Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=146&MId=4333&Ver=4

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Convener requested that items 8.8 (Towards a Fairer Aberdeen that Prospers for all 2017-20), 8.11 (Christmas Village Feedback Report 2016) and 8.21 (Kingswells Bus Service – Redacted Report) be considered earlier on the agenda today.

The Committee resolved:-

to concur with the request.

The Committee heard from the Convener who advised that (a) Aberdeen City Council had achieved the Carer Positive Engaged Employer status which was a Scottish Government funded initiative and its award was presented to employers in Scotland who have a working environment where carers are valued and supported; and (b) Aberdeen City Council had achieved the Investors in Young People Accreditation, the only people management standard that focused on an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people and demonstrated that Aberdeen City Council was an employer of choice for young people.

The Convener also presented the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation certificates to James Riley, Benefit Assessor, Julie Haddick, Benefit Assessor and Billy Moore, Team Leader.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided and to thank officers for their work.

The Convener proposed that the Committee consider items 9.1 (Procurement – Approval to Tender for Accord Card ICT Application), 9.2 (AECC Anaerobic Digestor Plant and Gas Upgrader Procurement Exercise), 9.3 (Procurement of Furniture Storage and Removals and Domestic Furniture and Furnishings), 9.4 (Procurement of Interpretation, Translation and Transcription Service), 9.5 (Procurement of Finance Specialist Advice and Suspension of Procurement Regulations 2016 in Relation to the Appointment of an Interim Finance Senior), 10.1 (Pension Fund Guarantee Request), 10.2 (Transition Extreme), 11.1 (Union Street Conservation Area Registration Scheme – Grant Application Appendices A and B), 11.2 (Aberdeen Science Centre – Bank Guarantee 2017-18), 11.3 (Lease Amendments, Bon-Accord and St Nicholas Centres), 11.4 (87-93 Union Street and 1-6 Market Street), 11.5 (Property Sales) and 11.6 (Kingswells Bus Services) with the press and public excluded.

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 from item 9.1 of the agenda (article 41 of this minute onwards) so as to avoid disclosure of information of the classes described in the following paragraphs of Schedule 7(A) to the Act:- article 41 and 43 (paragraph 8), articles 42, 50, 51 and 52 (paragraphs 6 and 9), article 44 (paragraphs 6, 8 and 9), article 45 (paragraph 12), article 46 (paragraph 4), articles 47 and 49 (paragraphs 4, 6, 8 and 9), article 48 (paragraph 4 and 8) and article 53 (paragraph 8 and 10).

With reference to article 7 of the minute of meeting of 7 June 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided feedback on the Christmas Village 2016 as set out in the Council’s Service Level Agreement 2016-2019 with Aberdeen Inspired.

Mr Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired was in attendance and answered questions from members of the Committee.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the feedback report on the Christmas Village; and

(b)       seek annual feedback reports in line with the Service Provision Agreement 2016 – 2019.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to note that the Christmas Village would relocate to Broad Street and the Castlegate from 2017 onwards.

In terms of Standing Order 10(2), the Committee received deputation requests from Mr Jim Henderson, Mr Ian Cox (Kingswells Community Council) and Ms Jaclyn Philip (Great Western Pre-School) in respect of item 8.21 (Kingswells Bus Services - Public Report) (Article 6 of this minute refers).

The Committee resolved:-

to receive all three deputations.

Please note that a confidential report relating to this item is included within the private section of this agenda.

The Committee had before it a redacted report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided information on the current position regarding bus services for the Kingswells area and which identified options for ensuring continued public transport provision in the area.  An exempt report was considered with the press and public excluded from the meeting (Article 53 of this minute refers).

As agreed at article 5 above, the Committee heard three deputations from Mr Jim Henderson, Mr Ian Cox (Kingswells Community Council) and Ms Jaclyn Philip (Great Western Pre-School) in the following terms:-

Mr Jim Henderson advised (a) that he was a local Kingswells resident for ten years and was one of five residents who raised a petition back in September 2016 when they heard about the threat to the bus service in Kingswells; (b) that it was not so many years ago that First Aberdeen was running up to four X40 and three number 11 service buses per hour around the village of Kingswells and there was no talk of commercial viability; (c) that based on timetables available at this time, it was anticipated that the number of bus visits likely to service Kingswells in future would only be 72, an apparent reduction of 50%; (d) that at present there was 58 services which run via Dobbies, Woodend Hospital and Foresterhill, this will now be reduced to 12, a reduction of 80%; (e) that under proposed timetables, staff at local businesses such as the Co-op, the Great Western Nursery as well as student teachers on placement at the primary school would have great difficulty in getting to work on time; (f) that visitors who travel by bus to Kingsmead Home, which is located in the centre of Kingswells, would need to walk from the Park and Ride or be very fortunate in catching a timely link at Foresterhill; and (g) that social travel by bus out with work hours would be all but impossible.

Mr Henderson outlined an assessment of proposed Stagecoach services including that the number 218 and the proposed 220 service would offer a lack of peak hour services which were essential to get residents to work and to educational establishments in town and in Kingswells.  Also the costs in service affect not only the quantity of buses but also the quality of buses, as Stagecoach were well known for providing a range of bus types, some of which were unsuitable for town commuting.

Mr Henderson also outlined a number of potential solutions including the persuasion of Stagecoach to provide a greater frequency of service round the Kingswells village; an amended and extended route to the number 23 operated by First Aberdeen and an extension to the current number 94 which is operated by Central Coaches but funded entirely by the Council.

