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=3877&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 Committee received the following statement by the Convener:-

‘’At the Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17th August 2016 a decision was made in relation to the crematorium investigation, that in order to ensure a more proactive assurance framework across the Council, Directors would bring to the attention of the most appropriate service committee any significant service failures from across Scotland. There has recently been an incident at a mortuary in Moray, where members of the public were taken to view a deceased member of their family in inappropriate mortuary settings. 

To ensure that Aberdeen Public Mortuary is compliant with relevant Scottish Government guidance and that standards are appropriate, I undertook a visit to the mortuary with the Acting Director of Communities Housing and Infrastructure, the Protective Services Manager and Environmental Protection Manager at Queen Street on Tuesday 11th October. After our tour of the facility, which included a briefing of the processes and procedures followed, we were assured and satisfied that the facility was being run in an appropriate and dignified manner. We did however suggest the minor change to how viewing arrangements in association with Police Scotland were recorded. This change has now been implemented by mortuary staff.

In light of the recent incident in Moray, the matter was discussed within the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 27th October; consequently a review of mortuary provision within Scotland has been announced by the Minister for Public Health and Sport. Council officers will engage positively with this review and a more detailed report will be brought back to Committee in due course.’’

The Convener proposed that the Committee consider item 13.1 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 for item 13.1 so as to avoid disclosure of information of the class described in paragraph 8 of schedule 7 (A) of the Act.

The Convener advised the Committee of a deputation request that had been received outwith the deadlines for submission. The Convener proposed that the Committee suspend standing orders to hear the deputation request.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to suspend standing orders and hear the deputation request from Mr O’Connor and Mr Mess in relation to item 9.7;

(ii)        to hear the deputation prior to the report; and

(iii)       to bring item 9.7 forward on the agenda and consider it after item 5.3.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 25 August 2016 for approval.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

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

The Committee had before it a report by the Local Senior Officer which presented the Local Fire and Rescue Plan Performance Report for the period 1 April 2016 to 30 September 2016.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       provide feedback to the Local Senior Officer on the performance report; and

(b)       make recommendations to support continuous improvement.

Local Senior Officer, Duncan Smith, presented the report and highlighted key points, including that there had been a reduction in dwelling fires, fire casualties and deliberate fires. Mr Smith advised that the fire service had a national agreement with the British Heart Foundation in rolling out teaching CPR techniques to the public and going forward are looking to partner up with Schools in delivering these techniques to school pupils. Mr Smith advised that it was his last meeting as he was retiring and thanked the Members for their support over the years.

The Committee resolved:-

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

(ii)        to thank Duncan Smith for his hard work as Local Senior Officer and wish him well in his retirement.

The Committee had before it a report by the Superintendent of the North East Division which provided members with information on serious organised crime and the procedures developed by North East Division to reduce the risk of harm caused by serious organised crime groups, in particular drugs, to communities.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee note the paper.

Superintendent Campbell Thomson presented the report and emphasised that strong engagement, early intervention, education and partnership working was crucial in continuing progress against organised crime.

The Committee resolved:

(i)         to request Police Scotland to provide Councillor Greig with further information regarding the 263 drug search warrants issued in the North East Division since January 2016 and how many of those were within Aberdeen City;

(ii)        to request Police Scotland to provide clarity to Councillor Greig on the procedures regarding seized money from crime in the North East;

(iii)       to request that the Chief Executive writes to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland to commend the North East Division on their high quality thematic report presented to Committee; and

(iv)       to otherwise note the report.

The Committee had before it a report prepared by the Superintendent of North East Division which provided members with information on current and future methods that the North East Division was using to engage with its communities.

The report recommended:-

to note the content of the report.

The Superintendent (Operations), North East Division, Innes Walker presented the report and advised that the division was committed to community facing strategy with local measures to strengthen local engagement. In relation to a query regarding the merging of two teams within the city, (West End and Hazlehead and City Centre and Rosemount), the Superintendent (Operations), advised that teams would be unaffected and resources were being diverted to front line operations.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

Alan Waddell,  Superintendent,  C3IR Project provided a verbal update on the timeline for the transition of Aberdeen Service Centre to a National Service Centre and the Command and Control service to Dundee ACR.

