8

ENVIRONMENT AND REGENERATION COMMITTEE - 18 MAY 2004

 

 

Environment and Regeneration Committee

 

Tuesday 18 May 2004 at 3.00 pm

 

 

Present:  Provost Rebecchi, Councillors Blair, Forbes, Fyfe, Gallacher, Hill, Hunter, McCabe, McCormick (P), Mitchell, Roach and Snoddy.

 

 

Chair:  Councillor Fyfe presided. 

 

 

In attendance:  Depute Chief Executive, Miss M McKnight (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Head of Financial Services, Head of Housing & Building Services, Head of Planning Services, Head of Property Services and Head of Transportation and Roads Service.

 

 

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Committee.

 

374

The Greenock Cut

374

 

There was submitted a report dated 5 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the present position with regard to Scottish Water’s proposal that the Council acquire its ownership interests at the Greenock Cut, (2) advising that confirmation had been received that Scottish Water had agreed to provide a fund of £310,000 as a capitalised contribution towards future maintenance costs and other aspects relating to the transfer of ownership and risk which would allow the main contract to be tendered and (3) advising of the appointment of consultants.

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the terms of transfer and remit it to the Depute Chief Executive, in consultation with other appropriate Officers, to accept tenders within the project budget and to take all necessary action in connection with the land transfer;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the appropriate Officers in consultation with the partners to investigate the further development of the Greenock Cut, including the possible reinstatement of a water wheel.

 

375

Pottery Street Redevelopment Area - Masterplan and CPO Procedures

375

 

There was submitted a report dated 29 April 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the current position relative to the overall redevelopment proposals for the Pottery Street area, including the use of the Compulsory Purchase Order procedures, (2) seeking approval and adoption of the masterplan for the area and (3) requesting the Committee to reaffirm its support for the proposals for the redevelopment of the area.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee approve and adopt the current Masterplan for the Pottery Street area, as set out in Appendix B to the report;  and

(2)      that the Committee reaffirm the development proposals for the Pottery Street area, based on the decision of the Committee at the meeting on 11 September 1997, as set out in Appendix A to the report, and approve this being achieved over a number of phases, as set out in Appendices C and D to the report.

 

376

Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets (Projects) 2004/05

376

 

There was submitted a report dated 7 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive recommending works to be undertaken in 2004/05 using a grant offer of funding of £136,000 from the Scottish Executive’s fund for cycling, walking and safer streets projects.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the programme of projects listed in Appendix 1 to the report;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation & Roads Service to proceed to tender (or in terms of the best value regime to issue to the Council’s service provider) for the projects listed in Appendix 1 and that approval be granted to accept tenders in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations and Standing Orders Relating to Contracts.

 

377

20 MPH Speed Limits Around Schools and Related Safety Projects (2004/05)

377

 

There was submitted a report dated 7 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive recommending a programme of works to be undertaken in 2004/05 using a grant offer of funding of £189,000 from the Scottish Executive for 20 mph speed limits around schools and related safety projects.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that approval be given to the programme of projects listed in Appendix 1 to the report;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation & Roads Service to proceed to tender (or in terms of the best value regime to issue to the Council’s service provider) for the projects listed in Appendix 1 and that approval be granted to accept tenders in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations and Standing Orders Relating to Contracts.

 

378

Housing Service Plan 2004/05

378

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) outlining the main objectives of the draft Housing Service Plan 2004/05 a copy of which was appended to the report and (2) advising of the achievements of the Service Plan for 2003/04.

 

 

(Provost Rebecchi entered the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

 

 

Decided:  that the Service Plan for 2004/05 be referred to the Best Value and Corporate Services Committee.

 

379

Tenant Participation

379

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the review of the draft Tenant Participation Strategy by the Tenant Participation Strategy Working Group together with the Federation of Inverclyde Tenants and Residents Associations and the Tenants Information Service and (2) seeking approval of the revised Tenant Participation Strategy, a copy of which was appended to the report.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the contents of the report;  and

(2)      that, subject to adjustment of Section 7 on Consultation to allow for other forms of consultation which are more local in nature, the Committee agree the revised Tenant Participation Strategy.

 

380

Rent Arrears - 2003/2004

380

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the level of rent arrears for 2003/2004 in comparison with other local authorities in Scotland and (2) setting out proposals for improvement.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the Committee note the amount of rental debt and performance relative to other local authorities;

(2)      that it be noted that discussions will take place with Housing Benefits on a strategy for benefit maximisation;

(3)      that approval be given to discussions with Stirling Park on possible options to complement the present arrears procedure;

(4)      that it be noted a further report will be prepared on a proposed reorganisation of the Housing Service;  and

(5)      that Personnel Services be asked to comment upon the level of staff turnover within Housing Services.

