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Agenda and minutes
Venue: Town Hall, High Street, Maidstone
Contact: Caroline Matthews 01622 602743
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: It was noted that apologies had been received from Councillors Newton, Revell and Mrs Ring.
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Notification of Substitute Members Minutes: The following Substitute Members were noted:-
Councillor Ells for Councillor Newton Councillor Mrs Prendergast for Councillor Revell Councillor Mrs Blackmore for Councillor Mrs Ring
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Notification of Visiting Members Minutes: There were no Visiting Members.
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Disclosures by Members and Officers Minutes: There were no disclosures by Members and Officers.
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Disclosures of Lobbying Minutes: There were no disclosures of lobbying.
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Exempt Items Minutes: RESOLVED: That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.
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Minutes of the Meeting Held on 8 February 2017 PDF 47 KB Minutes: RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed.
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Additional documents: Minutes: The Head of Legal Partnership and Monitoring Officer presented a report on the Amendments to the Constitution.
The Committee noted the changes made to the Constitution as follows:-
·
That under
the Monitoring Officer’s delegation minor amendments had been
made to the Constitution to reflect the new management structure
with the majority of the amendments relating to Part 2 of the
Constitution, specifically the sections on ‘Responsibility
for Functions Relating to Officers’ and the ‘Proper
Officer’ Functions to ensure the right delegation sat with
the correct member of the management team.
·
That the
Constitution had been amended to reflect the decisions made by
Council with regards to the introduction of electronic voting and
the changes in the process for the selection of the
Mayor.
·
That
although the transference of delegated functions from one officer
to another to reflect structural changes could be carried out under
the Monitoring Officer’s delegation, any new delegated
function could only be agreed by Council. The following delegations had been requested by
the respective Heads of Service as being necessary for them to
carry out their role effectively:- · The review of officer delegations highlighted omissions in the functions and responsibilities of Heritage, Culture and Leisure Committee as there was no reference to Bereavement Services or to the Public Realm Design Guide and Public Arts Policy. As such it was recommended that Bereavement Services, the Public Realm Design Guide and Public Arts Policy be listed as part of the Performance Management functions of the Committee as shown at Appendix I to the report.
In response to a question from a Member the Interim Deputy Head of Legal Partnership advised that the proposed wording for a six month rule was from a model Constitution but she would check the previous Constitution to ensure it reflected what was stated before.
1.
That the additional delegations to the Head of Regeneration and
Economic Development and the Head of Housing and Community Services
as set out in paragraph 2 of the report of the Interim Head of
Legal Partnership and Monitoring Officer be agreed.
2.
That the additional functions set out in paragraph 2.5 and Appendix
1 of the report of the Interim Head of Legal Partnership and
Monitoring Officer be agreed and added
to the Strategic Planning and Performance Management of Heritage
Culture and Leisure Committee.
3.
That the reinstatement of the six month rule as stated in the
previous Constitution be agreed.
4.
That the Committee Recommend to Council that it adopts all changes
to the Constitution to take effect from the date of the annual
meeting of Council.
Voting: For: 9 Against: 0 Abstentions: 0 Following the meeting the Interim ... view the full minutes text for item 63. |
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Report of the Head of Policy and Communications - Member Training 2017-18 PDF 59 KB Minutes: The Head of Policy and Communications presented the report on Member Training.
The Committee was asked to identify any professional development or training needs to be put forward for the Member Development Plan.
During the ensuing discussion the Committee identified the following training/development needs:-
·
Pre-determination Guidance for all Members (not just Planning
Committee)
·
A tour of Maidstone House should be included as part of the New
Member Induction Programme
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Guidance on Committee Procedural Rules incorporating a mock
Committee meeting
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Speed Reading The Committee also asked that the following issues could be taken into account:-
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That the Member Briefings/Workshops should be advertised to Members
at least a month in advance.
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That the Briefings should include a variety of presentational tools
to keep the audience stimulated.
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That Members should be given up to date staffing structures with
contact telephone numbers.
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That Members should receive updates on the homelessness
situation.
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That Member Briefings should be held on the impact of various
rulings from central government.
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That Group Leaders should also be asked for their suggestions on
Member Development. The Committee noted that the suggestions would form part of a full report to the Committee in July.
RESOLVED: That Officers produce a full report to the Committee in July 2017 on how best to involve Councillors in next year’s member training programme incorporating the suggestions made at the meeting.
Voting: For: 9 Against: 0 Abstentions: 0
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Duration of Meeting Minutes: 6.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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