There were no apologies for absence.

There were no Substitute Members.

There were no Visiting Members.

Councillor Black declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 8 – Outside Bodies Nominations due to the fact that he had submitted nominations for the vacancies on Relief in Need Charities and South East Employers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That the Items on the Agenda be taken in public as proposed.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 May 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed.

The Group considered the report of the Head of Democratic Services regarding nominations to Outside Bodies.

RESOLVED:

i)  That the following nominations to Outside Bodies be agreed:-

a)  Maidstone Area Arts Council – Councillor Pickett with immediate effect until 21 May 2012

b)  Maidstone Mediation Scheme – Councillor English for a term of 2 years from 1 November 2011

c)  Relate West and Mid Kent – Councillor Mrs Grigg for a term of 2 years from 1 October 2011

d)  Relief in Need Charities – Councillor Black for a term of 4 years from 22 October 2011

e)  South East Employers – Councillor Black as a Substitute Member with immediate effect until 22 July 2012

ii)  That nominations continue to be sought for the following vacancies:-

a)  Maidstone/Beauvais Twinning Association – 1 x Committee Member

b)  Maidstone Mind – 1 x Committee Member

c)  Tourism South East – 1 x Substitute Member

The Group considered the report of the Head of Democratic Services regarding the appointment of an independent member to the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel.

RESOLVED:

1.  That Mrs Valerie Page be re-appointed as an independent member of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel for a term of 3 years with effect from 9 September 2011.

2.  That Council be recommended to agree independent members of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel be restricted to two consecutive 3 year terms of office to maintain their independence and to comply with the Council’s corporate governance guidelines.

4.00 p.m. to 4.10 p.m.