Apologies of absence were received from Cllr John Cubitt, Cllr Greta Goatley, Cllr Makhan Singh and David Hughes (Chief Executive).

The Minutes of Annual Council held on Tuesday, 09 May 2017 were signed by the Chair. 

No declarations of interest were made.

No questions from members of the public had been received.

Motions that proceedings, reports and recommendations of Committees, except those reserved under Council Procedure 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.

Minutes of meeting Wednesday, 17 May 2017 of Regulatory Board (Planning)

Minutes of meeting Monday, 12 June 2017 of Cabinet

Minutes of meeting Tuesday, 13 June 2017 of Finance & Audit Committee

Minutes of meeting Wednesday, 14 June 2017 of Regulatory Board (Planning)

Minutes of meeting Thursday, 15 June 2017 of Overview Scrutiny Committee

The Chair of Finance & Audit Committee drew Councils attention to the Minute 116 of Finance & Audit Committee 13 June 2017 highlighting recommendation 2 and 3 of the Annual Treasury Management Review Report 2016-17.

This was Resolved. 

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:-

·         Regulatory Board

·         Cabinet

·         Finance and Audit Committee

·         Overview Scrutiny Committee

It was moved by Cllr Derek Shelbrooke and seconded by Cllr Karen Hurdle that:

The reserved Minute of Finance and Audit Committee held on 13 June 2017 be ratified and confirmed.

With reference to Minute 7 of Finance and Audit Committee, Members expressed concern over the ‘favourable variance underspend’ of £35,000 for Homelessness (Temporary Accommodation) citing that there are still many homeless members of the public living in the street and of the budget should be used to support homelessness charities in helping these people. Following a debate, Minute 7 was noted.

It was moved by Cllr John Burden and seconded by Cllr David Hurley that:

The reserved Minute of Overview Scrutiny Committee held on 15 June 2017 be ratified and confirmed.

With reference to Minute 4 of the Overview Scrutiny Committee, Members expressed concern over the lack of funding in the Woodville but were reassured that the Woodville’s is remaining open. It was also pointed out that it needs vast improvements that need to be carried out. During events such as Annual Council the execution of the lights/sound etc were very poor. Officers require more leadership from Cabinet Members to ensure everything is working to the best of its ability. Following a debate, Minute 4 was noted.

It was moved by Cllr John Burden and seconded by Cllr David Hurley that:

The reserved Minute of Overview Scrutiny Committee held on 15 June 2017 be ratified and confirmed.

With reference to Minute 5 of the Overview Scrutiny Committee, Members expressed concern over the use of the Fleet Leisure site stating that it should not be sold on for private use but remain open to the Community and a new solution found to convert the site for public use. A cross party working group was proposed at the Overview Scrutiny Committee which could review the Fleet Leisure work carried out so far and suggest a few new approaches that could be undertaken. Following a debate, Minute 5 was noted.

None were received.

No questions have been received.

The Leader read aloud a statement regarding fire safety and the Towers Blocks within Gravesham following the Grenfell tragedy:

‘Whilst our thoughts are with those who suffered, and continue to suffer as a result of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, our own residents will undoubtedly be keen to be assured as to the safety of our own five ‘tower blocks’, i.e. those flatted developments over six-storeys.

On the morning following the fire officers immediately set about reviewing the situation and I am pleased to confirm that none of the blocks are clad in Aluminium type panels, ACM (Aluminium Composite Material), cladding containing "Reynobond PE" or cladding contain plastic.  Furthermore, all such properties are the subject of regular Fire Risk Assessments carried out by a qualified GIFireE Risk Assessor.

Beyond this, with only a single stairway access, Carl Ekman House has been retro-fitted with a sprinkler system and, for the same reasons, a similar system is currently being fitted at the block at The Hive (21-62).  Those properties, together with those at Gravesham Court and Homemead Court, have fully addressable fire detection systems in communal areas and flats, whilst our remaining ‘tower block’ at Chantry Court, where there are balcony walkways, has individual smoke detection fitted to each council owned flat.  Furthermore, our Independent Fire Risk Assessor has described Gravesham Borough Council as being ‘the leading authority in Kent’ with regard to such matters.

Residents of these buildings have been contacted to provide reassurance and sent a leaflet containing safety advice prepared by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.  In addition, a page has been developed for the Council’s website (http://www.gravesham.gov.uk/fire-safety) which allows residents to find specific information in respect of these particular buildings.

That said, despite this feedback and the positive outcome of our survey work, the Council is not being complacent.  With the safety of its residents being its top priority, the Council has asked that officers give consideration to any further fire safety provisions that should be considered.’

The Council consented under Council Procedure Rule 16 (16) to suspend Council Procedural Rule 15.1 in order to allow a motion to be considered and voted upon although written notice of the motion had not been given.

It was moved by Cllr David Turner and seconded by Cllr John Burden that:

Under Section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 Cllr John Cubitt’s time limit for attending meetings before dismissal be extended a further six months due to reasons approved by the authority.

The Motion was put to the meeting and carried

The Mayor advised of the following two events occurring on Saturday 01 July 2017 in which he will be attending and encouraged other Members to do so: 

·         Northfleet Carnival

·         EID Festival

The Mayor also stated that Members and officers would be receiving notice of a concert that will be held in the Woodville and a request for willing participants to showcase their musical talents. Notice of a special civic pantomime will also be sent round to officers and Members in the near future.

The Mayor thanked the Officers and Members and asked them to join him in the Parlour for refreshments.