The Superintendent advised that there was relocation package policy in place and advised on the terms. The Superintendent responded to concerns on the potential loss of knowledge with the command and control relocating to Dundee by providing reassurance that concerns were listened to, that there were technological solutions in place to assist with language differences and locations in Aberdeen and that there was currently a programme in place with Dundee workers placed in the Aberdeen Command and Control to build their knowledge.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to request Police Scotland to provide comparative data on speed of calls handled and complaints; and

(ii)        to request Police Scotland to attend a future meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee to provide an update on the transition to the Dundee control centre; and

(iii)       to otherwise note the update provided.

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 remove item 3 – A944 Lang Stracht to Westhill Cycle Route and item 15 – City Centre Masterplan Project; and

(ii)        to otherwise 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.

“To instruct officers to investigate the possibility of extending the remit of the Blue Badge Enforcement Officer to include Enforcement of misuse of residents and business parking permits and report back to the appropriate committee.”

With reference to Article 29 of the minute of the meeting of Council of 11 May 2016, the Committee had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Jennifer Stewart:

‘’To instruct officers to investigate the possibility of extending the remit of the Blue Badge Enforcement Officer to include Enforcement of misuse of residents and business parking permits and report back to the appropriate committee.’’

A background report had also been provided by officers.

The Committee resolved:-

to bring forward a report to the May meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee to provide an update on the project work currently being undertaken on new parking systems and to investigate whether as part of this project the possibility of extending the remit of the Blue Badge Enforcement Officer to include enforcement of the misuse of residents and business parking permits can be incorporated into this.

‘’To assess the need and the merits of parking controls and Priority Parking as possible solutions that can respond to residents' concerns about parking pressures in the area between Ashley Gardens and Anderson Drive;

To instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to report back on the feasibility, the costs involved and potential funding sources of any such solution that would benefit residents; and

Given that the introduction of parking control schemes depend on the views of residents, that this Council agrees a consultation process that ensures the community has a chance to express their views.’’

The Committee had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Greig:-

‘’To assess the need and the merits of parking controls and Priority Parking as possible solutions that can respond to residents' concerns about parking pressures in the area between Ashley Gardens and Anderson Drive;

To instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to report back on the feasibility, the costs involved and potential funding sources of any such solution that would benefit residents; and

Given that the introduction of parking control schemes depend on the views of residents, that this Council agrees a consultation process that ensures the community has a chance to express their views.’’

Councillor Greig moved, seconded by Councillor Yuill:-

            That the Committee approve the terms of the motion.

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

            That this be taken forward as part of the budget process.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion (2)  -  Councillors Greig and Yuill

For the amendment (17) – The Convener, Vice Conveners Jean Morrison and Graham and Councillors Allan, Copland, Corall, Crockett, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, Lesley Dunbar, Finlayson, Flynn, Grant, Hutchison, Laing, Stuart and Young.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

‘’Instruct the Director of Communities Housing and Infrastructure to bring forward a report to the next Finance Policy and Resources Committee on how best the Council can invest in the Aberdeen Community Energy Community Bond the Donside Hydro Scotland’s first urban community hydro project in order to achieve social and environmental benefits to the local community.’’

The Committee had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Young:-

‘’To instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to bring forward a report to the next Finance, Policy and Resources Committee detailing the options available to the Council to invest in the Aberdeen Community Energy Community Bond, the Donside Hydro Scotland’s first urban community hydro project in order to achieve social and environmental benefits to the local community.’’

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the terms of the motion.

Mr Paul O’Connor and Mr Alexander Mess both addressed the Committee with regard to leased community centres. Mr O’Connor spoke first advising the Committee that the process had begun 17 years ago and commended the officers involved with the report. Mr O’Connor spoke about the role Community Centres had in local communities including acting as a preventative measures against crime. Mr Mess thanked officers for the report and emphasised the importance of volunteers across the city involved in community centres.

The Convener thanked both Mr O’Connor and Mr Mess for their contribution and emphasised that community centres were valuable assets and supported communities.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update with respect to the leased centres signed up to the current lease and management agreements and recommended amendments to the lease and management agreements following engagement with the leased centres during 2016.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve amendments to the Lease and Management Agreement as detailed in Appendix A and take note of key principles of repair and maintenance as detailed in section 5.4;

(b)       agree all existing special provisions in the existing leases remain as detailed in section 5.6 of the report;

(c)        approve a special provision for Ruthrieston to pay for their repairs;

(d)       instruct the Director of Communities Housing and Infrastructure, to implement new Lease and Management Agreements; and

(e)       instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to enter into the Management Agreement with Airyhall for the existing term of the lease.

The Committee resolved:-

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

(ii)        to instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to enter into the Management Agreement with Airyhall and Danestone for the existing term of the lease; and

(iii)       to instruct officers to report back to a future meeting on social capital.

The Taxi Consultation Group resolved at their meeting of 5 October 2016:-

(i)         to recommend that the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee instruct the Roads Infrastructure Manager to submit a report detailing the options for allowing taxis to have access to all bus gates in the city, in particular the bus gate on Bedford Road, including details on the statutory process which would be required, to a future meeting of that Committee; and

(ii)        to request that the decision of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee be reported back to the Group in due course.

The Committee had before it a referral from the Taxi Consultation Group meeting of 5 October 2016.

The Committee resolved:-

to instruct the Roads Infrastructure Manager to submit a report detailing the options for allowing taxis to have access to the bus gate on Bedford Road including details on the statutory process which would be required, to a future meeting of the Committee.

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)       note the content of the report; and

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

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 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)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       approve the virements outlined in Appendix A

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 provided a status report for the 2016/17 Housing Revenue Account and Housing Capital Programme as at 31 July 2016.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

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

(b)       instruct that the Head of Finance continue to update the Committee in consultation with the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure on the outturn position for 2016/17.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to bring forward a report before the Council Budget meeting in February on the feasibility of building 2,000 new homes by 2022.

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

The Head of Land and Property Assets highlighted key points in the Director’s progress report including Aberdeen had received 11 awards at the 50^th annual Beautiful Scotland awards which were recently held. The Waste and Recycling Service has been shortlisted as finalists for prestigious awards in two categories, Best Food Waste Initiative and Best Health and Safety Initiative at the Scottish Resources Conference. In September, Aberdeen City Council won two awards at the National Transport Awards Ceremony; the H2 Aberdeen initiative won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Low Carbon Transport and also the Low Carbon Road Transport Initiative of the Year at the annual Low Carbon Champions awards. In June, Aberdeen City Council and its development partner, Henry Boot Developments Ltd broke ground on the multi million pound project for the new AECC which will also include an innovative energy centre and three hotels bringing an extra 31,000 business tourists to Scotland. Aberdeen City Council now has 47 ‘Syrian New Scots’ living in Aberdeen with last month seeing the arrival of the first baby boy to be born in the North East of Scotland. By the end of the year Aberdeen City Council will have resettled 67 ‘Syrian New Scots’ and be two thirds of the way to meeting the commitment to resettle 100 individuals. All of the adults are learning English and the children are in education.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee provide comments and observations on both the performance information contained in the report and on indicators or areas of service they would like to see featured in future drill-down analysis sheets.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to instruct officers to bring forward to the January meeting of the Committee a summary report detailing key progress over the last 5 years;

(ii)        to instruct officers to provide further information to Councillor Copland on the length of time being taken to complete repairs for new tenants; and

(iii)       to instruct officers to number the performance indicators in future reports.

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 note the  actions taken and measures put in place in Fleet Services for monitoring performance of corporate Fleet Compliance and initiatives for improvement.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendation; and

(ii)        to agree that future updates to be published in the information bulletin.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Prior to consideration of the following item of business, Vice Convener Jean Morrison declared an interest by virtue of her status as a Council representative on the Board of Aberdeen Heat and Power but did not feel it necessary to leave the meeting.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the most recent Arm’s Length External Organisation (ALEO) Governance Hub Committee meeting in relation to Aberdeen Heat and Power (AHP).

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree to note the contents of the minutes of the ALEO Governance Hub Committee meeting 13 May 2016 in relation to Aberdeen Heat and Power; and

(b)       note that going forward, AHP will be measured by the following KPI headings;

                      i.        Alleviating fuel poverty- measured by number of housing units connected to district heating, reported annually.

                    ii.        Reducing carbon emissions – measured by the amount of carbon emissions reduced from the housing units connected to district heating reported annually.

                   iii.        Success of project delivery – measured by the number of projects completed on time and on budget reported annually. This will also include an element of customer satisfaction for these completed projects, reported annually.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Prior to consideration of the following item of business, Councillor Crockett declared an interest by virtue of his status as a Board Member of Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre but did not feel it necessary to leave the meeting.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which provided the outcomes of the most recent ALEO Governance Hub Committee meeting in relation to Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre Ltd (AECC).

