Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

https://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=503&MId=4321&Ver=4

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

The Convener presented the Cook of the Year award to Lynn Ellington and the Silver Award for School Meals to Susan Bailey. The Convener also thanked officers who helped organise or were involved with the Great Aberdeen Run and the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to congratulate Lynn Ellington and Susan Bailey on their awards; and

(ii)       to thank officers for their work and involvement in the Great Aberdeen Run and the Celebrate Aberdeen Parade.

The Committee was requested to determine if any items of business be considered as matters of urgency in terms of Section 50(B)(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Committee resolved:-

to note there was no urgent business.

The Convener proposed that the Committee consider items 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 and 16.6 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 consideration of the aforementioned items so as to avoid disclosure of exempt information of the classes described in paragraphs 8 of schedule 7(A) of the Act.

Councillor Jackie Dunbar declared an interest in item 10.7 by virtue of her residency within the Middlefield area but would remain in the meeting during consideration of the item.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the declaration of interest intimated by Councillor Jackie Dunbar for item 10.7.

The Convener advised that no deputation requests had been received.

The Committee resolved:-

to note that no deputation requests had been received for items on today’s agenda.

The Committee had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 24 May 2017 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 agree to remove item 7 (Supported Bus Services) as this was reported to Council;

(ii)        to note the updates provided; and

(iii)       to instruct the Clerk to alert members of the Committee when service updates were published.

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

The Committee resolved:-

(i)        to agree to remove items 2, 3 and 7 as these were dealt with a the previous meeting of 24 May 2017; and

(ii)       otherwise note the updates provided.

The Committee had before it a tracker for forthcoming Committee meetings, which detailed upcoming reports.

The Committee resolved:-

To note the information provided.

Given the recent difficulties associated with the timely uplift of residential garden waste and the knock on effect it has had on other uplift services,  this committee instructs the Interim Director of Communities Housing and Infrastructure to report back, in the next cycle, providing the progress to date of the roll-out of the new recycling and waste system.  The report should also include the details of any problems which have been encountered together with the solutions that have been put in place to mitigate them occurring in the future.  Officers are requested to provide clarity on the protocol when informing elected members and members of the public when changes are being made to those services.

The Committee had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Jackie Dunbar.

Given the recent difficulties associated with the timely uplift of residential garden waste and the knock on effect it has had on other uplift services, this committee instructs the Interim Director of Communities Housing and Infrastructure to report back, in the next cycle, providing the progress to date of the roll-out of the new recycling and waste system.  The report should also include the details of any problems which have been encountered together with the solutions that have been put in place to mitigate them occurring in the future. Officers are requested to provide clarity on the protocol when informing elected members and members of the public when changes are being made to those services.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the terms of the motion.

That the Committee;

1.       Notes Aberdeen City Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children attending our schools.  As part of that programme Aberdeen City Council promotes children walking and cycling to school.

2.       Notes the concerns raised by parents and carers across the City regarding poor driving practices by a small number of motorists in the vicinity of our schools particularly at the start and finish of the school day. 

3.       Notes the existing limitations placed on Police Officers and City Wardens to enforce traffic management measures such as single and double yellow lines in the vicinity of schools due the requirement for a period of grace on such restrictions and the resulting road safety implications for pupils, parents and carers of the indiscriminate parking and driving practices in these locations.

4.       Notes the costs to Aberdeen City Council of implementing existing single and double yellow lines parking restrictions in the vicinity of schools. 

5.       Instruct the traffic management team and city wardens to report on the effectiveness of the existing measures of road safety in the vicinity of our schools together with the costs currently incurred and to report on possible alternative options or measures that could be implemented in the vicinity of our schools that would promote less indiscriminate parking and poor driving practices.

6.       Instruct the traffic management team, city wardens and assets and finance team in Education and Children’s Services to consult with individual Parent Councils and representative pupil bodies as to measures they may consider to be appropriate that would promote less indiscriminate parking and poor driving practices.

The Committee had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Nicoll.

