Agenda and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found at:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=140&MId=2522&Ver=4

The Head of Service for Planning and Sustainable Development provided details in relation to two Scottish awards received by the service, namely the Trinity Group for Service Quality and a commendation for the Local Development Plan for Quality in Development Planning.

The Convener congratulated Jane Forbes, Planner for being nominated by the RTPI APC (Royal Town Planning Institute – Assessment of Professional Competence) Assessors as one of the top ten candidates for 2012.

Prior to considering the matters before the Committee, the Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the press and public from the meeting for article 38 so as to avoid disclosure of exempt information of the Class described in paragraphs 6, 9 and 10 of Schedule 7(A) to the Act.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 31 May, 2012.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute.

With reference to article 15 of the minute of its meeting of 31 January, 2012, the Committee had before it a further report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure (a) regarding the motion submitted by former Councillor Farquharson which had requested that officers explore the possibility of changing the whole structure of traffic speed controls within the City of Aberdeen; and (b) providing information on (1) the blanket city wide 20mph for residential uses implemented by Portsmouth Council; (2) traffic controls implemented by other comparable cities; and (3) the prosecution rates for motorists exceeding the existing 20mph speed limit in the city.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the report and that officers have undertaken the review of speed limits in line with Scottish Government guidance;

(b)       approve the outcomes of the speed limit review as detailed in the report:-

(i)         A93 from Bieldside to Milltimber possible reduction of speed limit from 40mph to 30mph;

(ii)        B997 from The Parkway to just north of Dubford Road, reduction in speed limit from 40mph to 30mph;

(c)        instruct the appropriate officers to commence the necessary legal procedures of preliminary statutory consultation for the traffic regulation orders required as described in the report. If no significant objections are received, then progress with the public advertisement and report the results to a future meeting of this Committee; and

(d)       agree that given the findings of the review no further action is required in regard to the Notice of Motion by former Councillor Farquharson.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve recommendations (a), (b) and (c);

(ii)        to report back on the feasibility and costs for converting existing 20’s Plenty Zone speed limits to mandatory 20mph speed limits; and

(iii)       to report back on reducing the speed limit on (1) the A944 city boundary at Westhill to Hazlehead from 50mph to 40mph, including the possible introduction of fixed speed cameras for enforcement and all costings associated with the proposal, consulting with Aberdeenshire Council in the production of this report; and (2) Skene Road from 50mph to 40mph as a result of the West Huxterstone, Kingswells development, including all associated costings.

“Council agrees to develop a youth employment strategy for Aberdeen in consultation with relevant public and private organisations.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Townson which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 13 June, 2012:-

“Council agrees to develop a youth employment strategy for Aberdeen in consultation with relevant public and private organisations”

The Committee resolved:-

that officers be instructed to submit a report to the Committee on this matter.

“To instruct the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure to support the request by the International School of Aberdeen and install a safe pedestrian crossing similar to other crossings on North Deeside Road at the entrance of the School.  At present there is no safe crossing and pupils and community members must negotiate a very busy road.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Malone which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 13 June, 2012:-

“To instruct the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure to support the request by the International School of Aberdeen and install a safe pedestrian crossing similar to other crossings on North Deeside Road at the entrance of the school.  At present there is no safe crossing and pupils and community members must negotiate a very busy road”

The Committee resolved:-

to defer consideration of this item until the next meeting of the Committee in terms of Standing Order 21(4).

"Council instructs officers to report on the feasibility and implications of removing/ending on street Sunday parking charges"

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Jennifer Stewart which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 22 August, 2012:-

“Council instructs officers to report on the feasibility and implications of removing/ending on street Sunday parking charges”

Councillor Jennifer Stewart was in attendance and formally moved her motion and explained the rationale behind her request.

The Committee resolved:-

that officers be instructed to submit a report to the Committee on this matter.

“That this Council agree to instruct officers to report to the appropriate committee on the feasibility of providing local communities with the materials and equipment necessary to undertake snow clearing and gritting and that this report should seek to include information about such schemes operating elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Yuill which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 22 August, 2012:-

“That this Council agree to instruct officers to report to the appropriate Committee on the feasibility of providing local communities with the materials and equipment necessary to undertake snow clearing and gritting and that this report should seek to include information about such schemes operating elsewhere in Scotland and the UK.”

