Agenda, decisions and minutes

(A)       The Lord Provost welcomed Mr Andy MacDonald (Director of Customer), Mr Frank McGhee (Director of Commissioning) and Mr Rob Polkinghorne (Chief Operating Officer) to their first Council meeting following their appointment to the new first tier roles, alongside Mr Steve Whyte (Director of Resources). The Lord Provost stated that he was looking forward to working with them and wished them every success.

(B)       The Lord Provost thanked all staff who had been working very hard in the inclement weather conditions and emphasised that they had done an exceptional job which the people of Aberdeen welcomed.

The Council resolved:-

to concur with the remarks of the Lord Provost.

(A)       The persons undermentioned were admitted into the presence of the Council and passed as Burgesses of Guild in respect of their respective Acts of Admission in the Guild Burgess Book:-

Donald Crawford Balance, Retired Oil Executive, Aberdeen

Dr David John Cameron, Councillor, Aberdeen

Graeme Thompson, Retired Police Officer, Aberdeen

Carolyn Welsh, Retired Schoolteacher, Aberdeen

(B)       The persons undermentioned were admitted into the presence of the Council and passed as Burgesses of the Burgh of their own craft only:-

Graeme Cheyne, Shoemaker, Aberdeen

            Iain Hunter, Shoemaker, Aberdeen

            Peter Murray, Weaver, Aberdeen

The Lord Provost sought the agreement of the Council to suspend Standing Order 37.2 to allow the meeting to continue beyond four hours if required.

The Council resolved:-

to suspend Standing Order 37.2.

The Council was requested to determine that the following item of business, which contained exempt information as described in Schedule 7(A) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, be taken in private:-

            11(a)   Complaints Review Committee - 29 January 2018

The Council resolved:-

in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of item 11(a) so as to avoid disclosure of exempt information of the classes described in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 7(A) of the Act.

Councillor Nicoll declared an interest in relation to item 9(d) (Bon Accord Care - Annual Performance Report) by virtue of holding power of attorney for a family member who was resident in sheltered housing under the control of Bon Accord Care. Councillor Nicoll did not consider that the nature of his interest required him to leave the meeting.

Councillor Boulton declared an interest in relation to item 9(i) (Outside Bodies) by virtue of her position as a Council appointed Trustee to Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Councillor Boulton considered that the nature of her interest required her to leave the meeting and take no part in the Council’s deliberations thereon.

Councillors Bell, Macdonald and Jennifer Stewart declared interests in relation to item 7(a) (Notice of Motion by Councillor Delaney - referred by Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee of 16 January 2018) by virtue of being Council appointed members of NESTRANS. Councillors Bell, Macdonald and Jennifer Stewart did not consider that the nature of their interests required them to leave the meeting.

Councillor Yuill declared an interest in relation to item 7(a) by virtue of his position as a Council appointed substitute member of NESTRANS. Councillor Yuill did not consider that the nature of his interest required him to leave the meeting.

Councillor Mason MSP declared a general interest as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for North East Scotland.

The Council had before it a request for a deputation from Torry Development Trust in relation to item 7(b) (Disposal of Former Victoria Road School) which had been submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.

The Council resolved:-

to hear the deputation at the appropriate point on the agenda.

The Council had before it the minute of the special meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 25 November 2017.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of the special meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 11 December 2017.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 11 December 2017.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of the special meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 29 January 2018.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of the Urgent Business Committee of 21 December 2017.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of the Urgent Business Committee of 1 February 2018.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee of 16 January 2018, which had been referred to it for consideration by eight members of the Committee in terms of Standing Order 31.1, the Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Delaney in relation to Broad Street; and the decision of the Committee, which was as follows:-

(i)        to agree that changing the Council’s policy on Broad Street, before we have seen the impact of buses, cycles and pedestrians using the shared space, will have significant implications for our established transport strategy agreed at the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee on 20 January 2016. To note that there may also be implications for the funding already secured from Sustrans in support of the delivery of the project;

