Environment Committee - 09/12/2013

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 9th December, 2013.

 

Present:-

 

Lord Provost Bob DUNCAN

 

Depute Lord Provost Christina ROBERTS

 

BAILIES

 

Willie SAWERS

Helen WRIGHT

Ian BORTHWICK

 

Derek J SCOTT

 

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Ken GUILD

Ken LYNN

Lesley BRENNAN

John ALEXANDER

Vari McDONALD

Georgia CRUICKSHANK

Jimmy BLACK

Craig MELVILLE

Tom FERGUSON

David BOWES

Gregor MURRAY

Brian GORDON

Bill CAMPBELL

Kevin KEENAN

Richard McCREADY

Kevin CORDELL

Mohammed ASIF

Norma McGOVERN

Stewart HUNTER

Laurie BIDWELL

Fraser MACPHERSON

 

Councillor Craig MELVILLE, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 11th November, 2013 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

No declarations of interest were made.

 

II THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTS DRAFT NOISE ACTION PLAN CONSULTATION

 

There was submitted Report No 508-2013 by Director of Environment advising the Committee on the EU Environmental Noise Directive, providing an update on how Dundee City Council was working with the Scottish Government to meet compliance with this directive, and seeking Committees approval for the Councils proposed response to the current associated Scottish Government consultation exercise.

 

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

 

III AIR QUALITY PROGRESS REPORTS

 

There was submitted Report No 510-2013 by Director of Environment advising the Committee of the most recent ratified air quality monitoring data and of the progress being made to improve air quality via the Corporate Air Quality Action Plan.

 

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

 

IV LAUNCH OF DUNDEE ECO STARS FLEET RECOGNITION SCHEME

 

There was submitted Report No 509-2013 by Director of Environment advising the Committee of the Dundee ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme and the launch event at Discovery Point on 13th December, 2013.

 

The Committee noted the aims of the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme and the launch of the Scheme in Dundee.

 

V TRADING OPERATIONS FINANCIAL OPERATING STATEMENT AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR SIXMONTHS ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2013

 

There was submitted Report No 493-2013 by Director of Environment appraising the Committee on the financial position and operational performance of trading operation within the Environment Department for the six months ended 30th September, 2013.

 

The Committee agreed to:-

 

(i) note the current financial position and operational performance for trading operations; and

 

(ii) note that the trading operations should exceed the statutory requirement or break‑even over a three year rolling period.

 

VI PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTS 2013/2014

 

There was submitted Agenda Note AN136-2013, whereby it was reported that proposals to undertake a programme of Play Area Improvements at a number of locations had been developed to 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.

 

1

Castle Green

Install climbing nets and sand play equipment to enhance this site, replacing equipment that is beyond economic repair.

 

2

Malcolm Street

Install new slide and swing equipment to replace existing, which are beyond economic repair.

 

3

Peebles Drive

Install new springies to replace existing, which are beyond economic repair and update the existing surface around the multi-play unit.

 

4

Rosebank Street

Upgrade weathered surfaces on existing multi-play unit.

 

5

Wellgate Park

Upgrade existing swing equipment to enhance site.

 

6

Safety Surfacing Improvements - Various sites

Undertake improvements to wetpour play safety surfaces at the following sites: Dochart Terrace, Whitfield Green East and Rosebank Street.

 

Improve woodchip safety surfacing under play equipment at various sites across the city: Lawton Road, Kilpurnie Place, Lochee Park, Baxter Park, Orchar Park and Clatto Park play areas.

 

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 33,000 could be met from allowances for Play Area Improvements within the Environment Departments capital budget 2013/2014. The Committee agreed that the above proposals be approved and the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

 

 

 

 

Craig MELVILLE, Convener.