Agenda and minutes

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Venue: The Woodville, Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent

Contact: Committee Section 

Items
No. Item

1.

Prayer

Minutes:

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Mayor, Cllr David Hurley asked the outgoing Chaplain, Father Innocent Abonyi to say a prayer for the meeting.

 

2.

Gravesham Community Awards

Minutes:

Before the start of formal proceedings, the Chief Executive stated that the Council had instituted an award scheme to recognise and honour individual and collective contributions to community life. Awards were presented by the Mayor to the under-mentioned persons/organisations:-

 

Lisa Whittaker

Milton Munchies

John Cross

Waterside Parents Centre

Makhan Singh Cheema

GYG Committee

3.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

An apology for absence was received from Cllr Conrad Broadley.

4.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were made.

5.

Election of Mayor for the ensuing municipal year

3.1       The Mayor will call for nominations.

3.2       Members will vote by a show of hands on nominations.
            (Note: Candidates may vote)

3.3       The incoming Mayor will come forward and stand to the right of the Mayor.

3.4       The incoming Mayor will be asked by the Chief Executive to read aloud the Declaration of Acceptance of Office required by Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972. The Mayor will then sign the declaration and the Chief Executive will announce the fact to the Council.

3.5       The outgoing Mayor will shake the hand of the incoming Mayor and vacate the Mayoral Chair.

3.6       The entire company will rise and the National Anthem will be played.

3.7       The company remain standing; the incoming Mayor will retire together with the outgoing Mayor and the platform party.

3.8       There will be an interval during the robing of the new Mayor.

3.9       The Mayor’s return will be announced and the company asked to rise. The Mayor will return. The company will remain standing while the outgoing Mayor is conducted to his seat.

3.10     The Mayor’s installation speech.

3.11     At the conclusion, the Mayor will move “that the best thanks of the Council be accorded to David Hurley for the manner in which he has carried out the office of Mayor during the past municipal year”.

3.12     The Leader of the Executive will second the motion.

3.13     The outgoing Mayor will reply.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor John Burden and seconded by Councillor Lee Croxton that:-

 

Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar be elected Mayor of the Borough for the municipal year 2019/2020.

 

Tribute was paid to Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar for his service to the Council, to previous Mayors and the community. Cllr Bungar had previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2014/15.

 

It was resolved unanimously that Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar be duly elected Mayor of the Borough for the municipal year 2019/20.

 

Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office required by Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

The Mayor, in giving his acceptance speech, stated that his charities for 2019/20 would be Ellenor Hospice, House of Mercy and Sanctuary.

 

6.

Vote of thanks to Outgoing Mayor

Minutes:

It was moved by Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar that the best thanks of the Council be accorded to Cllr David Hurley for the manner in which he carried out the office of Mayor for the past municipal year.

 

Cllr Hurley suitably replied and in doing so offered thanks to those who had assisted him during his year in office and highlighted a number of events he had attended during his mayoral year.

7.

Presentation of the Past Mayor's Badge

4.1       The Mayor will announce that a past Mayor’s Badge will be presented to the outgoing Mayor.

4.2       The Mayor will then present the past Mayor’s Badge to the outgoing Mayor.

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor presented Cllr David Hurley with a Past Mayor’s Badge.

 

8.

Mayoress

The Mayor will announce the Mayoress / Mayor’s Escort for the ensuing municipal year.

Minutes:

The Mayor stated that the Mayoress would be Mrs Nanjo Kaur Bungar and invested her with the Mayoress’s Chain.

 

9.

Appointment of the Civic Chaplain

The Mayor will announce the Civic Chaplain and invest the incumbent with the Civic Cross.

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor stated that the Civic Chaplain would be Reverend Jacqueline Littlewood and invested her with the Civic Cross.

10.

Election of the Deputy Mayor for the ensuing municipal year

7.1       The Mayor will call for nominations.

7.2       Members will vote by a show of hands on nominations.
            (Note: Candidates may vote)

7.3       The incoming Deputy Mayor will come forward and stand to the right of the Mayor.

7.4       The incoming Deputy Mayor will be asked by the Chief Executive to read aloud the Declaration of Acceptance of Office required by Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972. The Deputy Mayor will then sign the declaration and the Chief Executive will announce the fact to the Council.

