PDF 71 KBVenue: Grand Hall Congleton Hall, Congleton Town Hall, High Street, Congleton CW12 1BN. View directions
Contact: Julie North Senior Democratic Services Officer
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Prayers Minutes: The Mayor’s Chaplain was unable to attend the meeting. Revd Magdalen Smith said prayers at the request of the Mayor. |
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Apologies for Absence To receive any apologies for absence
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Declarations of Interest To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda. Minutes: Cllr R Domleo declared a pecuniary interest in motion 1 at item 7 of the agenda by virtue of being a Vodaphone shareholder. |
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Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting To approve the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 14 May 2014 as a correct record. Additional documents:
Minutes: The Mayor reminded Members that the final position in respect of the nomination of Members to committees had not been settled at the annual meeting of the Council and that Council had agreed that the details would follow. The details had previously been circulated to all Members, but for the sake of clarity, they were circulated around the Chamber for information.
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 14 May 2014 be approved as a correct record and that the circulated details of nominations of Members to Committees be noted and agreed.
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Mayor's Announcements To receive such announcements as may be made by the Mayor. Minutes: The Mayor :-
Announced that, since the Annual Meeting of Council in May he and the Deputy Mayor had attended over 60 events across Cheshire East and the wider area. Continuing the custom started by his predecessor, details of these events had been circulated around the Chamber.
Announced that he had had the pleasure of attending a number of Mayor Making ceremonies across the Borough and that it was always pleasant to attend these ceremonies and see such important traditions maintained.
Announced that an event had taken place in Congleton, on 31 May, to welcome to Queen’s Baton Relay into Cheshire East. It was wonderful to see so many members of the public in attendance and it was a real privilege for Cheshire East and the town of Congleton, to host this event. He expressed his most sincere congratulations to all those to worked to make the day such a success.
Announced that on Tuesday 15 July he and the Mayoress had visited Leighton Primary School in Crewe where they had the pleasure in seeing the school’s groundbreaking approach to the teaching of the German language. It was an absolute pleasure to see children as young as two speaking and understanding the language.
Announced that, on June 28, he and the Mayoress had attended the first of what he knew would be many events to commemorate the start of the First World War and that it was particularly pleasing that this event took place in his own Parish Church.
Announced that he was delighted that so many Members had accepted his invitation to a reception at Tatton on 4 August; the actual day of the centenary of the outbreak of war. On that day, Cheshire East would mark this sombre anniversary in a fitting manner.
Announced that all Members would shortly be receiving an invitation to an event at Tatton on 24 August. On the afternoon of that day the Archdeacon of Macclesfield would be conducting an open air Service to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War. The Service, which was timed to coincide with the centenary of the Battle of Mons, would be followed by excerpts from ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Over by Christmas’ from Theatre in the Quarter, readings from the Cheshire East Youth Theatre and a concert by the world renowned Foden’s Brass Band. This free event would be widely publicised and he hoped would be well attended by both Members and by the public.
Informed Members that his civic service would be held on Sunday 28 September at 3.00pm at St Bartholomew’s Church, Wilmslow and that they would all be receiving invitations in the near future.
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Public Speaking Time/Open Session In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 35 and Appendix 7 to the rules, a total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to speak at Council meetings.
Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.
Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given. It is not a requirement to give notice of the intention to make use of public speaking provision. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours notice is encouraged. Minutes: Mr Rueben Davies (on behalf of the Save Hack Green Committee), used public speaking time to address Council regarding a recently submitted planning application relating to the former RAF camp, Hack Green, Nantwich, which he understood was due to be considered by the Council’s Southern Planning Committee. He took the opportunity to outline a number of detailed concerns regarding the application.
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To consider any Notices of Motion that have been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 12 Minutes: Consideration was given to the following Notices of Motion:-
1 Phone Contract
Proposed by Councillor D David Brickhill and seconded by Cllr Barry Burkhill
When Vodaphone's current contract(s) with this Council expire, very careful consideration should be given to any proposal to enter into new contracts with the company directly or on our behalf by Cosocius. Such consideration must include a robust assessment of the quality of the product which would be the subject of the contract.