It conclusion, Mr Henderson intimated that failure to provide a quality and reliable bus service would alienate residents in Kingswells, drive more cars onto the road at all times of day,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

With reference to article 17 of the minute of meeting of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which outlined the tackling poverty priorities and proposed actions as detailed in the ‘Towards a Fairer Aberdeen that Prospers for all 2017-20’.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       consider and agree the corporate tackling poverty priorities and actions contained within “Towards A Fairer Aberdeen That Prospers For All 2017-2020” (Appendix A of the report);

(b)       request officers to report back to a future Finance Policy and Resources Committee with a corporate framework linked to the Community Planning Partnerships Local Outcome Improvement Plan structure for overseeing the governance, performance and management for tackling poverty and inequalities;

(c)       request officers to have further discussion with Community Planning partners to identify further actions intended to address health inequalities and report back to Committee for the next cycle;

(d)       request officers to develop proposals and report back to Committee regarding how ongoing engagement with individuals and groups who are experiencing poverty would be progressed; and

(e)       note the proposal to pilot school holiday meal provision in 3 primary schools was subject to confirmation that funding was available in the 2017/18 budgets and to evaluate and report back to Committee within 9 months.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 1 December 2016 and the reconvened meeting of 7 December 2016.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve both minutes, subject to amending the wording at article 4 in the minute of 1 December 2016 to read “that in relation to item 22 (Site at King Street/Beach Esplanade), to instruct officers to take forward the full Council resolution on 16 December 2015 with the Founding Trustees of the Aberdeen Islamic Charitable Trust and to report back to Council on progress at the meeting on 21 June 2017”.

The Committee had before it a statement of pending and outstanding committee business as prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to remove item 4 (Sport Aberdeen – Contract Revision and Governance Arrangements), item 9 (Bon Accord and St Nicholas Shopping Centres), item 10 (Site at Beach Esplanade/King Street), item 12 (Small Financial Assistance Grants and Gala Funding 2016/17), item 17 (Opportunities for Tackling Poverty and Inequality/Tackling Food Poverty), item 18 (Aberdeen Japan Strategy), Item 19 (Review of Access to Leisure Scheme; item 22 (Environmental and Flood Prevention Works at Heathryfold Park, item 23 (Key Achievements of the Committee), item 24 (Memorandum of Understanding for Additional £254m Investment, item 26 (14-18 NOW Poppies Wave and Weeping Window 2018, item 27 (Thomas Blake Glover House), item 30 (87-93 Union Street and 1-6 Market Street), item 31 (Events Strategy Plan – Aberdeen 365 Operational Plan) and item 32 (General Fund Revenue Budget 2017/18 to 2021/22 and Non-Housing Capital Programme 2017/18 to 2021/22) from the Business Statement; and

(ii)        to otherwise note the updates contained therein.

The Committee had before it the Motions list as prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee resolved:

to note the motions list.

With reference to article 10 of the minute of the meeting of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee of 1 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which presented key performance information for the Corporate Governance Directorate and an updated Directorate Risk Register.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note both the performance report for the Corporate Governance Directorate and its Risk Register and the information contained therein.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillors Boulton, Donnelly and Nicoll declared an interest in relation to the following item of business by virtue of them being Council appointed members of Aberdeen Performing Arts.  All three Councillors considered that the nature of their interest did not require them to leave the meeting.

With reference to article 1 of the minute of meeting of Council of 22 February 2017, wherein it was agreed to refer this report simpliciter to the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on 9 March 2017, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which provided the draft Common Good budget for 2017/18 to 2021/22 for consideration.

The report recommended:-

(a)       to approve the Common Good budget for 2017/18 as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report;

(b)       to approve the recommendation that the Head of Finance be asked to undertake a comprehensive review of Common Good assets; and

(c)       to consider and make a decision on each of the new requests for funding which are detailed at Appendix 3 to this report.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

(1)       to approve the Common Good budget for 2017/18 as detailed below:-

            and

(2)       to approve recommendation (b) of the report.

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

(1)       to approve the Common Good budget for 2017/18 as detailed below:-

and

(2)       to approve recommendation (b) of the report.

On a division, there vote:- for the motion (15) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Cameron, Crockett, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, Flynn, Ironside, Laing, Malik, Nicoll, Taylor and Townson; for the amendment (2) – Councillors Greig and Yuill.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which advised (1) on the 2016/2017 revenue and capital budget’s financial performance for the period to 31 January 2017 for the services within Corporate Governance; and (2) on any areas of risk and management action.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the report and the information on management action and risks that were contained therein; and

(b)       instruct officers to continue to review budget performance.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

At this juncture, the Convener advised that he was submitting an emergency notice of motion in relation to the level of agency usage and that in accordance with Standing Order 21(9) he was accepting it on the agenda today.

The emergency notice of motion by the Convener was in the following terms:-

“that the Committee agrees to instruct the Head of Human Resources to continue dialogue between senior management and the Trade Unions about reducing the level of agency usage in the Council noting that the Council has approved a saving of £500,000 for agency usage in the budget for 2017/2018.

The Committee also agrees, as part of these joint discussions, that senior management works towards the elimination of agency usage which involves umbrella companies noting that there are procurement considerations in relation to this which are being explored.”

The Convener spoke in support of his motion and explained the rationale behind his request.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which (1) outlined the current financial position and the forecast outturn for the financial year 2016/17; and (2) highlighted assumptions made, areas of risk identified and management action to mitigate these risks.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the financial position contained within the report.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendation; and

(ii)        to instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to bring a report to a future meeting of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee outlining the options for enhancing the resources available for enforcement within the private rented housing sector and to draft a business case on how this could be done on a revenue-neutral basis.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which provided an update on the application of additional capital grant from the Scottish Government.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note that the additional £1.081 million General Capital grant from the Scottish Government for 2017/18 was actually included in the funding of the Non-Housing Capital Programme approved by Council on 22 February 2017.

