Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Tiverton
Contact: Sally Gabriel
Link: audio recording
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Apologies To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs E M Andrews, Mrs S Griggs, D F Pugsley and Mrs J R Rendle. |
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To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of Council on 25 February 2015
The Council is reminded that only those Members present at the previous meeting should vote and, in doing so, should be influenced only by seeking to ensure that the minutes are an accurate record.
Minutes: The minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 25 February 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
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Chairman's Announcements (00-02-03) To receive any announcements which the Chairman of the Council may wish to make.
Minutes: The Chairman informed Members that:
· prior to the meeting he had presented a Long Service Award to Richard Keith-Hill who had completed 25 years service with the District Council.
· Councillor P F Williams (Lead Member for Member Development) had presented him with the South West Charter for Member Development which he had received on behalf of the Council and he thanked those involved in the work of gaining the Charter. |
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Public Question Time To receive any questions relating to items on the agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.
Minutes: There were no members of the public present. |
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Petitions To receive any petitions from members of the public.
Minutes:
There were no petitions from members of the public.
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Notices of Motions (00-03-08) (1) Motion 515 (Councillor Mrs N Woollatt – 20 January 2015)
The following motion had been referred to the Managing the Environment Policy Development Group for consideration and report
That this Council:
1. Bans the sale or use of sky lanterns when issuing licences for open-air events
2. Bans the release of sky lanterns from MDDC property
3. Urges Devon County Council to consider a similar ban as at (2.) on its property
The Managing the Environment Policy Development Group at its meeting on 10 March considered the proposal. Following consideration of the views of the Group and in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.6(a) Councillor Mrs N Woollatt has requested that her motion be altered to read as follows:
This Council:
a) Provide advice and guidance to organisers of events and changes could be made to guidance notes to require applicants to provide information regarding the sale and release of lanterns at events; b) Uses the Licensing regime to promote a voluntary ban on the use of lanterns; c) Bans the release of sky lanterns from MDDC property; d) Urges Devon County Council to consider a similar ban as at (c) on its property.
The Policy Development Group had considered the revised proposal and recommended that it be supported.
(2) Motion 514 (Councillor Mrs J Roach – 19 January 2015)
The following motion had been referred to the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group for consideration and report
That this Council considers and investigates the possibility of applying to the Secretary of State to transfer Charlton Lodge to Mid Devon District Council (Localism Act Sect 15) to enable Mid Devon District Council to provide a scheme similar to the Abundant Life Project being run at Dartington.
The Decent and Affordable Homes Group at its meeting on 17 March considered the proposal and recommends that it be supported.
(3) Motion 516 (Councillor Mrs J Roach – 22 January 2015)
The following motion had been referred to the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group for consideration and report
“That this Council resolves to investigate the possibility of acquiring Charlton Lodge, Orchard Lea and Bampton residential Homes in order to meet unmet housing needs in this district.”
The Decent and Affordable Homes Group at its meeting on 17 March considered the proposal and recommends that it be supported.
(4) Motion 518 (Councillor M D Binks – 24 February 2015)
The Council had before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:
That this Council wishes to express its concerns to the Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy, about the slow rate of installation of High Speed Broadband to large rural areas of Mid Devon, as without this everyday need, especially to farmers and other rural businesses, our local economy will not flourish and rural isolation will not be reduced.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 13.4, the Chairman of the Council has decided to allow this Motion (if moved and seconded) to be dealt with at this meeting.
Minutes: (1) Motion 515 (Councillor Mrs N Woollatt – 20 January 2015)
The following motion had been referred to the Managing the Environment Policy Development Group for consideration and report:
That this Council:
1. Bans the sale or use of sky lanterns when issuing licences for open-air events
2. Bans the release of sky lanterns from MDDC property
3. Urges Devon County Council to consider a similar ban as at (2.) on its property
The Managing the Environment Policy Development Group at its meeting on 10 March considered the proposal. Following consideration of the views of the Group and in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.6(a) Councillor Mrs N Woollatt had requested that her motion be altered to read as follows:
This Council:
a) Provide advice and guidance to organisers of events and changes could be made to guidance notes to require applicants to provide information regarding the sale and release of lanterns at events; b) Uses the Licensing regime to promote a voluntary ban on the use of lanterns; c) Bans the release of sky lanterns from MDDC property; d) Urges Devon County Council to consider a similar ban as at (c) on its property.