That the Committee;

1.         Notes Aberdeen City Council is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children attending our schools. As part of that programme Aberdeen City Council promotes children walking and cycling to school;

2.         Notes the concerns raised by parents and carers across the City regarding poor driving practices by a small number of motorists in the vicinity of our schools particularly at the start and finish of the school day;

3.         Notes the existing limitations placed on Police Officers and City Wardens to enforce traffic management measures such as single and double yellow lines in the vicinity of schools due the requirement for a period of grace on such restrictions and the resulting road safety implications for pupils, parents and carers of the indiscriminate parking and driving practices in these locations;

4.         Notes the costs to Aberdeen City Council of implementing existing single and double yellow lines parking restrictions in the vicinity of schools;

5.         Instruct the traffic management team and city wardens to report on the effectiveness of the existing measures of road safety in the vicinity of our schools together with the costs currently incurred and to report on possible alternative options or measures that could be implemented in the vicinity of our schools that would promote less indiscriminate parking and poor driving practices; and

6.         Instruct the traffic management team, city wardens and assets and finance team in Education and Children’s Services to consult with individual Parent Councils and representative pupil bodies as to measures they may consider to be appropriate that would promote less indiscriminate parking and poor driving practices.

Councillor Grant proposed a revision to item 6 of the Notice of Motion to read:

Instruct the traffic management team, city wardens and assets and finance team in Education and Children’s Services, in consultation with Police Scotland to consult with individual Parent Councils and representative pupil bodies as to measures they may consider to be appropriate that would promote less indiscriminate parking and poor driving practices.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the terms of the motion, subject to the revision of item 6.

With reference to Article 28 of the minute of the meeting of Council on 15 March 2017, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised and updated members on the work carried out by officers in relation to a motion by Former Councillor Finlayson at the Council meeting on 15th March 2017.  The motion was:

To instruct the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to arrange for the carrying out of feasibility study on a safe route to school for all pupils attending the new Lochside Academy. The Interim Director should include in the options for either a pedestrian bridge over, or a pedestrian underpass under Wellington Road dual carriageway in the vicinity of the A956 Wellington Road/Souter Head Road roundabout.

It is essential to consider these options due to the fast moving very large volumes of traffic, including HGVs, currently using Wellington Road which will substantially increase with the opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route vehicles serving the new Recycling Plant, the new Energy from Waste Plant and the new Harbour.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       Note the content of the report; and

(b)       Instruct officers to implement an at-grade Toucan crossing over A956 Wellington Road, as originally stipulated in the planning consent, as it is the most suitable option in terms of providing a safe route to the new Lochside Academy for pupils.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to refer the content of the report to the 16 November 2017 meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Committee for inclusion within the report on the proposals being considered to provide pupil transport to and from Lochside Academy; and

(ii)        to ensure that appropriate consultation takes place with stakeholders prior to this Committee meeting.

With reference to Article 31 of the minute of the meeting of Council on 15 March 2017, the Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which was a response to the motion by Former Councillor Ironside at the Council meeting of 15 March 2017.  The motion was:

That the Council instruct the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chief Officer - Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, to investigate the possibility of co-ordinating a scheme where businesses in the city centre would make available their toilet facilities to disabled and older people with medical conditions, and to report to the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee on 29 August 2017.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct officers to -

(a)       Develop a strategy with local partners and businesses to increase awareness of accessible toilet provision in the City centre and potential for a Community Toilet Scheme focussed on accessible facilities;

(b)       Carry out a further in depth review of Radar key user facilities in the city and increase awareness of facilities available;

(c)       Carry out an audit on the availability of Changing Places toilets as well as accessible toilets in the City centre;

(d)       Work with current partners to develop a database of available accessible toilets within the City centre and their provisions; and

(e)       Explore the potential of holding a workshop in partnership with Aberdeen Inspire for local businesses, along with local support groups, access panels and the Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) to look at the positive impacts on business by improving accessible toilet provision for the public within the city and how to address any concerns.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the terms of the motion.

With reference to article of the minute of the Petitions Committee of 14 June 2017, the Committee had before it a request to investigate whether officers should undertake a feasibility study to look at options on improving cycling within the area with the scope and source of funding for the feasibility study to be considered.

The Committee resolved:-

to instruct officers to undertake a feasibility study to look at options on improving cycling within the area.

