Agenda and minutes

In opening the meeting Councillor Wootten, as the outgoing Vice-Chairman, welcomed new and returning Councillors and led a two minute silence out of respect for the former Chairman, Councillor Reg Howard and former Cabinet member, Councillor John Smith, both of whom had passed away since the last meeting of the Council.

The Chairman will take the chair, make the declaration of acceptance of office and be invested with the chain of office.

Decision:

 

That Councillor Ray Wootten is elected Chairman of South Kesteven District Council until the next annual meeting of the Council.

 

In the absence of a Chairman, the Chief Executive invited nominations for the role of Chairman of the district council. It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Ray Wootten be elected as Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year. In proposing Councillor Wootten, reference was made to his previous experience as a Chairman and service as a civic dignitary, which was considered exemplary. The nomination was seconded. No other nominations were put forward so a vote was taken and Councillor Wootten was duly appointed as the Council’s Chairman.

 

The Chairman was invested with the chain of office. He signed the declaration of acceptance and took the Chair. In so doing he thanked members of the Council for his nomination and their support, promising to treat them fairly and equally and asking in return that members show respect to one another. He also added that he intended to visit as many of the towns and villages in the district as possible during his term of office and advised Members that his chosen charity would be Grantham 47F Cadets.

 

COUNCILLOR WOOTTEN IN THE CHAIR

A vote of thanks to the outgoing Chairman remembered Councillor Reg Howard and praised his humanity, sense of humour and dignity. He was described as a true gentleman, who had dedicated much of his life to public service and promoted harmony amongst Councillors to bring benefits to residents.

 

Tribute was also paid to the contribution of Councillor John Smith who had been the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Healthy Environment. Councillor Smith was remembered for his generosity and ongoing commitment and passion for his role.

 

In acknowledging both Councillors, Members expressed their sadness at the loss of two dedicated servants of the district in such a short space of time but their grateful thanks for everything that they were and everything they achieved.

 

A request was made that a transcript of the vote of thanks be sent to Councillor Howard’s family.

 

A gift was presented to the Chairman’s officer in acknowledgement of her support for the Chairman.

 

One Member suggested extending the Council’s thanks to all outgoing Councillors for their service to the council and advocated sending a letter of thanks or a certificate, with which the Chairman agreed.

The Vice-Chairman will make the declaration of acceptance of office and be invested with the Vice-Chairman’s medallion.

Decision

 

That Councillor Mrs Judy Smith is elected Vice-Chairman of South Kesteven District Council until the next annual meeting of the Council.

 

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Mrs Judy Smith be elected Vice-Chairman of South Kesteven District Council. In supporting the nomination, Members referred to Councillor Mrs Smith’s dedication in carrying out her council duties and within her community. No other nominations were put forward and a vote was taken, electing Councillor Mrs Smith as Vice-Chairman of the District Council. She signed the declaration of acceptance and thanked Members for their support.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Brown, Dobson, Griffin, King, Stephens and Mrs Stokes.

Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

No interests were disclosed.

                                                                                                                  (Enclosure)

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2015 were proposed and seconded as a correct record. A vote was taken on the accuracy of the minutes by those Councillors who were present at that meeting, which was carried.

                                                                                                                  (Enclosure)

The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements. Members were informed that as a mark of respect, all engagements were cancelled after Councillor Howard had passed away.

Decision

 

That Councillor Bob Adams be appointed as Leader of South Kesteven District Council until the annual meeting of the Council following the district council elections in 2019.

 

Councillor Bob Adams was proposed as Leader of the Council. His proposer referred to Councillor Adams’ long-standing involvement in politics and the different roles in which he had experience within different local authorities. The nomination was seconded and on being put to the vote, agreed.

The Leader informed the Council that there would be six members of the Cabinet, then he announced the Cabinet members and their Portfolios.

 

Portfolio	Member
Grow the Economy – Economic Development	Councillor Bob Adams
Strategic Resources – Well Run Council	Councillor Terl Bryant
Good Housing	Councillor Mrs Frances Cartwright
Governance and Communication	Councillor Kelham Cooke
Healthy Environment	Councillor Nick Craft
Arts and Leisure	Councillor Mrs Linda Wootten

 

The Leader also advised members that Councillor Craft would fill the role of Deputy Leader.

Report number LDS147 of the Chief Executive.                             (Enclosure)

Decision

 

To approve the following appointments to Committees and Policy Development Groups including their Chairmen and Vice Chairmen.