 

381

Factoring Service - Owners’ Questionnaire

381

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on responses to the questionnaire issued to owners who receive a factoring service from the Council.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the results of the analysis from the owners’ questionnaire be noted;

(2)      that the Committee approve the proposed change from the existing factoring fee arrangements to the administration fee based on repair charge costs, subject to review in 12 months time;  and

(3)      that a further report be submitted to the Committee giving a full analysis of the responses to the questionnaire.

 

382

Disposal of Surplus Stock at 42A Grosvenor Road, Greenock

382

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive requesting that the property at 42A Grosvenor Road, Greenock be declared surplus to requirements with a view to marketing the premises.

 

 

Decided:  that the detached house at 42A Grosvenor Road, Greenock be declared surplus to requirements and offered for sale and that it be remitted to the Director of Corporate Services to accept the most favourable offer received for the premises.

 

383

Street Names for Housing Development at Levan Farm, Gourock

383

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the street names assigned to the housing development at Levan Farm, Gourock following approval by the Convener, Vice-Convener and a Member of the Minority Groups as agreed by the Committee at the meeting held on 27 January 2004 (Para 81).

 

 

Decided:  that the street names assigned be noted and that the spelling of Knockdow Place be changed to Knockdhu Place.

 

 

384

Draft Joint Transport Strategy

 

384

 

There was submitted a report dated 7 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval of the draft Joint Transport Strategy prepared by the WESTRANS Partnership for consultation purposes, copies of which had been circulated to Members.

 

 

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to make representations to the WESTRANS Partnership regarding the inclusion of Inverclyde as one of the development locations identified under the heading Regeneration and the inclusion of reference to access along the A8 Waterfront Corridor and that, otherwise, the Committee approve the draft Joint Transport Strategy.

 

385

HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2006/07 - Progress

385

 

There was submitted an amended report by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the HRA Capital Programme 2003/04 to 2005/06.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the progress on the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report be noted;  and

(2)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to submit a report to the next meeting of the Committee outlining further proposals for the Capital Programme 2004/2005.

 

386

Capital Programme 2004/05 to 2006/07 - Progress

386

 

There was submitted a report dated 7 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive on the progress of the Capital Programme 2004/05 to 2006/07.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the progress on the specific projects detailed in the Appendices to the report be noted;  and

(2)      that the Committee otherwise note the report.

 

387

Non-HRA Capital Programme 2004/05 to 2005/06

387

 

It was noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

 

388

Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG)

388

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising that the Scottish Executive had confirmed baseline Private Sector Housing Grant allocations of £1,060,000 for 2004/05 and 2005/06 and additional funding of £148,200 in 2004/05 and £152,500 in 2005/06.

 

 

(Councillor McCabe left the meeting during consideration of this item of business).

 

 

Decided:  that the Committee note the outcome of the Council’s competitive bid for additional funding in the form of Private Sector Housing Grant.

 

389

Stewart House Boiler Replacement Update

389

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to accept a tender for replacement of the boiler at Stewart House.

 

 

Noted

 

 

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act as are set opposite each item.

 

 

Item                                                                                                   Paragraph(s)

 

Inverclyde Farmers’ Market                                                          6

 

Pottery Street Development Area - Contract Negotiation        6 and 8

 

Lease of Shop Premises:  Moss Road, Port Glasgow               2, 6 and 9

 

Provisional Tree Preservation Order                                         13

 

Road Lighting Improvement

Renton Road/Leven Road, Greenock - Phase 2                        6 and 8

 

Robert Street Home Zone

Additional Consultancy Services                                                 6 and 8

 

Ann Street District Heating System, Greenock                          6 and 8

 

Building Services Restructure                                                     1

 

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive -

Shop Premises - Sir Michael Street, Greenock                         2, 6 and 9

 

Gibshill Timbers Refurbishment - Phase 3

Tender Process Update                                                                6 and 8

 

Kitchen and Bathrooms:  Phase 3B - Greenock Town Centre

Report on Additional Costs                                                           6 and 8

 

390

Inverclyde Farmers’ Market

390

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive (1) on the farmers’ markets which had taken place in Inverclyde since June 2002 and (2) setting out proposals for future farmers’ markets and recommending negotiations in this regard.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the terms of the report be noted; and

(2)      that financial support for farmers’ markets be discontinued and that a review of the provision of a market be carried out in twelve months time following research into the success of markets in locations similar to Inverclyde.

 

391

Pottery Street Development Area - Contract Negotiation

391

 

There was submitted a report dated 29 April 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to negotiate with a contractor for the provision of the Phase 2 works at the Pottery Street redevelopment site.

 

 

Decided:  that it be remitted to the Head of Economic Development Service, in consultation with Finance Services, to negotiate with the firm detailed in the report with a view to the firm being appointed as the main works contractor for Phase 2 of the works at the Pottery Street redevelopment site.

 

392

Lease of Shop Premises:  Moss Road, Port Glasgow

392

 

There was submitted a report dated March 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking consent to grant a new lease of shop premises in Moss Road, Port Glasgow and the Committee agreed to the action recommended, all as detailed in the Appendix.