The Committee had before it a report by the Head of Finance which provided a full year forecast position of Communities, Housing & Infrastructure for the financial year 2017/18, including: General Fund, Trading Services and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue and capital accounts.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       Note the General Fund forecast revenue position as detailed in Appendix 1;

(b)       Note the HRA forecast revenue position as detailed in Appendix 2;

(c)        Note the trading forecast revenue position as detailed in Appendix 3;

(d)       Note the General Fund and HRA capital position as detailed in Appendix 4;

The Committee resolved:-

to note the recommendations.

Please note this amended page – this replaces p.124 in the original document pack

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the key performance measures and progress of key improvement work within the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Directorate in relation to Community Planning Aberdeen’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan and Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Business Plan.

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 share the Voids Improvement Plan with the Committee;

(ii)        to instruct officers to provide a response to Members of the Committee regarding the increase in the average length of homeless journey, difficulties involved and reasons and trends in the significant increase in statutory homeless applications; and

(iii)       to instruct officers to provide a response to Members of the Committee regarding the food safety hygiene inspections below target.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which presented the Service Improvement Plans which had been deferred from consideration at the meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee on 24 May 2017 due to the Service Plans only being available via an internet link which meant that they could not be annotated within the agenda pack. Since May there have been some amendments to the Service Improvement Plans which are appended to this report.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee note the content of the Service Improvement Plans for 2017-18.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the content of the Service Improvement Plans for 2017-18.

AT THIS JUNCTURE THE CONVENER ADVISED THAT POLICE SCOTLAND AND THE HEAD OF COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING WERE NOT YET IN ATTENDANCE AT TODAY'S MEETING DUE TO A PRIOR ENGAGEMENT AND SUGGESTED THE COMMITTEE SKIP AHEAD TO ITEM 12.1 UNTIL THEY ARRIVED.

The Committee resolved:-

to defer consideration of items 10.1-11.1 and skip ahead to item 12.1.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which considered the Council’s annual sponsorship of two local business awards (Elevator and Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce) and suggested changes to the approach from 2018 onwards.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Consider the contents of this report;

(b)       Agree that in future years, the Council will alternate sponsorship of the two main business awards (Elevator and Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce), starting with the Elevator Awards in 2018; or seek co-sponsorship arrangements; and

(c)       Instruct the Economic Development service to manage sponsorships and attendance at similar events within an annual budget of £7,000.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for officers within Economic Development to work with Instant Neighbour to progress the establishment of a city centre one stop shop where the public can access support, information, and training relating to employment.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Agree that discussions with partners on the development and running of a city centre one stop employability shop be continued;

(b)       Delegate authority to the Head of Economic Development, in consultation with the Head of Land and Property Assets to negotiate a sub-letting agreement with Instant Neighbour (the lead body); and

(c)        Agree to receive annual reports on the outcomes achieved within the one stop employability shop.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to embed the proposed management processes outlined to ensure that Aberdeen City Council maximises opportunities through the Community Benefit programme.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve the Community Benefit Management Process as outlined in this report: and

(b)       Request that the lead officer in Economic Development services provide annual Community Benefit outcome reports linking into the Benefits Realisation Programme.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an annual update on the Council’ engagement with the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP).

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note the update provided in this report;

(b)       Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to the World Energy Cities Partnership; and

(c)        Consider whether a bid to host the World Energy Cities Partnership Annual General Meeting should be explored for 2019 or 2021.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which requested a financial contribution towards the revenue costs associated with the development of the Greyhope Bay initiative.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       approve the awarding of £20,000 each year for 2017-18 and 2018-19 to the Greyhope Bay Trust to support the next phase of development work;

(b)       instruct officers from Communities & Housing and Economic Development to continue to explore additional sources of funding to support project development costs and future capital works; and

(c)        instruct the Head of Finance in conjunction with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to prepare a grant agreement.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the awarding of £20,000 each year for 2017-18 and 2018-19 to Greyhope Bay Ltd to support the next phase of development work; and

(ii)        otherwise agree recommendations (b) and (c).