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

that the Committee –

(1)       approve the recommendation contained within the report;

(2)       allocate £150,000 towards the SHMU extension to include provision for upgrading the car park on terms and conditions to be determined by the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services;

(3)       allocate £250,000 towards building another Cruyff Court in the city and instructs the Head of Land and Property Assets to work with the Cruyff Foundation to determine the optimum location of the Cruyff Court;

(4)       allocate £145,000 to the three regeneration areas in anticipation of publication of statutory guidance on the Community Empowerment Scotland Act 2015 in respect of the requirement to develop a food growing strategy, with the money being used to identify and provide new community growing spaces and innovative ways of developing community gardens, noting the alignment to Aberdeen Sustainable Food City aspirations to tackle food insecurity and Aberdeen’s membership of the Sustainable Food Cities Network, and further noting that tackling food poverty through community growing spaces is a key priority within the document ‘Towards a Fairer Aberdeen that Prospers for all; a Review of Aberdeen City Council activity tackling Poverty’ and the Aberdeen City Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2016-26;

(5)       allocate £500,000 to expand early learning and child care provision in the Northfield/Cummings Park regeneration area to ensure this links with integrated working with supporting families and the creation of the early learning and childcare academy; and

(6)       instruct the Chief Executive to identify funding support to allow the Aberdeen Science Centre to deliver their full project subject to a successful outcome from their bid to the Wellcome Trust.

Councillor Yuill seconded by Councillor Greig moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee approve (1) that the additional £1.081 million General Capital grant from the Scottish Government for 2017/18 be used for the resurfacing and repairing of roads and pavements within Aberdeen City; and (2) to instruct the Chief Executive to identify funding support to allow the Aberdeen Science Centre to deliver their full project subject to a successful outcome from their bid to the Wellcome Trust.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (15) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Allan, Cameron, Corall, Crockett, Dickson, Flynn, Ironside, Laing, Malik, Nicoll, Reynolds, Taylor and Townson; for the amendment (2) – Councillors Greig and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which outlined the current year’s revenue budget performance for the Common Good Fund as at 31 January 2017 and provided a forecast position of the cash balances as at 31 March 2017.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the report and the information on management action and risks that was contained therein;

(b)       note the forecast surplus of £234k, a favourable variance of £163k;

(c)        note the estimated cash balances as at 31 March 2017 of £17.1m based on current estimates, which is within the recommended levels indicated by the Head of Finance; and

(d)       note the position regarding earmarked reserves.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Reynolds declared an interest in relation to the following item of business by virtue of him being a Trustee of North East Riders Volunteers.  He considered that the nature of his interest required him to leave the meeting and he took no part in the Committee’s deliberations thereon.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which presented recent applications for financial assistance from the financial assistance/gala budget; and reviewed the financial assistance and community gala grant process used during 2016/17.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       consider the applications received and agree to award 2016/17 funding based on the recommendations contained within the highlighted column in part A of the table 1 below;

(b)       consider the applications received and agree to award 2017/18 funding based on the recommendations contained within the highlighted column in part A of table 2 below;

(c)        note the review of the grant award processes; and

(d)       agree that delegated authority be given to the Head of Finance to approve applications for up to £2500 meeting the criteria as set out in paragraph 5.12 of the report with applications greater than £2500 being presented to the Committee.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)        to agree to award small financial assistance grant funding to:-

·         North East Riders Volunteers - £2500 (2016/17 funding);

·         VSA - £2000 (2017/18 funding);

·         Danestone Congregational Church – up to £2500 (2017/18 funding);

·         Mastrick Community Centre – up to £2500 (2017/18 funding);

(ii)        to approve recommendations (c) and (d) above; and

(iii)       to circulate background/organisational details of the North East Riders Volunteers to all members of the Committee.

With reference to article 13 of the minute of meeting of 7 June 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which outlined the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2017/18 to 2019/20 for approval, and also to update on Treasury Management activities undertaken to date during financial year 2016/17.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       consider and approve the Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2017/18 to 2019/20 as detailed at Appendix 1 in the report;

(b)       consider and approve the Council’s Borrowing and Investment Strategy for 2017/18 to 2019/20 as detailed at Appendix 2 in the report;

(c)        approve the Counterparty list as detailed at Appendix 3 in the report; and

(d)       note the Treasury Management activities undertaken in 2015/16 as detailed.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 3 of the minute of Council of 22 February 2017, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Executive which provided an update on the position of the proposed rates relief scheme in Aberdeen as announced by the Scottish Government on 21 February 2017.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note that the Council had not received any further detail on how the national rates scheme would work in practice and that the report therefore provided the latest information available;

(b)       note the potential scheme that Aberdeenshire Council was proposing and was still subject to their approval process; and

(c)        otherwise note the content of the report.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

that the Committee -

(1)       note the contents of the report;

(2)       note that the Scottish Government was still to provide Aberdeen City Council with notification of how the national rate scheme would work in practice;

(3)       agree to invite the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution to an urgent meeting in Aberdeen with group leaders and the Convener of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee in order to discuss the merits of a local scheme;

(4)       agree to set aside £3m to a local scheme provided it was backed by match funding of at least the same amount by the Scottish Government;

(5)       subject to (4) above, instruct the Head of Economic Development to design and implement a local scheme, in consultation with Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce the Scottish Government and the Convener of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee;

(6)       to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution calling upon the Scottish Government to further use its legislative powers to introduce a rate relief scheme which, would ensure that all businesses located within Aberdeen were paying business rates no higher than their current levels; and

(7)       to note that the Scottish Government would be in receipt of consequentials in excess of £300m following announcements by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his budget speech of 8 March 2017.

