Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to this remote annual meeting of the Maldon District Council, held under new regulations which had come into effect in response to the COVID-19 situation.  The Chairman then went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

A roll call of those Members present was taken.

To elect the Chairman of Maldon District Council for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

It was proposed by Councillor S P Nunn and seconded by Councillor W Stamp that Councillor M S Heard be elected as Chairman of the Maldon District Council for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

Councillor Mrs J L Fleming proposed that Councillor Mrs P A Channer be elected as Chairman of the Maldon District Council for the remainder of Municipal Year.  This was duly seconded by Councillor M F L Durham.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor Mrs Fleming requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the proposal of Councillor Heard as Chairman to the Council.  The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, R G Boyce, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M W Helm, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Abstention:

Councillor K W Jarvis.

The Chairman then put the proposal for Councillor Mrs Channer as Chairman and in accordance with the earlier request for a recorded vote the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, R G Boyce, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M W Helm, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, J Stilts and C Swain.

Abstention:

Councillor K W Jarvis.

The Chairman declared that Councillor M S Heard was therefore elected Chairman of the Maldon District Council for remainder of the Municipal year.

Prior to moving to the next item of business the Chairman (Councillor Mrs Channer) expressed her thanks to Members and Officers for the support given to her during her time as Vice-Chairman of the Council and was grateful for the opportunity to undertake this role. 

In response, Councillor W Stamp, thanked Councillor Mrs Channer for the excellent work she had done, referred to her as an excellent Chairman and expressed thanks from herself and on behalf of many people and Councillors.  Councillor Mrs Channer advised that this was why it was important to have the support of Members and Officers and referred to the Council’s officers as exceptional.  Thanks were also given to Councillor Mrs Channer from Councillor Bamford, Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLVED that Councillor M S Heard be elected Chairman of the Maldon District Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Chairman to make the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Councillor M S Heard made the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of the Office of Chairman of the Council.

IN THE CHAIR  :  COUNCILLOR M S HEARD

To appoint the Vice-Chairman of the Maldon District Council for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

It was proposed by the Chairman (Councillor M S Heard) and seconded by Councillor W Stamp that Councillor C Mayes be elected as Vice-Chairman of the Maldon District Council for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor Mrs P A Channer requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the proposal of Councillor Heard as Chairman to the Council.  The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M W Helm, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Abstention:

Councillors R G Boyce, A L Hull and K W Jarvis.

Upon the vote taking place the Chairman declared that Councillor C Mayes was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Council. 

RESOLVED that Councillor C Mayes be elected as Vice-Chairman of the Maldon District Council for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

Vice-Chairman to make the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Councillor C Mayes made the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of the Office of Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Councillor Mrs P A Channer offered her congratulations to Councillor Mayes and advised she would ensure the Vice-Chairman’s badge of office was handed over to her as soon as possible.

An apology for absence had been received from Councillor R P F Dewick.

To declare the existence and nature of any ‘personal’ or ‘personal and prejudicial’ interests relating to items on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 8 to 12 inclusive of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to declare interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor Mrs P A Channer disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Essex County Council who could be associated with some of the matters due for consideration.

Councillor M F L Durham disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a Member of Essex County Council and pertaining to Agenda Items 20 – 24.

To confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 1 October 2020, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 1 October 2020 be received.

Minute 14 – Bradwell B Scoping Opinion Request Consultation

Councillor C Swain advised that in respect of the recorded vote he was listed as voting both for and against the proposal.  Councillor Swain clarified that he had voted for the proposal.  In response the Chairman advised that this would be corrected.

Minute 20 – Resignation of Councillor B E Harker and Associated Representations

Councillor C Morris advised that reference to Heybridge Parish Council in this Minute should be amended to Heybridge Basin Parish Council.  This amendment was duly noted.

RESOLVED

(ii)            That subject to the above amendments, the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 1 October 2020 be adopted.

To receive questions from members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the date of the meeting).

There were none.

The Chairman thanked Members for nominating and electing him as Chairman and referred to the historic changes for the Council.  The Chairman thanked Councillors R G Boyce and Mrs P A Channer for their past chairmanship and hoped to follow in their footsteps as well as those of former Council Chairmen.  He advised that his theme for the remainder of the year would be one of unity and hoped all parties would work together.