(ii)       to agree that the existing Traffic Regulation Order would have to be amended and any such amendment would require to go through a lengthy legal process. This two stage process is likely to cause delays to the completion of the scheme and it would be May 2018 at the earliest before the legal process could be completed, noting this process would be open to objections, particularly from the public transport operators which may result in the requirement for a Public Hearing, extending the timescale for delivery by a further six to nine months;

(iii)      to agree to proceed with the full implementation of the Broad Street partial pedestrianisation as previously agreed at Council on 29 June 2016; and

(iv)      to instruct the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to carry out a full review of the Broad Street partial pedestrianisation (one year after opening) on the effectiveness of the scheme, the implications on the city centre network, the City Centre Masterplan and reporting back with recommendations taking into consideration (ii) above to members at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Delaney moved, seconded by Councillor Hutchison:-

            That the Council approve the amended notice of motion as follows -

(1)      to note the decision of Council of 29 June 2016 to permit buses, cyclists and pedestrians to use the “shared surface” proposed for Broad Street;

(2)      to note the concerns raised by people with visual, hearing and mobility loss regarding the safe use of the planned “shared surface” on Broad Street;

(3)      to agree that in the interests of public safety Broad Street should be fully pedestrianised between its junctions with Upperkirkgate and Queen Street and to instruct the Head of Public Infrastructure and Environment to commence the Traffic Regulation Order for this measure with costs for this legal process to be met from contingencies and to report to the appropriate committee in this regard; and that this report identifies a safe segregated cycling route as well as accessibility routes into Marischal College, following consultation with the Disability Equity Partnership;

(4)      to instruct the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to explore with Sustrans any funding implications which may arise from this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

(A)       In accordance with Article 6 of this minute, the Council received a deputation from Mr David Fryer, Mr David Murray and Mr Alastair Walker on behalf of Torry Development Trust (TDT).

Mr Fryer advised that TDT was well placed to build upon the Council’s agreed policy declaration not to support the demolition of the school buildings at Victoria Road, and that the TDT project aimed to meet local needs which weaved together restoration, innovation and enterprise. He added that the TDT project was based upon reprovisioning the two granite buildings sympathetically coupled with new mixed tenure affordable housing to meet current and future housing needs in Torry.

Mr Fryer emphasised that TDT was not just words - they had an image which was the start of how they were developing their ideas with the aim of creating a new silver green heart for Torry. He highlighted that TDT was a member of the Development Trust Association for Scotland (DTAS) and Scotland’s Towns Partnership, with both organisations providing support and a growing number of independent experts advising TDT on a pro-bono basis, who told them what they needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear.

Mr Murray explained that he was an Architect, as well as a Director of TDT, and that he had been supporting the community in Torry since 2013. He referred to the decision of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee of 1 December 2017, when TDT had been allowed to put together a proposal for the site, with TDT reporting back to the Committee at its meeting of 1 February 2018 with significant progress having been made.

Mr Murray advised that three project opportunities had been identified since 1 February 2018, and that all options were still on the table. He added they were beginning to focus on a project with an emphasis on affordable housing but with other elements as well. He stated that TDT had overseen an inspection of the building with a structural engineer’s report submitted. Initial sketch proposals had been prepared but they were not definitive at this stage - Mr Murray stated that they were looking forward to genuine public consultation being undertaken with the community.

Mr Murray highlighted that DTAS had produced a project specific funding report which identified several different strands of funding that may be available to TDT. He added that a quantity surveyor was currently carrying out an initial cost appraisal, and that discussions had taken place with Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership on the potential for them to be involved in the project. Mr Murray advised that discussions had also taken place with Grampian Housing Association and a draft memorandum was being prepared.

Mr Walker summarised the property market in Aberdeen, which he described as dire, although he acknowledged that there were some green shoots of recovery. He advised that since late 2014 prices had fallen by around 25% in the residential sector. Mr Walker argued against the merits of demolishing the existing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

The Council had before it a statement of Council business.

The Council resolved:-

to note the business statement.

The Council had before it a list of outstanding motions.