Councillor Flynn, seconded by Councillor Dickson moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)       note the content of the report and thank officers for their work;

(2)       note that the Council, through the Community Empowerment Act, had the powers to implement targeted rate relief to businesses within the city;

(3)       instruct officers to design a scheme utilising the over £3m administration budget surplus, plus additional funds from contingencies and any rates saving made by the council from the Scottish Government rate relief scheme, to create a £4m fund which would aim to allow for:-

(i)         a 3% cap on hospitality rate increases;

(ii)        a 12.5% cap on retail rate increases; and

(iii)       a 12.5% cap on manufacturing rate increases;

(4)       welcome the announcement that the Scottish Government has provided £7.5m worth of rates relief to Aberdeen, equating to around 18% of the total pot for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The Committee had before it a business case by the Chief Officer, Health and Social Care Partnership which outlined the proposal for and to seek approval to create a Chief Officer post of Head of Strategy and Transformation to become part of the Executive Leadership Team on the structure of the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee approve the establishment of the post of Head of Strategy and Transformation at Chief Official point 27, noting that this job profile had been agreed by the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) and funding approved by the IJB.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendation; and

(ii)        to note that the pay scales indicated within the report relate to the NHS pay scale and that if the established post was a Council employee rather than a NHS employee the pay scale would revert to the Council’s agreed pay scale for the post.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which sought approval to undertake a joint procurement exercise with Aberdeenshire Council for the supply of fruit and vegetables at an estimated contract value of £1,100.000 over a four year contract term.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       instruct officers to undertake a fully compliant EU tender exercise in collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council; and

(b)       approve contract duration of 3 years with the option to extend for up to a further 12 months and a total estimated spend under the contract of £1,100,000.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        that officers include reference to Food Miles as part of the assessment process.

With reference to article 10 of the minute of 1 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which outlined the Committee’s key achievements since May 2012.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the detail appended to the report.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

that the Committee -

(1)       agree Smarter Aberdeen, approved in August 2012 by Council had been the political catalyst for Aberdeen City Council being the first local authority in Scotland to be assigned an issuer credit rating;

(2)       note Moody’s Investors Service confirmed an Aa2 rating for Aberdeen City Council following a rigorous process of assessment and risk analysis;

(3)       note that the confirmed Aa2 rating noted the solid financial record for the last five years maintaining a net surplus against budget each year;

(4)       agree the Council had reduced its debt to asset ratio by 4% between 2012 and 2016;

(5)       note Audit Scotland’s most recent evaluation completed for 2015/16 which states “the Council has improved its financial position since 2008 and now has a record of sound financial management.”; and

(6)       thank officers from all directorates for all of their hard work over the last five years.

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

that the Committee take no action.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (9) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Allan, Crockett, Ironside, Laing, Milne, Reynolds and Taylor; for the amendment (8) – Councillors Cameron, Corall, Delaney, Dickson, Flynn, Nicoll, Townson and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

In terms of Standing Order 15(6), Councillor Dickson requested that his dissent to the decision be recorded.

With reference to article 3 of the minute of the Reconvened meeting of 7 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided a progress update on the delivery of the Strategic Infrastructure Plan, and sought approval for specific actions for funding release from the City Centre Regeneration budget to progress projects within the City Centre Masterplan.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the content of the report and the progress made;

(b)       approve expenditure of up to £75,000 to award a contract to consultants to prepare a City Centre Lighting Strategy and Implementation Plan (Aberdeen In Colour) and report progress to Finance, Policy and Resources Committee following completion;

(c)        approve expenditure of up to a further £130,000 to allow the implementation of suicide prevention measures and associated works at Union Bridge;

(d)       approve a contribution of £10,000 to Aberdeen Inspired to support the establishment or continuation of city centre street markets;

(e)       approve a contribution of £40,000 to Aberdeen Art Centre for  technical and production support;

(f)        delegate authority to the City Centre Director in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council, the Convenor of Finance, Policy and Resources and the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services to implement the above proposals and award of contracts, following fully compliant procurement exercises;

(g)       agree that the combined expenditure of up to £255,000 above be taken from the City Centre Masterplan budget, as agreed at the Council meeting in February 2017.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

At this juncture the Clerk intimated that in terms of Standing order 17(6), the meeting shall only continue after five hours from commencement, if a decision to that effect is taken by the Committee.  The Committee agreed unanimously to continue the meeting.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which sought approval to enter into a five year contract with Ancestry Information Operations to digitise electoral roll records for the period 1832-1974.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee delegate authority to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to enter into a contract with Ancestry Information Operations to digitise electoral roll records for a period of up to five years.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

Please note that confidential appendices A and B are contained within the private section of this agenda.