The report recommended:-

That the Committee note the minute and comment on any of the areas highlighted within the report and minute of the ALEO Governance Hub Committee meeting of 9 May 2016 in relation to AECC Ltd.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which highlighted the mismatches in supply and demand for Council housing, particularly a reduction in waiting lists for two bedroom properties and an increase in waiting times for statutory homeless applicants requiring a bedsit or one bedroom property.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       note the current position of reducing waiting lists for two bedroom properties and an increase in waiting times for statutory homeless applicants requiring a bedsit or one bedroom property;

(b)       amend the ‘exceptions to the bedroom requirement rules’ within the scheme of allocations per Appendix 1 to strike a proportionate balance between severity of housing need and making best use of stock;

(c)        amend the offers in fulfilment of statutory homeless duty policy per Appendix 1 to offer families requiring a two bedroom property greater choice of area and single applicants/couples preference over whether they will be considered for a smaller or larger property;

(d)       instruct officers to report back on the operation of the revised policy after 12 months; and

(e)       approve an amendment to the current downsizing scheme to exclude tenants who accept a property larger than their requirements through this scheme, special lettings initiative, reduced criteria or any other initiative where there has been no change in their circumstances or other special circumstances do not apply.

The Committee resolved:-

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

(ii)        to approve amendments to the current downsizing scheme to (a) exclude tenants who accept a property larger than their requirements through this scheme, special lettings initiative, reduced criteria or any other initiative where there has been no change in their circumstances or other special circumstances do not apply; and (b) allow downsizing tenants to move to a property in excess of their needs but on a medium priority only;

(iii)       to instruct officers to advise statutory homeless applicants being allocated a property under these provisions of the potential financial implications of under occupancy, and permit an offer to be withdrawn where there is a reasonable likelihood of hardship arising; and

(iv)       under appendix A to amend the fourth bullet point under ‘Other factors that are taken into account when determining the number of bedrooms required’ to read ‘Where a household requiring only one bedroom requests one extra bedroom. This would be restricted to flatted properties.’

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Prior to consideration of the following item of business, Councillors Flynn and Young a declared an interest by virtue of their status as Board Members of Shaping Aberdeen and left prior to consideration of the item.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought agreement for the submission of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for the period 2017/18 – 2021/22.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee

(a)       approve the submission of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan to the Scottish Government;

(b)       refer the Housing Infrastructure Fund Table to the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee for their consideration in conjunction with the same table from Aberdeenshire Council;

(c)        agree that the City Council can provide grant funding for a project where Scottish Government grant funding cannot be provided in 2016/17 with the agreement of the Convenors of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure and Finance Policy and Resources along with the Head of Finance and Head of Legal and Democratic Services; and

(d)       grant delegated power to the Head of Communities and Housing to agree with the Scottish Government replacement projects from the approved SHIP to the Strategic Local Programme Agreements.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to Article 20 of the minute of its meeting of 27 August 2015, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided the outcomes of the tenant consultation exercise and options for a New Rent Setting Policy.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the outcomes from the consultation exercise with tenants; and

(b)       approve a New Rent Setting Policy from the three options below to take effect from April 2017.

Option 1

The annual rent increase will be based on Retail Price Index (RPI) +1% for July of the preceding year with the policy applied to years 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20. This option is based on the current Housing Revenue Account Business Plan model.

Option 2

The annual rent increase will be based on the RPI for July of the preceding year with the policy applied to years 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Option 3

The annual rent increase will be based on RPI + 0.5% for July of the preceding year with the policy applied to years 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20. 

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note the outcomes from the consultation exercise with tenants; and

(ii)        approve Option 1 as detailed above.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for environmental improvements to be undertaken to five corner areas within Seaton.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct the Head of Land and Property Assets to conclude the grant application with the grant funder that has indicated support for this project and implement the proposals subject to the grant being awarded.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to award a contract to demolish 78A and 86-90 Powis Terrace in advance of the Berryden Corridor Improvement works.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       instruct officers to award the contract for the demolition of 78A and 86-90 Powis Terrrace to David Smith Contractors Ltd.