The Council resolved:-

to note the motions list.

The Council had before it a tracker document which identified reports that were due to be considered by the Council at its forthcoming meetings.

The Council resolved:-

to note the tracker.

The Council had before it the minutes of meetings of the Appointment Panel of 27, 28, 29 and 30 November and 1 December 2017.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to amend the minute of the Appointment Panel meeting of 27 November 2017 to reflect that it was in relation to the Director of Customer and not the Director of Resources; and

(ii)          otherwise to approve the minutes.

The Council had before it minutes of meetings of the Appointment Panel of 1, 2, 14, 15, 16 and 21 February 2018.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minutes.

With reference to Article 9 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, the Council had before it a report by the Chief Executive which proposed a governance framework to support the implementation of the Target Operating Model and considered the portfolios, and position within the interim functional structure, of Governance, City Growth and Strategic Place Planning.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          approve Appendix A - Scheme of Governance Introduction;

Committee Terms of Reference

(b)          approve Appendix B - Committee Terms of Reference - with effect from 1 April 2018;

(c)          approve the disestablishment of the Capital Reference Group which would be replaced with the Capital Programme Sub Committee;

(d)          appoint a Convener and Vice Convener to the committees listed in paragraph 4.3.3 of the report as appropriate;

(e)          set a membership number and political composition for each committee listed in paragraph 4.3.3 of the report based on the figures set out in Appendix H and appoint members thereto, on the basis that names can be provided to the Chief Officer - Governance after the meeting and that he be authorised to finalise membership where required;

(f)           approve the remuneration of the Lord Provost and one post of Council Leader and the allocation, and amount in each case, of senior councillor allowances, on the basis of the guidance contained in paragraphs 4.3.20 to 4.3.22 of the report;

(g)          agree the appointment of the current external members to the Operational Delivery Committee as the committee discharging the education function, as set out at paragraph 4.3.7 of the report;

(h)          appoint all elected members on the Operational Delivery Committee, plus two members per political group, to the School Placings and Exclusions Appeal Committee;

(i)            approve the appointment of two named local representatives plus two substitutes from each of the recognised trade unions as advisers to the Staff Governance Committee, as set out in paragraphs 4.3.12 to 4.3.15 of the report; and to note the trade union responses in Appendix I;

(j)            agree that each committee, and thereafter Full Council, consider an annual report against each committee’s Terms of Reference in the format of Appendix J;

(k)          approve the diary of meetings from 1 April 2018 to 1 April 2019 attached at Appendix K;

Powers Delegated to Officers

(l)            approve Appendix C - Powers Delegated to Officers - with effect from 1 April 2018, subject to recommendation (m);

(m)        instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to seek approval from the Scottish Ministers to amend the Planning Scheme of Delegation under Section 43A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) - which relates to “Local Developments”;

Standing Orders for Council, Committee and Sub Committee Meetings

(n)          approve Appendix D - Standing Orders for Council, Committee and Sub Committee Meetings - with effect from 1 April 2018;

Financial Regulations

(o)          approve Appendix E - Financial Regulations - with effect from 1 April 2018;

Procurement Regulations

(p)          approve Appendix F - Procurement Regulations - with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided the 2016/17 annual report for the Fairer Aberdeen Fund programme.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the annual report for 2016/17 at appendix 1 to the report, and instruct the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to report the Council’s feedback to the Fairer Aberdeen Board as appropriate; and

(b)          note that the Fairer Aberdeen Board would be carrying out a further Participatory Budgeting event during 2017/18.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to note the annual report for 2016/17 and thank staff and volunteers involved with the Fairer Aberdeen Board for their work;

(ii)          to note that the Fairer Aberdeen Board would be carrying out a further Participatory Budgeting event during 2017/18; and

(iii)         to request the Chief Officer - Early Intervention and Community Empowerment to ensure that future reports contain a table detailing project spend for each project with an explanation of the impact it has had in terms of the programme.