With reference to article 19 of the minute of meeting of 7 June 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the progress of the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme application to Historic Environment Scotland.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the grant award of £1,177,104 from Historic Environment Scotland for the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (see appendix C of the report);

(b)       note the current list of priority projects as identified in section 5.6 of the report;

(c)        to approve match funding in accordance with the program set out in Appendix A of the report;

(d)       approve up to £1.2 million from the City Centre Masterplan budget for the Council contribution towards the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme for the duration of the scheme;

(e)       instruct the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to implement the 5 year regeneration scheme;

(f)        delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development, in consultation with the Project Board, Convener and Vice-Convener of this Committee, to amend the High and Medium Priority Projects should priorities change due to unforeseen circumstances during the 5 years of the scheme, with such changes to be reported to this Committee as a bulletin report;

(g)       delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development in consultation with the Convener and Vice-Convener of this Committee, to allocate new projects or additional budgets, with such allocations to be reported to the Committee as a bulletin report;

(h)       delegate authority to Head of Planning and Sustainable Development, in connection with the Programme, to undertake or instruct tendering procedures or competitive quotes procedures as appropriate and in accordance with the Aberdeen City Council Procurement Regulations and the awarding of contracts following thereon, subject to the necessary funding being available and;

(i)         exempt all such procedures and contracts from the requirements of Regulation 4.1.1 of the Aberdeen City Council Procurement Regulations;

(j)         approve board composition and remit as described in section 5.5.2 of this report;

(k)        approve the appointment of a dedicated Project Officer as described in Appendix B of the report;

(l)         approve delegated authority to the project officer for grant awards under £10,000; and

(m)      approve delegated authority to the project board for grant awards over £10,000.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 20 of the minute of the Reconvened meeting of 7 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided information on an operational plan that supported the delivery of the Aberdeen 365 Events Strategy.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       agree the development of the events programme detailed on pages 7-9 of the Operational Plan (Appendix 1 of the report) and budget of £1.4m for delivery of the Aberdeen 365 Events Strategy;

(b)       approve the establishment of an advisory Events Group to oversee the delivery of the Aberdeen 365 Events Strategy;

(c)        agree that the organisations detailed in the body of the report can be approached to participate in a new Group; and

(d)       note the information update on the delivery of the Tall Ships in Aberdeen.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

that the Committee –

(1)       approve recommendations (a), (b) and (c) above;

(2)       instruct officers to build £500,000 per annum into the base budget over the next four years to ensure Aberdeen City Council is in the best possible position to apply and hold the Tall Ships Race event in 2022;

(3)       instruct officers to work with the private sector and others to lever in private sector finance to meet at least 25% of any costs associated with the Tall Ship Race coming to Aberdeen in 2022;

(4)       take back a report to the Committee to include financial implications in six months’ time.

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

that the Committee –

(1)       approve the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)       instruct officers to work with the private sector and others to lever in private sector finance to meet at least 25% of any costs associated with the Tall Ship Race coming to Aberdeen in 2022; and

(3)       take back a report to the Committee to include financial implications in six months’ time.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (9) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Crockett, Finlayson, Laing, Milne, Jean Morrison MBE, Reynolds and Taylor; for the amendment (8) – Councillors Cameron, Corall, Delaney, Dickson, Flynn, Nicoll, Townson and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

With reference to article 20 of the minute of the Reconvened meeting of 7 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which (1) provided information on the progress of the Council’s bid to deliver the 14-18 NOW WW1 Centenary Art Commissions Weeping Windows installation for six weeks in late 2018 within Marischal College Quadrangle; and (2) informed members as to why it was recommended that the Council withdraw its bid.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee instruct the withdrawal of the Council’s bid to host the 14-18 NOW WW1 Centenary Art Commissions Weeping Windows installation.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

With reference to article 20 of the minute of meeting of 18 February 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought to reassert Aberdeen City Council’s support of Fairtrade and to update the Resolution on Fairtrade 2015 (see appendix 1 of the report) by agreeing the Resolution on Fairtrade 2017 (see appendix 2 of the report).

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the updated and renewed ‘Fairtrade Resolution 2017’;

(b)       note Aberdeen City Council’s on-contract spend of Fairtrade produce and the notable actions completed in support of the Resolution on Fairtrade 2015; and

(c)       instruct the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to nominate a suitable officer of the Council to attend the Aberdeen Fairtrade Steering Group meetings and to oversee the implementation of the resolution.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)        to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        that officers circulate information on Fairtrade spend from off contract purchases including schools to all members of the Committee.

With reference to article 27 of the minute of meeting of 30 September 2014, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided information the Community Asset Transfer section of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the draft procedure; and

(b)       agree to the establishment of a sub-committee to review appeals against decisions.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented applications received for financial assistance from the International Twinning Budget 2017-18.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve a contribution of £1,640 towards four teachers from Education and Children’s Services travelling to Clermont – Ferrand, 21 – 24 May 2017;

(b)       approve a contribution of £2,000 towards representatives from the Look Again Festival and The Poundshop travelling to Stavanger, May/June 2017;

(c)       approve a contribution of £5,027 towards players and parents from Culter Youth Football Club travelling to Regensburg, 2-5 June 2017;

(d)       approve a contribution of £4,000 towards the 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group travelling to Stavanger, 30 June – 13 July 2017;

(e)       approve a contribution of £8,109 to Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) to support a group participating from Bulawayo, 27 July – 5 August 2017; and

(f)        approve a contribution of £10,000 towards the Adventure Aberdeen Summer Camp, 31 July – 11 August 2017.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which outlined options on how a Tourism Levy could operate and the costs and benefits of such a scheme.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the analysis provided in Appendix 1 of the report;

(b)       note that primary or secondary legislation would be required by the Scottish Parliament to implement a scheme and instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs to seek legislation to introduce a scheme as part of Empowering City Government framework;

(c)        note the estimated revenues of implementing a tourism levy; and

(d)       note simplest way of administering a tourism levy and the estimated cost of doing so.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 6 of the minute of the Reconvened meeting of 7 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the implementation of works and options for Thomas Glover House.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the progress report on implementation of Option 1;

(b)       note the feasibility of additional grant funding from external sources to implement further options; and

(c)       note the current position of Aberdeen Asset Management and the Universities.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 18 of the minute of meeting of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on economic development activity that had taken place as part of the Aberdeen Japan Strategy and sets out future proposals for this work.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the update on economic development activity delivered as part of the Aberdeen-Japan Strategy during 2016 and early 2017; and

(b)       agree that going forward, economic development activities in support of encouraging and increasing trade between Aberdeen companies and Japan will be considered as part of the annual report on the Council’s international trade and inward investment priorities.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 13 of the minute of the previous meeting of 1 December 2016, the Committee had before it a replacement report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for the signing of the Grant Agreement for the JIVE project (Joint Initiative Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe).

