Location: Council Chamber, Daneshill House, Danestrete
Present: Members: Councillors L.G. Strange (Mayor), B. Jackson (Deputy Mayor), G. Clark, R.A. Clark, D.W. Cullen, M. Downing, CC, B.G. Dunnell, P.E.J. Gallagher, J. Gardner, B.P. Hall, L. Harrington, R.J. Henry, J. Hollywell (until 9.00pm), T.G.M. Kent, CC (from 7.20pm), C. Latif, Mrs J.E. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, A.J.R. McCarthy, D.F. Monaghan, M. Notley, R.G. Parker, M.P. Patston, J.R. Raynor, D. Royall, CC (from 9.10pm), R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, G. Snell, S.K. Speller, S. Taylor, H.C.L. Tessier, J. Thomas, B.G. Underwood, K. Vale, Mrs P.A Webb, CC.
Others:
Duration:
Start - 7.00pm
End - 10.27pm
Status: Noted
Business: Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors P.D. Kissane, L. Knight, S.M. Myson, A.T. Turner and D. Webb. There were no declarations of interest.
Decision:
Status: Agreed
Business:
Decision: It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21st May 2003, having been circulated, be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.
Status: Noted
Business: The Mayor announced that she had attended fourteen local events since her appointment a month ago. These events had ranged from functions involving her selected charities, the Hertfordshire Show, a prizegiving for Arts and Design, to something of interest to many in the Borough - the Space Event in the Town Centre.
The Mayor commented that Stevenage day was an event she always enjoyed and despite the best efforts of the weather to conspire against the stallholders at this year's event, held on 8th June 2003, she felt it was a success for all involved.
Other events had included a visit to the Council Chamber by over 50 children from Fairlands Valley School and the Tripartite Reunion in Autun.
At this point the Mayor advised that she had to leave the meeting due to a prior engagement.
Councillor B. Jackson (Deputy Mayor) took the Chair.
Decision:
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and presentation from the Director of Environmental Services concerning the Future of Stevenage: New Town Legacy.
Decision: After a full debate, during which contributions were made by the Executive Councillor (Environment), other Councillors and members of the public, it was moved, seconded and RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:-
(i) a vision for Stevenage of becoming a Regional City, a thriving and sustainable settlement providing a major centre for balanced economic and housing growth for Hertfordshire and its sub-region, be agreed.
(ii) the importance of its new town legacy be acknowledged, but that it be recognised that it must not live in the past and must build for tomorrow so that Stevenage is as successful in the 2020s and 30s as it was in the 1960s and 70s.
(iii) this vision should be consulted on and promoted through the Joint Local Committees, Stevenage Partnership and on the wider stage to Regional and National Government.
Status: Noted
Business: The Council considered a Petition submitted by the St Nicholas Primary School concerning car parking facilities at the school. The Lead Petitioner addressed the Council and submitted the Petition, which contained over 300 signatures. Members were informed that copies of the Petition were available on request.
The Executive Councillor (Environment) responded to the Petition.
Following a debate involving other Councillors, the Deputy Mayor advised the Lead Petitioner that the Executive Councillor (Environment) would keep the Petitioners informed of developments on this matter. In the meantime, the Petition would be presented to the Stevenage Highways Joint Member Panel, upon which the County Council was represented.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: Four questions had been received and were detailed in the Agenda. A response to the first question was given by the Executive Councillor (Environment). Upon the first questioner submitting a supplementary question, the Deputy Mayor advised that this would be considered in conjunction with the remaining three questions, as their subject matter was similar.
The remaining three questions were considered together. Each of the three questioners made a statement in relation to their question. Responses to the questions were given by the Executive Councillor (Environment), and further comments were made by the questioners, other members of the public and Councillors.
Decision:
Status: Agreed
Business: The Leader of the Council and appropriate Executive Members updated the Council in respect of the latest position regarding the rationalisation of Housing Services/Closure of Neighbourhood Housing Offices; Shephall Leisure Centre Summer Programme; Annual Dragon Boat Race; Museum Event - 'Fancy Rats'; Rock in the Park; Second successful Pilot for Postal Voting; Funding Information Day; Waste Wizard celebrates first birthday in March 2003; Shortlist of developers for Town Centre Regeneration Development; Date for Stevenage West Inquiry; Traffic Wardens; Media Breakfast; Ridgemond Park - Home Office Grant; and Investors in People (IIP) re-awarded in April 2003. In relation to the latter item, the Deputy Leader expressed his congratulations to all staff involved on this achievement. Members of the Council expressed their views on a number of these matters.
Decision: In respect of the second successful Pilot for Postal Voting, it was moved, seconded and RESOLVED:
(i) that Chris Solich and Jacqui Edwards in the Electoral Registration Section be congratulated for their work in contributing towards the success of the Pilot Scheme.
(ii) that, in view of current EU Rules precluding the use of Pilot Postal Schemes for European Parliamentary Elections, officers investigate the practicality/legality of a scheme aimed at maximising the Postal turnout at next year's European/Local Elections, and report thereon to a future meeting of the Executive.
In accordance with Standing Order 11(c), the Leader of the Opposition raised the matter of the Beagle 2 Mission to Mars, which had been launched successfully on 2nd June 2003. Part of Beagle 2 had been built by Astrium in Stevenage.
It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that a letter be sent on behalf of the Council congratulating Astrium for its contribution towards the Beagle 2 Mission.
Status: Noted
Business: No notices of motion were received.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: There were no questions to Committee Chairs/Portfolio Holders.
Decision:
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendation from the Executive meeting held on 27th May 2003 regarding the Best Value Performance Plan for 2003/04. A revised set of Best Value Performance Indicators were circulated to Members at the meeting.
The Council noted that the Best Value Performance Plan for 2003/04 had been supported and endorsed by the Scrutiny Overview Committee at its meeting held on 3rd June 2003.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(i) that the content of the Council's Best Value Performance Plan 2003/04 be agreed for publication on 30th June 2003.
(ii) that the Leader of the Opposition be provided with a written response on his queries with regard to Best Value Performance Indicators BV156 and BV185.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking a delegation to deal with all matters relating to the management of staff sickness, and to allocate responsibility for that as appropriate.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(i) that the determination of all matters concerned with staff sickness, including the determination of all procedures and the subsequent consideration and determination of matters in accordance with such procedures, be delegated to the Chief Executive.
(ii) that the Chief Executive be authorised to empower other Chief Officers, Heads of Service and Senior Managers to take action in accordance with such procedures.