Prayers were said by the Reverend Canon Andrew Sewell.

Note:  Councillors Mrs Blackmore, Garland and McLoughlin entered the meeting after the prayers (6.35 p.m.).

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Karen Chappell-Tay to her first meeting of the Council following her success in the Headcorn Ward by-election.

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Boughton, M Burton, Daley, Fissenden, Harwood, Lewins, Springett and Wilby, and that Councillor de Wiggondene-Sheppard had indicated that he would be late in arriving at the meeting.

There were no applications for dispensations.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED:  That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

There were no petitions.

There were no questions from members of the public.

There were no questions from Members of the Council.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder

That pursuant to Section 54 of the Courts Act 1971 and Sections 245 and 246 of the Local Government Act 1972, His Honour, Judge David Griffith-Jones, Q.C, be duly appointed as the Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Maidstone with effect from 26 September 2018 for a period no longer than the duration of his term as Resident Judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

It was moved by the Mayor (Councillor Naghi), seconded by Councillor Cox, supported by Councillors Perry, Mrs Gooch, McKay and Powell and:

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to Section 54 of the Courts Act 1971 and Sections 245 and 246 of the Local Government Act 1972, His Honour, Judge David Griffith-Jones, Q.C, be duly appointed as the Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Maidstone with effect from 26 September 2018 for a period no longer than the duration of his term as Resident Judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

The Honorary Recorder then signed the Acceptance of Office Book, which was also signed by the Mayor and the Chief Executive.

The Mayor then presented a certificate to the Honorary Recorder commemorating the occasion of his appointment. 

Note:  Councillor de Wiggondene-Sheppard entered the meeting during consideration of this item (6.45 p.m.).

It was moved by the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Greer, and:

RESOLVED:  That the Council’s appreciation of the service of His Honour Jeremy Carey as Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Maidstone from 16 February 2006 to 4 May 2018 be recorded.

6.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.