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the terms of the Background Papers and in particular the recommendations which were made by this Committee on 1 December 2016 (the “Decision”) and as detailed at paragraph 4.2 of this report that two of the conditions for entering into this project remain unsatisfied at this time;

(b)       note that the Decision was made by this Committee less than six months ago;

(c)        approve, in accordance with Standing Order 22, that the Decision is amended in accordance with recommendations 3, 4 and 5 of this Report;

(d)       approve the signing of the JIVE Grant Agreement by a Proper Officer;

(e)       instruct officers to investigate additional funding sources to reduce the Council’s financial commitment to the project; and

(f)        report back to this Committee on 30 November 2017 to:-

(1)       provide an update as to:-

(i)         progress on recommendation (d) above;

(ii)        details of the Scottish Government financial contribution;

(iii)       details of Bus Operators agreement and financial contributions;

(2)       allow Committee to decide whether or not to exit from the project.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to suspend Standing Order 22 and approve the following recommendations contained within the original report circulated in the agenda pack dated 1 March 2017:-

(1)       to approve the signing of the JIVE Grant Agreement by a Proper Officer of Aberdeen City Council on condition that the Council must notify their intention to leave the project by October 31st if they are unable to demonstrate:-

(a)       a Scottish Government financial contribution of £3,000,000;

(b)       a bus operator’s agreement including a significant financial contribution; and

(2)       to instruct officers to investigate additional funding sources to reduce the Council’s financial commitment to the project; and

(ii)        that officers circulate details of the bus operators contributions to all members of the Committee.

With reference to article 20 of the minute of meeting of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which provided an update on the responses received from Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) and the Grampian Region Equality Council (GREC) whose views were sought on proposed changes to the Council’s Access to Leisure scheme, recommended by the cross-service / ALEO Access to Leisure Working Group.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the responses to the consultation with DEP and GREC as required by this Committee;

(b)       approve changes to the current scheme based on the following:-

(1)       eligibility based on receipt of disability and/or income related welfare benefits;

(2)       in the case of disability and / or long-term conditions, evidence based referral from a health professional;

(3)       age entitlement linked to national state retirement age and/or free bus travel entitlement;

(c)        approve the provision of subsidised teas and coffees only be provided by partners ‘Loyalty Card’ arrangements;

(d)       approve the reduction in discount for crèche and childcare related activities to 25% across the services and the discount for crèche provision in sports centres should only be applicable when the parent / carer is taking part in sport and physical activity; and

(e)       approve the proposal that the revised Access to Leisure scheme be applicable during all public opening hours of the facilities and services.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to take no action and therefore adopt the status quo in terms of the current scheme; and

(ii)        that officers circulate details to all members of the Committee in relation to the monetary implications as a result of adopting the status quo.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Vice Convener and Councillor Dickson declared an interest in the following item of business by virtue of their position as Council appointed Directors to the Board of Sport Aberdeen but chose to remain in the meeting as Sport Aberdeen was a body being a company established wholly or mainly for the purpose of providing services to the local authority, and which had entered into a contractual arrangement with the local authority for the supply of goods and / or services to the local authority, as set out in paragraph 5.18(2)(d)(i) and (ii) of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

With reference to article 30 of the minute of meeting of 19 April 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children Services which provided an update on the work completed with regards to revising the Council’s contract with Sport Aberdeen and the Company’s Governance Arrangements.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the revised contract documentation, including Articles of Association, which sets the relationship between Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen;

(b)       approve the revised ‘Outcome Specification’ Framework between Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen as outlined in section 5.9 of the report; and

(c)        otherwise note the contents of the report.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 30 of the minute of meeting of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children Services which provided information on the contract for the removal and storage of artefacts from Provost Skene’s House.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the contents of the report and the reasons behind requesting suspension of the relevant Aberdeen City Council Procurement Regulations and the award of the contract.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendation;

(ii)       that officers confirm whether the artefacts at Provost Skene’s House could have been stored at the Treasure Hub if it had been completed on time and circulate details to all members of the Committee; and

(iii)       that officers circulate to all members of the Committee the report which was considered by the Education and Children’s Services Committee on 17 November 2016 in relation to the redevelopment of Provost Skene’s House.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to enter into a grant funding agreement with Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisation (ACVO) and to make a £32,000 funding contribution towards the Family Centre and Help Hub at HMP Grampian entering into a formal agreement with Action for Children for the funding period.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve that officers agree a grant funding agreement with ACVO to apply from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020 for the provision of third sector interface, third sector engagement with the Council and support to the Civic Forum; and

