability of these, before reporting back to this Committee.

(ii) Restoring having a real Christmas tree in City Square, with the return of the traditional City Square Christmas Lights Switch On event to complement existing activity in City Square.

Committee instructs officers to report findings to this Committee by 31st March, 2024.

On a division, there voted for the motion - the Convener, Depute Lord Provost Cordell, Bailies Dawson, Roberts and Sawers, Councillors Alexander, Anderson, El-Nakla, Flynn, Hunter, Lynn, Short, Smith and Tolland (14); and for the amendment - Bailies Keenan, Wright, Macpherson and Scott, Councillors Cruickshank, Finnegan, McHugh, McIrvine, Malone, Scullin, Coleman, Crichton and Duncan (13) - whereupon the motion was declared carried.

III FLEET ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN

There was submitted Report No 319-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, seeking approval of the Fleet Asset Management Plan for 2023/2028.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to note the fleet decarbonisation and emission reduction progress referenced in the plan; and

(ii) to approve the Fleet Asset Management Plan.

IV ROADS ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN

There was submitted Report No 320-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, seeking approval of the Road Asset Management Plan for 2023/2028.

The Committee agreed to approve the Roads Asset Management Plan.

V PROCUREMENT OF A MULTI-SUPPLIER FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF MECHANICALSERVICES

There was submitted Report No 325-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, presenting a sourcing strategy for the procurement of a Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the Provision of Mechanical Services, replacing the existing Framework which would expire on 31st March, 2024.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise in respect of the project described, based on the sourcing strategy, summarised in the report;

(ii) to delegate authority to the Executive Director of City Development to utilise the Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the Provision of Mechanical Services, following a tender process carried out in compliance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, and to procure either by direct award for contracts up to 50,000 or through a mini competition carried out under the terms of the framework; and

(iii) to note that any contract awards to be made from this framework, that were not covered by delegation provided to officers within Council Standing Orders and Financial Regulations would be brought back to members for consideration in due course.

VI INSPECTION AND TESTING OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS (AREA 1) - 3 YEAR CONTRACTWITH THE OPTION TO EXTEND

There was submitted Report No 299-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, presenting a sourcing strategy for the tender process for the inspection and testing of the Emergency Lighting Systems within 130 properties and seeking approval to commence a compliant tender process, leading to award of a contract for 3 years, with a plus 1, plus 1 option to extend, totalling 5 years.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise in respect of the project described, based on the sourcing strategy, summarised in the report; and

(ii) to delegate authority to the Executive Director of City Development to finalise the procurement strategy and award a contract to the successful bidder, following a tender process carried out in compliance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

VII INSPECTION AND TESTING OF SWIMMING POOL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT -3 YEAR CONTRACT WITH THEOPTION TO EXTEND

There was submitted Report No 310-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, presenting a sourcing strategy for the tender process for the inspection and testing of the swimming pool plant and associated equipment at 9 properties and seeking approval to commence a compliant tender process, leading to the award of a contract for 3 years, with a plus 1, plus 1 with the option to extend, totalling 5 years.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise in respect of the project described, based on the sourcing strategy, summarised in the report; and

(ii) to delegate authority to the Executive Director of City Development to finalise the procurement strategy and award a contract to the successful bidder, following a tender process carried out in compliance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations  2015.

VIII INSPECTION AND TESTING OF HEATING AND VENTILATION CONTROL SYSTEMS - 3 YEAR CONTRACT WITHTHE OPTION TO EXTEND

There was submitted Report No 284-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, presenting a sourcing strategy for the tender process for the inspection and testing of the Heating and Ventilation control systems within 105 properties seeking approval to commence a compliant tender process, leading to the award of a contract for 3 years, with a plus 1, plus 1 option to extend, totalling 5 years.

The Committee agreed to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise in respect of the project described, based on the sourcing strategy, summarised in the report.

IX CAIRD HALL, DUNDEE - FIRE ALARM AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING UPGRADE

There was submitted Report No 308-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, presenting a sourcing strategy for the tender process for contract of works for the Upgrade and Extension of the Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting System, and the installation of a new Voice Evacuation System within the Caird Hall, Dundee, leading to award of a contract.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise in respect of the project described based on the sourcing strategy, summarised in the report; and

(ii) to note that once the formal tender had been received, this would be brought to Committee for approval.