 

Development Control Committee:

 

·         Councillor Martin Wilkins (Chairman)

·         Councillor Jacky Smith (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor Mrs Pam Bosworth

·         Councillor Barry Dobson

·         Councillor Helen Goral

·         Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown

·         Councillor Michael King

·         Councillor Charmaine Morgan

·         Councillor Helen Powell

·         Councillor Robert Reid

·         Councillor Nick Robins

·         Councillor Mrs Judy Smith

·         Councillor Judy Stevens

·         Councillor Adam Stokes

·         Councillor Mrs Brenda Sumner

·         Councillor Brian Sumner

·         Councillor Rosemary Woolley

 

Licensing Committee and Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Committee

 

·         Councillor Mrs Pam Bosworth (Chairman)

·         Councillor Bob Russell (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor George Chivers

·         Councillor Tracey Forman

·         Councillor Ms Jane Kingman

·         Councillor Nikki Manterfield

·         Councillor Bob Sampson

·         Councillor Peter Stephens

·         Councillor Mrs Sarah Stokes

·         Councillor Frank Turner

·         Councillor Dean Ward

 

Governance and Audit Committee

 

·         Councillor Ian Stokes (Chairman)

·         Councillor Dr Peter Moseley (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor Matthew Lee

·         Councillor David Mapp

·         Councillor Jacky Smith

·         Councillor Andrea Webster

·         Councillor Paul Wood

 

Constitution Committee

 

·         Councillor Ray Wootten (Chairman)

·         Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor Damian Evans

·         Councillor Leigh Johnson

·         Councillor Bob Sampson

 

Scrutiny Committee

 

·         Councillor Bob Sampson (Chairman)

·         Councillor Bob Russell (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor George Chivers

·         Councillor Phil Dilks

·         Councillor David Mapp

·         Councillor Mrs Judy Smith

·         Councillor Mrs Sarah Stokes

·         Councillor Mrs Brenda Sumner

·         Councillor Frank Turner

·         Councillor Dean Ward

·         Councillor Ray Wootten

 

Communities Policy Development Group

 

·         Councillor Rosemary Woolley (Chairman)

·         Councillor Andrea Webster (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor Duncan Ashwell

·         Councillor Barry Dobson

·         Councillor Mike Exton

·         Councillor Tracey Forman

·         Councillor Adam Stokes

 

Engagement Policy Development Group

 

·         Councillor Nick Robins (Chairman)

·         Councillor Helen Goral (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor Lynda Coutts

·         Councillor Mike Exton

·         Councillor Judy Stevens

·         Councillor Brian Sumner

·         Councillor Tom Webster

 

Resources Policy Development Group

 

·         Councillor Mike Cook (Chairman)

·         Councillor Adam Stokes (Vice-Chairman)

·         Councillor Damian Evans

·         Councillor Graham Jeal

·         Councillor Matthew Lee

·         Councillor Tom Webster

·         Councillor Paul Wood

 

Chief Executive’s Remuneration Panel

 

·         Councillor Bob Adams

·         Councillor Mrs Frances Cartwright

·         Councillor Mike Cook

 

Chief Executive’s Appeal Panel

 

·         Councillor Nick Craft

·         Councillor Nick Robins

·         Councillor Ian Stokes

 

Chief Executive’s Performance Panel

 

·         Councillor Terl Bryant

·         Councillor Bob Sampson

·         Councillor Mrs Linda Wootten

 

Before the meeting, the Leaders of each of the Council’s political groups prepared their nominations for committees and policy development groups based on the Council’s political balance. The nominations were compiled and a schedule of these was circulated before the start of the meeting.

 

The Leader of the Council proposed the nominations (both membership and chairmanships) for the Development Control Committee, Licensing Committee, Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Committee, Governance and Audit Committee, Scrutiny Committee, Constitution Committee, the three policy development groups and the Chief Executive’s Remuneration and Appeal Panels as listed on the schedule. This was seconded and, on being put to the vote, agreed.