(b)       approve provision of £32,000 grant payment to Action for Children as funding contribution towards the Family Centre and Help Hub at HMP Grampian for 2016/17 and to agree a grant funding agreement with Action for Children to 31 March 2018.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 40 of the minute of meeting of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on progress to seek grant funds to allow the environment within Heathryfold Park to be enhanced.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the use of existing budgets (flood alleviation budget and allocated staffing budget, see items 3.1 and 3.2 of the report) as match funding towards these two provisional grants awards (from Scottish National Heritage (SNH) and Nestrans);

(b)       approve the signing of, or entry into, a legal agreement, or other documentation with these organisations, subject to approval of the terms by Head of Legal and Democratic Services;

(c)       approve the addition of a Park Ranger post to the staff establishment for the duration of the SNH grant period (subject to the grant award being made to fund this additional post); and

(d)       agree that, if the application to Sustrans results in a provisional offer, then officers are instructed to report back to a future Committee on the next steps required to deliver the improved active travel routes across Heathryfold Park and the connections to Auchmill Road and Provost Rust Drive.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

In accordance with the decision recorded under article 3 of this minute, the following items were considered with the press and public excluded.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which sought approval to tender for an ICT application capable of delivering those customers services currently enabled by the Accord Card and to approve the expenditure of a further year’s contract with the current ICT application supplier whilst a tender is conducted.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve a tender process be conducted by the Head of Information Technology and Transformation and the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services;

(b)       approve the estimated expenditure in terms of the procurement exercise for the proposed new contract; and

(c)        approve an exemption from the requirements of the Aberdeen City Council Procurement Regulations 2016 in accordance with clause 3.10 thereof for the estimated expenditure of an additional year’s contract with the existing supplier.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which provided an update on the Anaerobic Digestion Gas to Grid project and outlined the findings of the tendering exercise and evaluation process undertaken.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the results of the competitive dialogue tendering exercises for the two engineer, procure, construction (EPC) contracts for an anaerobic digestion gas to grid plant;

(b)       note the change in overall financial return as a result of changes to the Government Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) subsidy as well as more accurate industry costings as a result of the procurement process; and

(c)       in response to the financial changes within this report instruct officers to investigate potential alternative uses for the site with a view to maximising income generation for the overall AECC development.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the procurement of furniture storage and removal services to homeless households and sought approval for the extension of the current contract, together with approval of the estimated expenditure for the extension of the existing contract and the new contract.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve the extension of the current contract with Instant Neighbour to provide furniture removals and storage for a period of up to 9 months;

(b)       delegate authority to the Head of Communities and Housing, following consultation with the Head of Commercial & Procurement Services, to proceed with either:-

(1)       Option 1 – progress an award under the existing contract with The Furnishing Service (“TFS”) to provide the removals and storage services in partnership with Instant Neighbour.  Alternatively, in the event agreement cannot be reached by the above parties to work together to deliver these services, then

(2)       Option 2 – undertake an EU compliant tender exercise to obtain removal and storage services for three years with the option to extend for a period of up to a further 12 months;

(c)        approve the new removal and storage services contract, over a contract length of 3 years, with the option to extend for a period of up to a maximum of a further 12 months;

(d)       approve a direct award under Lot 1 – “Domestic Furniture and Furnishing” of the Scotland Excel Domestic Furniture Framework to TFS upon the expiry of the current contract on 12 May 2017 for a period of 3 + 1 years;

(e)       approve a direct award under Lot 2 – “Domestic Furniture and Furnishing – Reuse Furniture” of the Scotland Excel Domestic Furniture Framework to CRNS for an initial pilot period of 1 year and, if the pilot proves successful, extend for 2 years with the option to extend by a further 12 months + 1 years;

 (f)       instruct officers to report to Committee by December 2017 with an options appraisal for charging customers for the storage and removal of furniture.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to undertake a joint procurement process with Aberdeenshire Council for an external operator to provide Aberdeen City Council with an Interpretation, Translation and Transcription Service for a three year period with an option to extend for up to a period of twelve months.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       instruct officers to proceed with a procurement exercise in order to select an operator for the provision of an Interpretation, Translation and Transcription service;

(b)       instruct officers to work in collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council to seek and secure external providers via a National Procurement Framework;

(c)        approve the contract duration of three years with the option to extend the duration of the contract by up to a further twelve months; and

(d)       approve the undertaking of a full Invitation To Tender exercise if the national frameworks are found not to be suitable.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 8 of the minute of meeting of 20 September 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which (1) provided an update in relation to the procurement of specialist financial advice as previously approved by the Committee; and (2) advised on a contract with Penna plc for the provision of an Interim Finance Senior following a request under Procurement Regulation 3.10, for suspension of Procurement Regulations 2016.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the content of this report in relation to the procurement of finance specialist advice; and

(b)       note the reasons for requesting an exemption from the relevant Procurement Regulations and the subsequent award of the contract.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which received a request from admitted bodies of the North East Scotland Pension Fund, for Aberdeen City Council to become a guarantor for their pension fund liabilities.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee approve that Aberdeen City Council act as guarantor for Aberdeen Cyrenians and The Manor Project in respect of their North East Scotland Pension Fund liabilities.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendation; and

(ii)        that details of the funding paid to the Cyrenians and The Manor Project be circulated to all members of the Committee.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jean Morrison CBE declared an interest in relation to the following item of business by virtue of her being a Council appointed Board member of Transition Extreme.  She considered that the nature of her interest required her to leave the meeting and she took no part in the Committee’s deliberations thereon.

