Agenda, decisions and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be located at the following link:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=503&MId=3839&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 proposed that the Committee consider items 14.2, 14.3 and 14.4 with the press and public excluded, and noted that item 14.1 could now be heard in public and a revised report would be circulated.

Councillor Yuill, seconded by Councillor Delaney, moved as a procedural motion:-

to hear all the items in public.

On a division, there voted:- for the procedural motion (2) Councillors Delaney and Yuill; against the procedural motion (17) Convener, Vice Convener Morrison, Vice Convener Graham and Councillors Allan, Copland, Corall, Young, Townson, Jackie Dunbar, Finlayson, Flynn, Grant, Hutchison, Laing, Milne, Stuart and Donnelly.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to reject the procedural motion, and therefore in terms of Section 50(A) (4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for item 14.2 so as to avoid disclosure of information of the class described in paragraph 9 of schedule 7 (A) of the Act; item 14.3 so as to avoid disclosure of information of the class described in paragraph 8 of schedule 7 (A) of the Act; and item 14.4 so as to avoid disclosure of information of the classes described in paragraphs 8 and 10 of schedule 7 (A) of the Act; and

(ii)        to note that item 14.1 would now be taken in public.

At this juncture, the Committee agreed to bring the next three items of business forward in order that the representatives from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue could depart the meeting after their reports had been considered.

The Committee had before it a report by Police Scotland which provided an update on the delivery of the Policing Plan in Aberdeen City Centre and the collaborative working undertaken to achieve and deliver the objectives to ensure the City remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note the content of the report;

(ii)        to note that a review of the Community Safety Hub would be carried out and reported back at a future meeting;

(ii)        to request that Police Scotland report the breakdown of figures for racially motivated assaults in Aberdeen City Centre; and

(iii)       to note the measures that have been put in place at Union Terrace Gardens following a number of incidents.

Superintendent McDowell of the Contact, Command & Control Division attended the meeting to provide an update on the future of the Aberdeen control room.

Superintendent McDowell advised that control room staff from Dundee had been given the opportunity to work in the Aberdeen control room to gain experience and learn the nuances involved.  Following recommendations made by HM Inspectorate for Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), Police Scotland were working to complete a number of recommendations and so far out of the 9 that had been presented to HMICS, 6 had been accepted as complete.  In regards to the staff at the Aberdeen control room, measures had been put in place to support them including working groups and training materials to support them in finding new employment.

The Convener expressed concern regarding the loss of local knowledge.  Superintendent McDowell clarified that ICT systems are in place to locate callers and there are translation services and a database for colloquial phrases available at all control rooms.

Councillor Yuill enquired if there were any Doric speakers at the Dundee control room.  Superintendent McDowell responded that there were none but that there was 1 Gaelic speaker.

Councillor Finlayson enquired if control room staff in Aberdeen had been offered positions to relocate.  Superintendent McDowell responded that they have a policy of no redundancies and that 6 members of staff from the Aberdeen control room were relocating to Dundee.

Councillor Townson sought clarification regarding major incidents such as the Piper Alpha disaster which resulted in a high level of calls.  Superintendent McDowell responded that there was a major event room in Dundee for emergencies such as an offshore disaster.

Councillor Young enquired if Police Scotland were satisfied that even without having all the recommendations from HMICS implemented that Aberdeen would not be at a disadvantage.  Superintendent McDowell responded that Aberdeen would not be disadvantaged and the division would not move forward with plans unless evidence is supplied proving this.

Councillor Nicoll enquired about the level of training given to a call handler.  Superintendent McDowell responded that it was a pass or fail course for advisers with realistic situations to respond to.

Councillor Laing enquired how long it would take for all of HMICS recommendations to be implemented.  Superintendent McDowell responded that there were a number that they were working on and looking to get acceptance at the end of June, whilst the remainder were long term and could take up to a year to complete.

Councillor Flynn thanked the Superintendent for the update and enquired how the move to Dundee regional control room would benefit Aberdeen City.  Superintendent McDowell responded that the national system would ensure Aberdeen has wider access to resources as in the past there has been a lack of cross border cooperation and now these wider resources could be called upon and speed up response.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note that Members are invited to visit a national call centre; and

(ii)        to request that Police Scotland circulate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

·         Replacement version of the Plan due to the original version being illegible

The Committee had before it a report by the Local Senior Officer for Aberdeen City which provided the Local Fire and Rescue Plan Performance for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016.

