Issue - meetings

To consider a report which recommends that the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on former Members of the Council

The Sub-Committee considered proposals to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Members of the Council.

The Council had introduced a scheme for conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on former Members who had undertaken ‘eminent service’, which was defined as a minimum of 12 years’ service, whether consecutive or otherwise. Service on predecessor authorities was included for this purpose. The Council’s records indicated that former Councillors Arnold, Cannon, Westwood, Knowles, Ranfield and Goddard were eligible to be appointed as Honorary Aldermen of the Council. Each had confirmed that he would accept the title of Alderman if nominated.

The ceremony would be held at a special meeting of the Council. All Cheshire East Aldermen and Freemen would be invited to attend. At the ceremony, those upon whom the title was to be conferred would be presented with a framed scroll and a medallion.

Members were asked to consider whether the special Council meeting should be held on the same day as an ordinary Council meeting or on a separate day. The Scrutiny Chairmen had suggested that the special meeting should taken place on a separate date.

Members also considered a suggested ceremonial procedure.

RESOLVED

That

(1)   the Constitution Committee be asked to recommend to Council that

1. the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on the following former Members of the Council:

Mr Ainsley Arnold

Mr David Cannon

Mr Ray Westwood

Mr Andrew Knowles

Mr Tony Ranfield

Mr John Goddard

2. the formal ceremony take place at a special meeting of the Council to be held on a day other than the day of an ordinary Council meeting;

3. the ceremonial procedure set out in paragraph 6.6 of the report be approved for the special Council meeting;

(2)   the Officers identify a suitable date, time and venue for the special Council meeting in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman and report thereon to the Constitution Committee; and

(3)   the Communications Officer ascertain whether there are any other events of an appropriate civic nature which could be dealt with at the special Council meeting.