The Committee resolved:-

that officers be instructed to submit a report to the Committee on this matter.

“That this Council agrees to write to the Scottish Government and Aberdeen’s MSPs calling for a change in the regulatory regime for bus operators providing scheduled public services to introduce a ‘public service obligation’ which would require any bus operator providing more than 50% of the bus services in a particular local authority area to provide a basic level of bus service (including in evenings and at weekends) to communities across that local authority area.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following joint motion by Councillors Yuill, Delaney and Malone which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 22 August, 2012:-

“That this Council agrees to write to the Scottish Government and Aberdeen’s MSP’s calling for a change in the regulatory regime for bus operators providing scheduled public services to introduce a ‘public service obligation’ which would require any bus operator providing more than 50% of the bus services in a particular local authority area to provide a basic level of bus service (including in evenings and at weekends) to communities across that local authority area.”

The Committee resolved:-

that officers be instructed to submit a report to the Committee on this matter.

“That this Council:

1.            Expresses concern at the impact the withdrawal of evening bus services to Airyhall will have on residents of that community, including increased social isolation for some.

2.            Instructs officers to report to the relevant committee on the feasibility and likely cost of introducing a City Council supported evening bus service to Airyhall and to further report on options for funding such a supported service.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Yuill which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 22 August, 2012:-

“That this Council (1) expresses concern at the impact the withdrawal of evening bus services to Airyhall will have on residents of that community, including increased social isolation for some; and (2) instructs officers to report to the relevant Committee on the feasibility and likely cost of introducing a City Council supported evening bus service to Airyhall and to further report on options for funding such a supported service”

The Committee resolved:-

that officers be instructed to submit a report to the Committee on this matter.

“That this Council produces a report on identifying funding sources for the bus services which are scheduled for withdrawal from Seafield and Craigiebuckler.”

In terms of Standing Order 21, the Committee had before it the following motion by Councillor Greig which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 22 August, 2012:-

“That the Council produces a report on identifying funding sources for the bus services which are scheduled for withdrawal from Seafield and Craigiebuckler”

The Committee resolved:-

that officers be instructed to submit a report to the Committee on this matter.

“That this Council:-

1.         Deplores First Aberdeen’s decision to terminate the Park & Ride service from Kingswells at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

2.         Instructs officers to seek a meeting with First Aberdeen to emphasise the need for effective Park & Ride services in order to reduce congestion caused by commuter traffic and their role in achieving this.

3.         Instructs the Chief Executive to seek a meeting with the Transport Minister and Group Leaders to discuss recent reductions in bus frequencies across the city and First Aberdeen’s failure to deliver on local and national transportation policies in Aberdeen.”

In terms of Standing Order 12(1), the Committee had before it a Notice of Motion by Councillor Delaney which had been referred from Council at its meeting on 22 August, 2012.

Councillor Delaney, seconded by Councillor Yuill formally moved his motion in the following terms:-

That this Council (1) deplores First Aberdeen’s decision to terminate the Park and Ride service from Kingswells at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; (2) instructs officers to seek a meeting with First Aberdeen to emphasise the need for effective Park and Ride services in order to reduce congestion caused by commuter traffic and their role in achieving this; and (3) instructs the Chief Executive to seek a meeting with the Transport Minister and Group Leaders to discuss recent reductions in bus frequencies across the city and First Aberdeen’s failure to deliver on local and national transportation policies in Aberdeen.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved as an amendment:-

That this Council (1) regrets First Aberdeen’s decision to terminate the Park & Ride service from Kingswells at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; (2) instructs officers to seek a meeting with First Aberdeen to emphasise the need for effective Park & Ride services in order to reduce congestion caused by commuter traffic and their role in achieving this; and (3) instructs the Chief Executive to seek a meeting with the Transport Minister and Group Leaders to discuss recent reductions in bus frequencies across the city.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (2) – Councillors Delaney and Yuill; for the amendment (13) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Finlayson, Grant, Jaffrey, MacGregor, Jean Morrison MBE and Thomson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment outlined above.