The Local Senior Officer thanked Aberdeen City Council for their support during the flooding in December 2015 particularly Mike Cheyne.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the content of the report.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 15 March 2016 for approval.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

The Committee had before it a statement of committee business and a list of annual reports prepared by the Senior Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to the transfer item 17 – FCH- JU Commercialisation Study to the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee Business Statement;

(ii)        to transfer item 20 – Delivery of affordable housing and social housing to the Council Business Statement; and

(iii)       to note the updates provided.

The Committee had before it a list of motions prepared by the Senior Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the updates provided.

“That it be remitted to the appropriate Committee, to instruct officers to bring forward a report supporting the need for a temporary traffic order restricting the use by HGV’s to access only on the unnumbered road running from the B997, past Shielhill Farm to the B999, with a view to the introduction of a permanent restriction.”

With reference to Article 20 of the minute of meeting of Council of 19 August 2015, the Committee had before it a background report regarding the motion submitted by Councillor Reynolds:-

‘That it be remitted to the appropriate Committee, to instruct officers to bring forward a report supporting the need for a temporary traffic order restricting the use by HGVs to access only on the unnumbered road running from the B997, past Shielhill Farm to the B999, with a view to the introduction of a permanent restriction.’

The Convener moved, seconded by Vice Convener Morrison:-

to instruct officers to bring forward a report on viability of a temporary traffic order restricting the use by HGVs to access only on the unnumbered road running from the B997, past Shielhill Farm to the B999, with a view to the introduction of a permanent restriction.

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

that no further action be taken.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (13) the Convener, Vice Convener Graham, Vice Convener Jean Morrison; and Councillors Allan, Delaney, Donnelly, Finlayson, Grant, Laing, Milne, Reynolds, Young and Yuill; for the amendment (7) Councillors Copland, Corall, Jackie Dunbar, Flynn, Hutchison, Stuart and Townson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

“That Officers identify and implement a system of work whereby areas currently identified in the Local Development Plan for development are circulated to the Directorates of the Council with a view to them identifying and commenting on possible developer obligations those Directorates consider may be appropriate, or may become appropriate should any request be received from a developer to progress a specific development.

Instruct senior officers in Aberdeen City Council Directorates to keep under review possible planning obligations that may be sought from a developer should an area identified in the Local Development Plan as suitable for development be progressed.”

With reference to Article 19 of the minute of meeting of Council of 2 March 2016, the Committee had before it a background report regarding the motion by Councillor Nicoll:-

‘That Officers identify and implement a system of work whereby areas currently identified in the Local Development Plan for development are circulated to the Directorates of the Council with a view to them identifying and commenting on possible developer obligations those Directorates consider may be appropriate, or may become appropriate should any request be received from a developer to progress a specific development. Instruct senior officers in Aberdeen City Council Directorates to keep under review possible planning obligations that may be sought from a developer should an area identified in the Local Development Plan as suitable for development be progressed’

Councillor Nicoll moved his motion, seconded by Councillor Copland.

The Convener moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Milne:-

That the Committee -

(i)         notes circular 3/2012 which sets out the circumstances in which developer obligations can be used and how they can be concluded efficiently;

(ii)        notes the joint Developer Obligations team is hosted by Aberdeenshire Council; and

(iii)       instructs the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to bring forward a report to the August Committee on the merit or otherwise of bringing this function back in house to ensure efficient management of the Section 75 process.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (10) Councillors Copland, Corall, Delaney, Jackie Dunbar, Flynn, Hutchison, Nicoll, Stuart, Townson and Yuill; for the amendment (10) the Convener, Vice Convener Graham, Vice Convener Jean Morrison and Councillors Allan, Donnelly, Finlayson, Grant, Laing, Milne and Young.