 

The Leader then asked the Council to vote on the proposition that political balance requirements should not be followed for making appointments to the Chief Executive’s Performance Panel as he proposed to nominate a member from the Group of Independents in place of a third Conservative Councillor, which was seconded. Members were reminded that in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To approve a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council and note the timetable for its committees for the municipal year – report number LDS148 of the Chief Executive.      (Enclosure)

Decision

 

1.    The Council approves the programme of ordinary meetings of the Council and its committees attached as appendix 1 to report number LDS148 (subject to the Communities Policy Development Group scheduled for Thursday 4 June 2015 being moved to Wednesday 1 July 2015 at 14:30 and the meeting of the Engagement Policy Development Group scheduled for Thursday 11 June 2015 being moved to Friday 26 June 2015 at 10:30).

 

2.    That the times of meetings should be set by members of the relevant PDG and/or committee following a consultation carried out by the Chief Executive with the decision and rationale to be reported to the first meeting of the Committee or PDG and proposed that it be referred to the Constitution Committee for consideration.

 

The draft timetable of Council meetings as appended to report number LDS148 was proposed and seconded. Two amendments were requested: moving the Communities Policy Development Group scheduled for Thursday 4 June 2015 to Wednesday 1 July 2015 at 14:30 and the meeting of the Engagement Policy Development Group scheduled for Thursday 11 June 2015 to Friday 26 June 2015 at 10:30. A vote was taken by Council, which approved these changes to the draft programme.

 

A request was made that electronic invitations be sent to Members for the committees and policy development groups to which they had been appointed to assist with the population of their iPad diaries.

 

An amendment was proposed: “That the times of meetings should be set by members of the relevant PDG and/or committee following a consultation carried out by the Chief Executive with the decision and rationale to be reported to the first meeting of the Committee or PDG and proposed that it be referred to the Constitution Committee for consideration.” This amendment was seconded and on being put to the vote, approved.

 

A final vote was taken on the new substantive motion to accept the plan, subject to the changes in date noted above, and incorporating the amendment relating to the start times for meetings, which was carried.

To consider nominations to represent the district council on outside bodies – report number LDS149 of the Chief Executive.                                                                             (Enclosure)

Decision:

 

Organisation	End date	Nominees
Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board	March 2017	Councillor Bob Russell
Council for the Protection of Rural England	May 2019	Councillor Michael King
Dame Margaret Thorold Educational Foundation	January 2016	Councillor Mrs Sarah Stokes
Deeping St James United Charities	May 2019	Councillor Judy Stevens
East Midlands Councils	May 2016	Leader of the Council
Elsea Park Community Trust	May 2019	Councillor Ms Jane Kingman
Grantham Almshouse Charity	May 2019	Councillor Ray Wootten
Grantham Canal Partnership	May 2019	Councillor Mrs Frances Cartwright
Grantham Growth Point Strategic Board	May 2019	Councillor Bob Adams & Councillor Nick Craft (Reserves: Councillor Mrs Frances Cartwright & Councillor Helen Goral)
Greater Lincolnshire Enterprise Partnership	May 2019	Councillor Bob Adams
Heritage Lincolnshire	May 2019	Councillor Nick Robins
Joseph Clark’s (Grantham) Apprenticing Foundation	May 2019	Councillor Mike Cook & Councillor Charmaine Morgan
Lincolnshire County Council Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee	May 2019	Councillor Bob Russell
Lincolnshire Health Scrutiny Committee	May 2019	Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown
Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel	May 2019	Councillor Ray Wootten
Lincolnshire Sports Partnership	May 2019	Councillor Mrs Linda Wootten
Local Government Association	May 2016	Councillor Bob Adams
Shaping Health for Mid-Kesteven Programme Board	May 2019	Councillor Bob Adams
South Lincolnshire Fenland Partnership	May 2019	Councillor Rosemary Woolley
South Kesteven Citizen’s Advice Bureau	May 2019	Councillor Robert Reid, Councillor Mrs Sarah Stokes & Councillor Tracey Forman
Stamford Endowed Schools	May 2019	Councillor Mike Exton
Thomas Truesdales Hospital	May 2019	Councillor Mrs Brenda Sumner
Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board	March 2017	Councillor Nick Craft, Councillor Ian Stokes, and Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown
Welland and Deepings Internal Drainage Board	March 2017	Councillor Jacky Smith, Councillor Rosemary Woolley, Councillor Judy Stevens, Councillor Phil Dilks
West Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service	May 2019	Councillor Ray Wootten

 

Before the meeting, the Leaders of each of the Council’s political groups discussed nominations for representatives on outside bodies from within their group, which were compiled and a schedule of these was circulated before the start of the meeting. In the meeting a number of small clarifications were made and the nominations for all outside bodies with the exception of the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board were proposed, seconded and, on being put to the vote, agreed.