The Committee had before it a joint report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure and the Head of Finance, which highlighted the current year revenue budget performance to date along with forecast outturns for the services which related to the Committee and advised on any areas of risk and management action.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note this report on the performance to date and the forecast outturn and the information on risks and management action that is contained therein;

(b)       approve the virement proposals detailed within Appendix A;

(c)        instruct that officers continue to review budget performance and report on Service strategies as required to ensure a balanced budget; and

(d)       instructs officers to report, in due course, on the actual outturn compared to budget following completion of the 2012/13 financial statements.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        that officers report back to the Committee on the feasibility of utilising the underspend within the budget for road, pavement and street lighting repairs.

The Committee had before it a joint report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure and the Head of Finance, which provided an update on the capital spend to date for the Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure projects included within the Non-Housing Capital Programme.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the current position.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

With reference to article 20 of the minute of its previous meeting of 31 May, 2012, the Committee had before it for consideration a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval of applications for financial assistance from the International Twinning Budget 2012/13.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee approve the following applications –

(a)       £2,500 towards the participation of four delegates from Aberdeen to go to Regensburg as part of their Photo Symposium 2012, 27-30 September 2012;

(b)       £2,200 maximum contribution towards the visit of four delegates from Clermont-Ferrand to Aberdeen with the purpose of extending and building on business, economic, educational and sport links, 22-25 October 2012;

(c)        £1,925 maximum towards the visit of a group of Head Teachers and the Head of Education at Aberdeen City to Stavanger Education Department to initiate discussion on twinning projects between the two cities, 26^-27 September 2012;

(d)       £630 grant towards the visit of the International Partnerships Officer to Gomel to represent Aberdeen City Council, accompany 21^st Aberdeen Scouts and to attend meetings at Gomel City Council, 8-15 October 2012;

(e)       £1,500 towards the participation of Aberdeen Kilt Kickers in the Stavanger annual meeting of social dancers, 28-30 September 2012;

(f)         £5,200 towards the participation of the junior group of the HipHop School in Aberdeen, accompanied by the International Partnerships Officer, in the ‘Trans’Urbaines’ Festival in Clermont-Ferrand, 5-9 November 2012;

(g)       £400 maximum contribution towards the visit of the International Partnerships Officer to Stavanger Council, October 2012; and

(h)        £2,055 towards the visit of young people from the YMCA group in Aberdeen to Regensburg, 18 to 22 October 2012.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it for consideration a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval of the 2013-2014 City Events programme and associated budgets which were outlined in appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of this report;

(b)       approve the proposed City Events programme for 2013-2014;

(c)        approve the proposed budget to deliver the programme for 2013-2014;

(d)       refer the report to the Finance and Resources Committee to consider the request for monies from the Common Good Fund.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations;

(ii)        that officers report back to the Committee in early 2013 providing information in relation to the Festive Communities Grant, specifically identifying the benefits of the grant, outlining previous and present uptake figures and geographical spread, and advising what the grant monies had been spent on previously; and

(iii)       that officers review the arrangements for the Santa Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-on event, specifically with an option that they be held jointly, and report back to the Committee in early 2013 in this regard.

With reference to article 17 of the minute of meeting of 18 January 2011, the Committee had before it for consideration a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to the status of the Community Digital Media Channel.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee support the decision to withdraw from taking a leading role in developing a Community Media Channel at this time and instead to support the efforts of Station House Media Unit to progress future work in this development area.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Convener advised that this report had been withdrawn from consideration until the next meeting of the Committee.

With reference to article 31 of the minute of meeting of 18 January 2011, the Committee had before it for consideration a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided a current update on the Retail Rocks Project in Torry and offered suggestions for future linked activities.  The report also presented an overview of vacant retail units across the city and explored the potential of replicating Retail Rocks in other city neighbourhoods.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

a)         accept this update as an accurate overview of the pilot project to date;

b)         note that no grant funding currently exists to replicate the Retail Rocks Project on the same basis as the existing project;

c)         note that initial investigations have not identified any obvious areas of the City where a subsequent Retail Rocks type project could be successful; and