In terms of standing order 15 (5), the Convener exercised his casting vote in favour of the amendment.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

With reference to Article 1 of the minute of the Petitions Committee meeting of 10 November 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided survey results and consultation outcomes relating to HGVs using Sclattie Park and Kepplehills Drive.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(i)         note the content of the report; and

(ii)        instruct officers to monitor the route and contact companies with a high HGV presence on the route to advise that Sclattie Park and Kepplehills Drive are not appropriate for the use and suggesting alternative routes on both the short and longer terms.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure and the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which advised of the current year trading services revenue budget performance to date for the services and advised on areas of risk and management action.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       consider and note the report and the information on management action and risks that is contained herein; and

(b)       instruct that officers report the year end position to the appropriate committee.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to request officers to provide an explanation to Councillor Jackie Dunbar in regards to the increase in administration charges relating to car parking.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure and the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which advised on the current year general fund revenue and capital budget performance to date for the services and any areas of risk and management action.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       consider and note this report and the information on management action and risks that is contained herein; and

(b)       instruct that officers report the year end position to the appropriate committee.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        instruct officers to provide a breakdown of costings to Councillor Finlayson on the projected overspend on the hydrogen buses.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure and the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which provided an update on the 2015/16 Housing Revenue Account and Housing Capital Programme as at 29 February 2016 summarising both income and expenditure.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       note the financial information contained within the report;

(b)       instruct the Head of Finance to update the Committee in consultation with the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure on the actual outturn position for 2015/16 following completion of the year end statutory accounts; and

(c)        approve the virements outlined in Appendix 3

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        in relation to a query by Councillor Copland regarding the £1.85million welfare reforms earmarked reserves and the £2million which is quoted in the 2016/17 budget papers, to instruct officers to provide an explanation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure and the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which sought approval to set revised Housing Service Charges from 1 July 2016.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee agree to implement the new Housing Service Charge Structure for 2016/17 as detailed in the report.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update of key performance measures and the progress of key improvement work within Communities, Housing and Infrastructure.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee provide comments and observations on both the performance information contained in the report and also on the format and layout of the report.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure highlighted key points in the report including the work being undertaken by the Countryside Rangers who recently recorded a pine marten in Hazlehead Woods.  The Director advised that the 30 Syrian Refugees who arrived in Aberdeen in March 2016 had settled in and the response from all has been heart-warming.  The Director also made reference to the Telecare System which was showcased for Members prior to the meeting.  The system will provide reassurance to particularly older people at risk of falls, who have poor mobility, memory problems and long term health or care needs.

The Convener highlighted that the percentage of council properties with current gas safety certificates was at 100% which was a good achievement.

Councillor Delaney sought clarification regarding the street cleanliness that was down on target.  The Environment Manager responded that new equipment would be arriving soon to deal with cleanliness.

Councillor Delaney also sought clarification on street lighting faults completed within 7 days.  The Roads Operations Manager responded that there had been some issues with a sub-contractor and this had caused a backlog.  Provisional current figures were showing that improvements have been made and moving forward the conversion to LED bulbs would see a service life increasing to 10 years as currently it is 18 months.  The Committee also noted that it was a team of 3 and 1 external contractor servicing all street lighting in the City.

Councillor Yuill sought clarification regarding percentage of pothole repairs carried out within the target time between December 2015 and February 2016.  The Roads Operation Manager responded that this had been due to weather related incidents including the flooding in December 2015.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note the content of the report; and

(ii)        to instruct officers to report back to Councillor Copland the number of families in arrears that are on benefits.

With reference to Article 18 of the minute of the meeting of the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee of 25 June 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the progress to date on developing a suite of performance indicators to report to this Committee at each meeting.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the actions taken and measures put in place in Fleet Services, for monitoring performance of Corporate Fleet Compliance; and

(b)       agree to the frequency of this report to move to every 6 months.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update of the Review of Housing for Varying Needs – a Strategic Review of our sheltered and very sheltered housing.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the progress of transition to amenity housing at designated sheltered housing developments;

(b)       note the work to convert Provost Hogg Court from sheltered housing to very sheltered housing;

(c)        note the decommissioning of Smithfield Court to mainstream housing; and