7.5       The Mayor will place the Chain of Office on the incoming Deputy Mayor and shake his/her hand.

Minutes:

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

 

Cllr John Caller be appointed Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the municipal year 2019/20.

 

Tribute was paid to Cllr John Caller for his service to the Council, to previous Mayors and the community. Cllr Caller had previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2013/14 and Mayor in 2014/15.

 

It was resolved unanimously that Cllr John Caller be duly elected Deputy Mayor of the Borough for the Municipal year 2019/20.

 

Cllr John Caller made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office required by Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972.

11.

Deputy Mayoress

The Deputy Mayor will announce the Deputy Mayoress / Deputy Mayor’s Escort for the ensuing municipal year.

Minutes:

The Deputy Mayor stated that the Deputy Mayoress will be Mrs Susan Caller and invested her with the Deputy Mayoress’s Chain.

12.

Presentation of Bouquets

Minutes:

Bouquets were presented to the Mayoress, Deputy Mayoress and outgoing Deputy Mayor.

13.

Minutes of the meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 16 April 2019 pdf icon PDF 87 KB

The Mayor, having received the approval of the Council, will sign the minutes of the meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 16 April 2019.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting of Council held on 16 April 2019 were signed by the Mayor.

 

14.

To elect a Leader

To elect a Leader for a four year term of office which ends on the day of the next post-election Annual meeting of Council (under whole Council elections) subject to article 7 (Leader and Cabinet Executive) Within the Articles of the Constitution.

Note:

(1)          The Leader will decide upon the size of the Cabinet (subject to a maximum of ten, including the Leader and Deputy Leader) and will appoint Cabinet members from among the serving Councillors.

(2)          The Leader will appoint the Deputy Leader from among the Cabinet members.

 

(3)          The Leader will confirm the arrangements in respect of the executive delegations.

 

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Cllr Lee Croxton and seconded by Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox that:–

 

Cllr John Burden be elected as Leader of the Executive for the term of four years in accordance with Section 44A of the Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

 

The motion was put to the meeting and declared to be carried.

 

The Council noted the arrangements put in place for the Cabinet and the names of the Members that would comprise the Cabinet:-

 

Cllr John Burden (Leader)

Cllr Lee Croxton (Deputy Leader)

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox

Cllr Brian Sangha

Cllr Jenny Wallace

Cllr Narinder Singh Thandi

Cllr Lenny Rolles

 

The following items (Minute 15 to 19) were moved by Cllr John Burden, seconded by Cllr Lee Croxton and agreed en-bloc unanimously.

15.

Representation on Political Groups on Committees

12.1     To review the representation of the political groups on the following:-

Regulatory Board (Planning)
            Licensing Committee
            Finance and Audit Committee
            Overview Scrutiny Committee
Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee
Appointments Board
            Standards Committee
Appeals Sub-Committee
Appointments Panel
Hackney Carriage Sub-Committee
Licensing Panel

12.2     Subject to the review, to determine the allocations of seats thereon to the Political Groups.

12.3     Subject to the Service Manager (Communities) receiving notification of each group’s wishes in relation to the appointment of members to those seats, to appoint the Council’s Committees as identified in 12.1 above.

 

 

Minutes:

1.    Having reviewed the representation of the political groups on Council Committees and Boards, that the allocation of seats thereon to the political groups be determined as follows:-

 

Regulatory Board                                                      9 Members

Labour Group                                      4 seats
Conservative Group                           4 seats
Gravesham Independent Group         1 seat

 

Licensing Committee                                                15 Members

Labour Group                                      8 seats
Conservative Group                            6 seats
Gravesham Independent Group         1 seat

 

Finance and Audit Committee                                 9 Members

Labour Group                                      5 seats
Conservative Group                            4 seats

 

Overview Scrutiny Committee                                 9 Members

Labour Group                                      5 seats
Conservative Group                            4 seats

 

Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee               13 Members

Labour Group                                      7 seats
Conservative Group                            5 seats
Gravesham Independent Group         1 seat

 