d)         allocate a budget of £5,000 from within the existing Employability, Skills and Community Enterprise Budget to support the further research that would be required to determine whether other funding mechanisms can be developed, and other suitable areas of the city can be identified, to replace or realise a similar Retail Rocks type initiative within the city.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the recommendations as contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Corall, seconded by Councillor Cameron moved as an amendment:-

that recommendations (a) and (b) be approved; and that officers be instructed to investigate and report on the possibility of extending Retail Rocks into the George Street area, including the financial implications in anticipation of the submission of a bid to the 13/14 budget process; and to allocate a budget of £5,000 from within the existing Employability, Skills and Community Enterprise Budget to support this research.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (8) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Finlayson, Grant, Jean Morrison and Thomson; for the amendment (7) – Councillors Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Delaney, Jaffrey, MacGregor and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it for consideration a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to the management of events within Council owned parks and open spaces.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the current arrangements in place within City Events to manage Aberdeen’s Parks and Open Spaces;

(b)       approve the current pricing structure in place and acknowledge the agreed working relationship between City Events and Environmental Services that ensures that Aberdeen’s Parks and Open Spaces are maintained to the highest standard for ongoing event use;

(c)        agree that the Castlegate is the only recognised location within Aberdeen that can be used for political party and pressure group events; and

(d)       note the ever increasing disruption to Aberdeen’s programme of events due to unauthorised Traveller encampments.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve recommendations (a) and (b) of the report as outlined above;

(ii)        to amend and approve recommendation (c) as follows “to agree that the Castlegate is the historic location within Aberdeen that can be used for political party and similar events”;

(iii)       to request the Housing and Environment Committee to review and update the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Management Rules;

(iv)       to note the ever increasing disruption to Aberdeen’s programme of events due to unauthorised Traveller encampments and instructs officers to discuss with Grampian Police how a more robust approach could be adopted to dealing with such unauthorised encampments; and

(v)        to request that officers report back to the appropriate Committee on how future events of the type described are to be managed in Park and Ride sites.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The Convener and Councillor Corall declared a non-pecuniary interest in the subject matter of the following article by virtue of them both being Board Members of Visit Aberdeen.  They did not feel it necessary to withdraw from the meeting during consideration thereof.

With reference to article 24 of the minute of meeting of 13 September 2011, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided information in relation to the establishment of Visit Aberdeen.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the current position with regard to the establishment of Visit Aberdeen and the production of their business plan; and

(b)       request officers to submit a paper to the next meeting of the Committee, confirming the support needed from the Council to enable Visit Aberdeen to undertake the activities, and deliver the outputs, set out in their business plan.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided details of the current position with Aberdeen’s Hogmanay 2012 celebrations and sought approval for recommendations aimed at providing the city with a new Hogmanay event in 2013.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       recognise the city’s desire to include a Hogmanay event in its Festivals and Events programme in support of Aberdeen’s bid for UK City of Culture;

(b)       agree that due to a lack of financial support and time available to organise an appropriate event there will be no Hogmanay celebration in 2012;

(c)        support the development of a new family event at Hogmanay in Aberdeen in 2013; and

(d)       note that officers will submit a report to Council before the end of February 2013, assessing the potential for a 2013 event and requesting approval of an appropriate budget to deliver a safe, inclusive and enjoyable family event in 2013.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve recommendations (a), (c) and (d) of the report as outlined above;

(ii)        instruct officers to identify funding streams, including external sponsorship, to support a Hogmanay event in 2012 and to report to the next meeting of the Council in this regard; and

(iii)       to thank the previous sponsor for their support of the 2011 Hogmanay Celebrations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to the Smart Cities concept and outlined the benefits of becoming a Smarter City.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       agree to develop a citywide Smarter Aberdeen Strategy and implementation plan which has sustainable development at its core, in line with the administrations vision Aberdeen – the Smarter City; and

(b)       instruct officers to report back to the Committee in August 2013 with the strategy and implementation plan for approval.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to the West Huxterstone, Kingswells Masterplan, prepared as a guide for the future development of land identified as Opportunity Site OP42 in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       adopt the West Huxterstone, Kingswells Masterplan as interim planning advice; and