(d)       instruct officers to develop a range of methods of delivering the housing support service in agreement with Social Care and Welfare and Bon Accord Care to sheltered and amenity tenants in the transition blocks and in other blocks assessed as unsuitable as sheltered developments in the long term.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        approve those developments with a current ‘mainstream’ recommendation as outlined in Appendix A, to be for applicants assessed as a need for sheltered or amenity housing and where this is not available the relaxed criteria or special lettings initiative may be applied to the allocation process.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the progress made in improving void property management since the implementation of the transformation action plan in October 2015.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the considerable improvement in performance;

(b)       note the intention to keep special performance improvement measures in place;

(c)        note the intention to continue to develop measures to improve performance further; and

(e)       receive a further update report in 6 months’ time.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for the revision of criteria for conferring urgent priority under the scheme of allocations, in particular to provide for allocation of interim tenancies to balance immediate needs and preferences with available stock which would limit the time in which applicants are required to wait in seriously inadequate accommodation and to minimise delayed discharges from hospital for applicants waiting on allocation of suitable housing.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       amend the scheme of allocations in order that urgent priority for extreme medical need be conferred on the basis that the Council will offer the most appropriate accommodation to meet basic functional needs within a reasonable time period, typically 6-8weeks;

(b)       provide for the allocation of ‘step-down’ properties which may serve as decants or interim tenancies where sought by Health and Social Care colleagues;

(c)        recognise that applicants may have preferences which extend beyond basic functional needs which cannot be provided for within a reasonable period, to delegate authority to the Head of Communities and Housing to approve discretionary moves for those who have been urgently rehoused due to medical needs and had sought particular areas or property types which will take longer to obtain;

(d)       instruct officers to review existing applications with urgent priority due to extreme medical need in order that an offer which meets those needs can be made to all such applicants within a reasonable period; and

(e)       amend the scheme of allocations to allow for the exceptional prioritisation of applications in instances where a medical assessment identifies elements of housing need which have not been afforded sufficient reasonable preference by default.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update in regard to Section 75 financial contributions for affordable housing and the income received from the reduction in the Council Tax discounts for Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties, and provided detailed of affordable houses completed in 2015/16 and those expected to be completed in 2016/17 through to 2017/18.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the content of the report;

(b)       instruct officers to continue to develop proposals for affordable housing projects to utilise the relevant funding (i.e.  Section 75 financial contributions for affordable housing and the income received from the reduction in the Council Tax Discounts for Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties), whether such projects are to be led by the Council or Registered Social Landlords;

(c)        agree to provide funding of £1,089,000 towards the Council’s development costs in respect of the 99 units at the Smithfield Primary School site, such funding to come from income received from the reduction in the Council Tax Discounts for Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties;

(d)       agree to provide funding of £880,000 towards the Council’s development costs in respect of the 80 units at Manor Walk, such funding to come from income received from the reduction in the Council Tax discounts for Second Homes and Long Term Empty Properties; and

(e)       agree to provide funding of up to £30,000 to assist with the purchase of a low cost home ownership unit (currently available for resale) by an individual who has a child with special needs currently in unsuitable accommodation.  The funds provided would be secured to the Council by way of a legal agreement and would be repaid to the Council in any subsequent sale.  No other suitable qualifying purchaser has applied to purchase the property and if no buyer is found the property will be sold on the open market with the Council receiving a secured amount to reinvest in affordable housing.  The funding would come from the reduction in the Council Tax Discounts for Second Homes and Long Term Empty properties or Section 75 monies.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for a project to undertake upgrading works to 330-356 Victoria Road.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to -

(a)       develop this proposed project in detail;

(b)       conclude the grant application with the grant funder that has indicated support for this project;

(c)        consult with the private owners of flats within these blocks, and seek their consent for the proposals; and

(d)       report back to Committee on these outcomes.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for a project to make back court improvements to Grampian Place; Tullos Circle; and Tullos Place.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to -

(a)       develop this proposed project in detail;

(b)       conclude the grant applications with the grant funder that has indicated support for this project;

(c)        consult with the private owners of flats within these blocks, and seek their consent for the proposals; and

(d)       report back to Committee on these outcomes.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

Committee took the decision to hear this item in public and this revised report was circulated at the start of the meeting on 17 May 2016.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to develop the Catherine Street Court working in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust (DLLT) and the Johan Cruyff Foundation to deliver Scotland’s ‘Cruyff Court’, a modern recreational facility.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve development of the site to create a Cruyff Court; and

