Agenda and minutes

1.         This meeting is to be webcast. Members are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking.

2.         The Chairman or the Chief Executive will read the following announcement:

“This meeting will be webcast live to the Internet and will be archived for later viewing. Copies of recordings may be made available on request.

By entering the chamber’s lower seating area you consenting to becoming part of the webcast.

If you wish to avoid being filmed you should move to the public gallery or speak to the webcasting officer”

The Assistant to the Chief Executive, on behalf of the Chairman of the Council, reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the Internet, and that the Council had adopted a protocol for the webcasting of its meetings.

The Council is invited to stand for a minute’s silence in tribute to the memory of former District Councillor Robert O’Malley who died recently.

Robert O’Malley represented the Loughton (South) and Loughton Forest wards from 1974 until 1982. He was Chairman of the Council in 1978/79. He was also a member of the former Chigwell Urban District Council and Chairman of that Council in 1972/73.

It was with much sadness that the Chairman informed the Council of the death of former District Councillor Robert O’Malley.

Members were informed that Robert O’Malley had represented the Loughton (South) and Loughton Forest wards from 1974 until 1982.  He had been Chairman of the Council in 1978/79.  He had also been a member of the former Chigwell Urban District Council and Chairman of that Council in 1972/73.

The Chairman advised the Council that she had attended Robert O’Malley’s funeral on behalf of the District Council.

Councillor S Murray and Mr I Willett, Assistant to the Chief Executive, paid tribute to the memory of Robert O’Malley.

The Council stood for a minute’s silence in tribute to the memory of former District Councillor Robert O’Malley.

The Chairman to welcome the following newly elected and re-elected members of the Council following the elections held on 5 May 2011:

Councillor                                         Ward

Penny Smith                                      Broadley Common, Epping Upland and Nazeing

Hal Ulkun                                           Buckhurst Hill West

Paul Keska                                        Chipping Ongar, Greensted and Marden Ash

Ken Avey                                           Epping Hemnall

Sarah Packford                                  Epping Lindsey and Thornwood Common

Kewal Chana                                     Grange Hill

Richard Morgan                                 Hastingwood, Matching and Sheering Village

Brian Rolfe                                         Lambourne

Richard Bassett                                 Lower Nazeing

Gary Waller                                       Lower Sheering

Anne Grigg                                        North Weald Bassett

Mary Sartin                                        Roydon

Peter Gode                                        Shelley

Syd Stavrou                                       Waltham Abbey High Beach

Antony Watts                                     Waltham Abbey Honey Lane

Lillian Mitchell                                    Waltham Abbey North East

Liz Webster                                       Waltham Abbey Paternoster

Ricki Gadsby                                     Waltham Abbey South West

The Chairman to present declaration of acceptance of office certificates to the five newly elected members, Councillors Avey, Keska, Mitchell, Packford and Waller.

The Chairman welcomed the following newly elected and re-elected members of the Council following the elections held on 5 May 2011:

Penny Smith                                      Broadley Common, Epping Upland and Nazeing

Hal Ulkun                                           Buckhurst Hill West

Paul Keska                                        Chipping Ongar, Greensted and Marden Ash

Ken Avey                                           Epping Hemnall

Sarah Packford                                  Epping Lindsey and Thornwood Common

Kewal Chana                                     Grange Hill

Richard Morgan                                 Hastingwood, Matching and Sheering Village

Brian Rolfe                                         Lambourne

Richard Bassett                                 Lower Nazeing

Gary Waller                                       Lower Sheering

Anne Grigg                                        North Weald Bassett

Mary Sartin                                        Roydon

Peter Gode                                        Shelley

Syd Stavrou                                       Waltham Abbey High Beach

Antony Watts                                     Waltham Abbey Honey Lane

Lillian Mitchell                                    Waltham Abbey North East

Liz Webster                                       Waltham Abbey Paternoster

Ricki Gadsby                                     Waltham Abbey South West

The Chairman presented declaration of acceptance of office certificates to the four of the five newly elected members present, Councillors Avey, Keska, Mitchell and Waller.

Councillor Grigg addressed the Council on her year of office.  She thanked the Council for affording her the privilege of being elected Chairman to the Council for the past year which had been very enjoyable.  The Chairman advised that she had been conscious of the need for budget cuts and had tried to minimise civic expenditure costs where possible.  She expressed thanks to Councillor Angold-Stephens, the Vice-Chairman, for his support during the year and for standing in for her at short notice on some occasions.

Councillor Grigg said that she had attended many memorable events during her year of office.  She referred to the Chigwell Riding Trust Christmas Service which had left a lasting impression on her seeing children with severe disabilities taking part in a nativity play.

The Chairman also referred to meeting scouts undertaking work in Epping Forest with enthusiasm despite the very wet conditions.  She referred to her attendance at the annual St George’s Day Scout Parade at Windsor and to a visit to the Lee Valley White Water Centre where she had enjoyed several runs down the course in a raft.

