Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s Chaplin, Reverend Sally Baylis delivered opening prayers, including a statement in remembrance of the victims of the Srebrenica genocide following the recent 25^th Anniversary Memorial Day.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Roxanne Ellis, Keneally and Thomas.

Council was informed that Councillor Murray would be late to the meeting.

The Mayor paid tribute to former Councillor and Honorary Alderman Gordon Tunnicliffe. Under this item, a number of members paid tribute to Alderman Tunnicliffe’s public service and his kind and caring nature and that his loss would be felt by all at the Council. The Mayor added that it was hoped to hold a service of remembrance once public health restrictions were eased.

The Mayor spoke about the new viewing platforms at Gedling Country Park and encouraged members to visit. The Mayor thanked the contractors for their expertise in delivering the project.

The Mayor thanked all Councillors for supporting her in raising money for her Nottingham Hospitals Charity and it was hoped that the funds would be put towards purchasing diagnostic equipment for children with asthma.

The Mayor also paid tribute to a former employee, David Lawson, who worked for the Council for 50 years and had recently passed away.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meetings, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

The Acting Chief Executive, Mike Hill declared a personal interest in agenda item 9 and stated that he would leave the meeting when the item was discussed.

None received.

Question from Lee Weston:

“Since Gedling Borough Council declared a climate emergency in Nov 2019, what exactly does declaring a Climate emergency actually mean and what action has been taken?”

A question had been received from Lee Weston. As per standing order 8.07, the questioner had been given an opportunity to attend the meeting but was not present and therefore the question could not be put. A written answer would be supplied to the questioner.

None received.

Report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services.

The Acting Chief Executive left the meeting at 2.32pm.

Councillor Simon Murray joined the meeting at 2.37pm.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services seeking approval for the appointment of a new Chief Executive following an internal recruitment and selection process.

Several members spoke in support of the recommendations and upon his return to the meeting, Mike Hill thanked Council for his appointment.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Appoint Mike Hill as Chief Executive with effect from 16 July 2020;

2)    Continue his formal designation as Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer; and

3)    Continue Alison Ball’s designation as the Council’s Section 151 Officer.

The Chief Executive re-joined the meeting at 2.46pm.

Report of the Service Manager Democratic Services.

Consideration was given to a report of the Service Manager Democratic Services approving a change to the membership of the Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee and recognising a change of Leader within the Conservative Group.

The Mayor and a number of members paid tribute to Councillor Barnfather as outgoing Leader of the Conservative Group, thanking him for his decorum, efficiency and friendship. The Mayor also welcomed the new Leader and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Replace Councillor Barnfather with Councillor Sam Smith on the Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee; and

2)    Recognise Councillor Adams as Leader of the Conservative Group following his appointment at the Group’s AGM on 15 June 2020.

Report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services.

As set out in the report and in accordance with the constitution, this matter was adjourned to the next meeting of Council.

Report of the Assistant Director - Finance.

Council is recommended to:

Approve the Annual Treasury Activity Report for 2019/20 as required by the regulations.

Councillor Hope left the meeting at 3.10pm.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Director of Finance, which had been referred to Council by Cabinet.

RESOLVED to:

Approve the Annual Treasury Activity Report as required by the regulations.

Report of the Senior Leadership Team.

Council is recommended to approve the:

1)    Capital carry forwards of £1,120,000 included in Appendix 6 to the report for non-committed schemes in excess of £50,000;

2)    Overall method of financing of the 2019/20 capital expenditure as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report; and

3)    Capital determinations regarding financing and debt provisions as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Senior Leadership Team, which had been referred to Council by Cabinet.

RESOLVED to approve:

1)    The capital carry forwards of £1,120,000 included in Appendix 6 to the report for non-committed schemes in excess of £50,000; and

2)    The overall method of financing of the 2019-20 capital expenditure as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report; and

3)    The capital determinations regarding financing and debt provisions as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

Report of the Assistant Director – Finance.

Council is recommended to note the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Director of Finance, which had been referred to Council by Audit Committee.

RESOLVED:

To note the Mazars External Audit Strategy Memorandum.

Report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services.

Council is recommended to:

1)    Remove the vacant post of co-opted parish representative from the Standards Committee; and

2)      Increase the remuneration paid to the Independent Person and the reserve Independent to £860 per annum and £400 per annum respectively, and that this shall be back dated to take effect from 1 April 2020.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services, which had been referred to Council by the Standards Committee.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Remove the vacant post of co-opted parish representative from the Standards Committee; and

2)    Increase the remuneration paid to the Independent Person and the reserve Independent Person to £860 per annum and £400 per annum, to be back dated from 1 April 2020.

None received.

None received.

None received.