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an overview of emerging international markets and sought approval for development activities.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Agree the international trade and export priorities contained within the report;

(b)       Note the proposed development activities and that a recommendation for the development of emerging markets will be brought forward in 2018/2019;

(c)        Authorise the Head of Economic Development to approve the necessary arrangements for international travel identified in this report; and

(d)       Receive service updates on international trade activities as they fall due with Council meetings.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to submit a bid to European Green Capital Awards 2020

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve the submission of a bid to European Green Capital Awards 2020; and

(b)       Agree to receive a report back from officers when the outcome of the bid is known.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for a package of measures to generate the best outcomes from the £145,000 capital budget allocated in support of the emerging Food Growing Strategy for Aberdeen; a duty under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. The projects and initiatives identified will deliver community food-growing spaces and seek to promote and facilitate community food-growing city-wide.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve commencement of the Community Food Growing Programme (“the programme”), as listed in Appendix 1;

(b)       Approve the estimated expenditure (as detailed in Appendix 1) in relation to the proposed programme including potential procurement exercises up to individual contract values of £25,000;

(c)       Delegate authority to the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development in consultation with the Convenor of Communities Housing and Infrastructure to amend the programme should priorities and feasibilities change during the year; and

(d)       Instruct the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to report back to this Committee in one years’ time with a review of the recommended programme.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which requested the Committee to appoint an Elected Member Representative for Powering Aberdeen - Aberdeen’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP).

The report recommended:-

That the Committee appoint an Elected Member to Powering Aberdeen.

The Committee resolved:-

to appoint Councillor Bell as the representative to Powering Aberdeen.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which raised awareness of ongoing developments of the publicly-available Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure network which the Council provides in Aberdeen City as well as updating Members on the costs associated with the project to date.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Not the contents of the report; and

(b)       Instruct officers to continue to offer the EV charging service at no charge for the remainder of this financial year (until end of March 2018) or, should Transport Scotland propose a National model for monetary charging prior to this, review this proposal and report back to committee with further recommendations.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to dispose of one of the Council’s electric cars by transferring ownership from the Council to the ‘Distributed National Collection’ of Scotland so it can make up part of the permanent collection of the Grampian Transport Museum.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development in conjunction with the Head of Commercial and Procurement of to implement the legal transfer of the ownership of the Mitsubishi I-MiEV electric vehicle from the Council to the “Distributed National Collection” of Scotland for no cash consideration.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided a project update for the European funded project ‘CIVITAS PORTIS’ and to note and approve projected grant funding spend for financial year 2017/2018.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note the information on progress made to date in relation to the CIVITAS PORTIS project;

(b)       Approve the estimated expenditure of £2,375,716 from the grant funding provided by the European Commission;

(c)        Delegate power to the Head of Planning & Sustainable Development in consultation with the Head of Commercial and Procurement to carry out any necessary procurement exercises and to award resultant contracts associated with delivery of the PORTIS project to be paid for from the grant funding;

(d)       Instruct Officers to provide an annual report to CHI Committee with updated cumulative spend against the estimated expenditure and updated programme (including proposed procurements) and:-

(e)       Nominate an Elected Member to act as PORTIS Ambassador and for nominated Elected Member to undertake any associated travel with CIVITAS PORTIS as and when required effective from September 2017.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to agree recommendations (a) – (d); and

(ii)        to nominate the Lord Provost to act as PORTIS Ambassador and for nominated Elected Member to undertake any associated travel with CIVITAS PORTIS as and when required effective from September 2017.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised members on the proposals of the Local Authority and Bus Operator Forum (LABOF) toward the options for refreshing the current structure of the Quality Partnership for Public Transport. Approval is also sought on the principles of a revised voluntary Quality Partnership with statutory functions for public transport for the North East of Scotland Region (including Aberdeen City).