Appointments Board                                                13 Members

Labour Group                                      7 seats
Conservative Group                            5 seats
Gravesham Independent Group         1 seat

 

Standards Committee                                               9 Members

Labour Group                                      5 seats
Conservative Group                            4 seats

 

Appeals Sub-Committee                                          3 Members

Labour Group                                      2 seats
Conservative Group                            1 seat

 

Appointments Panel                                                 3 Members

Labour Group                                      2 seats
Conservative Group                            1 seat

 

Hackney Carriage Sub-Committee                          3 Members

Labour Group                                      2 seats
Conservative Group                            1 seat

 

Licensing Panel                                                         3 Members

Labour Group                                      2 seats
Conservative Group                            1 seat

 

2.    That each political group may appoint substitute Members for all of the above Committees and Boards, except the Standards Committee and the Appointments Board, in accordance with Procedural Rule 7.

16.

Appointment of Members to Committee and Boards

To appoint Members together with the Chairs and Vice-Chairs (where required) to the following Committees and Boards:-

Regulatory Board (Planning)
Licensing Committee
Finance and Audit Committee
Overview Scrutiny Committee
Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee
Appointments Board
Standards Committee
Appeals Sub-Committee
Appointments Panel
Hackney Carriage Sub-Committee
Licensing Panel

Joint arrangements with other local authorities:-

Joint Transportation Board

South Thames Gateway Building Control Joint Committee

 

Minutes:

1.    That the Committees and Boards of the Council be appointed as set out below so as to give effect to the wishes of the political groups as notified to the Service Manager (Communities) and that the Chairs and Vice-Chairs be as shown.

 

Regulatory Board – 9 Seats

 

Labour Group (4 seats)

Conservative Group (4 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group (1 seat)

Lauren Sullivan (Chair)

Bob Lane

Harold Craske (Vice Chair)

John Burden

Conrad Broadley

 

Brian Sangha

Jordan Meade

 

Brian Francis

Gary Harding

 

 

Licensing Committee – 15 Seats

 

Labour Group (8 seats)

Conservative Group (6 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group (1 seat)

Steve Thompson (Chair)

Derek Ashenden

Leslie Pearton

Jenny Wallace (Vice Chair)

Frank Wardle

 

John Caller

Diane Marsh

 

NirmalKhabra

Emma Elliott

 

Brian Francis

Denise Tiran

 

Tony Rana

Leslie Hoskins

 

Lyn Milner

 

 

Emma Morley

 

 

 

Finance and Audit Committee – 9 Seats

 

Labour Group (5 seats)

Conservative Group (4 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group (0 seats)

Gurbax Singh (Chair)

Dakota Dibben

 

Colin Caller (Vice Chair)

Tony Rice

 

NirmalKhabra

Ejaz Aslam

 

Sarah Gow

Derek Ashenden

 

Ruth Martin

 

 

 

Overview Scrutiny Committee – 9 Seats

 

Labour Group (5 seats)

Conservative Group (4 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group (0 seats)

Steve Thompson (Vice Chair)

Jordan Meade (Chair)

 

Ruth Martin

Conrad Broadley

 

Christina Rolles

Alan Ridgers

 

Elizabeth Mulheran

Leslie Hills

 

Peter Scollard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crime and Disorder Committee – 13 Seats

 

Labour Group (7 seats)

Conservative Group (5 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group (1 seat)

Steve Thompson (Chair)

Gary Harding

Leslie Pearton

Baljit Hayre (Vice Chair)

Aaron Elliott

 

Brian Francis

Frank Wardle

 

John Caller

Ejaz Aslam

 

Lauren Sullivan

Gurjit Bains

 

Emma Morley

 

 

NirmalKhabra

 

 

 

Appointments Board – 13 Seats

 

Labour Group (7 seats)

Conservative Group (5 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group

(1 seat)

John Burden (Chair)

Jordan Meade

 

Lee Croxton (Vice Chair)

Ejaz Aslam

Harold Craske

Jenny Wallace

Tony Rice

 

John Caller

Diane Marsh

 

Lauren Sullivan

Tony Pritchard

 

Lyn Milner

 

 

Lenny Rolles

 

 

 

