Audio Recording

There was a minute’s silence in memory of Honorary Alderman Ricky Barnicott and former Councillor Brian Meeres. 

The Leader spoke in memory of former Councillor Brian Meeres and Honorary Alderman Ricky Barnicott.  Members shared their fond memories and anecdotes, and spoke of the significant contribution that Honorary Alderman Ricky Barnicott had made to the Borough and communities of Swale.

The Mayor’s Chaplain said Prayers.

The Chairman will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures.

The Chairman will inform the meeting whether there is a planned evacuation drill due to take place, what the alarm sounds like (i.e. ringing bells), where the closest emergency exit route is, and where the second closest emergency exit route is, in the event that the closest exit or route is blocked.

The Chairman will inform the meeting that:

(a) in the event of the alarm sounding, everybody must leave the building via the nearest safe available exit and gather at the Assembly points at the far side of the Car Park; and

(b) the lifts must not be used in the event of an evacuation.

Any officers present at the meeting will aid with the evacuation.

It is important that the Chairman is informed of any person attending who is disabled or unable to use the stairs, so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Mayor outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 March 2018 (Minute Nos. 546 - 560) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 March 2018 (Minute Nos. 546 – 560) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

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.

There were no announcements.

To agree the Council’s Committees and their terms of reference.

The Leader introduced the report, which asked the Council to establish the Committees of the Council for the Municipal Year 2018/19, with the terms of reference as set out in Appendix I to the report.  There were no changes to existing arrangements.

The Leader proposed and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning seconded the recommendations in the report.

Resolved:

(1) That the Committees and Terms of Reference, as set out in Appendix I to the report, be agreed for the 2018/19 Municipal Year.

To agree the allocation of Committee seats and appoint membership of Committees for the municipal year 2018/19.

Appendix II and Appendix III to-follow. (Added 16.5.18 with additional paper)

The Leader introduced the report and advised that he had asked Councillor Mike Dendor to be Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee.  He drew attention to the changes to the Cabinet Portfolios and the Cabinet and Deputy Cabinet Members, which were within the gift of the Leader to agree.

In response to comments, the Leader clarified the changes to the Cabinet Portfolios and postholders, and clarified that Councillor Nigel Kay would not be claiming a special responsibility allowance for being a Deputy Cabinet Member.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning highlighted that training would be required for some Members on the Planning Committee and the Licensing Committee.  It was also noted that the political balance calculation would be updated to reflect the change in name of the UKIP group to The Swale Group.

Resolved:

(1) That the political balance calculation, as set out in Appendix I to the Minutes, be agreed.

(2) That the allocation of seats to Committees in accordance with the wishes of Group Leaders, and as set out in Appendix II to these Minutes, be agreed.

(3) That the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committees, as set out in Appendix III to these Minutes, be agreed.

To confirm nominations for Borough Council representation on outside bodies, trusts administered by Swale Borough Council and statutory bodies.

Appendix I to-follow (added 16.5.18).

The Leader introduced the report which asked for agreement of Borough Council representation on outside bodies, trusts administered by Swale Borough Council and statutory bodies.  Attention was drawn to the tabled paper which set out the nominations put forward.

The Leader of the Swale Group considered that the nominations should be shared out amongst the political groups on the Council, and these sentiments were echoed by the Leader of the Labour Group and the Deputy Leader of the Independent Group.  A discussion ensued regarding the appointment process, reporting requirements, and non-attendance.  

As there were two nominations to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Joint Advisory Committee, namely Councillor Monique Bonney and Councillor Prescott, the Senior Lawyer outlined the procedure for voting.  The vote was taken, which was in favour of Councillor Prescott.

Resolved:

(1) That the Borough Council representation on outside bodies, trusts administered by Swale Borough Council and statutory bodies, be as set out in Appendix IV to these Minutes.

To note the timetable of meetings for the municipal year 2018/19 which was agreed at the Council meeting held on 21 February 2018.

The Leader reminded Members that the Timetable of Meetings for 2018/19 had been agreed by Council in February 2018.  It was noted that reference to UKIP needed to be changed to The Swale Group.

Resolved:

(1) That the Timetable of Meetings for 2018/19, subject to the change in name referred to in the above Minute, be noted.