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 first mandatory Climate Change Report submission to the Scottish Government to ensure compliance with the requirements of Public Bodies Duties under Part 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve the submissions provided in Appendices 1 and 2 to the Scottish Government;

(b)       request that the Chief Executive sign off the submission; and

(c)        approve that future annual Climate Change Reports are submitted to the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised on the revised working procedures for the delivery of developer obligations including methods for community groups, community councils and local members to be involved in the decision making process regarding allocation of funds.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree to the revised proposed working procedures which will be implemented as soon as possible;

(b)       agree to the recruitment of a new Developer Obligations Officer; and

(c)        note the involvement of community and elected members in the developer obligation process.

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 measures 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 if objections are received; and

(c)        instruct the appropriate officers to commence the statutory consultation for the traffic regulation order for the list of Blue Badge parking bays with a view to implementing the bays fully if no substantial objections are received.

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 orders at the final statutory stage.

(1)       The Aberdeen City Council (Cairncry Road / Plane Tree Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(2)       The Aberdeen City Council (Cromar Gardens, Kingswells, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(3)       The Aberdeen City Council (Kepplehills Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen) (Regulatory Part-Time 20 mph speed limit) Order 201 (X)

(4)       The Aberdeen City Council (Kingswood Drive, Kingswells, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(5)       The Aberdeen City Council (Morningside Mews / Morningfield Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(6)       The Aberdeen City Council (Palmerston Road / Poynernook Road / Stell Road / Russell Road / Old Ford Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting on Footway) Order 201 (X)

(7)       The Aberdeen City Council (Pitstruan Place, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(8)       The Aberdeen City Council (Station Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(9)       The Aberdeen City Council (Wellington Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of U-Turns) Order 201 (X)

(10)     The Aberdeen City Council (B999 between A90 Ellon Road and Denmore Road, Aberdeen) (Redetermination of Means of Exercise of Public Right of Passage) Order 201 (X)

(11)     The Aberdeen City Council (Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(12)     The Aberdeen City Council (Fairley Road, Kingswells, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(13)     The Aberdeen City Council (Kirkton Drive, Dyce, Aberdeen) (Limited Waiting On-Street Parking Places) Order 201 (X)

(14)     The Aberdeen City Council (Dyce Drive, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)

(15)     The Aberdeen City Council (Disabled Persons’ Parking Places in Aberdeen City) (Regulatory Parking Places) (Ref.4/16) Order 201 (X)

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve the thirteen traffic orders that did not attract any objections or comments, and that all orders be made and implemented accordingly;

(b)       in relation to ‘The Aberdeen City Council (Kingswood Drive, Kingswells, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)’ overrule the objection received and approve that this order be made as originally envisaged; and

(c)        in relation to ‘The Aberdeen City Council (Station Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201 (X)’ proceed with this order as originally envisaged; while then monitoring the remaining section of Station Road in which the residents have raised concerns.

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 to change the exisiting speed limits on the local road network due to the requirements of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR). The changes advised would require to be progressed through the normal legal process for the required Traffic Regulation Order.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the proposed speed limits within the AWPR side roads; and

(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.

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 following order at the final statutory stage.

The Aberdeen City Council (Broad Street / Queen Street, Aberdeen) (Traffic Management) Order 201 (X)

The report recommended:-

That the Committee overrule the objection received and approve that the order be made as originally envisaged.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised on the details of an appeal against an officer decision to refuse a footway crossing application at 101 Caiesdykes Road, Kincorth, Aberdeen.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee reject the appeal for a footway crossing at 101 Caiesdykes Road as it does not meet the standards set in the Council’s approved policy.

The Committee resolved:-

to instruct officers to investigate a solution and report back to the January meeting of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee.

With reference to Article 1 of the minute of the Petitions Committee meeting of 20 January 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided information relating to the surveys and study carried out for a pedestrian crossing on Scotstown Road north of the junction with Parkway.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree that no additional pedestrian crossing is provided north of the Parkway at this time;

(b)       that the situation is monitored over the coming year, with action being proposed if justified; and

(c)        instruct officers to progress the statutory consultation and public advertisement for a proposed 30 MPH speed limit on Scotstown Road between Parkway and Dubford Road.

