Issue - meetings

That the Council:

1.    Notes the continued persistent pavement weed growth across Torry/Ferryhill, as per Appendix A below, despite the biannual weed spraying carried out by Council contractors.

2.    Believes that this persistent weed growth is unsightly and does not represent best value for Aberdeen taxpayers.

3.    Acknowledges that the Council’s contractor currently sprays a solution of acetic acid (i.e. vinegar) and alcohol in May and September each year, which is wilting the weeds and some die but sees perennial and persistent weeds regrowing.

4.    Believes that the current contract does not reflect best value, as the existing treatment appears ineffective - evidenced by the presence of knee-height weeds and persistent weed growth throughout Torry/Ferryhill.

5.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations to work with the current contractor to explore options within the scope of the contract for more effective weed control that will significantly reduce weed growth.

6.    Further instructs that, should it not prove possible to implement a more effective treatment under this contract, the contract be allowed to expire at its natural end date and the Chief Officer - Operations procure a new contract which can deliver a solution that is more effective and provide best value for the good people of Aberdeen.

7.    Agrees that any additional costs associated with a revised weed control approach be met from the Common Good.

[Appendix A at page 75 of the agenda]

The Council resolved:-

to refer the notice of motion to the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee.  

The Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Kusznir in the following terms:-

“That the Council:

1.    Notes the continued persistent pavement weed growth across Torry/Ferryhill, as per Appendix A below, despite the biannual weed spraying carried out by Council contractors.

2.    Believes that this persistent weed growth is unsightly and does not represent best value for Aberdeen taxpayers.

3.    Acknowledges that the Council’s contractor currently sprays a solution of acetic acid (i.e. vinegar) and alcohol in May and September each year, which is wilting the weeds and some die but sees perennial and persistent weeds regrowing.

4.    Believes that the current contract does not reflect best value, as the existing treatment appears ineffective - evidenced by the presence of knee-height weeds and persistent weed growth throughout Torry/Ferryhill.

5.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations to work with the current contractor to explore options within the scope of the contract for more effective weed control that will significantly reduce weed growth.

6.    Further instructs that, should it not prove possible to implement a more effective treatment under this contract, the contract be allowed to expire at its natural end date and the Chief Officer - Operations procure a new contract which can deliver a solution that is more effective and provide best value for the good people of Aberdeen.

7.    Agrees that any additional costs associated with a revised weed control approach be met from the Common Good.”

The Council resolved:-

to refer the notice of motion to the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee.