Meeting documents

Council
Wednesday, 30 June 2004 7.00pm

MINUTES - Council 20040630 19:00

MINUTES - Council 20040630 19:00

Location: Council Chamber, Daneshill House, Danestrete

Present: Members: Councillors Mrs. L.G. Strange (Mayor 2003/04), D. Royall, CC (Mayor 2004/05), B. Jackson (Deputy Mayor), G. Clark, R.A. Clark, D.W. Cullen, M. Downing, CC, P.E.J. Gallagher, J. Gardner, B.P. Hall, L. Harrington, R.J. Henry, J. Hollywell, T.G.M. Kent, CC, P.D. Kissane, L. Knight, L.A. Lambert, C. Latif, Mrs. J.E. Lloyd, J. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, D.F. Monaghan, S.M. Myson, M. Notley, R.G. Parker, M.P. Patston, J.A. Pickersgill, J.R. Raynor, R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, G. Snell, S.K. Speller, P. Stuart, S. Taylor, H.C.L. Tessier, A.T. Turner, B.G. Underwood, K. Vale and Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC.

Others:

Duration:
Start Time: 7.00pm
End Time: 8.55pm

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Status: Noted

Business: An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor A.J.R. McCarthy.

There were no declarations of interest.

Decision:

MINUTES - Wednesday, 25th February, 2004

Status: Agreed

Business:

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25th February 2004, having been circulated, be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

MINUTES - Tuesday, 18th May, 2004

Status: Agreed

Business:

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18th May 2004, having been circulated, be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR*

Status: Agreed

Business: The Mayor, Councillor Mrs. L.G. Strange, referred to the various events which she had attended throughout the year and informed the meeting that she had enjoyed her Mayoral year. She thanked all those who had contributed to her memorable year in office and, in particular, her husband and consort Dick Strange, who had supported her both publicly and behind the scenes during the year. She concluded by sending her best wishes to the incoming Mayor and Mayoress.

The Chief Executive called for nominations for the Office of Mayor for 2004/05.

It was duly proposed and seconded that Councillor D. Royall, CC be nominated as Mayor for the 2004/05 Municipal Year. There being no other nominations, a vote was taken, and it was RESOLVED that Councillor D. Royall, CC, be elected as Mayor for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Councillor D. Royall, CC, then made the statutory declaration of acceptance of office and took the Chair.

The Mayor, Councillor D. Royall, CC expressed his thanks to his family and friends who were present and to all the people who had worked hard to ensure the success of the evening.

The Mayor announced that his theme for the year would be 'Youth', and within that context he would be concentrating on the positive activities carried out by young people in Stevenage.

He listed the charities which he would support during his term of office, namely Stevenage Youth Council, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Stevenage District Scouts, Stevenage Community Trust and the World Forum.

He announced that his wife, Clair Anthony-Royall, would be Mayoress for 2004/05.

Decision:

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR*

Status: Agreed

Business: The Mayor called for nominations for the office of Deputy Mayor. It was duly proposed and seconded that Councillor B. Jackson be appointed as Deputy Mayor for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that Councillor B. Jackson be appointed as Deputy Mayor for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Councillor B. Jackson then made the statutory declaration of acceptance of office.

The Deputy Mayor thanked his proposer and seconder and announced that Mrs. Sandra Jackson would be the Deputy Mayoress for 2004/05.

Decision:

NOMINATION OF MAYOR DESIGNATE

Status: Noted

Business: The Mayor announced that he was to appoint Councillor Brian Underwood as Mayor Designate for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

The Mayor announced that Councillor Underwood's wife, Nong Underwood, would be the Mayoress Designate for 2004/05.

Decision:

BOROUGH COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2004

Status: Noted

Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report advising the Council of the results of the Borough Council Elections held on 10th June 2004 and the details of the percentage votes cast.

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the results of the Borough Council Elections for 2004 be noted.

CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Status: Agreed

Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking approval of amendments to the Council's Constitution, including the Terms of Reference for various bodies to support its Political Management Structure.

It was moved and seconded that the recommendations contained in the report be approved.

An amendment to the motion was moved and seconded and, following a full debate, it was RESOLVED:-

'A. That recommendation 2.1 (a) be amended by the addition of the following:-

' ....... subject to the 6 Joint Local Committees (JLCs) becoming Area Committees of the Council with the same constitution and terms of reference as the JLCs, but with the relevant County Councillors not being able to vote.'

B. The addition of a paragraph (e) to recommendation 2.1, as follows:-

'(e) That Standing Order 41 be amended by the deletion of the current paragraphs (b) and (c) to be replaced with the following -

(b) Committees of the Council

The Chair and Vice-Chair for the Municipal Year of each Committee of the Council shall be appointed by the Council at the time of the Committee's appointment.

In the absence of a Council appointed Chair or Vice-Chair at a meeting, the Committee shall elect a person to preside from amongst its voting Members. The person so elected shall preside for the remainder of the meeting unless the Council elected Chair or Vice-Chair arrive. If the Council elected Chair and Vice-Chair are absent and the Committee fails to elect a Chair for the meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned.

(c) Joint Committees

The Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Joint Committees shall each be elected at the first meeting of each Committee following its appointment. The first meetings may be held following the Stevenage Borough Council Annual meeting or at some other time after they have been appointed.

The Chair and Vice-Chair will be chosen from amongst the Stevenage Borough Councillors or the appointed representatives of other authorities represented on the Committee and in accordance with any detailed protocols agreed by the constituent Councils.

In the absence of the duly appointed Chair or Vice-Chair at a meeting, the protocols agreed by the constituent Councils will apply.'

C. That a new 2.4 be added as follows -

'That, as a consequence of the change of the Joint Local Committees becoming Area Committees, the Council's budget be amended accordingly.'

(Note: Councillors L. Knight, L.A. Lambert, R.G. Parker and G. Snell wished their names to be recorded as voting against the amendment set out in A., B. and C. above).

Decision: Upon the substantive motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED:-

(i) That the following amendments be made to the Council's Constitution for the 2004/05 Municipal Year:-

(a) That the Council's Political Management Structure and Terms of Reference for its various bodies, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be agreed, subject to the 6 Joint Local Committees (JLCs) becoming Area Committees of the Council with the same constitution and terms of reference as the JLCs, but with the relevant County Councillors not being able to vote.

(b) That the Executive Councillor portfolios, as detailed in Appendix B to the report, be agreed.

(c) That the following exception to call-in arrangements listed in Section 15(h) in the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules be deleted from the Constitution:

'Only decisions involving expenditure or reductions in service over a value of £50,000 may be called in'.

(d) That Standing Order 40 be amended by the addition of a new paragraph as follows:-

'The Chair of the Scrutiny Overview Committee may, as of right, attend and speak at all meetings of the Scrutiny Panels'.

(e) That Standing Order 41 be amended by the deletion of the current paragraphs (b) and (c) to be replaced with the following:-

(b) Committees of the Council

The Chair and Vice-Chair for the Municipal Year of each Committee of the Council shall be appointed by the Council at the time of the Committee's appointment.

In the absence of a Council appointed Chair or Vice-Chair at a meeting, the Committee shall elect a person to preside from amongst its voting Members. The person so elected shall preside for the remainder of the meeting unless the Council elected Chair or Vice-Chair arrive. If the Council elected Chair and Vice-Chair are absent and the Committee fails to elect a Chair for the meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned.

(c) Joint Committees

The Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Joint Committees shall each be elected at the first meeting of each Committee following its appointment. The first meetings may be held following the Stevenage Borough Council Annual meeting or at some other time after they have been appointed.

The Chair and Vice-Chair will be chosen from amongst the Stevenage Borough Councillors or the appointed representatives of other authorities represented on the Committee and in accordance with any detailed protocols agreed by the constituent Councils.

In the absence of the duly appointed Chair or Vice-Chair at a meeting, the protocols agreed by the constituent Councils will apply.

(ii) That any consequential changes to the Constitution be made arising from both the matters detailed in (i) above, together with any other decisions made at this meeting.

(iii) That the Programme of Council meetings for the 2004/05 Municipal Year, as detailed in the report, be approved.

(iv) That, as a consequence of the change of the Joint Local Committees becoming Area Committees, the Council's budget be amended accordingly.

APPOINTMENT OF LEADER OF THE COUNCIL*

Status: Agreed

Business: It was duly proposed and seconded that Councillor B.P. Hall be appointed as Leader of the Council for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Decision: There being no other nominations, a vote was taken, and it was RESOLVED that Councillor B.P. Hall be appointed as Leader of the Council for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY LEADER OF THE COUNCIL*

Status: Agreed

Business: It was duly proposed and seconded that Councillor S. Taylor be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Decision: There being no other nominations, a vote was taken, and it was RESOLVED that Councillor S. Taylor be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

APPOINTMENT OF LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION*

Status: Noted

Business: The Chief Executive advised the Council of the appointments of Councillor R.G. Parker as Leader of the Opposition and Councillor G. Snell as Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Decision:

APPOINTMENT OF LEADERS OF THE POLITICAL GROUPS ON THE COUNCIL*

Status: Noted

Business: The Chief Executive advised the Council that Councillors B.P. Hall, R.G. Parker and G. Clark had been appointed as Leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative Groups respectively. It was noted that Councillors S. Taylor, G. Snell and M.A. Mason would be Deputy Leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative Groups respectively.

Decision:

APPOINTMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE COUNCIL*

Status: Agreed

Business:

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the Executive be constituted as follows:-

10 Members (9 Majority, 1 Opposition) comprising:-

Leader (Councillor B.P. Hall),
Deputy Leader (Councillor S. Taylor) and
Councillors R.A. Clark, P.E.J. Gallagher, J. Gardner, R.J. Henry, S.M. Myson, R.G. Parker, K. Vale and Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC, with Members appointed to the Executive areas of responsibility as follows:-

Councillor R.A. Clark - Community Safety
Councillor P.E.J. Gallagher - Performance and Improvement
Councillor J. Gardner - Environment
Councillor R.J. Henry - Health and E-Government
Councillor S.M. Myson - Community and Culture
Councillor S. Taylor - Resources
Councillor K. Vale - Personnel
Councillor Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC - Housing

Additionally, the Leader of the Council to have responsibility for Town Twinning, Media and Communications, Members Services and the Civic Suite.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES/PANELS OF THE COUNCIL*

Status: Agreed

Business: The Chief Executive advised that Council was asked to appoint its Committees and Panels by Alternative Arrangements for the purposes of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.

He further advised that given the changes made to the Constitution earlier in the meeting (see Minute 8), the Council was also asked to appoint to the six new Area Committees, with the membership that was quoted for the Joint Local Committees, excluding Hertfordshire County Council representation.

The Chief Executive stated that once the Committees and Panels had been established, consideration should be given to the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

Concerning the number of Committees and Panels that had been summoned to meet immediately following the Council meeting, the Chief Executive explained that, given the constitutional changes made earlier in the meeting, only the Executive and the Stevenage Highways Joint Member Panel would now be required to meet. The other bodies no longer had business to consider given that their Chairs and Vice-Chairs would have been appointed at this Council meeting.

Decision: It was unanimously RESOLVED that, by Alternative Arrangements for the purposes of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, Regulation 20, the Committees and Panels for the 2004/05 Municipal Year, be constituted as follows:-

SCRUTINY OVERVIEW COMMITTEE - 11 Members (9 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative).

Councillors G. Clark, D.W. Cullen, M. Downing, CC, L. Harrington, J. Hollywell, L. Knight, D.F. Monaghan, M.P. Patston, P. Stuart, A.T. Turner and B.G. Underwood.

HOUSING & WELLBEING SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative).

Councillors G. Clark, P.D. Kissane, L. Knight, C. Latif, J. Lloyd, J.A. Pickersgill, Mrs. L.G. Strange and A.T. Turner

ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative)

Councillors Mrs. J.E. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, D.F. Monaghan, J.A. Pickersgill, J.R. Raynor, R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, G. Snell and B.G. Underwood.

RESOURCES & CORPORATE MANAGEMENT SCRUTINY PANEL -8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative).

Councillors J. Hollywell, B. Jackson, A.J.R. McCarthy, M. Notley, M.P. Patston, J.R. Raynor, G. Snell and S.K. Speller.

PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY SCRUTINY PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative)

Councillors M. Downing, CC, L. Harrington, L.A. Lambert, C. Latif, J. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, P. Stuart and H.C.L. Tessier.

HOUSING & WELLBEING REVIEW PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative)

Councillors G. Clark, P.D. Kissane, L. Knight, C. Latif, J. Lloyd, J.A. Pickersgill, Mrs. L.G. Strange and A.T. Turner.

ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY REVIEW PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative).

Councillors Mrs. J.E. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, D.F. Monaghan, J.A. Pickersgill, J.R. Raynor, R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, G. Snell and B.G. Underwood.

RESOURCES & CORPORATE MANAGEMENT REVIEW PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative).

Councillors J. Hollywell, B. Jackson, A.J.R. McCarthy, M. Notley, M.P. Patston, J.R. Raynor, G. Snell and S.K. Speller.

PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY REVIEW PANEL - 8 Members (6 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative)

Councillors M. Downing, CC, L. Harrington, L.A. Lambert, C. Latif, J. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, P. Stuart and H.C.L. Tessier.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 13 Members (11 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative)

Councillors G. Clark, R.A. Clark, D.W. Cullen, M. Downing, CC, B. Jackson, T.G.M. Kent, CC, Mrs. J.E. Lloyd, J.A. Pickersgill, R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, G. Snell, S.K. Speller, Mrs. L.G. Strange and B.G. Underwood.

LICENSING & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 13 Members (11 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative)

Councillors D.W. Cullen, B. Jackson, T.G.M. Kent, CC, P.D. Kissane, L. Knight, C. Latif, J. Lloyd, M. Notley, M.P. Patston, J.A. Pickersgill, Mrs. L.G. Strange, P. Stuart and H.C.L. Tessier.

APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE - 6 Members (5 Majority Group, 1 Opposition)

Detailed Membership to be determined when a meeting is to be convened.

STANDARDS COMMITTEE - 5 Members (1 Non-Elected Independent Chair, 1 Non-Elected Independent Member, 2 Labour, 1 Opposition).

Councillors Mrs. J.E. Lloyd, M. Notley and K. Vale.

Independent Members: Mr. D. Morgan and Mr. S. Gillies.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - 6 Members (4 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative).

Councillors B.P. Hall, L. Knight, M. Notley, M.P. Patston, D. Royall, CC and S. Taylor.

BEDWELL AREA COMMITTEE - 6 Members

Councillors D.W. Cullen, L. Harrington, T.G.M. Kent, CC, R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, S.K. Speller and B.G. Underwood.

BROADWATER AREA COMMITTEE - 6 Members

Councillors J. Gardner, B. Jackson, J. Lloyd, A.J.R. McCarthy, S.M. Myson and Mrs. P.A. Webb CC.

CHELLS AREA COMMITTEE - 6 Members

Councillors L. Knight, L.A. Lambert, R.G. Parker, G. Snell, P. Stuart and K. Vale.

OLD STEVENAGE AREA COMMITTEE - 9 Members

Councillors G. Clark, M. Downing,CC, P.E. J. Gallagher, P.D. Kissane, M.A. Myson, M. Notley, S. Taylor, H.C.L. Tessier and A.T. Turner.

SHEPHALL AREA COMMITTEE - 6 Members

Councillors R.A. Clark, B.P. Hall, J. Hollywell, Mrs. J.E. Lloyd, J.A. Pickersgill and Mrs. L.G. Strange.

ST. NICHOLAS AREA COMMITTEE - 6 Members

Councillors R.J. Henry, C. Latif, D.F. Monaghan, M.P. Patston, J.R. Raynor and D. Royall, CC.


It was moved and seconded that the nominations for the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Council's Committees and Panels, as detailed on a paper circulated at the meeting, be approved.

It was moved and seconded, as an amendment to the list of Chairs and Vice-Chairs circulated, that Councillor L. Knight be appointed as Chair of the Chells Area Committee. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Upon the substantive motion being put, it was RESOLVED that the following Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Council's Committees and Panels be appointed for the 2004/05 Municipal Year:-

SCRUTINY OVERVIEW COMMITTEE

Chair - D.W. Cullen
Vice-Chair - P. Stuart

HOUSING & WELLBEING SCRUTINY PANEL

Chair - A.T. Turner
Vice-Chair - G. Clark

ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY SCRUTINY PANEL

Chair - B.G. Underwood
Vice-Chair - D.F. Monaghan

RESOURCES & CORPORATE MANAGEMENT SCRUTINY PANEL

Chair - M.P. Patston
Vice-Chair - J. Hollywell

PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY SCRUTINY PANEL

Chair - M. Downing, CC
Vice-Chair - L. Harrington

HOUSING & WELLBEING REVIEW PANEL

Chair - G. Clark
Vice-Chair - A.T. Turner

ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMY REVIEW PANEL

Chair - D.F. Monaghan
Vice-Chair - B.G. Underwood

RESOURCES & CORPORATE MANAGEMENT REVIEW PANEL

Chair - J. Hollywell
Vice-Chair - M.P. Patston

PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY REVIEW PANEL

Chair - L. Harrington
Vice-Chair - M. Downing, CC

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Chair - Mrs. J.E. Lloyd
Vice-Chair - R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

LICENSING & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

Chair - H.C.L. Tessier
Vice-Chair - C. Latif

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Chair - Mr. D. Morgan

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

Chair - S. Taylor
Vice-Chair - M.P. Patston

BEDWELL AREA COMMITTEE

Chair - T.G.M. Kent, CC
Vice-Chair - L. Harrington

BROADWATER AREA COMMITTEE

Chair - J. Lloyd
Vice-Chair - B. Jackson

CHELLS AREA COMMITTEE

Chair - P. Stuart
Vice-Chair - L. Knight

OLD STEVENAGE AREA COMMITTEE

Chair - P.D. Kissane
Vice-Chair - M. Downing, CC

SHEPHALL AREA COMMITTEE

Chair - Mrs. L.G. Strange
Vice-Chair - J.A. Pickersgill

ST. NICHOLAS AREA COMMITTEE

Chair - C. Latif
Vice-Chair - J.R. Raynor

APPOINTMENT OF JOINT COMMITTEES/PANEL WITH HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL*

Status: Agreed

Business:

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the following Member Panel be appointed jointly with Hertfordshire County Council:-

STEVENAGE HIGHWAYS JOINT MEMBER PANEL - 6 SBC Members (4 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat, 1 Conservative) - one from each Area Committee, to be matched by 6 Hertfordshire County Council Members (those representing the 6 HCC Divisions in Stevenage).

Councillors G. Clark, R.A. Clark, D.W. Cullen, L.A. Lambert, C. Latif and A.J.R. McCarthy.

APPOINTMENT OF JOINT COMMITTEE WITH HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AND NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL*

Status: Agreed

Business: Prior to the consideration of this item, Councillor R.J. Henry declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest in view of his role as a Non-Executive Director of the Stevenage and North Herts Primary Care Trust.

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the following Committee be appointed jointly with Hertfordshire County Council and North Hertfordshire District Council:-

JOINT PRIMARY CARE TRUST SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - 4 Stevenage Borough Council Members (3 Labour, 1 Opposition), to be matched by the appointment of 4 places by HCC and 3 places by NHDC.

Councillors D.W. Cullen, M. Downing, CC, M.A. Mason and R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC.

APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE BODIES*

Status: Agreed

Business:

Decision: It was duly proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the following Members be appointed to represent the Council on the various bodies detailed below for one year unless otherwise stated:-

AGE CONCERN (STEVENAGE) - Councillors A.J.R. McCarthy and B.G. Underwood.

ARTS GUILD FOR STEVENAGE - Councillor H.C.L. Tessier

BEDWELL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor B.G. Underwood

BROADHALL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor M.P. Patston

BROADWATER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor A.J.R. McCarthy

CANYON PLAY ASSOCIATION - Councillor D. Royall, CC

CCTV - JOINT EXECUTIVE BOARD - Councillors P.E.J. Gallagher, Mrs. J.E. Lloyd and R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC.

CHELLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor P. Stuart (Deputy Councillor - K. Vale), Councillor L. Knight (Deputy Councillor - R.G. Parker).

CHELLS MANOR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillors L. Knight and D.F. Monaghan.

COMMUNITY ARTS PAVILLION MANAGEMENT - SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ARTS GUILD - Councillor S. Taylor.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR HERTFORDSHIRE - Councillor S.M. Myson

COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP - EXECUTIVE GROUP - Executive Councillor: Community Safety (Councillor R.A. Clark)

CPRE - HERTFORDSHIRE SOCIETY - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

CROSSROADS - Councillors Mrs. L.G. Strange and K. Vale.

DIGSWELL ARTS TRUST BOARD - Councillor J.A. Pickersgill plus one Officer observer.

DOUGLAS DRIVE DAY CENTRE - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

EASTERN ORCHESTRAL BOARD - Councillor H.C.L. Tessier.

EAST OF ENGLAND REGIONAL ASSEMBLY - Councillor S. Taylor

EAST OF ENGLAND REGIONAL PLANNING PANEL - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

EAST OF ENGLAND TOURIST BOARD - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

ENGLISH FORUM OF NUCLEAR FREE LOCAL AUTHORITIES - Councillor L. Harrington.

FACE TO FACE - Councillor P. Stuart

FEDERATION OF STEVENAGE TENANTS ASSOCIATIONS - Councillor A.T. Turner

GEMMS - Councillor P.D. Kissane

GORDON CRAIG THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE ,DL ,CC

HCC INVESTMENT PANEL (via HLGA) - Councillor S. Taylor

HCC JOINT WASTE MANAGEMENT GROUP - By Position: Councillor J. Gardner (Executive Councillor: Environment).

HERTFORD ROAD COMMUNTIY ASSOCIATION - Councillor S.M. Myson.

HERTFORDSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM STEERING GROUP - Councillor J. Gardner

HERTFORDSHIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION - Councillors R.A. Clark, B.P. Hall and S. Taylor.

HERTFORDSHIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STEERING COMMITTEE - Councillor B.P. Hall

HERTFORDSHIRE SPORT PARTNERSHIP - Councillor K.Vale.

HERTFORDSHIRE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR MUSEUMS - Councillor J. Gardner

HERTFORDSHIRE SUPPORTING PEOPLE COMMISSIONING BODY - By Position: Councillor Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC (Executive Councillor: Housing)

HOME-START STEVENAGE - Councillor J. Gardner

JOHN PRIOR SPORTS & YOUTH CENTRE - Mr. P. Wilkins

KADOMA LINK COMMITTEE - Councillors J. Gardner, B.P. Hall, P.D. Kissane, C. Latif, P. Stuart and B.G. Underwood.

LIVING ROOM PROJECT - Councillor R.A. Clark

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTS FORUM - Councillor H.C.L. Tessier

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AND NEW TOWNS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP - Councillor B.P. Hall; Deputy - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE ,DL ,CC

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION UNIT - Councillor H.C.L. Tessier

LUTON AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (via HLGA) - Councillor D.W. Cullen.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILLORS: GENERAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - Councillors G. Clark and R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC.

NORTH HERTS AREA PLAN JOINT MEMBER STEERING GROUP (HIGHWAYS) VIA STEVENAGE HIGHWAYS JOINT MEMBER PANEL - Councillors G. Clark, R.A. Clark and C. Latif.

OLD STEVENAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor P.E.J. Gallagher.

OVAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor D.F. Monaghan.

PIN GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

PIN GREEN PLAY ASSOCIATION - Councillor T.G.M. Kent, CC

POPLARS AND BANDLEY HILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor J. Hollywell

REGIONAL EMPLOYERS ORGANISATION FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES - Councillor K. Vale

RELATE - Councillors J. Hollywell and M. Notley.

SHEPHALL RELIEF IN NEED - Councillors R.A. Clark and J.A. Pickersgill (to 2008).

ST. NICHOLAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor J.R. Raynor

STEVENAGE A.T.S. (Civilian Committee) - Councillor M.P. Patston

STEVENAGE BRANCH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY - Councillor M.A. Mason

STEVENAGE BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE - Councillor J. Gardner (Executive Councillor: Environment)

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU - Councillors D.W. Cullen and B.G. Underwood.

STEVENAGE COMPACT ACTION TEAM - Councillor C. Latif

STEVENAGE COMMUNITY TRUST - Councillors G. Clark and R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC

STEVENAGE CONSOLIDATED CHARITIES - Councillor L.G. Strange and Mr. J.D. Cox (to 2005): Councillors C. Latif and J.R. Raynor (to 2008)

STEVENAGE COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE - Councillors P.D. Kissane and B.G. Underwood

STEVENAGE CREDIT UNION LTD - Councillor R.A. Clark

STEVENAGE GOLF CENTRE LISISON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - Councillor M.P. Patston

STEVENAGE HAVEN - Councillor P.D. Kissane

STEVENAGE/INGELHEIM/AUTUN ASSOCIATION - Councillors B.P.Hall, M.P. Patston and Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC

STEVENAGE JOINT SHOPMOBILITY GROUP - Councillor Mrs. L.G. Strange

STEVENAGE LEISURE LIMITED - Board Members - Councillors R.J. Henry and M.P. Patston (Plus Chief Executive): Non-Voting Observers - Councillors B.P. Hall and S.M. Myson.

STEVENAGE AND NORTH HERTS DRUGSLINE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - Councillor B.G. Underwood.

STEVENAGE AND NORTH HERTS GARDEN HOUSE HOSPICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - Councillor K. Vale

STEVENAGE AND NORTH HERTS WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTRE - Councillor L. Harrington

STEVENAGE LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP - Councillors J. Gardner and S.M. Myson

STEVENAGE SPORT COUNCIL - Councillors R.J. Henry and S.K. Speller.

STEVENAGE TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION STEERING GROUP - Councillors J. Gardner and L. Knight

STEVENAGE TRANSPORTATION FORUM - Councillors J. Gardner and M.P. Patston.

STEVENAGE VICTIMS SUPPORT - Councillor L. Knight

SYMONDS GREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - Councillor S. Taylor

WEST OF A1 (M) AT STEVENAGE JOINT MEMBER GROUP - By Position: Councillors G. Clark (Opposition), J. Gardner (Executive Councillor: Environment), B.P. Hall (Leader of the Council), Mrs. J.E. Lloyd (Chairman of Planning & Development Committee), S. Taylor (Deputy Leader of the Council) and Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC (Executive Councillor: Housing).

ANNUAL REPORT - SCRUTINY OVERVIEW COMMITTEE AND SCRUTINY PANELS

Status: Noted

Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report detailing the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Overview Committee and the four Scrutiny Panels during the 2004/05 Municipal Year.

Decision: It was RESOLVED:

(i) That the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Overview Committee and the four Scrutiny Panels during 2003/04 be noted.

(ii) That the Scrutiny Overview Committee's decision to develop its scrutiny role in line with the four ambitions of the Council, as set out in the Corporate Business Strategy, be noted.

(iii) That the arrangements for benchmarking and Councillor development concerning overview and scrutiny be noted.

MEMBERS' ALLOWANCES SCHEME 2004/05

Status: Agreed

Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report detailing the supplementary report of the Independent Members' Allowances Panel and recommending the determination of an amended scheme of allowances.

Decision: A motion was moved, seconded and debated and, upon being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED:

(i) That the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, as set out at Paragraph 1.0 of Appendix B to the Chief Executive's report, and the draft scheme of Members' Allowances set out at Appendix A, be approved, subject to (ii) below.

(ii) That the alternative means of ICT provision forwarded by the Independent Remuneration Panel be adopted, so that the current arrangements are terminated, that Members make their own arrangements for the provision, support and maintenance of ICT, and that the basic allowance for Members be increased by £750 p.a., this to all take effect from 6th September 2004.

(iii) That officers be requested to arrange for training and advice to Members to facilitate the new arrangements for ICT.

BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN 2004/05

Status: Agreed

Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking approval to the Council's Best Value Performance Plan (BVPP) for 2004/05.

Decision: It was RESOLVED:-

(i) That the content of the Council's Best Value Performance Plan (BVPP) 2004/05, attached as an Appendix to the report, be approved.

(ii) That the Council's final pre-audited 2003/04 performance against the Best Value Performance Indicators, as detailed in Pages 87-95 of the Appendix, be noted.

(iii) That the Council's targets for 2004/05 to 2008/09 against the Best Value Performance Indicators, as detailed in Pages 87-95 of the Appendix, be approved.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Status: Agreed

Business: The Chief Executive Submitted a report seeking approval to the 2004/05 Treasury Management Strategy.

Decision: It was RESOLVED that the 2004/05 Treasury Management Strategy and the associated Prudential Indicators covering Fixed and Variable Interest Rate Exposure, Maturity Structure of Borrowing and Principal Funds Invested for periods longer than 364 days, all as detailed in the report and associated Appendices, be adopted.