The Policy Development Group had considered the revised proposal and recommended that it be supported.
Following discussion, and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.
(2) Motion 514 (Councillor Mrs J Roach – 19 January 2015)
The following motion had been referred to the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group for consideration and report:
That this Council considers and investigates the possibility of applying to the Secretary of State to transfer Charlton Lodge to Mid Devon District Council (Localism Act Sect 15) to enable Mid Devon District Council to provide a scheme similar to the Abundant Life Project being run at Dartington.
The Decent and Affordable Homes Group at its meeting on 17 March considered the proposal and had recommended that it be supported.
Following debate, Councillor Mrs J Roach MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 18.4:
“THAT the vote in respect of this item shall be by Roll Call”.
A roll call of Members present at the meeting was then taken.
Those voting FOR the MOTION: Councillors Mrs H Bainbridge, M D Binks, E J Berry, Mrs D L Brandon, R J Chesterton, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, N V Davey, W J Daw, R M Deed, J M Downes, C J Eginton, R Evans, A V G Griffiths, P H D Hare-Scott, P J Heal, Mrs L J Holloway, T G Hughes, Mrs B M Hull, D J Knowles, M R Lee, M A Lucas, E G Luxton, R F Radford, Mrs J Roach, F J Rosamond, C R Slade, T W Snow, J D Squire, Mrs M E Squires, R L Stanley, Mrs M E Turner, N A Way, P F Williams, K D Wilson, Mrs N Woollatt and R Wright.
Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: ... view the full minutes text for item 141. |
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Cabinet - Report - Meeting held on 5 March 2015 (00-59-00) PDF 137 KB To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the Cabinet/Committees as follows:
(1) Cabinet
- 5 March 2015 - 2 April 2015
(2) Scrutiny Committee
- 27 February 2015 - 16 March 2015 - 13 April 2015
(3) Audit Committee
- 24 March 2015
(4) Managing the Environment Policy Development Group
- 10 March 2015
(5) Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group
- 17 March 2015
(6) Community Well Being Policy Development Group
- 24 March 2015
(7) Planning Committee
- 4 March 2015 - 18 March 2015 - 1 April 2015 - 22 April 2015 (to follow)
(8) Standards Committee
- 11 March 2015 - 25 March 2015 - 15 April 2015
Additional documents:
Minutes: The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 5 March 2014.
Arising thereon:-
(1) Pay Policy (Min 119)
The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs B M Hull:-
“THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 119 be ADOPTED”.
Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.
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Cabinet - Report - Meeting held on 2 April 2015 (1-00-53)
Minutes: The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 2 April 2015.
Arising thereon:-
(1) Affordable Housing Projects (Min 129)
The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor R L Stanley:-
“THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 129 be ADOPTED”.
Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.
Note: Councillor Mrs J Roach declared a personal interest in Minute 127 as Chair of the Group proposing to renovate the Silverton Toilets.
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Scrutiny Committee - Report - Meeting held on 27 February 2015 (1-10-12) Minutes: The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 27 February 2015.
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Scrutiny Committee - Report - Meeting held on 16 March 2015 (1-10-36) Minutes: The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 16 March 2015.
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Scrutiny Committee - Report - meeting held on 13 April 2015 (1-11-06) Minutes: The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 April 2015.
(1) Planning Policy Procedures (Min 175)
The Chairman MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs L J Holloway:-
“THAT the recommendation of the Scrutiny Committee as set out in Minute 175 be NOTED”.
Following discussion and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.
