Environment Committee - 10/02/2014

At a MEETING of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 10th February, 2014.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor Craig MELVILLE, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 27th January, 2014 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II PRE-PURCHASE OF CEMETERY LAIRS

There was submitted Report No 62-2014 by Director of Environment seeking approval for a change in the existing policy that would allow members of the public to pre-purchase burial lairs within the citys cemeteries.

The Committee noted the content of the report and approved the new policy.

III SUPPLY OF PLANT AND VEHICLES

There was submitted Report No 63-2014 by Director of Environment seeking approval of plant and vehicles as required by the Environment Department to maintain operational efficiency.

The Committee approved the purchase of the plant and vehicles listed in Appendix 1, at a total cost of 246,000.

IV CONTROL OF DOGS IN PARKS, CEMETERIES AND OPEN SPACES

There was submitted Report No 69-2014 by Director of Environment advising the Committee of the Councils current activities relating to the control of dogs in parks, cemeteries and open spaces, informing the Committee of relevant current and forthcoming legislation and seeking approval for the proposed Action Plan.

The Committee agreed to note the contents of this report and that the Director of Environment be remitted to progress the proposed service development work as outlined in the Action Plan.

V COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT PILOT PROJECT

There was submitted Agenda Note AN10-2014 whereby reference was made to Article IV of the minute of meeting of the Environment Committee of 20th May, 2013 that approved the development of these Community Allotment Pilot Projects.

A suitable location had been identified in the Douglas area on the site of the former Douglas Primary School where it was proposed to create a small community allotment. The Douglas Community Spaces Group had now formally been established and were seeking support with the establishment of the basic infrastructure to enable the project to develop. This proposal included the provision of fencing, erection of raised planters, basic shed and paths infrastructure at a cost of 26,000. This would help establish the community group who would lease the site and would thereafter pursue further external funding through the Climate Challenge Fund and other similar funding to help develop the project.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs could be met from allowances within the Environment Departments Capital Budget - Environmental Improvements Parks and Open Spaces 2013/2014.

The Committee agreed that the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

VI INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN11-2014 whereby reference was made to the Camperdown Development Plan 2012/2017 that identified substantial improvements required to the existing car parking arrangements servicing both the Wildlife Centre and the adventure play area. Due to the very poor condition of sections of the car park, it was proposed to undertake a number of medium-term improvements. The proposed work would be undertaken at a cost of 20,000 and comprise:-

(i)                            improvement works to drainage gullies and surface water containment at south parking area adjacent to wildlife centre and adventure play area; and

(ii)                           improvement works to loose fill surface of parking bays.

The works would improve the user experience for customers of both the wildlife centre and the play facility, and ensure that the fabric of the park was maintained. In addition, the above works would assist in the future maintenance and operations within the park.

The Director of Corporate Services advised that the above costs of 20,000 could be met from allowances within the Environment Departments Capital Budget - Environmental Improvements Parks and Open Spaces 2013/2014.

The Committee agreed that the Director of Environment be authorised to undertake these works.

Craig MELVILLE, Convener.