RESOLVED
That the motion be not accepted.
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Making Roads on New Estates Subject to a 20mph Speed
Limit Proposed by Councillor David Neilson and seconded by Councillor Derek Hough
Most, if not all, new approved Planning Applications for large estates have a condition that the developers build the road in a way that is unsuitable for driving at speeds in excess of 20mph.
However, it appears that not all residents or visitors to these estates are aware that the roads on these new estates are usually set at different levels can damage their vehicles if they drive in excess of 20mph.
Local garages have stated that the increase in damage to cars is being caused by potholes, the poor state of Cheshire roads, and driving at excess speed over road humps.
The Council, therefore, calls for official 20mph speed limits to be imposed when Cheshire East Planning Department imposes a condition that roads be built to ensure that speeds are limited to 20mph maximum and that any associated legal costs and erection of signs is paid for by the developers.
RESOLVED
That the motion stand referred to Cabinet.
3 Definition of a Sustainable Development
Proposed by Councillor Sam Corcoran and seconded by Cllr Steve Hogben
This Council should provide a working definition of sustainable development in Cheshire that our planning officers could use and justify objectively when assessing planning applications.
That the motion stand referred to Cabinet.
4 Definition of Emergency Powers
Proposed by Councillor
Arthur Moran and seconded by Councillor
That the Constitution Committee carefully define ‘emergency’ so that emergency powers are used only in a real emergency.
RESOLVED
That the motion stand referred to Cabinet.
5 Review of Cabinet System
Proposed by Councillor Brendan Murphy and seconded by Councillor David Brickhill
That the Cabinet system be reviewed so that the next administration will have the option of a more democratic and inclusive alternative.
RESOLVED
That the motion stand referred to Cabinet.
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Changes to Venues for Council Meetings Proposed by Councillor Roy Cartlidge and seconded by Councillor Penny Butterill
The Council expresses dissatisfaction that the Southern Planning Committee, not for the first time, was displaced from its established meeting room which had been booked a year in advance. Instead it had to use the Library with no sound system and delayed IT. This was to make way for an appeal hearing which could and should have been accommodated elsewhere.
If a Council committee is booked for a specific venue, under no circumstances should it be relocated elsewhere ... view the full minutes text for item 29. |
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Recommendations from 2013/2014 Outturn Report to Cabinet To approve the creation of earmarked reserves as recommended by Cabinet, and as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
Additional documents: Minutes: Consideration was given to the recommendations from the 2013/2014 Outturn report to Cabinet. On 1 July 2014, Cabinet had received a report on the 2013/14 Final Outturn Review of Performance. The report had set out the Council’s improved overall performance for 2013/14 and strong financial position reflecting its enhanced governance, innovative delivery arrangements and effective stewardship of public money. An underspend of £0.9m (0.35%) was reported, compared to an approved revenue budget of £260m. The report also contained recommendations that Council create earmarked reserves. This approach followed processes set out in Finance Procedure Rules and the Reserves Strategy. RESOLVED
That the creation of earmarked reserves, as recommended by Cabinet and as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.
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To consider the recommendations from the Audit and Governance Committee Additional documents:
Minutes: Consideration was given to the recommendation from the Audit and Governance Committee in respect of arrangements review of processes for considering complaints that Members had breached the Code of Conduct.
Revised arrangements for dealing with standards allegations under the Localism Act 2011 had been considered by the Audit and Governance Committee, following a review of the procedure that had been adopted by the Council in July 2012. The report as considered by the Audit and Governance Committee was submitted, together with an appendix to the report, which set out the proposed new arrangements in detail. The review of arrangements for assessing and investigating member complaints had shown that the main criticisms of both subject members and complainants were of delay and complexity. The report set out the proposed changes under which the initial assessment of complaints would be undertaken by the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with an Independent Person, with the emphasis being on the Monitoring Officer dealing with complaints in a timely manner.