(b)       approve an external tendering process to appoint a contractor to undertake development works with contract value not to exceed the figure and with Council contribution set out within the related report within the Committee’s exempt business.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the results of the Station Gateway Draft Development Brief consultation, a summary of the representations received and officers’ responses to these representations.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the representations received on the draft Station Gateway Draft Development Brief;

(b)       approve the revisions made based upon the findings of the consultation; and

(c)        to approve the draft Station Gateway Development Brief as Planning Advice.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to instruct officers to report more explicitly regarding disabled access in any future reports.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which outlined the Site OP63, Prime Four Business Park Development Framework prepared as a strategy for the future development of land identified in the Proposed Aberdeen Local Development Plan (2015) as Opportunity Site 63.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve the Draft Prime Four (OP63), Development Framework for public consultation over a six week period; and

(b)       instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to report the results of the public consultation and any proposed revisions to the Draft Development Framework to a subsequent meeting of this Committee.

The Planning Officer advised that due to a delay in consultation the Community Council could have an extra week added to the consultation period if they felt it necessary.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Draft Advice on Net Economic Benefit and Planning.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee agree the content of the report for submission to the Scottish Government.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on external funds that have been awarded to, or which may become available to, the Council for transportation projects.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve the draft Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme for 2016/17;

(b)       approve the expenditure of approximately £210,391 in match funding available to the Council from the Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme 2016/17;

(c)        approve the expenditure of any funds awarded to Aberdeen City Council from the Scottish Government via the Air Quality Grant Scheme for the purposes described in the report; and

(d)       approve the release of approximately £6,000 from the Non-Housing Capital Programme Active Travel Infrastructure Fund for repairs and improvements to allow Grandholm pedestrian bridge to re-open to the public as soon as possible in the expectation that such money can be recouped by the Council later in the year when further external funding opportunities become available.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

Colour copies of Appendix 1 have been circulated to Members.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised on the options for implementing two supported bus services.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve implementation of an evening supported bus services between Craigiebuckler/Airyhall and City Centre as detailed in appendix 1 and 2 to the report;

(b)       approve implementation of a three times daily supported bus services between Peterculter and Garthdee as detailed in appendix 1 and 2 to the report;

(c)        approve the fare level on both services for both adults and children, as detailed in the report; and

(d)       request officers to report back to the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee on the level of use and performance of both services.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve recommendations (a), (b), and (c) as detailed in the report; and

(ii)        to request officers to report back to this Committee on the level of use and performance of both services, the cost of continuing both services and options for reallocating future savings towards other potential routes with an identified social need.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the findings of the Fraserburgh and Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic Transport Study – Part 1 Appraisal report,  which had been developed by Nestrans with input from Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Transport Scotland.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the contents of the report;

(b)       agree the findings of the Fraserburgh & Peterhead to Aberdeen Strategic Transport Study – Part 1 Appraisal Report;

(c)        agree that officers respond to Nestrans advising that this Council agrees that, subject to ongoing discussions with Transport Scotland and the Bus and Train operators, the two identified ‘Road and Bus’ and ‘Rail and Bus’ option packages are taken forward for a more detailed assessment in a STAG Part 2, and that this Council agrees that those elements of the packages that contain bus measures will provide some journey time and reliability benefits for bus passengers; and

(d)       instruct officers to continue to update this Committee via the bulletin on this project.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised of the need for various small scale traffic management measured that had been identified and verified as necessary through surveys by officers.  The report also presented proposals for individual disabled parking bays 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 this 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

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

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the thirteen orders at the final statutory stage.