Standards Committee (no substitutes) – 9 Seats

 

Labour Group (5 seats)

Conservative Group (4 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group

(0 seats)

John Caller (Chair)

Emma Elliott

 

Lyn Milner (Vice Chair)

Leslie Hills

 

NarinderjitThandi

Gary Harding

 

Ruth Martin

Diane Marsh

 

Gurbax Singh

 

 

 

Appeals Sub-Committee – 3 seats

 

Labour Group (2 seats)

Conservative Group (1 seat)

Gravesham Independent Group

(0 seat)

Colin Caller (Chair)

Gary Harding

 

Lyn Milner (Vice Chair)

 

 

 

Appointments Panel – 3 seats

 

Labour Group (2 seats)

Conservative Group (1 seat)

Gravesham Independent Group

(0 seat)

John Burden (Chair)

Jordan Meade

 

Lee Croxton (Vice Chair)

 

 

 

Hackney Carriage Sub-Committee – 3 seats

 

Labour Group (2 seats)

Conservative Group (1 seat)

Gravesham Independent Group

(0 seat)

John Burden (Chair)

Jordan Meade

 

Lauren Sullivan (Vice Chair)

 

 

Licensing Panel – 3 seats

 

The panel’s membership is drawn from available Licensing Committee members and will consist of one member from each political group.

 

Joint Arrangements with other Local Authorities

 

Joint Transportation Board (no substitutes) – 5 seats

 

Labour Group (3 seats)

Conservative Group (2 seats)

Gravesham Independent Group

(0 seat)

Colin Caller (Chair)

Bob Lane

 

Peter Scollard

Leslie Hills

 

Brian Francis

 

 

 

Cabinet Committees

 

Community & Leisure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

17.

Appointment of representatives to Outside Bodies

To make appointments to outside bodies.

Minutes:

That appointments to outside bodies be made in accordance with the following list:-

 

Action with Communities in Rural Kent
Cllrs John Burden and Bob Lane

 

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services
Cllr Lyn Milner

 

Charity of Knight’s Almshouses (4 year term)
Cllrs Colin Caller and Jenny Wallace

 

Choices (formerly North Kent Women’s Aid)
Cllr Sarah Gow

 

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Cllr Lauren Sullivan

 

CCTV – Lay Panel of Visitors
Cllrs Lyn Milner, John Knight and Frank Wardle
Substitutes: Cllrs Jenny Wallace, Michael Wenban and Ejaz Aslam

 

Cyclopark
Cllr John Caller

 

Dartford and Gravesham Community Safety Partnership
Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox

Substitute: Cllr John Burden

 

Dartford and Gravesham District Partnership Group
Cllr John Burden

 

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Stakeholder Council

Cllrs Lyn Milner and Leslie Hills

 

DGSM Your Choice
Cllr Lenny Rolles

 

Ebbsfleet UDC Board

Cllr John Burden

 

Ebbsfleet UDC Board Planning Committee (3 year term)

Cllr Lauren Sullivan

Substitute: Cllr Harold Craske

 

Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity (4 year term)
Cllr John Burden

 

Gravesend & District Mencap Society
Cllrs Lee Croxton and Gurjit Bains

 

Gravesend Regatta Committee
Cllrs Lenny Rolles, Shane Mochrie-Cox and Harold Craske

 

Gravesham Access Group
Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox

 

Gravesham Arts Council and Executive Committee
Cllrs Rob Halpin, Jenny Wallace and Gary Harding

 

Gravesham Community Leisure Limited
Cllrs Shane Mochrie-Cox and Peter Scollard

 

Gravesham Rights of Way Committee
Cllrs Colin Caller, Lee Croxton and Tony Rice

 

Henry Pinnocks Charity (4 year term)

Cllrs Colin Caller and Tony Pritchard

 

Kent County Playing Fields Association
Cllr Brian Sangha

 

Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Cllr Lee Croxton

 

Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel
Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox

 

Local Government Association
Cllr John Burden

 

Local Government Information Unit
Cllr John Burden

 

Meopham Community Sports and Leisure Association Management Committee
Cllrs John Caller and Ejaz Aslam

 

North Kent Crime Prevention Panel
Cllr Tony Rana

 