(b)       agree for officers to implement the process to ratify the Masterplan as Supplementary Guidance by the Scottish Government.  This will include public consultation with results incorporated in the submission.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to delay consideration of the report until the next meeting of the Committee, during which time officers to consult with Kingswells Community Council on the Masterplan; and

(ii)        that officers be instructed to report back to the next meeting of the Committee on the masterplanning process and to also receive a presentation in this regard.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to various small scale traffic management measures identified by officers, residents, local members, emergency services, etc and verified as necessary through surveys by officers.  The report also outlined proposals associated with new developments as part of the development management process.  Finally, the report included proposals for individual parking spaces for Blue Badge holders which now require to be progressed through the normal legal process for the required Traffic Regulation Order.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the proposals in principle;

(b)       instruct the appropriate officers to commence the necessary legal procedures of preliminary statutory consultation for the traffic regulation orders required as described in the report.  If no significant objections were received, then progress with the public advertisement and report the results to a future meeting of this Committee; and

(c)        instruct the appropriate officers to commence the combined statutory consultation for the traffic regulation order for the list of Blue Badge parking spaces and report back to a future meeting of this Committee.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations contained within the report with the exception of the proposals outlined for Cranford Road, in respect of which officers would consult with the local councillors and report back if necessary; and

(ii)        in terms of the proposal for Foresterhill Road, to note in relation to Councillor Cormie’s request that the speed limit extension be monitored, that as part of the statutory consultation process officers would receive feedback from partners including Grampian Police and NHS Grampian, and would report back to the Committee following the consultation period.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Corporate Governance which advised of the outcome of the final statutory stage of the following two traffic orders and presented objections which had been received where relevant in each case:-

(i)         The Aberdeen City Council (A96/Old Meldrum Road/Mugiemoss Road, Aberdeen) (Shared Pedestrian/Cycle Path) (Amendment) Order 2012; and

(ii)        The Aberdeen City Council (Dubford/Greenbrae Area) (Various Footways) (Redetermination of Means of Exercise of Public Right of Passage) Order 2012.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       in relation to The Aberdeen City Council (A96/Old Meldrum Road/Mugiemoss Road, Aberdeen) (Shared Pedestrian/Cycle Path) (Amendment) Order 2012 to either:-

(1)       approve the referral of the shared pedestrian/cycle path proposed order to the Scottish Ministers for determination; or

(2)       accept that the objection is valid and instruct that the proposals be abandoned; and

(b)       approve The Aberdeen City Council (Dubford/Greenbrae Area) (Various Footways) (Redetermination of Means of Exercise of Public Right of Passage) Order 2012, and agree that this order be made as originally envisaged.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve recommendations (a)(1) and (b) of the report as outlined above; and

(ii)        that officers be instructed to report back in two years time on how these Traffic Orders have progressed.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which (1) provided information relating to Councillor Boulton’s earlier motion regarding the implementation of a 40mph speed limit on the currently derestricted section of the C128C road between its junction with the A944 at Kingswells Roundabout and the existing 40mph restriction to the north of Cults; and (2) outlined the effect that the installation of the Vehicle Activated Signs and the retexturing of the carriageway have made on vehicle speeds, accident numbers and severity on the C128C.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of this report and the results of the follow up surveys/analysis that have been carried out since the road safety measures were installed last year; and

(b)       agree that no further action should be taken with regard to the implementation of a lower speed limit.

Councillor Cameron, seconded by Councillor Corall moved:-

that the recommendations contained within the report be approved.

Councillor Boulton, seconded by Councillor Yuill moved as an amendment:-

to instruct officers to commence a statutory consultation process to reduce the speed limit on the road to 40mph; and to refer the estimated costs (£5,000) for implementation to the Finance and Resources Committee for consideration.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – Councillors Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Jaffrey and MacGregor; for the amendment (10) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Delaney, Finlayson, Grant, Jean Morrison, Thomson and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided details of the proposed Winter Services Plan and explained significant changes.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       agree the Roads Winter Service Plan for 2012-2013.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to thank City Wardens for their efforts and assistance to residents during previous winter periods.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval to extend pay by phone parking so that it is available in all pay and display areas.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve extension of pay by phone parking so that it is available in all pay and display parking areas; and