With the invitation of the Chairman, the Director of Service Delivery provided an update on the COVID-19 situation.  Following the update thanks were given to Officers for their work during the pandemic alongside the ongoing day to day work.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of Performance, Governance and Audit Committee held on 24 September 2020 be agreed (by assent).

·                 Minute No. 6 – Committee Operating Protocol and Working Practices

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 October 2020 be received.

Minute 6 – Committee Operating Protocol and Working Practices

It was noted that the operating protocol (Appendix 1) had been circulated prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED

(ii)            That the revised operating protocol be adopted by way of updating the Constitution.

RESOLVED

(iii)          That subject to the above decision the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 October 2020 be agreed.

To note that since the last meeting of the Council, up until Wednesday 28 October 2020 (Council agenda dispatch) the following Committees have met, and to receive any questions in accordance with Council and Committee Procedure Rule 6 (2).

Minutes Published

Minutes NOT finalised for publication

The Council noted the list of Committees that had met before and since the last meeting of the Council, up until Wednesday 28 October 2020 for which Minutes had been published.

There were none.

(i)             To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance on the Leaders and composition of each political group (copy to follow).

(ii)            The Council to consider the ratification of the Leader-designate as Leader or to elect the Leader of the Council.

(iii)          To elect the Deputy Leader of the Council.

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, tabled at the meeting.  As required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance had been notified that the composition of the political Groups on the Council were as follows:

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor W Stamp was therefore recognised as Leader-designate. 

The Chairman proposed that recommendation (i) as set out in the report to ratify Councillor Stamp as Leader of the Council be agreed.  This was duly seconded.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor E L Bamford requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the proposal to ratify Councillor W Stamp as Leader of the Council.  The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, R G Boyce, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M W Helm, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Abstention:

Councillor K W Jarvis.

Following the vote, the Chairman declared Councillor Stamp as Leader of the Council.

Councillor M S Heard then proposed that Councillor S P Nunn be elected as Deputy Leader of the Council and this was seconded by Councillor C Mayes.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor E L Bamford requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the proposal to ratify Councillor S P Nunn as Deputy Leader of the Council.  The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, R G Boyce, Mrs P A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To appoint Members to serve on Committees, as required by Procedure Rule 17.  (Report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance on the nominations of the Leader of the Council and the Opposition Leader to the places allocated to their respective groups copy to follow).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, circulated prior to the meeting.

Councillor R G Boyce raised a Point of Order and advised that in relation to Area Planning Committees he wished to raise an issue and refer to a statute.

The Chairman handed over to the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance who proceeded to report that taking into consideration the table set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report there was also a need to consider Principle C regarding political balance of Committees.  Principle C required the Council to review not only political balance within each Committee but across all seats available for allocation.  The report detailed four seats to be allocated by the Council, however taking into consideration Principle C, two of these four seats had to be allocated to the Democratic Alliance Group (DAG). 

Councillor M F L Durham raised a Point of Order that the Leader of the DAG should have the opportunity to select which Committees the additional two seats for his party would be on.  In response, the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer advised that this was a Council decision because the split in relation to which two Committees the DAG should sit on was equally tied.

Councillor E L Bamford proposed that the DAG be allocated a seat on the Performance Governance & Audit Committee (PGA) and Overview & Scrutiny Committee (O&S).  This was duly seconded.

The Leader of the DAG advised that he had chosen the Performance Governance & Audit Committee and Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The Leader of the Council proposed that the DAG be allocated a seat on the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Investigating & Disciplinary Panel (I&D).

Councillor Mrs P A Channer raised a point of order that this wasn’t a matter for the Council and felt that the issue was not covered by the constitution.  She outlined how the Leader of the DAG was being given the opportunity to allocate onto the additional seats identified.

The Leader referred to the legal advice provided and urged the Council to make a decision on this.  At this point and in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) the Leader requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman advised that he would take the proposal in the name of Councillor Bamford first.  Councillor Bamford clarified she was proposing that the seat on PGA and O&S be allocated to the DAG as per the Leader of that Group’s request. 