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented a summary of the representations received, officers’ responses to those representations and any resulting action for the Greenferns Development Framework.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the representations received for the sites OP28 and OP33 Greenferns Development Framework;

(b)          approve Appendix 1 to the report, which included officers’ responses to representations received and any necessary actions; and

(c)          approve the Development Framework as Interim Planning Advice and instruct officers in Planning and Sustainable Development to implement the process to ratify the Framework as Supplementary Guidance.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it a report by the Chief Officer for Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership which presented Bon Accord Care’s annual performance report for 2016/17.

The report recommended:-

that the Council note Bon Accord Care’s annual performance report as at Appendix A to the report.

The Council resolved:-

to defer consideration of the report to the next Council meeting in the absence of representation from Bon Accord Care.

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it a report by the Chief Officer - Integrated Children’s and Family Services which presented the Chief Social Work Officer’s annual report for 2016/17.

The report recommended:-

that the Council note the content of the annual report as at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve the recommendation;

(ii)          to congratulate staff for their efforts in light of the very positive report;

(iii)         to request the Chief Officer - Integrated Children’s and Family Services to provide members with a breakdown of life expectancy for each of the regeneration areas compared to the rest of the city; and

(iv)         to request the Chief Officer of the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, on behalf of the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, to provide members with information in relation to alcohol related hospital admissions in Aberdeen being statistically higher than Scotland overall.

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Executive which provided details of the arrangements that had been put in place for governance of the Integration Joint Board.

The report recommended:-

that the Council note the content of the report.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Officer of the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership which sought approval for revisions to the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Integration Scheme and to agree its submission to the Scottish Government.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          consider and agree the revisions to the Health and Social Care Integration Scheme for Aberdeen City, a summary of which was detailed in the report;

(b)          note that once agreed by both Aberdeen City Council and the Health Board, the Revised Integration Schemes would be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval; and

(c)          delegate authority to the Chief Executive to agree any minor changes proposed by the Scottish Government for the Revised Integration Schemes to be approved.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to agree the revisions to the Health and Social Care Integration Scheme for Aberdeen City, a summary of which was detailed in the report; and

(ii)          to approve recommendations (b) and (c).

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Executive which presented the first annual report against the Aberdeen City Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2016-26.

The report recommended:-

that the Council endorse the report.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

In accordance with Article 5 of this minute, Councillor Boulton left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Officer - Governance which sought appointments to outside bodies with unfilled positions for Council representatives and approval for one change to an existing appointment.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          approve the appointment of Councillor Lumsden as the Council’s representative on Opportunity North East Ltd (ONE); and

(b)          consider appointing members to the vacant positions on the following bodies:-

(i)        Aberdeen International Youth Festival (four vacancies);

(ii)       Mitchell’s Hospital Trust (one vacancy); and

(iii)      Robb’s Trust (one vacancy).

The Senior Democratic Services Manager advised the Council that the report stated that there were four vacancies on Aberdeen International Youth Festival when there were actually six vacancies; therefore recommendation (b)(i) required to be corrected.

Councillor Lumsden moved, seconded by Councillor Malik:-

            That the Council -

(1)      approve the appointment of Councillor Lumsden as the Council’s representative on Opportunity North East Ltd (ONE);

(2)      appoint Councillor Imrie as a member of Sport Aberdeen in place of Councillor Hunt;

(3)      appoint Councillor Wheeler as a member of Community Planning Aberdeen in place of Councillor Graham;

(4)      nominate six members of the opposition to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival to fill the vacant positions;

(5)      appoint a member of the opposition to fill the vacant position on Mitchell’s Hospital Trust; and

(6)      appoint a member of the opposition to fill the vacant position on Robb’s Trust.