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve the proposed two tier approach for a region-wide voluntary partnership agreement and subsequent corridor specific agreements such as statutory or enhanced partnership agreements;

(b)       Approve the involvement of Aberdeen City Council in the establishment of a Quality Partnership Board and development of the Terms of Reference of a future Quality Partnership Board; and

(c)        Request the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to report to the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee in January 2018 confirming the terms of the Quality Partnership Board and region-wide Voluntary Quality Partnership Agreement and associated technical, procedural and/or financial matters arising.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)        to thank officers for their hard work on this report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which (1) provided an update on progress to date on the development of a new roads hierarchy which will provide a policy context for future transport planning and along with the Regional and Local Transport Strategies and the City Region Deal Transport Appraisal forms the basis of identifying future network changes required after completion of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route - Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR-B/T); and (2) sought approval to continue development of proposals taking into consideration the findings of the consultation with stakeholders and the public carried out earlier this year.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note the outcomes of the stakeholder and public consultation;

(b)       Agree the central Roads Hierarchy Principles noted in 3.5.2, and agree that they are essential for developing the proposed Roads Hierarchy identified in 3.5.4;

(c)        Instruct the interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development in consultation with the Head of Public Infrastructure and Environment to develop the detailed roads hierarchy based on the above decision (b) and the contents of this report; and

(d)       Instruct the interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to report back with the next level of detail as described in 3.6 to the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee in the first half of 2018.

Councillor Grant proposed an amendment to accept recommendations (a), (b) and (c) but to revise (d) to read:-

To instruct the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to report back with the next level of detail as described in 3.6 to the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee in the first half of 2018, and considers the responses to the recent Strategic Car Parking Review as well as the objectives of the new Quality Partnership.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to agree recommendations (a) – (c); and

(ii)        to agree recommendation (d) subject to the above revision.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to commission a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) Pre-Appraisal and STAG Part 1 Appraisal for External Transportation Links to the Bay of Nigg Harbour Development.  The project is being progressed through City Region Deal.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note the content of the ‘Transportation Links to Bay of Nigg Harbour’ Business Case (Appendix 1) and specifically that, under Aberdeen City Region Deal, £25m has been allocated from the UK Government (£12.5m) and Scottish Government (£12.5m) for the transport infrastructure to support external connections to the Harbour Development;

(b)       Approve the commissioning of a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) Pre-Appraisal and STAG Part 1 Appraisal for External Transportation Links to the Bay of Nigg Harbour Development, and add the £100,000 project and associated City Region deal match funding to the Council’s Non-Housing Capital programme;

(c)        Approve the estimated expenditure for the procurement exercise detailed in exempt Appendix 2; and

(d)       Subject to approval of b) and c), instruct the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development to undertake the procurement exercise identified in exempt Appendix 2 for the work.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised of a number of external funding opportunities that have become available or will soon become available to the Council for transportation projects and, where these are successful, requests Committee approval to spend the funds obtained.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note that Aberdeen City Council has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government to deliver projects outlined in the Air Quality Action Plan. Accept the funding and authorise officers to spend the funding in accordance with grant conditions and the Council’s procurement procedures, and as outlined in the main body of the report;

(b)       Note that Aberdeen City Council has been successful in a bid to Transport Scotland’s Grant for Chargeplace Scotland Network 2017/18 fund. Accept the funding and authorise officers to spend the funding in accordance with the grant conditions and the Council’s procurement procedures;

(c)       Note Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly Employer Workplace Grants Fund potential to improve cycling provision within Marischal College and if an award is successfully granted, approve the expenditure of any funds successfully obtained;

(d)       Note that Aberdeen City Council has been successful in a bid to the Sustrans Cycle Parking Grant Scheme. Accept the funding and authorise officers to spend the funding in accordance with the grant conditions and the Council’s procurement procedures;

(e)       Authorise officers to deliver the active travel projects from the Sustrans Active Travel Fund, as listed in the main body of the report and prioritised in the Active Travel Action Plan, in accordance with the grant conditions and the Council’s own procurement procedures;

(f)        Authorise officers to seek appropriate match funding for the identified projects; and

(g)       If match funding is successfully acquired, delegate authority to the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development, following consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to agree the terms of any Memorandum of Understanding with funding bodies.

The Clerk advised that references to officers within the recommendations referred to the interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which considered considers the proposed Traffic Order “The Aberdeen City Council (Union Terrace (Part of), Aberdeen) (Stopping Up) Order 201(X)”

The report recommended:-

That the Committee acknowledge there were no objections received as a result of the statutory consultation and thereby instructs officers to bring the Order into effect in accordance with the future timetable for the Union Terrace Gardens project.