There was further discussion and the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer provided additional advice. 

The Chairman then put the proposal of Councillor Bamford and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, R G Boyce, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M W Helm, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors M G  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

In response to a request for a break, the Chairman advised that he would be adjourning the meeting for ten minutes.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 20:30 for ten minutes.

RESOLVED that the meeting resumed in open session at 20:40.

Following the earlier debate on this item of business, the Chairman then put recommendations (i) and (ii) as set out in the report amended to include the allocations agreed earlier by the Council. 

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor C Mayes requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the vote and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K W Jarvis, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, R G Boyce, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A S Fluker, M W Helm, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Abstention:

There were none.

The Chairman declared that the recommendations were therefore agreed, with the exception of the Appointments Board as this could not be appointed until the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Committees had been appointed.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Democratic Alliance Group be allocated a seat on the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Licensing Committee;

(ii)            That Councillor K W Jarvis be allocated a seat on the Performance, Governance & Audit Committee and Investigating & Disciplinary Panel;

(iii)          that subject to (i) and (ii) above the allocation of seats on Committees as set out in Section 3.6 to the report be ratified;

(iv)           that with the exception of the Appointments Board, the nominations set out in APPENDIX 1 to these Minutes be approved.

To adjourn the meeting to allow Committees of the Council and the Area Planning Committees to proceed to elect Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen.

Special Meeting of the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the Licensing Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the Joint Standards Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the Investigating and Disciplinary Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

*To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the District Planning Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the Central Area Planning Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the North Western Area Planning Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

To be followed by:

Special Meeting of the South Eastern Area Planning Committee

(a)       To elect a Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021);

(b)       To appoint a Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the remainder of the municipal year (to May 2021).

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 20:47 to allow special meetings to be held as follows:

Performance, Governance and Audit Committee, Strategy and Resources Committee, Licensing Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Joint Standards Committee, Investigating and Disciplinary Committee, District Planning Committee, Central Area Planning Committee, North Western Area Planning Committee and South Eastern Area Planning Committee.

To continue with the business of the Annual Meeting of the Council.

RESOLVED that the business of the Annual Meeting of the Council be resumed at 20:52.

Prior to the special meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee taking place it was noted that Councillor J V Keyes had been appointed to this Committee as well as the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee.  According to the Council’s Constitution this was not possible. 

The Leader of the Council raised a Point of Order seeking clarification if the Membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee could be amended at this time.  In response the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer advised that to proceed would mean that the Council would be ultra vires and therefore Councillor E L Bamford (Leader of the Opposition) would need to amend her nominations even though the Council had already made a decision on the matter.

Councillor Bamford proposed that Councillor Keyes be replaced by Councillor Mrs J L Fleming.

Councillor Mrs P A Channer raised a Point of Order as to why a Council decision was required as Councillor Bamford could make a nomination.  In response the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer clarified that the 1989 Act stated that the Council had to nominate in accordance with the Group Leader’s wishes and therefore ratification of that was required.

The Chairman sought ratification of the change to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as outlined by Councillor Bamford and this was duly agreed (by assent).

RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs J L Fleming replace Councillor J V Keyes on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned to allow continuation of the special meetings to be held as follows:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Joint Standards Committee, Investigating and Disciplinary Committee, District Planning Committee, Central Area Planning Committee, North Western Area Planning Committee and South Eastern Area Planning Committee.

RESOLVED that the annual meeting of the Council be resumed in open session at 21:15 to elect the Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee.

The Chairman advised the Council that at the special meeting of the Committee two nominations for the position of Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee had been received.  Following an equality of votes and in accordance with the Council’s Constitution appointment of the Chairman of that Committee had to be made by the Council.

The Chairman called for nominations for Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee.

Councillor S P Nunn proposed that Councillor M G Bassenger be nominated for the position as Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee.  This was duly seconded.

In response to two Points of Order raised the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer advised Members on the procedure for the Council to elect a Chairman of a Committee and that a proposal was needed from the Council on which a vote would be taken.  Once a Chairman had been appointed then the special meeting of the Joint Standards Committee would resume to appoint a Vice-Chairman.  It was confirmed that a new proposal was required because the matter of appointment of the Chairman to the Joint Standards Committee was now a Council decision.

