Tonight’s
Environment Committee considered a report on the control of dogs in parks, cemeteries
and open spaces. An action plan was approved
which proposes a number of measures including increasing the number of officers
authorised to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling offences , bringing forward a proposal for implementing a
registration scheme for professional dog walkers and developing a pilot dog
walking trail within one of the parks.
The
Environment Committee also considered a report on the pre-purchase of cemetery
lairs. The pre-purchase of lairs within Dundee’s cemeteries was stopped
in 2007 due to the pressure that existed at that time on available space. The extension to Birkhill Cemetery and the
formation of the new Pitkerro Grove Cemetery to the north of Broughty Ferry now
provide sufficient capacity and it was agreed to make lairs available for pre-purchase
from 1 April 2014.
At
the Housing Committee I voted against a proposal to send two elected members to
attend a conference at the SECC in Glasgow. The estimated cost, excluding travel
and subsistence, was £699 per delegate. I have always been of the view that
there is no need for councillors to attend conferences as I don’t think they
provide value for money. In my opinion it is far better that any information from
a conference be cascaded by the council officers who attend.
The
Policy and Resources Committee confirmed the Community Regeneration Fund
allocation for 2014/15, which includes an amount for the first time for the Ferry
ward, which is something I have been pursuing for a number of years.
The
committee also completed another step in the waterfront development by authorising
the Head of Democratic and Legal Services to conclude a lease for the hotel
component of the redeveloped Dundee railway station concourse.