Council was recommended to approve the revised arrangements for dealing with standards allegations under the Localism Act 2011
Amendment 1
The following amendment was proposed and seconded and declared carried:-
The inclusion of the following wording at the end of paragraph 1.3 of Appendix 6 of the report - “No new evidence will be allowed to be submitted for consideration, once a decision that a Local Hearing sub-committee needs to be held has been made”.
The removal of the words “or, if applicable, within 20 working days of receipt of the written response by the subject member” to be replaced with the words “and if applicable, an additional 5 working days of receipt of the written response, if one is required, from the subject member”.
Amendment 2
The following amendment was proposed and seconded and declared lost:-
“Council refers this report back to Legal Services for them to formulate an appeal process for further consideration by Council.
RESOLVED
That subject to amendment 1 above, the revised arrangements for dealing with standards allegations under the Localism Act 2011, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.
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Leader's Announcements To receive such announcements as may be made by the Leader. Minutes: The Leader of the Council:-
2. Reported that the Alternative Service Delivery Vehicles ANSA and Orbitas, which had gone live on 1 April were working well and that there had been positive feedback from residents and staff. ESAR and CoSocius had gone live on 1 May and there had, again, been positive feedback.
3. Commended those staff who did not go on strike during the recent strike, whilst recognising staff’s right to strike.
4. Referred to Cabinet’s approach to openness and transparency and reported that there had not been any part 2 exempt items since October 2013.
5. Referred to the television programme “Alan’s Challenge”. A campaign to save the country’s road verges and reported that the Council had already taken the proactive decision to enhance the biodiversity along its highway verges in the previous year in advance of the programme.
6. Announced that the Council was looking to produce a balanced budget for the following year and was already working to produce this.
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Questions In accordance with Procedure Rule 11, opportunity is provided for Members of the Council to ask the Mayor, the appropriate Cabinet Member or the Chairman of a Committee any question about a matter which the Council, the Cabinet or the Committee has powers, duties or responsibilities.
At Council meetings, there will be a maximum question time period of 30 minutes. Questions will be selected by the Mayor, using the criteria agreed by Council. Any questions which are accepted, but which cannot be dealt with during the allotted period will be answered in writing. Questions must be brief, clear and focussed. Minutes: Cllr Hoyland in respect of the Council’s support of cycle to work day, on 4 September 2014 – The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr A Moran, in respect of the appointment of more females to the Cabinet – The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Cartlidge, in respect of problems with cycleways and the street lights on the pedestrian crossing in West Street, Coppenhall – The Service Commissioning Portfolio Holder, Cllr D Topping responded. Cllr Baxendale, in respect of the 5 year Housing supply - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Domleo, in respect of the Council’s decision regarding Mount View Care Home - The Care and Health in the Community Portfolio Holder, Cllr Clowes, responded. Cllr Roberts, in respect of Hollins View Care Home - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Corcoran, in respect of the timescale for the ratification of the Local Plan – The Strategic Outcomes Portfolio Holder, Cllr D Brown, responded. Cllr Rhoda Bailey, in respect of the Council’s housing land supply - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Hayes, in respect of Stockport Council’s support of the Local Plan -The Strategic Outcomes Portfolio Holder, Cllr D Brown, responded. Cllr Flude, in respect of the negotiations relating to Crewe Police Station - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Jeuda, in respect of the timescale for the privatisation of care homes - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones and the Safeguarding Children and AdultsPortfolio Holder, Cllr Rachel Bailey, responded. Cllr K Edwards, in respect of the impact of the spare room subsidy on the residents of Cheshire East – The Finance Portfolio Holder, Cllr Raynes, responded. Cllr Thorley, in respect of the methodology for assessing the figures for housing supply in Alsager - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Neilson, in respect of the setting of the start times for Council’s meetings, to enable people who work to attend - The Leader of the Council, Cllr M Jones, responded. Cllr Livesley, in respect of Member notification of Ofsted’s findings and recommendations concerning Life Long Learning – The Housing and Jobs Portfolio Holder, Cllr Stockton, responded.
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