Councillor Mrs J L Fleming proposed that Councillor Mrs P A Channer be nominated for the position of Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee.  Members were reminded of the earlier proposition already on the table.[1]

The Chairman advised he would put the first proposal that Councillor Bassenger be appointed as Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee and upon a vote being taken this was agreed.

RESOLVED that Councillor M G Bassenger be appointed as Chairman of the Joint Standards Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 21:25 to allow the continuation of special meetings to be held as follows:

Joint Standards Committee, Investigating and Disciplinary Committee, Central Area Planning Committee, North Western Area Planning Committee, South Eastern Area Planning Committee and District Planning Committee.

RESOLVED that the annual meeting of the Council be resumed in open session at 22:09.

The Chairman advised the Council that having appointed the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees the Membership of the Appointments Board could now be confirmed. 

The Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and nominations received from the respective Group Leaders the Appointments Board would be made up of the following Members and therefore one Conservative Councillor required nomination onto the Board:

·                 Leader of the Council (Councillor W Stamp)

·                 Leader of the Opposition (Councillor E L Bamford)

·                 Chairman of the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee (Councillor J Stilts)

·                 Chairman of the Strategy and Resources Committee (Councillor R H Siddall)

·                 Councillor M W Helm (Democratic Alliance Group nomination.

Councillor Bamford nominated Councillor Mrs P A Channer and this was duly seconded.  The appointment of Councillor Mrs Channer and the other Members detailed above to the Appointments Board was agreed by Assent.

RESOLVED that the following Members be appointed to the Appointments Board for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

·                 Leader of the Council (Councillor W Stamp);

·                 Leader of the Opposition (Councillor E L Bamford);

·                 Chairman of the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee (Councillor J Stilts);

·                 Chairman of the Strategy and Resources Committee (Councillor R H Siddall);

·                 Councillors Mrs P A Channer CC and M W Helm.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy to follow).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, circulated prior to the meeting, seeking Members’ consideration of the appointment of representatives to serve on Local Government and Outside Bodies for the remainder of the municipal year.

The Leader of the Council presented the report, highlighting how she and the Opposition Leader had discussed the proposed appointments and agreed on all but four which were set out in the report.  The Chairman advised that these therefore required nomination and appointment by the Council.

Councillor Mrs P A Channer raised concern regarding recommendation (iii) and advised that the Maldon and District Youth Strategy Group was an Essex County Council run Group to which a Member of this Council was appointed.  She explained that Minutes from this Group were confidential and was concerned that this Council (through recommendation (iii)) was suggesting that the Minutes be shared with all Maldon District Council (MDC) Councillors.

Members discussed the four bodies to which the Council was asked to determine representatives.  Both the Leader of the Council and Leader of Opposition outlined their nominations and reasons behind these.

Stow Maries Aerodrome Consultative Committee

Members were advised that this had been set up to consult with neighbours and the benefit of having a Ward Member on this Committee was highlighted.  Councillor C Swain advised in light of this he felt the representative should be Councillor Miss S White (a Ward Member) and not himself.  It was therefore agreed, by assent, that the Council’s representatives on the Stow Maries Aerodrome Consultative Committee would be Councillors S P Nunn and Miss S White.

Bradwell Local Community Liaison Council (LCLC)

The Leader of the Council proposed that Councillors E L Bamford, K M H Lagan, C Mayes and N Skeens be appointed to the Bradwell LCLC.  This proposal was duly seconded.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) the Leader of the Council requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman then put the proposal that Councillors Bamford, Lagan, Mayes and Skeens be appointed to the Bradwell LCLC for the remainder of the municipal year.  The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K W Jarvis, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp and Mrs J C Stilts.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, M W Helm, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley, Mrs M E Thompson and Miss S White.

Abstention:

Councillor C Swain.

The Chairman declared that the proposal was therefore agreed.

Local Area Highways Panel

Councillor E L Bamford proposed that Councillor Mrs J L Fleming be appointed onto this Panel.