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

            That the Committee approve the recommendations contained in the report.

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

            That a pedestrian crossing be provided north of the Parkway.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion (17)  -  The Convener, Vice Conveners Jean Morrison and Graham and Councillors Allan, Copland, Corall, Crockett, Dickson, Jackie Dunbar, Lesley Dunbar, Flynn, Grant, Hutchison, Laing, Stuart, Young and Yuill.

For the amendment (1) –  Councillor Finlayson

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to make a funding contribution to river embankment repairs being made by Aberdeen Harbour Board.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       agree to a funding contribution of up to £46,000 towards the Dee Riverbank Revetment Works, procured by Aberdeen Harbour Board;

(b)       note that the proposed contribution is to cover costs associated with a 14-metre long section of embankment scours repairs adjacent to the Victoria Bridge abutments;

(c)        note that the proposed contribution is calculated on a pro-rata basis relating to the river embankment repairs element of the tender total only;

(d)       note that the maintenance of Victoria Bridge is the responsibility of Aberdeen City Council;

(e)       note that the Scottish Government has awarded £250,000 to Aberdeen City Council for repair of damage caused by flooding in 2015/16 winter;

(f)        note that the proposed contribution will be paid from the existing bridges budget which now includes the above £250,000 award from the Scottish Government; and

(g)       note that the embankment repairs will be complete by end of 2016. 

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 proposed Winter Service Plan.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the content of the report; and

(b)       approve the ‘Roads Winter Service Plan’ for 2016-2017

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to Article 7 of the Council meeting of 17 August 2016, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented proposals for the performance measurement framework for Aberdeen Crematorium.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       note the contents of the report; and

(b)       approve the content of the performance framework for the Crematorium as a mechanism for reporting performance to Committee.

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 success achieved by Aberdeen in this year’s Beautiful Scotland and Britain in Bloom campaigns.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       acknowledge Aberdeen’s awards in this year’s campaigns and gives thanks and congratulations to all those that took part and helped make Aberdeen’s campaign such a successful one;

(b)       agree that Aberdeen should take part in the 2017 Beautiful Scotland campaign and or Britain In Bloom if asked to take part; and

(c)        agree for Environmental Services to continue to support and develop community partnerships and projects.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

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

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided details on the current and forecast level of spend on the domestic  gas central heating (annual servicing, maintenance and repairs) framework.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       in accordance with Regulation 4.1.2 of the Council’s new Procurement Regulations, note the current overspend and approves the forecast overspend on the contract, and the reasons for this;

(b)       approve an extension of up to 31 October 2018 for the current Gas Central Heating Maintenance Framework contractor, as a risk control measure.  During this time, the detailed strategy for procuring a new contractor, assessing tenders based more on quality than price, and allowing for a transition period, will be developed and implemented;

(c)        instruct the Head of Procurement, under Regulation 4.2.2 of the Council’s Procurement Regulations to designate the required Delegated Procurer(s) within Communities Housing and Infrastructure, in order to conduct procurements for a new Works contract, and to agree to award, amend or vary the proposed contract detailed in this report;

(d)       approve the total estimated expenditure for the new contract as detailed in this report, in accordance with Regulation 4.1.1.3 of the Council’s Procurement Regulations;

(e)       note that the Gas and Cyclical Maintenance Team has achieved 100% rating in gaining access to carry out the annual gas checks to each property within 12 months of the previous visit (a statutory requirement) and is anxious not to risk losing this critical performance;

(f)        note the specific risks associated with this contract, in particular, the risks and potential consequences of not continuing to test 100% of properties annually; and

(g)       note that in order to move away from accepting unrealistically low tenders, and consequently encountering financial claims and disputes, the Council will likely see a rise in the cost of accepted tender sums.

The Committee resolved:-

 (i)        to refer the report to the next Finance, Policy and Resources Committee meeting with the recommendation that they instruct the Head of Procurement to issue a fresh tender for the contract; and

(ii)       to refer this report to the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee to examine the current contract.

-       COUNCILLOR NEIL COONEY,  Convener