(b)       to instruct officers to undertake the necessary legal procedures, in accordance with the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedures) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 to make and promote the traffic regulation order required.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to instruct officers to report back on the feasibility of paying parking charges by credit/debit cards at parking machines.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided details of the first version of an Asset Management Plan for Roads Assets of the Council prepared as part of a family of Asset Management Plans covering the corporate assets of the Council.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the Road Asset Management Plan;

(b)       agree to its continuing development as the basis for the stewardship of the Roads assets;

(c)        approve the continuing participation in a nationwide project to continue the development and implementation of such plans; and

(d)       note the financial implications of the Plan.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which sought approval of governance arrangements for the North East Local Plan District (NELPD).

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       agree the governance arrangements for the NELPD; and

(b)       appoint a member to the NELPD.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations: and

(ii)        to appoint Councillor Alan Finlayson as the member to the NELPD.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which outlined the results of the parking surveys and informal consultation by letter drop carried out on the streets within and surrounding the proposed Controlled Parking Zone within the North Dee area and of the initial design work which was undertaken.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the results of the informal consultation and parking survey exercises;

(b)       instruct officers to progress the preliminary design of the traffic management proposals and Controlled Parking Zone;

(c)        instruct officers to establish cost estimates for the traffic management proposals and Controlled Parking Zone and develop a business case for the Controlled Parking Zone; and

(d)       instruct the appropriate officers to report back on the findings of the above to a future Committee meeting.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which advised on the development of a formal policy for dealing with misuse of all parking permits within the city, such as residents permits, business permits, contractors permits and Blue Badges.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note that monitoring levels of misuse of residents permits and Blue Badge has commenced and will actively continue to the end of September to gather statistical date on the potential levels of abuse; and

(b)       instructs officers to report back to the Committee in November on the levels of misuse and with draft policies, procedures, actions and any financial implications arising from resources to address the misuse of parking permits and Blue Badges.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which provided information in relation to the levels of monthly parking permits being purchased within the off-street car parks.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee instruct officers to introduce a limit on the number of spaces available to permit holders (average 48% of full car park capacity) within the larger off-street car parks, to introduce off-street parking permits designated to a specific off-street car park and to monitor the operational performance of the car parks.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure which outlined the progress to date of various strategic and local transportation projects within Aberdeen City and the wider area which flow from the development of the Regional Transport Strategy produced by Nestrans, and the Council’s own Local Transport Strategy.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the content of this report;

(b)       endorse development through Nestrans as outlined in section 5 of the report, including Board decisions and progress on the 2012/13 programme of works; and

(c)        agree a response to Nestrans on the draft Regional Transport Strategy Main Issues Report.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a statement of pending and outstanding Committee Business, which had been prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to delete item 5 (Community Digital Media Channel), item 7 (VisitScotland Funding 2011/12 and Proposed Aberdeen Destination Marketing Organisation), item 9 (North Dee – Development Update) and item 12 (Speed Reduction at Countesswells) from the statement; and

(ii)        to otherwise note the updates contained within the list.

The Committee had before it a statement of outstanding motions under the Committee’s remitwhich had been prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the updates contained within the list.

In accordance with the decision recorded under article 2 of this minute, the following item of business was considered with the press and public excluded.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure relating to the status of the Bus Shelter Advertising Contract for Aberdeen City.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       instruct officers to enter negotiations with Clear Channel with the aim of agreeing a reduced term for the Bus Shelter Advertising Contract;

(b)       instruct officers to negotiate appropriate terms for a formalised extension to the minute of variation in respect of the Variation in order for the Contract and Variation to expire at the same time;

(c)        invoke Standing Order 1(6) (a) of the Standing Orders relating to Contracts and Procurements in order to exempt this contract negotiation from Part A of the Standing Orders; and

(d)       instruct officers to report back on the outcome of the above negotiations and with a plan for retendering the Contract and Variation.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to instruct officers to undertake a systematic review of all commercial contracts relating to Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure to ascertain and record termination arrangements and take appropriate action to safeguard the Council’s position.

- COUNCILLOR CROCKETT, Convener.