Councillor M F L Durham explained that he was the current Chairman of this Panel, as an Essex  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy to follow).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, circulated prior to the meeting, seeking Members’ agreement to appoint Members to serve on Working Groups of the Council for the municipal year.

The report detailed changes to Working Groups and the Chairman drew Members’ attention to Working Groups where nominations from the Council were required.  It was noted that the Council on 1 October had resolved to establish a new Working Group to review the remote meeting protocol, however Officers recommended that this be addressed through the Corporate Governance Working Group. 

The Leader of the Council presented the report.

Bradwell B Power Station Working Group

The Leader of the Council proposed that Councillors E L Bamford, M G Bassenger, Mrs P A Channer, A L Hull, K M H Lagan, C Mayes and N G F Shaughnessy be appointed to the Bradwell B Power Station Working Group.  This proposal was duly seconded.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) the Leader of the Council requested a recorded vote.  This was duly seconded.

Following further discussion, the Chairman then put the Leader of the Council’s proposal to the Council.  The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K W Jarvis, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A L Hull, C P Morley and Mrs M E Thompson.

Abstention:

There were none.

The Chairman declared that this was therefore agreed.

Leisure Contract Task and Finish Working Group

The Leader of the Council proposed that Councillor K V Jarvis be nominated to the Leisure Contract Task and Finish Working Group along with Councillors M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A L Hull, S P Nunn, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and Miss S White.  This proposal was duly seconded.  In response to a question, Councillor Jarvis confirmed he was happy to sit on this Working Group.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor E L Bamford requested a recorded vote. 

The Chairman then put the Leader of the Council’s proposal to the Council and in accordance with the request for a recorded vote, the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, B S Beale, V Bell, M R Edwards, M S Heard, K W Jarvis, K M H Lagan, C Mayes, C Morris, S P Nunn, N G F Shaughnessy, R H Siddall, N J Skeens, W Stamp, Mrs J C Stilts and C Swain.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors E L Bamford, Miss A M Beale, Mrs P A Channer, M F L Durham, Mrs J L Fleming, A L Hull, J V Keyes, C P Morley  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking confirmation of an annual training plan for Members.

It was noted that the recent Corporate Governance Audit had recommended that a formal Member training and development plan be identified.  The report outlined work that had been undertaken to progress this, including a proposed training plan which was attached at Appendix A to the report.  The training plan identified a number of items of training which Members were asked to consider as mandatory training.

The Chairman moved the recommendations as set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

A debate ensued, during which a number of Members commented and supported a Member training plan and the benefit of using external providers for some training was highlighted.

Councillor R H Siddall proposed that:

·                 Immediate training was provided for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to enable the new administration period to commence.  That before the training commenced, training objectives will be specified to attendees.

·                 For all other modules, a detailed training plan be presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee.  For each module, a course description is provided to Members with training objectives and outcomes clearly specified.

·                 That for Planning training and Overview and Scrutiny, where appropriate external providers are sought to provide independent expertise.

The proposal was discussed and in response to comments made Councillor Siddall amended his proposal requesting that the detailed training plan be presented to the Council and not the Strategy and Resources Committee.  During the discussion the use of outside trainers was supported by some Members and other subject areas were highlighted, these included Standards and the Code of Conduct.  It was noted that the Local Government Association also offered some beneficial training for Members.

The Leader of the Council then proposed that the amended motion put forward by Councillor Siddall be agreed.  This proposal was duly seconded.

Following discussion regarding Standards training, it was agreed that where appropriate this should be delivered by external providers and the proposal was amended accordingly.

The Chairman then put the recommendations as set out in the report with the addition of those proposed by the Leader of the Council.  These were duly agreed, by assent.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Member Training plan (attached as Appendix A to the report) be adopted;

(ii)            that those courses specifically highlighted as mandatory be approved, and where these requirements are not met / training is not attended, note that the Member will not be able to sit on Committees and Working Groups;

(iii)          That immediate training is provided for Chairman and Vice Chairman to enable the new administrative period to commence and before the training commences, training objectives will be specified to attendees;

(iv)           That for all other modules, a detailed training plan is presented to the Council and for each module, a course description is provided to Members with training objectives and outcomes clearly specified;

(v)             That for Standards and the mandatory Planning and Overview and Scrutiny training, where appropriate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To consider the report of the Re-Set and Recovery Working Group, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Re-Set and Recovery Working Group (RRWG) seeking Members’ support to reinstate free Christmas parking days in Maldon High Street Car Parks.