The Clerk advised that the reference to officers within the recommendation referred to the Head of Public Infrastructure and Environment.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised of the need for various small scale traffic management measures identified as necessary on road safety and/or traffic management grounds, and therefore requests Committee approval to proceed with the statutory procedure to establish Traffic Regulation Orders to bring these proposals into effect.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve the proposals in principle;

(b)       Instruct the appropriate officers to commence the necessary legal procedure of initial consultation with Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Public Transport Operators, Freight Transport Association, Road Haulage Association and any other organisations representing persons likely to be affected by any provision in the order as the authority considers appropriate e.g. Community Councils, Aberdeen Cycle Forum, Disability Equity Partnership etc. If no objections are received, then progress to the public advertisement; and

(c)       Following the public advertisement, if there are no objections, the Traffic Regulations Orders will be made as originally envisaged by way of delegated authority. Otherwise, in the event of objection(s), instruct officers to report the results to a future meeting of this Committee.

The Clerk advised that references to officers within the recommendations referred to the Head of Public Infrastructure and Environment.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which considered objections that have been lodged with respect to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Acknowledge the two objections received as a result of the statutory Consultation;

(b)       Approve the orders that did not attract objections, and that all the orders be made and implemented accordingly;

(c)        In relation to “The Aberdeen City Council (Broom Park / Cults Avenue / Kirkbrae Avenue, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201(X)” overrule the objection received and approve this order be made and implemented as originally envisaged; and

(d)       In relation to “The Aberdeen City Council (Gort Road, Aberdeen) (Prohibition of Waiting) Order 201(X)” overrule the objection received and approve this order be made and implemented as originally envisaged.

Councillor Grant proposed an amendment to agree recommendations (a), (b) and (c); and replace (d) with:-

To approve the proposed restrictions but to delay the implementation of the extension at Gordon Mills Road junction for 12 months while officers continue to monitor.  If the indiscriminate parking continues this part of the order could then be made live and implemented.

The Convener proposed an addendum to the recommendations, to insert (e) to read:-

To change the proposed at any time restrictions to a Single Yellow Line Timed Restriction (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.) over the whole length of Grampian place and for Councillor Allan to agree the extent of the junction protection requirements at the Oscar Road / Grampian Place junction and its junction with North Grampian Circle.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to agree recommendations (a) – (c);

(ii)        to approve the proposed restrictions but to delay the implementation of the extension at Gordon Mills Road junction for 12 months while officers continue to monitor. If the indiscriminate parking continues this part of the order could then be made live and implemented; and

(iii)       to change the proposed at any time restrictions to a Single Yellow Line Timed Restriction (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.) over the whole length of Grampian place and for Councillor Allan to agree the extent of the junction protection requirements at the Oscar Road / Grampian Place junction and its junction with North Grampian Circle and ensure this is done in consultation with the local members.

AT THIS JUNCTURE THE CONVENER ADVISED THAT THE HEAD OF COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM POLICE SCOTLAND WERE NOW IN ATTENDANCE AND THE COMMITTEE REVERTED BACK TO AGENDA ITEM 10.1.

The Committee had before it a report by North East Division, Police Scotland which informed the Committee of the risks posed by Cybercrime and the work being undertaken by North East Division and Police Scotland to reduce the risk of harm it causes to communities.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee note the report.

Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson noted that Police Scotland had submitted three reports to today’s Committee and requested that the verbal update under item 10.2 follow consideration of the reports attached as items 10.1, 10.3 and 10.4 on today’s agenda.  The Committee agreed to this proposal and thereafter Chief Superintendent Thomson summarised and answered questions from members on these reports.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to agree to consider items 10.1, 10.3 and 10.4 ahead of item 10.2; and

(ii)        to note the report.

The Committee had before it a report by North East Division, Police Scotland outlining the Aberdeen City Policing Plan 2017-20.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the content of the Local Policing Plan.

The Committee had before it the Police Performance Report April 2016 - March 2017.

The Committee resolved:-

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

(ii)        to request the Chief Superintendent to report back to the Committee with a report on Drug Crime in the City including details on drugs related deaths.