 

The Council was entitled to three seats on the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board and the following councillors were nominated: Councillor Nick Craft, Councillor Ian Stokes, Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown and Councillor Bob Sampson. As the number of nominations for the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board exceeded the number of representatives required, each nominee was invited to give a brief explanation of why they were interested in the body and the experience that they could provide.

 

It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the Council suspend the standing orders requiring the use of the electronic voting system to enable the use of a paper ballot to identify the three nominees that would be put forward.

 

15:00 to 15:13 – the meeting was adjourned

 

Following the adjournment, paper slips were circulated and members were asked to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Report number GAC007 of the Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee.        (Enclosure)

Decision

 

1.    The Council approves the Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee for 2014-15

2.    The Council approves the indicative Governance and Audit Committee work plan and timetable for 2015-16 which reflects the terms of reference of the committee

 

The Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee presented the Governance and Audit Committee’s annual report for the year ending 31 March 2015 as presented in report number GAC007 and the indicative work programme for 2015/16. This was put to the vote and carried.

Report number SEG02 by the Grow the Economy Portfolio Holder.  (Enclosure)

Decision:

 

That Council

 

1.    Accepts the Examiner’s recommended modifications in respect of the Stubton Neighbourhood Plan are accepted

2.    Agree with the Examiner’s recommendation that the Stubton Neighbourhood Plan as modified by the Examiner should proceed to a referendum of voters within the parish of Stubton

3.    And following the referendum, if more than half of those voting in the referendum vote in favour of the Stubton Neighbourhood Plan, delegate the decision to bring the plan into force as part of the Development Plan, to the Executive Manager for Development and Growth in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder.

 

The recommendations in report number SEG02 of the Grow the Economy Portfolio Holder relating to arrangements for a referendum on the Stubton Neighbourhood Plan were proposed, seconded, and on being put to the vote agreed.

Report number SEG03 by the Grow the Economy Portfolio Holder.  (Enclosure)

Decision:

 

That Council

 

1.    Accept the Examiner’s recommended modifications in respect of the Hough on the Hill Neighbourhood Plan

2.    Agree with the Examiner’s recommendation that the Hough on the Hill Neighbourhood Plan as modified by the examiner should proceed to a referendum of voters within the Parish of Hough on the Hill

3.    And following the referendum, if more than half of those voting in the referendum vote in favour of the Hough on the Hill Neighbourhood Plan, delegate the decision to bring the plan into force as part of the Development Plan to the Executive Manager for Development and Growth in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder.

 

The recommendations in report number SEG03 of the Grow the Economy Portfolio Holder relating to arrangements for a referendum on the Hough on the Hill Neighbourhood Plan were proposed and seconded. Reference was made to a presentation made by residents from Hough on the Hill on their plan and their efforts were commended. Comment was also made on the timeframe associated with bringing plans to the referendum stage when it was suggested a clear indication at the outset might prove useful. On being put to the vote, the recommendations were agreed.

To consider the recommendations of the Constitution Committee in report number LDS150.                                                                                                                  (Enclosure)

Decision:

 

That the Council approves the recommendations made by the Constitution Committee at its meeting on 23 March 2015 as detailed in the minutes of that meeting as follows:

 

1.    At page 105 of the Constitution relating to the delegations to the Executive Manager, Development and Growth, the delegation as follows is added:

 

Neighbourhood Planning

 

In relation to Neighbourhood Planning, decisions in respect of action to be taken in response to recommendations included within the Examiner’s Report and whether to modify the Plan or Referendum Area prior to submitting it for referendum will be delegated to the Executive Manager for Development and Growth after consultation with the Portfolio Holder (Grow the Economy) and the relevant local Ward member(s).

 

2.    At Article 15.17 Local Choice Functions add:

 

19.    Approval of Neighbourhood Development Plan following a referendum result where more than half of those voting are in favour of the proposal - delegated to the Portfolio Holder (Grow the Economy)

 

The Chairman of the Constitution Committee proposed the recommendations in report number LDS150 which related to the delegation of decisions on Neighbourhood Plans to the Executive Manager, Development and Growth in consultation with the local Ward Councillor(s). The proposal was seconded, and, on being put to the vote, duly agreed.

The meeting was closed at 15:29.