(1)       The Aberdeen City Council (Broaddykes Drive, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(2)       The Aberdeen City Council (Bellfield Road/Simpson Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201(X)

(3)       The Aberdeen City Council (Greenbank Crescent, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(4)       The Aberdeen City Council (Auchinyell Road/Garthdee Drive, Aberdeen) (Restrictions on length of waiting time and return period) order 201 (X)

(5)       The Aberdeen City Council (Cairngorm Drive, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(6)       The Aberdeen City Council (Ashgrove Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) (Revocation) Order 201 (X)

(7)       The Aberdeen City Council (Bloomfield Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(8)       The Aberdeen City Council (James Street, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(9)       The Aberdeen City Council (Northernmost Un-named Access Road off Kingswells Causeway serving Kingswells Park and Ride, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Driving except for Buses and Cycles) Order 201 (X)

(10)     The Aberdeen City Council (Off-Street Car Parks, Aberdeen) Order 201 (X)

(11)     The Aberdeen City Council (Lang Stracht, Aberdeen) (Traffic Management) Order 201 (X)

(12)     The Aberdeen City Council (North Deeside Road, Peterculter, Aberdeen) (Loading Bay/Disabled Bay/Time restricted parking) Order 201(X)

(13)     The Aberdeen City Council (Disabled Persons’ Parking Places in Aberdeen City) (Regulatory Parking Places) (Ref 2/16) Order 201 (X)

The report recommended:-

That the Committee note that none of the proposed orders were subject to objections and instruct that all thirteen orders be made and implemented accordingly.

The Committee resolved:-

to approved the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which detailed the proposed Traffic Management proposals associated with the A96 Park and Choose and Dyce Link Road Traffic Regulation Order at the final statutory stage.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct officers to make ‘The Aberdeen City Council (A96 Park and Choose and Dyce Link Road, Aberdeen) (Traffic Management) Order 201 (X)’ as originally envisaged.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

With reference to Article 2 of the minute of the Council Budget Meeting of 25 February 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the responses received as a result of the initial statutory consultation for introduction of parking charges and associated limits on time when parked at:-

(1)       Crombie Road Car Park, Torry

(2)       Dunmail Avenue Car Park, Cults; and

(3)       Station Road Car Park, Bucksburn.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       acknowledge the responses received as a result of the initial consultation; and

(b)       instruct officers in the Traffic Management team to proceed with the full statutory consultation / public advertisement to allow wider consideration of these proposals.

The Convener moved, seconded by Vice Convener Jean Morrison:-

That the Committee approve the recommendations in the report.

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

That the Committee –

(a)       acknowledge the responses received as a result of the initial consultation;

(b)       in relation to Crombie Road Car Park, Torry and Station Road Car Park, Bucksburn to take no further action;

(c)        in relation to Dunmail Avenue Car Park, Cults to take no further action in relation to the introduction of pay and display parking charges and instruct officers to report to a future meeting of this Committee on the introduction of a 45 minute ‘time limited’ parking in this car park; and

(d)       recommend to the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee that any resulting financial shortfall is met from contingencies.

On a division, there voted, for the motion (10) the Convener, Vice Convener Graham, Vice Convener Jean Morrison, and Councillors Allan, Donnelly, Finlayson, Grant, Laing, Milne and Young; for the amendment (9) Councillors Copland, Corall, Delaney, Jackie Dunbar, Flynn, Hutchison, Nicoll, Stuart and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

In line with Standing Order 36 (3), Councillor Yuill indicated that he wished that the report be referred to Council for decision. The Convener, after receiving advice from the Director and Senior Democratic Services Manager, ruled that referring it to Council would have a detrimental effect on the savings and therefore in line with Standing Order 36 (6) did not allow the matter to be referred to Council for a decision.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for the programme of proposed projects to be funded in 2016/17 using the net surplus from the Bus Lane Enforcement System generated in 2015/16.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree the proposed priority projects and the order thereof, to be implemented from 2016/17 onwards and funded by the net surplus raised from the Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE) System during 2015/16;

(b)       instruct officers to place any shortlisted schemes that cannot yet be funded on a reserve list so that, should additional funding be made available, they could be taken forward in this priority order; and

(c)        instruct officers of the Transport Strategy and Programmes team to include a copy of the report with Aberdeen City Council’s report to the Scottish Government.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

MATTER OF URGENCY

The Convener intimated that he had directed in terms of Section 50 (B) 4 (b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the following item be considered as a matter of urgency due to the imminent opening of the bridge and the requirement for it to be named.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to name the newly constructed bridge crossing the River Don as chosen by the pupils of two local primary schools.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)       acknowledge the content of the report; and