Councillor Flynn moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Jackie Dunbar:-

            That the Council -

(1)      approve the appointment of Councillor Lumsden as the Council’s representative on Opportunity North East Ltd (ONE);

(2)      consider appointing members to the vacant positions on the following bodies:-

(i)            Mitchell’s Hospital Trust (one vacancy)

(ii)          Robb’s Trust (one vacancy);

(3)      instruct the Chief Executive to:-

(i)            write to Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) (a) stating that Aberdeen City Council is content for its membership of AIYF to be reduced to a single member; (b) informing AIYF that this decision is being intimated by Aberdeen City Council to OSCR; (c) requesting that AIYF write to OSCR in order that this change to the Trust Deed be facilitated as soon as possible so that AIYF can be quorate; and (d) requesting that AIYF take such steps as are necessary to facilitate this change to the Trust Deed; and

(ii)          write to OSCR providing details of the above letter to AIYF;

(4)      appoint Councillor Imrie as a member of Sport Aberdeen in place of Councillor Hunt; and

(5)      appoint Councillor Wheeler as a member of Community Planning Aberdeen in place of Councillor Graham;

During the course of debate, Councillors Flynn and Yuill advised that no opposition members were willing to fill the vacancies on the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Mitchell’s Hospital Trust or Robb’s Trust.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (22)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Bell, Lesley Dunbar, Duncan, Graham, Grant, Houghton, Hunt, Imrie, John, Laing, Lumsden, Macdonald, Avril MacKenzie, Malik, Mason MSP, Reynolds, Sellar, Jennifer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Resources which sought approval for the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2018/19 to 2020/21.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          approve the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2018/19 to 2020/21 as detailed at Appendix 1;

(b)          approve the Council’s Borrowing Strategy for 2018/19 to 2020/21 as detailed at Appendix 2;

(c)          approve the Council’s Investment Strategy for 2018/19 to 2020/21 as detailed at Appendix 3;

(d)          approve the Council’s Counterparty list as detailed at Appendix 4;

(e)          delegate authority to the Chief Officer - Finance following consultation with the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services, to undertake a tender process for the procurement and thereafter award of a contract for the provision of banking services for the duration of up to five years;

(f)           delegate authority to the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services to conclude a contract with the successful bidder; and

(g)          approve the total estimated expenditure of £75,000 per annum as detailed in the report.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 October 2017, the Council had before it a report by the Interim Chief Officer - People and Organisation which provided an update on progress with a number of actions in relation to equality figures.

The report recommended:-

that the Council note the progress with the identified actions from the Council meeting of 11 October 2017.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Council had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to approach the Scottish Government to confirm the suspension of the Aberdeen City Council Drinking in Public Places Byelaw 2009 for BP Big Screens, Verdi’s “La Boheme” on 26 June 2018 in the Duthie Park.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to carry out the necessary advertising of the proposed suspension; and

(b)          instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to request confirmation from the Scottish Government that the Aberdeen City Council Drinking in Public Places Byelaw 2009 be suspended within the boundaries of the Duthie Park on Tuesday 26 June 2018 from 1700 to 2300 hours.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Council had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which highlighted the Final Straw campaign, which aimed to achieve the banning of plastic drinking straws in Scotland.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          instruct the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services to undertake an audit across services and across the Council’s Arm’s Length External Organisations (ALEOs) in so far as the Council’s contractual and governance relationships with its ALEOs allows it to do so, to identify all outlets where plastic drinking straws are made available for consuming drinks;

(b)          instruct the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services to work with Scotland Excel and the supply chain to source products which either require no drinking straw or with bio-degradable drinking straws where they are necessary;

(c)          instruct the Head of Land and Property Assets, following consultation with the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services, to remove plastic drinking straws from points of sale and from drinks provided as part of school meals, where this is easily immediately achievable; and

(d)          agree to receive a report back on progress in two committee cycles recommending whether or not the Council can at that stage commit to backing the Final Straw campaign.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve the recommendations subject to the audit in recommendation (a) also looking at other single use plastic disposable items such as cups; and

(ii)          to note that concerns about a complete ban on plastic straws have been expressed by disability advocacy groups, including One in Five, because some disabled people require a fully flexible drinking straw and many easily available non-plastic alternatives are not suitable, and therefore instruct the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services to consult with the Disability Equity Partnership and relevant officers from the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to ensure that no disabled person is disadvantaged by any proposals brought forward to implement the recommendations.

