If the fire alarm sounds, guests must leave via one of the fire exits clearly marked in the room.

Your assembly point is in the car park.  Stay calm and evacuate the building as quickly as possible. Please do not stop to gather your belongings.

The Mayor advised the meeting of the evacuation procedure.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)          Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the room while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

In accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 a resolution to confer the title of Honorary Freeman must be passed by not less than a two-thirds majority of the Members voting. The Council is asked to pass the following resolution:

“That this Council in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 do confer upon Mr Stephen Mark Brown the title of Honorary Freeman in recognition of his extraordinary commitment, perseverance and achievements, and encouragement of all people in Swale through his training and inspirational speaking.”

Councillor Alan Horton proposed and Councillor Ghlin Whelan seconded that Mr Stephen Mark Brown be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough, and gave speeches in support of the proposal.

Upon being put to the vote and agreed unanimously, the retiring Mayor presented Mr Stephen Mark Brown with a scroll to reflect this honour and Mr Brown gave a speech in recognition of the award.

Resolved:

(1)       That this Council in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 confer upon Mr Stephen Mark Brown the title of Honorary Freeman in recognition of his extraordinary commitment, perseverance and achievements, and encouragement of all people in Swale through his training and inspirational speaking.