The Chairman referred to the strong community links between Bodo in Norway and North Weald and stated how much she had enjoyed her visit to Bodo for the Norwegian Parade Day.

The Chairman also referred to her attendance at the opening of a new ramp for young people with disabilities at the Lambourne End Centre.

She thanked members for their support during the year including their sponsorship, purchasing of raffle tickets and attending the Christmas Carol service.  She also thanked staff for the support and advice she had received during her year of office.

The Chairman reported that she had raised approximately £8,500 for her chosen charities.

Councillors Collins, Wixley, Stallan, J M Whitehouse and the Acting Chief Executive, D Macnab on behalf of the staff, expressed their appreciation for the hard work and enthusiasm shown by Councillor Grigg during her year of office.

To elect a Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2011/12. Nominations received will be tabled. The new Chairman will then make a declaration of acceptance of office.

The nomination of Councillor K Angold-Stephens for the office of the Chairman of the Council having been formally moved by Councillor Pond and seconded by Councillor Morgan, it was:

            RESOLVED:

            That Councillor K Angold-Stephens be elected Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.

Councillor Angold-Stephens thereupon made a declaration of acceptance of the office of Chairman of the Council and thanked the Council for his election.  He advised that he would do his best to reach the high standards set by the previous Chairman and referred to some of his experiences which he hoped would enable him to meet the expected demands during the coming year.  He announced that his charities would be St Clare Hospice and Home Start Epping Forest and he expressed the hope that members would give generous support to these during the year.  He advised that he proposed to organise several events for his charities including a Members’ and Officers’ golf day, a walk, a quiz, hopefully an abseil of the Church Langley Water Tower and, if possible, a white water rafting event at the Lee Valley White Water Rafting Centre.  Councillor Angold Stephens stated that his aim would be to help the community throughout his year of office during a time of financial constraint.  He advised that he proposed to be a non-voting Chairman of the Council unless his casting vote was required or he felt that an issue was contrary to policy or would be detrimental to the reputation of the District.

Councillor Angold-Stephens in the Chair

The new Chairman presented Councillor Grigg with a past Chairman’s Badge of Office.

Councillor Grigg presented the Escort’s Badge to Mrs Jill Angold-Stephens.

To appoint a member to be a Vice-Chairman of the Council for the municipal year 2011/12. Nominations received will be tabled. The new Vice-Chairman will then make a declaration of acceptance of office.

The nomination of Councillor Rolfe for the office of Vice-Chairman of the Council having been formally moved by Councillor Breare-Hall and seconded by Councillor Collins, it was:

            RESOLVED:

            That Councillor Rolfe be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.

Councillor Rolfe thereupon made a declaration of acceptance of office of Vice-Chairman of the Council and thanked the Council for his appointment.  He congratulated Councillor Angold-Stephens on his election as Chairman of the Council and assured him that he would give him full support during the coming year.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2011 (attached).

            RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 29 March 2011 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest by members of the Council under this item.

(a)       Apologies for Absence

(b)       Announcements

To consider any announcements by:

(i)         the Chairman of the Council;

(ii)        the Leader of the Council; and

(iii)       any other Cabinet Member

(c)      Members Not Seeking Re-Election or Not Re-Elected

To note that:

(i)                  Andy Green, Janet Hedges and Blane Judd did not seek re-election on 5 May 2011; and

(ii)                Pat Brooks and Charlotte Edwards and were not re-elected on 5 May 2011.

Pat Brooks has been invited to attend the meeting to receive an award in recognition of her 12½ years’ service. She represented the Chigwell Row ward from May 1998 until May 2002 and the Waltham Abbey North East ward since November 2002.

(a)       Announcements by the Chairman of the Council

(i)         Leader of the Council

The Chairman announced that on 18 May 2011, Councillor Collins had submitted a notice of resignation as Leader of the Council.  The Chairman and Councillors Stallan, Stavrou, Sartin, Murray, Whitbread, Wagland and Morgan expressed their appreciation for the hard work and enthusiasm shown by Councillor Collins during her five years as Leader of the Council. 

(ii)        Floral Display

The Chairman announced that he intended to send the flowers from tonight’s meeting to Vera O’Malley, the widow of former District Councillor Robert O’Malley.

(b)       Announcements by the Leader of Council and Portfolio Holders

There were no announcements under this heading.

(c)       Members not seeking re-election or not re-elected

The Council noted that A Green, J Hedges and B Judd had not sought re-election on 5 May 2011.  In addition P Brooks and C Edwards had not been re-elected.

Councillor J M Whitehouse acknowledged the contributions made to the Council by A Green and P Brooks.  Councillor R Brookes acknowledged the contribution made to the Council by P Brooks.  Councillor Wagland acknowledged the contributions made to the Council by A Green, J Hedges, B Judd and C Edwards.