The Council had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for international travel related to trade opportunities and the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP).

The report recommended:-

that the Council approve the travel and associated costs of attending the trade and WECP events as set out in section 3 of the report, subject to the Council’s budget setting process for 2018/19.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

“That Council -

1.    Agrees that Aberdeen City Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens by having access to clean air in our city.

2.    Notes Glasgow City Council’s proactive approach through the implementation of a trial period of the ‘City Tree’ to help with the reduction of vehicle emissions. This self-contained unit works to the equivalent of around 275 trees and removes 240t of carbon per year. Glasgow City Council have already seen a noticeable difference in the air quality surrounding these units and have been largely welcomed by the city’s residents. The City Tree is free standing and approximately 4m (h) x 3m (l) with bench seating on either side for residents to use. The installation is largely a self-maintaining system powered via solar panels on the top of the installation. Special moss cultures filter pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, this makes them ideal air purifiers.

3.    Instructs the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) to bring forward a business case to a future meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee (or equivalent), based on the viability of locating City Tree(s), or other solutions, in key locations in the city where immediate improvements in air quality are deemed necessary.”

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor McRae:-

“That Council -

1.    Agrees that Aberdeen City Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens by having access to clean air in our city.

2.    Notes Glasgow City Council’s proactive approach through the implementation of a trial period of the ‘City Tree’ to help with the reduction of vehicle emissions. This self-contained unit works to the equivalent of around 275 trees and removes 240t of carbon per year. Glasgow City Council have already seen a noticeable difference in the air quality surrounding these units and have been largely welcomed by the city’s residents. The City Tree is free standing and approximately 4m (h) x 3m (l) with bench seating on either side for residents to use. The installation is largely a self-maintaining system powered via solar panels on the top of the installation. Special moss cultures filter pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, this makes them ideal air purifiers.

3.    Instructs the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) to bring forward a business case to a future meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee (or equivalent), based on the viability of locating City Tree(s), or other solutions, in key locations in the city where immediate improvements in air quality are deemed necessary.”

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve the notice of motion; and

(ii)          to instruct the Director of Resources to investigate the opportunity to create a “living wall” on the St Nicholas Centre elevation of Flourmill Lane, working with relevant partners to identify costs to create, deliver and maintain a living wall, funding streams available, consents from building owners, the health and other benefits of a living wall and to report back to the appropriate committee.

“That Council -

1.    Acknowledges the difficulties faced by residents who cannot get out of their driveways as a result of people parking in such a manner as to block their exit.

2.    Acknowledges Police Scotland are the appropriate enforcement authority in respect of enforcement.

3.    Recognises Police Scotland are not always in a position to attend such offences as a result of resourcing and prioritisation of calls.

4.    Recognises that City Wardens may be better placed to assist in such circumstances if they had the power to do so.

5.    Instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Transport Minister requesting that the offence of obstruction of a dropped kerb which provides private access to a driveway be decriminalised and future enforcement be the responsibility of Council officers in line with Decriminalised Parking Enforcement.”

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Delaney:-

“That Council -

1.    Acknowledges the difficulties faced by residents who cannot get out of their driveways as a result of people parking in such a manner as to block their exit.

2.    Acknowledges Police Scotland are the appropriate enforcement authority in respect of enforcement.

3.    Recognises Police Scotland are not always in a position to attend such offences as a result of resourcing and prioritisation of calls.

4.    Recognises that City Wardens may be better placed to assist in such circumstances if they had the power to do so.

5.    Instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Transport Minister requesting that the offence of obstruction of a dropped kerb which provides private access to a driveway be decriminalised and future enforcement be the responsibility of Council officers in line with Decriminalised Parking Enforcement.”

Councillor Delaney moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

            That the Council approve the notice of motion.

Councillor Lumsden moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Graham:-

            That the Council take no action in respect of the notice of motion.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (3)  -  Councillors Delaney, Greig and Yuill.