 

393

Provisional Tree Preservation Order

393

 

There was submitted a report dated 7 May 2004 by the Head of Planning Services seeking approval to confirm a provisional Tree Preservation Order with modifications and promote a new provisional Tree Preservation Order and the Committee agreed to recommend to The Inverclyde Council the confirmation of a provisional Tree Preservation Order with modifications and the making of a new provisional Tree Preservation Order at the areas detailed in the report, all as detailed in the  Appendix.

 

394

Road Lighting Improvement

Renton Road/Leven Road, Greenock - Phase 2

394

 

There was submitted a report dated 7 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive (1) advising of approval granted in terms of the Financial Regulations for the extension of an existing contract to enable Phase 2 of the road lighting improvement works at Renton Road/Leven Road, Greenock to proceed and (2) seeking approval in terms of the Standing Orders relating to Contracts to extend the contract and negotiate with the firm detailed in the report to allow implementation of the works.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the approval granted in terms of the Financial Regulations for the extension of an existing contract to enable Phase 2 of the road lighting improvement works at Renton Road/Leven Road, Greenock to proceed be noted;  and

(2)      that approval be granted in terms of Order 15.3 of the Council’s Standing Orders relating to Contracts for contract extension and negotiation with the firm detailed in the report to allow implementation of the works.

 

395

Robert Street Home Zone - Additional Consultancy Services

395

 

There was submitted an amended report dated 11 May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to negotiate with the firm detailed in the report for additional services in respect of the Home Zone Project for Robert Street, Port Glasgow, it being noted that the costs would be contained within the BNSF and URBAN II allocations for the project.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that approval be granted in terms of Order 15.3 of the Council’s Standing Orders relating to Contracts for extension of the commission and negotiation with the firm detailed in the report to allow the enhanced Home Zone Project to be completed to tender issue stage;

(2)      that it be remitted to the Head of Transportation and Roads Service to conclude agreement with the firm on the extension of the commission;  and

(3)      that it be remitted to the Depute Chief Executive to make representations to the Scottish Executive regarding the difficulties arising as the result of meeting the requirements of the different funding sources for the project.

 

396

Ann Street District Heating System, Greenock

396

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive seeking approval to accept a quotation negotiated with the firm detailed in the report for an annual cleaning and maintenance regime required in terms of the energy management contract relative to the Ann Street District Heating System, Greenock.

 

 

In addition, the Head of Housing and Building Services requested the Committee to homologate the decision to negotiate with the firm.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the decision to negotiate with Dalkia Energy & Technical Services Ltd for an annual cleaning and maintenance regime in respect of the Ann Street District Heating System, Greenock be homologated;

(2)      that the quote submitted by Dalkia Energy & Technical Services Ltd in the sum of £9,064 be accepted;  and

(3)      that the additional maintenance arrangements extend to the expiry of the existing energy management contract.

 

397

Building Services Restructure

397

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive on the proposed restructure of Building Services following consideration by the Health Improvement Committee at its meeting on 28 October 2003 (Para 777) and in the light of the budget process 2004/2005.

 

 

Decided:

(1)      that the proposed structure be endorsed;

(2)      that the Head of Personnel Services in conjunction with Building Services Management agree a timetable to achieve implementation of the proposals within six weeks;  and

(3)      that the proposals be remitted to the Best Value & Corporate Services Committee for approval and confirmation of the salaries of the new posts.

 

398

Use of Powers Delegated to the Chief Executive - Shop Premises - Sir Michael Street, Greenock

398

 

There was submitted a report dated May 2004 by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to approve renewal of the lease of shop premises in Sir Michael Street, Greenock.

Noted

 

399

Gibshill Timbers Refurbishment - Phase 3

Tender Process Update

399

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive advising of the use of the powers delegated to the Chief Executive to homologate the issuing and acceptance of tenders for Phase 3 of the Gibshill Timbers Refurbishment.

 

 

Councillor Hunter declared a personal interest in this matter, took no part in its consideration or decision and left the meeting.

Noted

 

 

The Convener, being of the opinion that the undernoted report by the Depute Chief Executive was relevant, competent and urgent, moved its consideration to enable the Committee, if in agreement, to authorise the additional expenditure without delay.  This was unanimously agreed in terms of the relevant Standing Order.

 

400

Kitchen and Bathrooms:  Phase 3B - Greenock Town Centre

Report on Additional Costs

400

 

There was submitted a report by the Depute Chief Executive requesting the Committee to approve provision of a further £13,623.57 from the Capital Programme 2004/05 for unforeseen items within Phase 3B of the kitchen and bathrooms contract comprising Greenock town centre.

 

 

Decided:  that approval be given to the provision of a further £13,623.57 from the Capital Programme 2004/05 for unforeseen items within Phase 3B of the kitchen and bathrooms contract.

 

 

 

ENV&REG-18MAY04/11