In recognition of her 12½ years’ service, the Chairman presented an award to Pat Brooks.  Pat Brooks thanked the Council for the award.

Report to follow regarding:

(a)  Notice of Constitution of Political Groups, Group Leaders and Deputies;

(b)  Appointments made by the Leader to the Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and Outside Organisations carrying out Executive Functions;

(c)   Membership, Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels (Non-Executive Bodies);

(d)   Appointments to Outside Organisations carrying out Council, Regulatory or non- Cabinet Functions.

The Council will need to vote on (c) and (d) where the number of nominations exceeds the number of places available.

(a)        Leader of the Council

By leave of the Council, the Chairman took the second recommendation of the Panel before other items, namely consideration of the appointment of a Leader of the Council.  The nomination of Councillor Wagland for the office of Leader of the Council having been formally moved by Councillor Philip and seconded by Councillor Johnson, it was:

            RESOLVED:

            That Councillor Wagland be appointed Leader of the Council.

(b)       Leader and Council Appointments

(Mover: Councillor Wagland – Chairman of the Panel)

Councillor Wagland reported on appointments which she had made to the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees and to Outside Organisations carrying out executive functions.

Councillor Wagland also reported recommendations of the Appointments Panel in relation to the membership, chairmanship and vice-chairmanship of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels (non-executive bodies), and to Outside Organisations carrying out Council, regulatory or non-Cabinet functions.  Councillor Wagland and Councillor Philip reported on changes made to nominations since the Panel had met. 

The Council voted on appointments where the number of nominations exceeded the number of places available.

            RESOLVED:

            (1)        That in accordance with Regulation 8 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, the constitution of political groups as set out in Appendix A to these minutes be noted;

            (2)        That the appointments made by the Leader of the Council to the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees and the allocation of portfolios as set out in Appendix B to these minutes be noted;

            (3)  That the Membership, Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship of Committees, Sub-Committees and Panels (non-Executive bodies) as set out in Appendix C to these minutes be approved;

            (4)        That appointment to the Essex Localism Initiative – Local Highways Panel be deferred pending completion of the Essex County Council Partnership Review and that the meeting of the Panel scheduled for 16 June 2011 be cancelled;

            (5)        That Group Leaders confirm nominations to the Proper Officer for appointments to be made to Panels by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee by 26 May 2011;

            (6)        That the appointments made by the Leader of the Council to Outside Organisations carrying out Executive functions as set out in Appendix D to these minutes be noted;

            (7)        That appointments to Outside Organisations carrying out Council, regulatory or non-Cabinet functions be as set out in Appendix E to these minutes.

Recommendation:

That the scheme of officer delegation for Council and regulatory functions, as set out in Part 3 of the Constitution as amended be agreed.

The Constitution requires that the scheme of delegation be agreed at the Annual meeting. The current scheme has been issued in Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution.

            RESOLVED:

            That the Scheme of Officer Delegation for Council and Regulatory Functions, as set out in Part 3 of the Constitution as amended be agreed.

To note new and revised officer delegation in respect of Executive Functions approved by the Leader of the Council following the 2010/11 review.

The Council noted new and revised Officer Delegation in respect of Executive Functions approved by the Leader of the Council following the 2010/11 review as set out in Appendix F to these minutes.

(Leader of the Council) To follow.

(Mover:  Councillor Collins – Leader of the Council in 2010/11)

Councillor Collins summarised the Annual Report of the Executive for 2010/11.

Councillor Collins answered questions from members during which (a) Mr D Macnab, Acting Chief Executive, declared an interest and left the meeting following a question about the appointment of a new Chief Executive, (b) Councillor J M Whitehouse declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in a reference to the redevelopment of the St John’s Road area, Epping by virtue of being a resident of that road, and (c) Councillor J H Whitehouse declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in relation to the Furniture Exchange scheme by virtue of being involved in the promotion of that scheme.

Councillor Wagland advised that she had taken note of all of the matters raised by members and these would be taken into account by the new Cabinet.

Recommendation:

That during 2011/12 ordinary meetings of the Council be held on the following dates:

28 June 2011

26 July 2011

27 September 2011

1 November 2011

13 December 2011

14 February 2012

16 February 2012 (Thursday)(reserve date for budget meeting)

27 March 2012

22 May 2012 (Annual meeting)

At its meeting on 15 February 2011, the Council adopted a calendar of meetings for the period from May 2011 to May 2012 which included ordinary meetings of the Council for the year.

It is a requirement of the Constitution that a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council be approved at the annual meeting of the Council. The dates set out above are those adopted on 15 February 2011.

            RESOLVED:

            That during 2011/12 ordinary meetings of the Council be held on the following dates:

            28 June 2011

            26 July 2011

            27 September 2011

            1 November 2011

            13 December 2011

            14 February 2012

            16 February 2012 (Thursday) (reserve date for budget meeting)

            27 March 2012

            22 May 2012 (Annual meeting)