A representative from C3 Division will attend the Committee as requested.

Chief Inspector Dave Ross (Tayside Division, Police Scotland) provided an update of the North Overview implementation and other transitional arrangements for the move to a national service and command and control to Dundee ACR. He also invited members of the Committee to visit Dundee ACR to provide further assurance on its operation.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note the verbal update provided; and

(ii)        to instruct the Clerk to liaise with Police Scotland to arrange a suitable time to visit the Dundee Command and Control Centre.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for officers to undertake a scheme of demolition of wash houses: the ownership of which is shared by the Council and a number of private owners.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee instruct the Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to arrange for the demolition of individual wash houses (within these noted ‘Backies’), where unanimous consent has been obtained from its owners.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to implement a Participatory Budgeting (PB) approach in support of Locality Planning and tenant participation during 2017/18.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee –

(a)       Approve use of Aberdeen City Council £20,000 communities Devolved Educational Management (DEM) reserves and £75,000 Housing Revenue Account environmental improvement budgets for PB processes as set out below;

(b)       Approve allocation and use of Community Choices Fund (£100,000 if the full funding request is agreed by the Scottish Government) as set out below or pro-rata allocations if the full funding applied for is not secured; and

(c)       Delegate authority to the Head of Communities and Housing to approve grants in accordance with the outcomes to the PB processes.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Jackie Dunbar declared an interest in the following item as outlined in item 4 of this minute and chose to remain in the meeting during consideration of this item.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which             outlined recommendations on the future development of the Middlefield ‘Triangle Site’ including the outcomes of the most recent community engagement and consultation. These proposals support Aberdeen City Council’s regeneration and community empowerment objectives.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Instruct Officers to undertake a market testing exercise to determine interest in one or both of the options and report back to the January 2018 meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee;

(b)       Instruct the Head of Service for Communities and Housing, on the basis of the consultation results, to undertake immediate further dialogue with the Council’s Economic Development Service to gauge potential demand for business incubator units in the Triangle Site;

(c)        In the event that the outcome of (b) above indicates demand for incubator units on the Triangle Site, instruct the Head of Service for Communities and Housing to update the Business Case accordingly and report back to a future meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee; and

(d)       Instruct the Head of Service for Communities and Housing to undertake immediate further dialogue with Education and Children’s Services to gauge potential demand for land in the Middlefield area for Early Learning and Childcare provision and staff training facility and update the Business Case accordingly, and report back to a future meeting of the Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee.

The meeting adjourned to enable officers to brief Councillors on the competency of the amendment.

The Convener moved, seconded by Vice Convener John:-

That the Committee approve the recommendations contained in the report.

Councillor Jackie Dunbar moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor McRae:-

That the Committee -

(a         Approve Option 1c as the preferred option for site redevelopment into retail (with site disposal) and greenspace as per the attached Business Case;

(b)       Instruct Officers to develop detailed drawings for the greenspace element of the site, working in collaboration with the local community, and report back to January 2018 Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee cycle;

(c)        Instruct the Head of Land and Property Assets to dispose of the area identified as for retail use in accordance with Aberdeen City Council’s disposal procedure and to report to future meeting of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee with the outcome;

(d)       Request the Interim Director for Communities, Housing and Infrastructure to further engage Scottish Government Ministers, requesting appropriate assistance, to support redevelopment of the Triangle Site in support of regenerating Middlefield; and

(e)       Instruct the Head of Service for Communities and Housing to undertake further dialogue with Education and Children’s Services as to the most suitable location in the Northfield/Mastrick North ward area for Early Learning and Childcare provision and staff training facility.  This committee recognises that the Middlefield Triangle would not be suitable but recognises the need in the wider community area.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion (9) – The Convener, Vice Conveners Bell and John and Councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the discussions taking place between local authorities in the north of Scotland with a view to the creation of a Formal Joint Working Partnership of North Scotland Trading Standards Services and to seek members permission to continue participating in these discussions.  In the face of ongoing national discussions on the future of the delivery of the TS function, the Chief Executive requested that we explore the possibility of a Joint TS Service in the North with our neighbouring authorities.  The report outlined the results of those discussions to date.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note the terms of the report and the timetable set out; and