The Council had before it questions* submitted by Councillor Mrs J Roach in accordance with Procedure Rule 12.2(1) together with a response from the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee
Notes: Questions and responses circulated at the meeting, copy attached to signed minutes.
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Audit Committee - Report - Meeting - held on 24 March 2015 (1-15-02) Minutes: The Chairman of the Audit Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 March 2015.
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Managing the Environment Policy Development Group - Report - Meeting held on 10- March 2015 (1-18-11) Minutes: The Chairman of the Managing the Environment Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 10 March 2015.
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Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group - Meeting - held on 17 March 2015 (1-20-07) Minutes: The Chairman of the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 17 March 2015.
The Council had before it questions* submitted by Councillor Mrs J Roach in accordance with Procedure Rule 12.2(1) together with a response from the Chairman of the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group.
Note: Questions and responses circulated at the meeting, copy attached to signed minutes;
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Community Well-Being Policy Development Group - Report - Meeting held on 24 March 2015 (1-21-06) Minutes: The Chairman of the Community Well Being Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 24 March 2015.
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Planning Committee - Report - Meeting held on 4 March 2015 (1-21-56) Minutes: The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 4 March 2015.
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Planning Committee - Report - Meeting 18 March 2015 (1-25-33) Minutes: The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 18 March 2015. |
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Planning Committee - Report - Meeting - 1 April 015 (1-26-11) Minutes: The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 1 April 2015. |
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Planning Committee - Report - Meeting held on 22 April 2015 (1-26-49) Minutes: The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 April 2015. |
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Standards Committee - Report - Meeting - held on 11 March 2015 (1-29-32) Minutes: The Chairman of the Standards Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 March 2015.
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Standards Committee - Report - Meeting held on 25 March 2015 (1-29-53) Minutes: The Chairman of the Standards Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 25 March 2015.
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Standards Committee - Report - Meeting held on 15 AprilL 2015 (1-30-19) Minutes: The Chairman of the Standards Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 April 2015
(1) Updates from Constitution Working Group – (Min 76)
The Chairman MOVED, seconded by Councillor P F Williams
“THAT the recommendation of the Standards Committee as set out in Minute 76 be ADOPTED”.
Following discussion and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.
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Questions To deal with any questions raised pursuant to Procedure Rule 12 not already dealt with during the relevant Committee report.
Minutes: Questions submitted under Procedure Rule 12.2 had been dealt with earlier in the meeting.
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Independent Remuneration Panel Report - April 2015 (1-32-57) PDF 189 KB To receive a report of the Head of Communities and Governance informing Members that the current Members Allowances Schemeexpires when the District Council election takes place in May 2015, there is therefore a need to make recommendations for a scheme to be in place following the election. Additional documents: Minutes: The Council had before it a report * of the Head of Communities and Governance informing Members that the current Members Allowances Schemeexpires when the District Council election takes place in May 2015, there is therefore a need to make recommendations for a scheme to be in place following the election.
The Chief Executive outlined the content of the report.
The Chairman of the Council MOVED, THAT:
a) The current scheme with no changes be extended for a period of 3 months from the day after the District Council election until 31 July 2015.
b) An interim scheme be implemented (which may include some minor changes to the current scheme and which will be presented to full Council for consideration on 15 July 2015) for the period between 1 August 2015 and 31 July 2016.
c) A fundamental review be undertaken of Mid Devon’s Members Allowances Scheme between August 2015 and Spring 2016 with a report presenting the Panel’s views and findings coming before Council in July 2016. This will recommend a scheme of allowances from August 2016 onwards.
The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.
Note:
i) Councillor T W Snow requested that his abstention from voting be recorded; ii) *Report previously circulated copy attached to minutes.
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To receive the Annual reports (attached) of the Audit Committee, Scrutiny Committee and the three Policy Development Groups.
Additional documents:
Minutes: The Chairmen of the Audit Committee and the Scrutiny Committee, and the Chairmen of the Managing the Environment, the Decent and Affordable Homes and the Community Well-Being Policy Development Groups presented their Annual Reports* to the Council.
