Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=334&MId=3342&Ver=4

In terms of Standing Order 28(5)(iv), and in accordance with Section 50(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Committee was informed that it had to determine (1) that the items on the agenda were of an urgent nature; and (2) that the Committee required to consider the items and take decisions thereon.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         that the report on Winter Festival Lighting was not of an urgent nature and would fall to be considered at the next meeting of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee; and

(ii)        to agree otherwise that the items on the agenda were of an urgent nature and required to be considered this day.

With reference to article 7 of the minute of meeting of the Enterprise, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee of 12 November, 2013, the Committee now had before it a report explaining that the Scottish Government had provided its Team Scotland partners with opportunities to participate in the associated business engagement programme for the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen and recommending that specific support be approved.

The report recommended:-

(a)       that members note the content of the report; and

(b)       that members identify a suitable budget and agree financial support totalling £3,600 towards the participation of an Aberdeen City Council team in the Pro-Am and the hosting of three VIP hospitality tables in the VIP programme at the Scottish Open, Royal Aberdeen, 2014.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note the content of the report;

(ii)        to support the Pro-Am at a cost of £1,200 for a three player Aberdeen City Council team at the Pro-Am being held on Wednesday 9 July, 2014, ensuring that the Council put forward a mixed team;

(iii)       to support VIP hospitality at a cost of £2,400 for three tables of eight people, one per day from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 July, 2014, hosted by the Chief Executive or her representative on behalf of the Council;

(iv)       that the total cost of £3,600 be met in the first instance from within the Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure budget for 2014/15, failing which the cost to be met from Council contingencies;  and

(v)        to maximise opportunities arising from the event.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Cameron declared an interest in the following item of business by virtue of his position as a Director on the Board of Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and chose to withdraw from the meeting during consideration of the item.

Councillor Cameron was substituted by Councillor Cormie for this item only.

With reference to articles 30 and 13 of the minutes of meetings of Council of 15 December, 2010 and 13 June, 2012, respectively, the Committee had before it a report summarising actions taken in relation to those decisions to transfer the property assets of Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre Limited (AECC) and Mountwest 343 Limited to Aberdeen City Council and to find the most tax efficient way to remove the debt burden that remained.

The report sought final approval for various aspects of the transfer ahead of legal agreements being signed prior to 31 March, 2014 and additionally sought authority to amend the Articles of Association of AECC.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)       note the actions taken and the steps required to address the property and financial matters that remained between AECC and the Council;

(b)       approve the financial package required to support the transfer, as described in the financial implications section of the report;

(c)        delegate to the unanimous approval of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and the Head of Finance the negotiation and approval of the contract documents noted below, and any other contracts, letters or documents required to be signed and/or sealed in connection with the implementation of the transfer, on such terms and conditions, consistent with the key legal and commercial terms set out below, as they think fit.  The contractual documents referred to above are:-

(1)       the restructuring agreement between the Council, AECC and Mountwest

            (2)       the assignation of the lease from Mountwest to the Council

            (3)       the sub-lease renunciation between the Council and AECC

            (4)       the ground-lease renunciation between the Council and AECC

(5)       the discharge by the Council of the standard security granted to it by AECC in respect of the ground lease

(6)       a deed of release in respect of (1) the floating charge; and (2) the guarantee granted by Mountwest in favour of the Council

(7)       a deed of release in respect of the debenture granted by AECC in favour of the Council

(8)       a licence to occupy the exhibition centre and associated buildings by the Council to AECC;  and

(d)       agree to the amendment to the Articles of Association of AECC and authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to sign the appropriate documentation.

The Committee resolved:-
to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report proposing that the Council fund, organise and deliver a celebration parade down Union Street on Sunday, 23 March, 2014 at 1.00pm following Aberdeen Football Club’s success in the Scottish League Cup Final on 16 March.

The report recommended:-

(a)       that members note the content of the report; and

(b)       that members agree funding of up to £25,000 from the Common Good Fund in support of a celebration parade for Aberdeen Football Club and its supporters in Aberdeen.

The Committee resolve:-

to approve the recommendations.

- COUNCILLOR CROCKETT, Convener.