(b)       Authorise officers to continue with this discussion with a view to agreeing detailed collaborative working arrangements which will be the subject of a further report to Committee seeking approval of the same.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on the current coastal / flooding defence projects in Aberdeen.  It also seeks approval to transfer money (£100,000) from the Roads Weak Bridges budget to cover the initial cost of work arising from recommendations from recently completed coastal embankment condition studies.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve the transfer of £100,000 from the Roads Weak Bridges budget to fund initial monitoring, investigative and design appraisal and development work related to Coastal Embankments stabilisation; and

(b)       Note that study work will be undertaken on the condition and potential remaining life of the sea flood defences at Aberdeen Beach as detailed in item 3.4 in this report.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to agree the recommendations; and

(ii)        to thank officers for a detailed report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which provided an update on flood mitigation projects.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Appoint a City Flooding Representative – Elected Member (FMR);

(b)       Appoint the Flooding Representative – Elected Member to the BEGIN steering committee;

(c)        Adopt the Dyce Surface Water Management Plan (Appendix A); and

(d)       Approve the use of Council Land to build the Maidencraig natural wet land project (Appendix B).

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to appoint Councillor Jennifer Stewart as a City Flooding Representative (FMR);

(ii)        to appoint the Flooding Representative – Councillor Jennifer Stewart to the BEGIN steering committee; and

(iii)       otherwise agree recommendations (c) and (d).

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which asked the Committee to consider the following recommendations resulting from the Inchgarth Flood Study.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Note the contents of the Flood Study;

(b)       Approve the works to upgrade the existing trash screen;

(c)        Agree that civil engineering works are not justified (options 1 & 2 below) at this location; and

(d)       Approve community awareness raising to promote Flood Watch and the PLP (Property Level Protection) Grant Scheme.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval for ACC’s involvement with the SCORE project.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee -

(a)       Approve the Council’s participation in the Interreg VM SCORE Project;

(b)       European travel for up to two officers to participate in project meetings and share knowledge;

(c)        Appoint the City Flooding Representative – Elected Member (CHI-17-165) to the project steering group and approve any associated European travel;

(d)       Approve the tender and acceptance of contracts to allow delivery of the scheme, up to a maximum contract value of £160,000;

(e)       Approve the use of data gathered as open data;

(f)        Approve the use of Council owned land to install the flood warning signage; and

(g)       Note match funding from other project partners may be available and instruct officers to report any funding updates to a future meeting of this committee.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to agree recommendations (a), (b), (d) (e), (f) and (g); and

(ii)        to appoint the City Flooding Representative – Councillor Jennifer Stewart to the project steering group and approve any associated European travel.

AT THIS JUNCTURE THE CONVENER ADVISED THAT TODAY WOULD BE EMMA PARR'S FINAL MEETING AS CLERK TO THE COMMITTEE AND SHE INTRODUCED IAIN ROBERTSON WHO WOULD SUCCEED HER AS CLERK.

The Committee resolved:-

to wish Emma Parr well on her new position within the Council.

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

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which advised of the intention to carry out a tender exercise for the provision of Boiler and Associated Plant Maintenance in Sheltered Housing Properties 2017/2020, and sought approval of the estimated expenditure in this regard.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations within the exempt report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which (1) provided an update on the current multi storey cleaning contract; and (2) sought approval for a tender exercise.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations within the exempt report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to proceed with procurement of a contractor to carry out basic insulation measures (loft, cavity-wall and underfloor insulation) to a number of dwellings, in order for council to meet its commitments for 2017-18 and 2018-19 and help alleviate fuel poverty, improve housing energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation within the exempt report.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Communities, Housing and Infrastructure which sought approval to carry out a tender exercise for the Aberdeen Care & Repair Service.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations within the exempt report.

The Committee had before it the exempt appendix to item 14.6 on today’s agenda.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendix.

Appendices A and B for item 10.7

The Committee had before it the exempt appendix to item 10.7 on today’s agenda.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendix.

- COUNCILLOR YVONNE ALLAN, Convener.