Note: *Reports previously circulated, copy attached to signed minutes.
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Six Monthly Briefing from the Leader (1-35-24) The Leader, Councillor C J Eginton, will address the Council.
Minutes: The Leader of the Council addressed the Council on a number of issues:
· The current financial position: the finalising of the General Fund accounts for 2014/15 was underway with an estimated overspend of £150k, taking into consideration the redundancy costs and the relocation of the Waste Service, other services had underspends in the last financial year. There was a reduced pay bill equivalent to 40 full time positions. Revenue collection was currently at a high level and the authority had maintained a 0% increase on its portion of Council Tax. · Housing: for the first time in decades, the authority had built new Council houses. · Waste and recycling: the move to a new site had proved successful; a new recycling scheme would be put in place in the autumn with the inclusion of all plastics. · Leisure: a lot of money had been invested in the leisure centres, increased income had been realised. · He thanked Members for their contribution over the past four years, all of whom had been committed to the role and he named those not seeking re-election and wished them well.
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Questions to Cabinet Members (1-40-56) Cabinet Members will answer questions from Members on their Portfolios.
Minutes: Councillor Mrs N Woollatt asked the Cabinet Member for Environment about waste collections and highlighted an article in the Gazette which referred to rubbish put out on the streets on Good Friday. She asked whether action would be taken against people who put their rubbish out early? Had the changes to waste collection on bank Holidays been publicised, should there not have been a reminder on social media?
The Cabinet Member stated that the Council did advertise changes to collection times on the web site and charts distributed each year highlighted the change to collection dates, these were also published in Mid Devon Talk. He would look into the matter regarding the use of social media.
Councillor K D Wilson speaking to the Leader highlighted the issue of poor communication between officers and Members and outlined examples where he felt he had not been included.
The Leader stated that he felt communication had improved, although he felt it could be better. He stated he would do what he could if re-elected.
Mrs J Roach speaking to the Cabinet Member for the Environment asked the following questions:
Was the Multi Storey Car Park definitely going to incorporate a Premier Inn? Would the Shopmobility centre remain in place? Where had the £1 for 5 hours parking sign gone? Ward Members need to be informed about any issues taking place in their Wards?
The Cabinet Member replied stating that he had been informed that the parking banner had blown off in the wind and that he would look into the matter. There was no decision regarding the Premier Inn, he understood that discussions were still taking place. There was no threat to the Shopmobility centre at the present time.
The Leader stated that communication with Members was necessary.
Councillor Mrs Roach speaking to the Cabinet Member for Housing raised an issue regarding the fitting of a kitchen in her ward and that the residents had been informed that it may take 3 weeks to fit, this would cause unnecessary problems for the tenants.
The Cabinet Member asked that he be forwarded the details of the case and that he would look into the matter.
Councillor Mrs M Turner asked the Chief Executive about the Town Hall and whether the public had been consulted on its future.
The Chief Executive explained that space had been made in Phoenix House following staff reduction which had allowed for an additional space for meeting rooms. There would be the capacity to contain large numbers in a meeting room, which could well host the Planning Committee. Whether to hold all meetings in Phoenix House would be a decision for the Council to make in the future. |
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Members' Business (2-00-18) To receive any statements made and Notice of future questions by Members.
Note: the time allowed for this item is limited to 15 minutes Minutes: Councillor K D Wilson suggested that the blind in the Council Chamber be mended.
Councillor C R Slade highlighted the Devon Expo event that was taking place at Matford in Exeter the following day; the Mid Devon Business Forum and the Community Development Service would be involved. |
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Invitation for retiring Members to address the Council (2-03-04) Members who have chosen not to be re-elected are invited to address the Council. Minutes: The Chairman thanked those Members not seeking re-election for their work and invited them to address the Council;
Councillors Mrs D L Brandon, Mrs L J Holloway, M A Lucas, P F Williams, M R Lee, A V G Griffith and Mrs M E Turner spoke. |
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