(b)       approve that the newly constructed bridge crossing the River Don be officially named Diamond Bridge.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to Article 32 of the minute of its meeting of 20 January 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the outcome of the formal public consultation on the draft Management rules for Aberdeen Crematorium and Hall of Remembrance.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note that there were no objections or comments received following the public consultation regarding the draft Aberdeen Crematorium and Hall of Remembrance Management Rules 2016 and that no further modifications are required;

(b)       approve the form of the Aberdeen City Council (Aberdeen Crematorium and Hall of Remembrance) Management Rules 2016 as set out in Appendix 1; and

(c)        instruct the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to sign and seal the Management Rules on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.  These Management Rules (Appendix 1) will then remain in force for a period of 10 years from the date of execution unless revoked by Aberdeen City Council.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure, which sought approval for the Council to acquire the continuation of specialist expertise to assist in the development, design and delivery and promotion of the future sustainable management of the Council’s woodland resource at strategic and operational levels.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee  instruct officers to issue a Procurement Exercise for the Provision of Forestry Consultancy Services for the period 2016-2021 and that officers report back to Committee in August 2016 on progress made.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the progress of the Waste Enforcement Project in the city centre.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       agree that a bulletin report will be submitted as a further update in 6 months’ time.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to declare land owned by the Council at Mill of Dyce surplus to the requirements of Waste and Recycling Service.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree that land at Mill of Dyce, is declared as surplus to the requirements of the Waste and Recycling Service; and

(b)       agree that this asset is transferred to Land, Property and Assets for future management/disposal.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to introduce grant support for a Property Level Flood Protection Scheme in relation to domestic properties.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree to the introduction of grant support for the provision of Property Level Flood Protection for domestic dwellings;

(b)       note that a budget of £500,000 has been allocated for this project within the agreed Non-Housing Capital Budget, i.e. £100,000 a year from 2016/17 to 2020/21;

(c)        agree that a grant up to a maximum of £100 per property be made to affected property owners, on receipt of proof of expenditure for a Flood Survey for the property carried out by an accredited organisation;

(d)       agree that a grant of 50% of the cost of installing Property Level Protection up to a maximum of £1,575 per property be made to affected property owners, on receipt of proof of expenditure; and

(e)       instruct officers to monitor take up of the grant and to report back to the Committee via the 6 monthly Flood Bulletin.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

A hard copy of the North East Local Flood Risk Management Plan is available in the Member’s library.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for the North East Local Flood Risk Management Plan (NELFRMP).  The Plan contains statutory duties that Aberdeen City will be required to undertake during cycle 1 of the Flood Risk Management Plan 2016-2021.  The obligations will start on 1 July 2016.  The Plan has been produced in partnership with SEPA, Moray Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Water and its submission for approval is a requirement of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve the prioritised NELFRMP 2016; and

(b)       note that there are financial implications of delivering the NELFRMP 2016.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

In accordance with the decision recorded under Article 1 of this minute, the following items were considered with the press and public excluded.

Please note this report is not for publication under the terms of paragraph 8 (not paragraph 9 as originally stated in the report) of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, enacted by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985. This is because the report discusses a contractual arrangement and estimated expenditure in relation to a third party.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which reviewed the pilot to allocate some council properties via Choice Based Lettings (CBL).

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       note the successful reduction in refusal rates for properties allocated via the CBL pilot and associated impact on void performance;

(b)       instruct officers to profile housing stock to designate properties with a high refusal rate;

(c)        amend the scheme of allocations to allocate ‘high refusal’ properties by CBL;

(d)       suspend Standing Order 1(6)(a) and instruct officers to commission a service to allocate ‘high refusal’ properties via Homehunt North East Scotland, in lieu of the special circumstances detailed within the report; and

(e)       instruct officers to notify current and prospective applicants for housing of this new approach.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to implement the proposed Priority Families Service.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       approve implementation of Priority Families Service.

(b)       approve the external commissioning of the Priority Families Service and appoint a service provider for the Delivery Unit for an initial 2 year period with the option to extend for a further 3 years subject to satisfactory performance with annual contract value not to exceed the amount as detailed in the report.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the information for retrospective approval of a funding bid to the Scottish Government for the (SEEP) – Pathfinder Fund.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee approves the Council’s bid for SEEP Pathfinder Funding.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

- COUNCILLOR NEIL COONEY, Convener