For the amendment  (41)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Allard, Alphonse, Bell, Boulton, Cameron, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Jackie Dunbar, Duncan, Flynn, Graham, Grant, Henrickson, Houghton, Hunt, Hutchison, Imrie, John, Laing, Lumsden, Macdonald, MacGregor, Avril MacKenzie, Catriona MacKenzie, McLellan, McRae, Malik, Mason MSP, Nicoll, Noble, Reynolds, Samarai, Sellar, Jennifer Stewart, Sandy Stuart, Townson and Wheeler.

Absent from the division  (1)  -  Councillor Lesley Dunbar.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

“That Council instructs the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) to look into extending the requirement to make affordable housing contributions to dedicated student accommodation and to report back to the relevant committee.”

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Flynn:-

“That Council instructs the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) to look into extending the requirement to make affordable housing contributions to dedicated student accommodation and to report back to the relevant committee.”

The Council resolved:-

to note the issue raised in the notice of motion and agree that this be considered within the Main Issues Report of the next Local Development Plan which will be prepared within the next twelve months.

“That Council -

(1)  Notes the hard work and endeavours of Cove residents to develop and promote and continue to deliver the Cove Woodland Walk for the benefit of the community and their commitment to improving community facilities still further with the creation of the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO.

(2)  Congratulates the membership of the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO, on their ongoing work and commitment to secure funding to facilitate the purchase of approximately 16 acres of additional land in the area of the Cove Woodland Walk that would allow for the development of the area into a County Park for the benefit of the community.

(3)  Notes that the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO at present has insufficient funding available to complete the purchase of land necessary to expand the existing Cove Woodland Walk.

(4)  Instructs the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) to work with members of the Cove Woodland Walk SCIO to ascertain what funding streams may be available to support the charity in securing the necessary funding:-

(a)       to purchase the necessary land to bring it within the trust’s ownership and control; and

(b)       that would allow for development of the land into a community controlled Country Park.”

With reference to Article 12 of the minute of its meeting of 11 December 2017, when the meeting concluded after four hours in accordance with Standing Order 37.2 with all remaining business to be considered at a later date, the Council had before it the following joint notice of motion by Councillors Flynn and Nicoll:-

“That Council -

(1)      notes the hard work and endeavours of Cove residents to develop and promote and continue to deliver the Cove Woodland Walk for the benefit of the community and their commitment to improving community facilities still further with the creation of the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO.

(2)      congratulates the membership of the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO, on their ongoing work and commitment to secure funding to facilitate the purchase of approximately 16 acres of additional land in the area of the Cove Woodland Walk that would allow for the development of the area into a County Park for the benefit of the community.

(3)      notes that the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO at present has insufficient funding available to complete the purchase of land necessary to expand the existing Cove Woodland Walk.

(4)      instructs the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) to work with members of the Cove Woodland Walk SCIO to ascertain what funding streams may be available to support the charity in securing the necessary funding:-

(a)      to purchase the necessary land to bring it within the trust’s ownership and control; and

(b)      that would allow for development of the land into a community controlled Country Park.”

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve parts (1) and (2) of the notice of motion;

(ii)          to note that the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO at present has insufficient funding available to expand the existing Cove Woodland Walk;

(iii)         to instruct officers to work with members of the Cove Woodland Walk SCIO to ascertain what funding streams may be available to support the charity in securing the necessary funding:-

(a)      to upgrade and improve the current Core Path Number 78 to allow improved access to and along the existing Cove Woodland Walk; and

(b)      that would allow for development of the land being purchased by the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO into a community controlled Country Park; and

(iv)         to commend Crowdfund Aberdeen for contributing £2,000 towards the funding raised by the Cove Woodland Trust SCIO.