With reference to article 36 of the minute of meeting of 15 September 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which outlined the current financial position of Transition Extreme Sports Limited, the Council’s relationship with the organisation and requested that the Committee consider and decide on a suitable course of action to support the organisation whilst protecting the Council’s position.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       note the current financial position of Transition Extreme;

(b)       note the council’s interest in and relationship with Transition Extreme;

(c)        approve a package of financial assistance subject to a maximum financial contribution of £500k and agreement of appropriate terms and conditions including item (e) below;

(d)       delegate authority to the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services in conjunction with the Head of Finance and Head of Legal and Democratic Services to agree the financial assistance package and associated terms and conditions; and

(e)       instruct the Head of Policy, Performance and Resources to undertake a review of sports provision across the city, taking cognisance of existing organisations providing sports facilities and present an integrated sports strategy to this committee later in the year.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it exempt appendices relating to a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure on the progress of the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme application to Historic Environment Scotland. (Article 26 of this minute refers).

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendices.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jean Morrison CBE declared an interest in relation to the following item of business by virtue of her being a Council appointed representative of Aberdeen Science Centre.  She considered that the nature of her interest required her to leave the meeting and she took no part in the Committee’s deliberations thereon.

With reference to article 32 of the minute of meeting of 19 April 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education and Children’s Services which sought approval for entering into a new one year Bank Guarantee arrangement with the Bank of Scotland in support of Aberdeen Science Centre’s financial position, linked to the establishment of the renewed Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Council and Aberdeen Science Centre.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       approve entry by the Council into a new Bank Guarantee arrangement with Bank of Scotland, in support of Aberdeen Science Centre’s overdraft and card guarantee facility, at a reduced level of £128,923, from 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018; and

(b)       note the detail around Aberdeen Science Centre’s capital grant bid to the Inspiring Science Fund stream in connection with potential redevelopment of the leased premises at 179 Constitution Street.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval of the outcome of the negotiations over the amendments to the ground lease of the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres including the termination of the lease of the Bon Accord Indoor Bowling Centre.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the renunciation of the lease of the Bon Accord Indoor Bowling centre and the associated lease amendments.

(b)       instruct the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to conclude the lease renunciation and the amendments to the ground leases as outlined in option 3 (of the report) incorporating appropriate clauses to protect the Council’s interests.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to article 15 of the minute of the Reconvened meeting of 7 December 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update in relation to a feasibility study to examine the opportunities to develop a Private Rented Sector Housing Scheme in the city centre.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the range of options identified in the report;

(b)       note the risk and financial profiles against the model proposed; and

(c)        agree that the Head of Land and Property Assets is instructed to do the following:-

(1)       advise the site owners that the investment ground lease model is one the Council are not prepared to take forward at this stage; and

(2)       continue dialogue with the owners to identify alternative mechanisms to allow a redevelopment of the site to be progressed, including a purchase by the Council, to meet the wider objectives of the city centre masterplan.  The outcome of these discussions should be brought to a future meeting of this committee.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided details on the outcome of the marketing in relation to two surplus properties:-

• the former Adoption and Fostering Centre at 77 to 79 King Street; and
• 254 Queens Road.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       that the offer submitted for 77 to 79 King Street by Lojj (Scotland) Limited for £265,002 be accepted;

(b)       that the offer submitted for 254 Queens Road by Mr Angus Campbell for £325,325 to be accepted; and

(c)        that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be instructed to conclude missives for the sale of these properties incorporating various qualification as are necessary to protect the Council’s interests.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided details on the current position regarding bus services for the Kingswells area and identified options for ensuring continued public transport provision in the area.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       approve the amendment of the Crematorium Bus Service 94 to provide a shuttle service connecting Kingswells Village with Kingswells Park and Ride; and

(b)       approve the allocation of remaining supported bus service budget of £44,390, with the remaining required budget being absorbed within the existing 2017/18 Communities, Housing and Infrastructure budget to provide the amended service 94 shuttle bus service for one financial year; and

(c)        request officers to further investigate options for providing bus services in Kingswells and report to the appropriate committee to provide an update and/or to seek approval for service provision.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report subject to adding ‘and on to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary hub’ at recommendation (a).

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

that the Committee –

(1)       approve the amendment of the Crematorium Bus Service 94 to provide a shuttle service connecting Kingswells Village with Kingswells Park and Ride on a rolling monthly contract on contractual terms to be approved by the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services following consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services;

(2)       approve the funding of this interim service from within the remaining supported bus service of £44,390 during 2017/18 to provide the amended service 94 shuttle bus service until such time as a permanent solution can be put in place with any shortfall to be met as proposed in the report by officers;

(3)       instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure, following consultation with the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services, to immediately embark upon a tendering exercise in order to provide a bus service to Kingswells which includes evening and weekend services, and approve an estimated expenditure of £170,000 in this regard from contingencies, all subject to compliance with any legal requirements and approval of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services;

(4)       instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure, following consultation with the Head of Commercial and Procurement Services, to accept the tender which offers best value and to implement such a service at the earliest possible date, subject to compliance with any legal requirements and approval of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services; and

(5)       instruct the Director Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to report back to the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee on 29 August 2017, on creating a system to deal with similar situations which may arise in future.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (15) the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Cameron, Corall, Crockett, Dickson, Finlayson, Flynn, Laing Milne, Jean Morrison CBE, Nicoll, Reynolds, Taylor and Townson; for the amendment (2) – Councillors Delaney and Yuill.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

In terms of Standing Order 36(3), Councillor Delaney intimated he would like this matter to be referred to full Council in order for a final decision to be taken.  Councillor Delaney was supported by Councillor Yuill, however as there was insufficient support to refer the matter to Council, the request fell.

In terms of Standing Order 15(6), Councillor Delaney requested that his dissent to the decision be recorded.