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to an addendum which had been circulated prior to the meeting and provided additional information for consideration.

It was noted that the RRWG had been formed by the Council to oversee activities relating to the ongoing Government guidance and legislation relating to business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The report set out the work of RRWG and recommendations coming forward from the Working Group, these included:

·                 Free ‘Christmas’ parking days

The RRWG were proposing that the three free days parking be reinstated, although for 2020 it was suggested that these be split into six half days.  The addendum suggested that although the dates of these half days were detailed in the report in response to the recent National Lockdown that the Director of Service Delivery be given flexibility to change these, if necessary.  It was noted that the free parking proposal would support retail shopping, hospitality and the evening economy.

·                 Engagement with businesses on a change to evening charging period

The report outlined the informal discussions that had taken place with businesses and how these had outlined a desire to change the start time of evening charges from 6pm to 3pm.  Officers were therefore seeking Members’ agreement to consult on two different options, the first to change the evening charging period Monday to Friday and the second to change the charging period for just one afternoon a week.  The costs associated with both options were set out in the report.

Appendix 1 to the report outlined the initial feedback received from the Maldon Business Board.  It was noted that the Business Board had also requested that the Council consider an additional free parking day on 24 December 2020 (Christmas Eve).

The Director of Service Delivery presented the report, drawing attention to the addendum.  This was followed by the Chairman of the RRWG, Councillor Mrs J L Fleming, who thanked Officers and Members of the Working Group and encouraged all Members to delay their Christmas shopping until December and to shop local.

Councillor S P Nunn proposed that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.  This was duly seconded.

The Chairman put the proposal to the Council and this was duly agreed, by assent.  However, Councillor C Morris requested that his dissent be recorded.

RESOLVED

(i)              That delegated authority be reinstated for three free ‘Christmas’ parking days (or equivalent part days) in Maldon High Street Car Parks to the Director of Service Delivery in consultation with the Leader of the Council to support high street businesses;

(ii)            That the afternoon of Christmas Eve be added to the free parking dates in 2020 as requested by the Maldon Business Board;

(iii)          That Officers engage with businesses relating to a potential change to the start of the evening charging period to stimulate high street footfall and economic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

To consider the report of the Leisure Contract Member Task and Finish Working Group, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Leisure Contract Member Task and Finish Working Group (LCWG) seeking approval for the LCWG to continue to meet to review proposals, negotiations and to make further recommendations to the Council.

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the addendum circulated prior to the meeting which provided an update on circumstances and figures since the report was published. 

It was noted that the Blackwater Leisure Centre and Dengie 100 opened on 10 August 2020.  The LCWG had met to consider the legal advice and analyse & challenge the information provided by Places Leisure.  The Minutes of this meeting along with figures provided were set out in Appendix A to the report.

Members were advised that there was a need for the LCWG to scrutinise the long-term options for the Leisure Centres and these options were set out in the report.  It was therefore requested that support be continued up to 31 December 2020 and the LCWG would present further options to the Council at its meeting on 17 December 2020.

The Commercial Manager presented the report and outlined the recommendations set out within the report and the need for additional data to allow better analysis of the financial position.

The Leader of the Council moved that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.  This was duly seconded.

A debate ensued, during which Members commented on the report and further information was provided by Officers.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Commercial Manager and this team for the work they had done, and the support given to the LCWG.  She proposed that the recommendations be agreed.  This was duly agreed by assent.

Councillor C Morris asked that it be recorded that he would abstain from voting.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Council extends its provision of financial support to Places Leisure to 31 December 2020;

(ii)            That the Leisure Contract Member Task and Finish Working Group continues to meet to consider future variations to the leisure contract and provide further updates to meetings of the Council in relation to the long-term provisions of the contract;

(iii)          That the Leisure Contract Member Task and Finish Working Group reports back to the Council on 17 December 2020 with further recommendations.