Those present observed a minutes silence as a mark of respect for both Lady Murray and Vera Cook who had, in their roles as Mayor of the Borough and Mayoress, served the Community of Gravesham.  They had both recently passed away and were a loss to the Borough and their families.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Lesley Boycott, John Cubitt, Greta Goatley, Alex Moore and David Turner.

Subject to the list of attendees being amended to include Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2014 were signed by the Mayor.

No declarations of interest were made.

Council welcomed the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes and the Assistant Chief Constable of Kent Police Rob Price to the meeting.

Ann Barnes explained her responsibilities and outlined the contents of the current Police and Crime Plan for Kent.  The Plan aimed to cut crime and criminals; protect the public from serious harm; prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and reduce victimisation and offending. Ann Barnes stated that the pressure from financial challenges would continue into the future but that she was convinced that the best savings could be made by making use of new technology and reducing reliance on manpower. 

Rob Price explained that the key goals of the Kent Policing Plan were a visible, accessible locally engaged and transparent force; an engaged committed, professional, well-skilled and empowered workforce to deliver successfully through change, and delivery of a first class service where victims and witnesses are at the heart of everything.

The Mayor thanked Ann and Rob for their presentations and for their responses to the varied questions asked by Members of the Council.

No questions had been received.

To receive and adopt the proceedings, reports and recommendations of the following committees, except those items reserved under Council procedure Rule 5.2 (6) and to ratify and confirm the orders made by them.

Motions that proceedings, reports and recommendations of Committees, except those reserved under Council Procedure Rule 5.2(6) as referred to below be received and adopted and where applicable the Orders made by them be ratified and confirmed were duly proposed, seconded and resolved in each case.

Cabinet of 6 October 2014

Regulatory Board of 8 October 2014

Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee of 13 October 2014

Overview Scrutiny Committee of 16 October 2014

Finance & Audit Committee of 23 October 2014

Regulatory Board of 5 November 2014

Cabinet of 10 November 2014

Overview Scrutiny Committee of 13 November 2014

Overview Scrutiny Committee of 20 November 2014

To receive and adopt the proceedings, reports and recommendations of committees contained in the list of items reserved under Council Procedure Rule 5.2.(6) and to ratify the orders made by them.

The reserved minutes will be dealt with in the following order:-

Finance and Audit Committee

Overview Scrutiny Committee

Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet

Regulatory Board

It was moved by Cllr John Burden and seconded by Cllr Lee Croxton that –

the reserved Minutes of Cabinet held on 6 October 2014 and 10 November 2014 be ratified and confirmed.

With reference to Minute 19, the Minute was noted.

With reference to Minute 22, the Minute was noted.

Council received, without debate, a report that contained information relating to proposed changes to the Constitution.

The report and changes proposed will be debated at the February 2015 meeting of Council.

To be moved by Cllr John Burden and seconded by Cllr Lee Croxton that:-

This Council supports the Woodville in its work and management which has within the last three years brought in refurbished public toilets, 3D Cinema projection, improved shows and community engagement.  All this has been achieved despite extensive government funding cuts, as such the present team are to be congratulated.

It was moved by Cllr John Burden and seconded by Cllr Lee Croxton that –

this Council supports the Woodville in its work and management which has within the last three years brought in refurbished public toilets, 3D Cinema projection, improved shows and community engagement.  All this has been achieved despite extensive government funding cuts, as such the present team are to be congratulated.

During the debate, five Members demanded that a recorded vote be taken.

The motion was declared to be carried by 25 votes.

No questions had been received.

The Mayor reminded everyone that on 28 November 2014 the statue of M.S. Pujji had been unveiled.  The video of the event had received over 120,000 hits and the bronze statue had received much praise for its artistry.

The Mayor stated that a Mayor’s lunch would be held at Cobham Hall on Sunday 15 February 2015.

The Mayor invited everyone into the parlour for a festive drink.