“That this Council:

1.         Thanks all staff involved in carrying out winter maintenance (gritting and snow clearing) during the recent cold weather;

2.         Recognises that many people expressed concern at the slippery condition of many pavements for lengthy periods during the recent cold weather;

3.         Expresses concern that over 400 requests from residents and community groups for one tonne bags of salt remained unfulfilled at the end of January and that people are now being told they will not receive these bags of salt until winter 2018/19;

4.         Notes that officers will be reporting to the appropriate committee on 2017/18 Winter Maintenance Operations;

5.         Instructs officers to report by October 2018 on how winter maintenance operations could be improved by:

a.         Considering whether additional pavement ploughs / grit spreaders are required and advising on the financial and staffing implications of that.

b.         How an appropriate network of grit bins could be provided across Aberdeen.

c.         A review of the mechanism for providing one tonne bags of salt to individuals and community groups to ensure these are provided timeously.

d.         Considering how best to provide residents and community groups with bulk bags of salt smaller than one tonne in size.

e.         Considering how appropriate snow clearing equipment could be provided to community and residents’ groups who wish to make use of such equipment.”

The Council had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Yuill:-

“That this Council:

1.     Thanks all staff involved in carrying out winter maintenance (gritting and snow clearing) during the recent cold weather;

2.     Recognises that many people expressed concern at the slippery condition of many pavements for lengthy periods during the recent cold weather;

3.     Expresses concern that over 400 requests from residents and community groups for one tonne bags of salt remained unfulfilled at the end of January and that people are now being told they will not receive these bags of salt until winter 2018/19;

4.     Notes that officers will be reporting to the appropriate committee on 2017/18 Winter Maintenance Operations;

5.     Instructs officers to report by October 2018 on how winter maintenance operations could be improved by:

a.      Considering whether additional pavement ploughs / grit spreaders are required and advising on the financial and staffing implications of that.

b.      How an appropriate network of grit bins could be provided across Aberdeen.

c.      A review of the mechanism for providing one tonne bags of salt to individuals and community groups to ensure these are provided timeously.

d.      Considering how best to provide residents and community groups with bulk bags of salt smaller than one tonne in size.

e.      Considering how appropriate snow clearing equipment could be provided to community and residents’ groups who wish to make use of such equipment.”

Councillor Yuill moved, seconded by Councillor Delaney:-

            That the Council approve the notice of motion.

Councillor Grant moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Houghton:-

            That the Council:-

(1)      approve parts 1 to 4 of the notice of motion; and

(2)      refer part 5 to the budget process.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (22)  -  Councillors Allard, Alphonse, Cameron, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Delaney, Jackie Dunbar, Flynn, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, Catriona MacKenzie, McLellan, McRae, Nicoll, Noble, Samarai, Sandy Stuart, Townson and Yuill.

For the amendment  (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Bell, Boulton, Lesley Dunbar, Duncan, Graham, Grant, Houghton, Hunt, Imrie, John, Laing, Lumsden, Macdonald, Avril MacKenzie, Malik, Mason MSP, Reynolds, Sellar, Jennifer Stewart and Wheeler.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

"That this council congratulates Mr Eddie Stevenson on raising over £10,000 with his final Christmas lights display, and notes that after 35 years of providing Christmas lights display in aid of charity, Mr Stevenson has raised over £137,000 in total. Council further notes that not only has this money been donated to local charities which support children but the displays themselves have brought joy to many local children and families over the years. That the council thanks Mr Stevenson for his hard work and dedication to charity and wishes him all the best for the future."

The Council had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor John:-

"That this Council congratulates Mr Eddie Stevenson on raising over £10,000 with his final Christmas lights display, and notes that after 35 years of providing Christmas lights displays in aid of charity, Mr Stevenson has raised over £137,000 in total. Council further notes that not only has this money been donated to local charities which support children but the displays themselves have brought joy to many local children and families over the years. That the Council thanks Mr Stevenson for his hard work and dedication to charity and wishes him all the best for the future."

The Council resolved:-

to approve the notice of motion.

In accordance with the decision recorded under Article 4 of this minute, the following item was considered with the press and public excluded.

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Officer - Governance which presented the recommendations and minute of the Social Work Complaints Review Committee meeting of 29 January 2018.

The report recommended:-

that the Council approve the recommendations and note the minute of the Social Work Complaints Review Committee meeting of 29 January 2018.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

- BARNEY CROCKETT, Lord Provost.