Housing Committee - 08/06/2015

At a MEETING of the HOUSING COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 8th June, 2015.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Councillor John ALEXANDER, Convener, in the Chair.

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 18th May, 2015 was held as read.

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest were made.

II SURPLUS LOCK-UP GARAGES AND GARAGE SITES AT GARDYNE PLACE

There was submitted Agenda Note AN145-2015.

The Committee agreed to suspend Standing Order 39(1) to discuss the agenda note.

Reference was made to Article III of the minute of the meeting of the Housing Committee of 9th March, 2015 which agreed various lock-up garages and garage sites be declared surplus and demolished.

It was reported that, following on from this decision, an enquiry had been received from an individual with an interest in purchasing the block intended for demolition in Gardyne Place which comprised three units. Potentially this would ensure that the lock-ups were used and would save demolition costs.

The Committee agreed that this block be retained and marketed, subject to appropriate conditions on use.

III REGISTERED TENANT ORGANISATIONS - ADMINISTRATION GRANTS

There was submitted Agenda Note AN146-2015 advising that a request for grant assistance towards administration costs for 2015/2016 had been received from Hindmarsh Tenants and Residents' Association.

The Committee agreed to grant assistance of 250 as requested.

IV REGISTERED TENANT ORGANISATIONS - RTO REGISTRATION

There was submitted Agenda Note AN147-2015 reporting that a request for registration as a Registered Tenants Organisation had been received from Menzieshill North Tenants and Residents Association.

The Committee approved the application.

V TENDERS RECEIVED BY CITY ARCHITECT

There was submitted Report No 206-2015 by the City Architect detailing tenders received and requesting decisions thereon:-

(a) DOUGLAS AND ANGUS 5TH DEVELOPMENT - WINDOW RENEWAL

The Committee agreed to a partnering project with the Environment Department (Construction Services) in the sum of 170,011.03, together with an allowance of 14,450 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 184,461.03.

(b) DOUGLAS AND ANGUS 6TH DEVELOPMENT - WINDOW RENEWAL

The Committee agreed to a partnering project with the Environment Department (Construction Services) in the sum of 417,805.99, together with an allowance of 35,513 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 453,318.99.

(c) DOUGLAS AND ANGUS 8TH DEVELOPMENT - WINDOW RENEWAL

The Committee agreed to a partnering project with the Environment Department (Construction Services) in the sum of 529,001.96, together with an allowance of 44,965 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 573,966.96.

(d) CAMPERDOWN 2ND DEVELOPMENT - ROOF RENEWAL - PHASE 2

The Committee agreed to a partnering project with the Environment Department (Construction Services) in the sum of 124,697.89, together with an allowance of 10,600, for professional services, making a total expenditure of 135,297.89.

(e) CLEMENT PARK 2ND DEVELOPMENT - ROOF RENEWAL PHASE 4

The Committee agreed to a partnering project with the Environment Department (Construction Services) in the sum of 54,900.41, together with an allowance of 4,667 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 59,567.41.

(f) VARIOUS COUNCIL HOUSES - ELECTRICAL INSPECTING AND TESTING

The Committee agreed to a partnering project with McGill Electrical Ltd, Dundee in the sum of 160,000, together with an allowance of 13,600 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 173,600.

(g) BALCARRES TERRACE SHELTERED DEVELOPMENT - WARDEN CALL REPLACEMENT

The Committee agreed to an urgent partnering project with McGill Electrical Ltd, Dundee in the sum of 58,298.66, together with an allowance of 4,956 for professional services, making a total expenditure of 63,254.66.

VI TENDERS RECEIVED BY CITY ENGINEER - HOUSING CONCRETE REPAIRS 2015/2016

There was submitted Report No 207-2015 by the City Engineer detailing tenders received in respect of the above project.

The Committee agreed to accept the lowest offer from Anderson Specialist Contracting Ltd in the sum of 80,982, together with the undernoted allowances:-

making a total expenditure of 95,082.

VII CARETAKER SERVICES REVIEW

On a reference to Article IX of the minute of meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee of 8th June, 2015, wherein the creation of a Single Safety and Alarm Centre at West Housing Office was approved, there was submitted Report No 209-2015 by the Director of Housing seeking approval to consult with relevant stakeholders on the review of caretaker services provided by the Councils Housing Department.

The Committee approved consultation with relevant stakeholders on the review of caretaker services.

VIII SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HOME OWNER SUPPORT FUND - MORTGAGE TO RENT SCHEME

There was submitted Report No 210-2015 by the Director of Housing requesting Committee approval for the Council to participate in the Scottish Government Home Owners Support Fund (HOSF) Mortgage to Rent Scheme (MTR).

The Committee agreed that the Council participate in the Home Owners Support Fund Mortgage to Rent Scheme in 2015-16. This had the potential to help owners who were in financial difficulty remain in their home by selling the property to the Council and would assist in the prevention of homelessness.

IX TENDERS RECEIVED - VARIOUS COUNCIL HOUSES - ELECTRICAL INSPECTING AND TESTING

There was submitted Report No 217-2015 by the City Architect relative to the above.

In view of the timescales involved, it was noted that the City Architect in consultation with the Convener, Labour Group Spokesperson, Conservative member, Liberal Democrat member and Independent member had agreed to a negotiated project with the Environment Department (Construction Services) in the sum of 160,000, together with an allowance of 13,600, for professional services, making a total expenditure of 173,600.

John ALEXANDER, Convener.