X CLEPINGTON ROAD DEPOT RATIONALISATION: PURCHASE OF MODULAR OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

There was submitted Report No 302-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, presenting a sourcing strategy for the procurement process for the purchase of 160m2 of modular accommodation at Clepington Road Depot. The modular office accommodation would provide messing and welfare facilities, supervisors accommodation and a canteen for Construction Services operational staff to progress the next phase of depot rationalisation at Clepington Road. Committee approval was sought to progress a compliant tender process, leading to award of a contract to a specialist modular office accommodation supplier.

The Committee agreed:-

(i) to delegate authority to the Executive Director of City Development to finalise the procurement strategy and award a contract to the successful bidder, following a tender process carried out in compliance with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations of 2015; and

(ii) to note that once the formal tender had been received, this would be brought to Committee for approval unless the tender value was below 500,000.

XI LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION PARKS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME

There was submitted Report No 323-2023 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, requesting authorisation to appoint the Lawn Tennis Associations approved contractor for the upgrade of Dundee City Councils tennis courts.

The Committee agreed that approval be given for the award of contract for the project to Sportex / CIA Fire and Security Ltd in the sum of 164,268.84.

XII ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS 2023/2024

There was submitted Report No 322-2023 by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, seeking approval for further Environmental Improvements as part of the 2023/2024 programme.

The Committee agreed that approval be given for the projects below:-

(a) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AT STOBSMUIR POND (NORTH)

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services in the sum of 12,500, together with fees of 1,250 giving a total expenditure of 13,750.

(b) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AT DAWSON PARK

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services and Tayside Contracts in the sum of 49,900, together with allowances of 7,485, giving a total expenditure of 57,385.

(c) MAGDALEN GREEN - TREE PLANTING

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services in the sum of 15,000, together with fees of 1,500, giving a total expenditure of 16,500.

(d) CAIRD PARK INFRASTRUCTURE PHASE 3

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services and Tayside Contracts in the sum of 22,790, together with allowances of 1,150, giving a total expenditure of 23,940.

(e) NATURE RESTORATION FUND: NATURE NETWORK ENHANCEMENT: IMPROVEMENTS TO LOCAL NATURE AREAS

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services in the sum of 43,149 together with fees of 1,351 giving a total expenditure of 44,500.

(f) NATURE RESTORATION FUND: IMPROVING THE NATURE NETWORK LINKS

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services in the sum of 29,000 together with fees of 1,000 giving a total expenditure of 30,000.

(g) TAKE PRIDE INITIATIVES: PHASE 1

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Neighbourhood Services and Broxap in the sum of 24,948, together with fees of 2,500, giving a total expenditure of 27,448.

XIII TENDERS RECEIVED BY HEAD OF DESIGN AND PROPERTY AND HEAD OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT ANDROADS

There was submitted Report No 300-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development, detailing tenders received and requesting decisions thereon.

(a) V&A AND REGIONAL PERFORMANCE CENTRE FOR SPORT - INSPECTION AND TESTING OF HEAT PUMPS AND ENERGY CONTROL CENTRES

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Link Energy Services Ltd in the sum of 71,025, together with allowances of 7,000, giving a total expenditure of 78,025.

(b) VARIOUS PROPERTIES - INSPECTION, TESTING AND CLEANING OF KITCHEN CANOPIES, DUCTWORK AND EXTRACT VENTILATION

The Committee agreed to accept the offer from Lovats Group in the sum of 84,736, together with allowances of 8,000, giving a total expenditure of 92,736.

(c) CAMPERDOWN BOUNDARY WALL

The Committee agreed to accept the tender with the highest score for cost and quality from Kilmac in the sum of 254,787.50, together with allowances of 37,000, giving a total expenditure of 291,787.50.

(d) NEW MAGDALEN GREEN FOOTBRIDGE

The Committee agreed to approve the procurement of the Pre-construction Services through the SCAPE Framework with Balfour Beatty PLC in the sum of 358,951.82, together with allowances of 83,703.18, giving a total expenditure of 442,655.

(e) URBAN TRAFFIC CONTROL BUS PRIORITY SOFTWARE UPGRADE

The Committee agreed to accept the quotation from Yunex Ltd procured by Tayside Procurement Consortium as detailed in the report in the sum of 85,400, together with allowances of 34,600, giving a total expenditure of 120,000.

The 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 paragraphs 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

XIV COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT

There was submitted Report No 301-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development seeking the renewal of the street furniture advertising agreement as detailed in the report.

The Committee agreed the renewal of the agreement as outlined in the report.

XV PROPOSED SUB-LEASE/LICENCE OF PROPERTY

There was submitted Report No 305-2023 by the Executive Director of City Development seeking approval for the proposed sub-lease of, or licence to occupy property as detailed in the report.

The Committee agreed the recommendations as outlined in the report.

Steven ROME, Convener.