North Kent Marshes Internal Drainage Board
Cllrs Jenny Wallace, Harold Craske and Lee Croxton

 

North Kent Relate
Cllr Christina Rolles

 

North West Kent Volunteer Centre
Cllr Peter Scollard

 

Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS)
Cllr Lauren Sullivan
Substitute: Cllr Harold Craske

 

South East Employers
Cllr John Burden
Substitute: Cllr Lee Croxton

 

The Grand Community Interest Company
Cllrs John Burden and Shane Mochrie-Cox

 

 

Town Twinning Association
Cllrs Lyn Milner and Alan Ridgers

18.

Scheme of Delegation

To re-affirm the scheme of delegation relating to the Council’s functions other than Cabinet functions.

An electronic link to Annex 1 of the Constitution herewith:-

http://democracy.gravesham.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=Annex%201%20-%20Responsibility%20of%20Functions&ID=2380&RPID=12826180

Minutes:

The scheme of delegation relating to the Council’s functions other than Cabinet functions contained within Annexes 1.2, 1.3, 1.13, 1.14 and 1.15 of the Constitution were re-affirmed.

19.

Timetable of meetings for the forthcoming municipal year

To approve the timetable of meetings for the forthcoming municipal year.

Minutes:

That the timetable of meetings for the 2019/20 municipal year be adopted.

20.

Questions

To consider any questions submitted under the Council Procedure Rules from members of the public (Rule 13) or Members of the Council (Rule 14).

Minutes:

No questions had been received.

21.

Admittance of Honorary Freemen

At an Extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 26 February 2019, it was agreed that, in recognition of their eminent service to the Borough of Gravesham, the following persons be admitted as an Honorary Freemen of the Borough pursuant to Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972:-

John Patrick Burden
Colin William Caller
Robin Neville Theobald
Michael Wenban, JP

The Chief Executive will present the scrolls to each in turn.

Minutes:

At an Extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 26 February 2019, it was unanimously agreed that in recognition of their eminent service to the Borough of Gravesham, the persons shown in Minutes 40 (1), (2), (3) and (4) be admitted an Honorary Freemen of the Borough pursuant to Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972.

22.

John Burden

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor and the Chief Executive signed the Roll of Honorary Freemen admitting John Burden as an Honorary Freeman.

 

John Burden made the following declaration:-

 

“I, John Burden do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will, at all times, use my best endeavours to preserve the peace of Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second and that I will continue to do all in my power to serve the best interests of the people of Gravesham.”

 

The Worshipful the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, presented John Burden with a Scroll and a Freeman’s Badge to mark the occasion.

23.

Colin William Caller

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor and the Chief Executive signed the Roll of Honorary Freemen admitting Colin William Caller as an Honorary Freeman.

 

Colin William Caller made the following declaration:-

 

“I, Colin William Caller do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will, at all times, use my best endeavours to preserve the peace of Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second and that I will continue to do all in my power to serve the best interests of the people of Gravesham.”

 

The Worshipful the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, presented Colin William Caller with a Scroll and a Freeman’s Badge to mark the occasion.

 

24.

Robin Neville Theobald

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor and the Chief Executive signed the Roll of Honorary Freemen admitting Robin Neville Theobald as an Honorary Freeman.

 

Robin Neville Theobald made the following declaration:-

 

“I, Robin Neville Theobald do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will, at all times, use my best endeavours to preserve the peace of Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second and that I will continue to do all in my power to serve the best interests of the people of Gravesham.”

 

The Worshipful the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, presented Robin Neville Theobald with a Scroll and a Freeman’s Badge to mark the occasion.

 

25.

Michael Wenban J.P.

Minutes:

The Worshipful the Mayor and the Chief Executive signed the Roll of Honorary Freemen admitting Michael Wenban as an Honorary Freeman.

 

Michael Wenban made the following declaration:-

 

“I, Michael Wenban do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will, at all times, use my best endeavours to preserve the peace of Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second and that I will continue to do all in my power to serve the best interests of the people of Gravesham.”

 

The Worshipful the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, presented Michael Wenban with a Scroll and a Freeman’s Badge to mark the occasion.