Agenda and minutes

Prayers were said by the Reverend Canon Chris Morgan-Jones.

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Barned, Robertson and Mrs Robertson.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

It was moved by Councillor Lusty, seconded by Councillor Warner, supported by Councillor Mrs Gooch and

RESOLVED:  That Rodd Nelson-Gracie, a Councillor of the Borough, be duly elected Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone until the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2013.

Councillor Nelson-Gracie then made the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was duly witnessed in accordance with Section 83(3)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972.

**THE MAYOR (COUNCILLOR NELSON-GRACIE) IN THE CHAIR**

The Mayor received congratulations on his election from scholars representing schools as follows:-

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Joy, seconded by Councillor Newton, supported by Councillor Parvin and

RESOLVED:  That the hearty thanks of this Council be given to Councillor Mortimer and Mrs Mortimer for the admirable discharge of their duties as Mayor and Mayoress during the past year, and for their courteous approach to all sections of the community.

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

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Borough Council held on 25 April 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed.

It was moved by Councillor Daley, seconded by Councillor Paine, supported by Councillor Mrs Gooch and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Clive Andrew English be duly appointed Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Maidstone until the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2013.

Councillor English then made the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was duly witnessed in accordance with Section 83(3)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Mayor announced that the official opening of the new Town Square would take place at 12.15 p.m. on Friday 1 June 2012.  He hoped that as many Members as possible would be able to attend.

It was moved by Councillor Greer, seconded by Councillor J A Wilson, that Councillor Garland be elected as Leader of the Council until the expiry of his term of office as a Councillor in 2016.

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Garland be elected as Leader of the Council until the expiry of his term of office as a Councillor in 2016.

The Leader of the Council reported that his appointments to the Cabinet were as follows:-

The Leader of the Council reported that an amended version of the Scheme of Delegation of Executive Functions had been circulated for the Council’s information.

In accordance with Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Council considered the allocation of seats to each Political Group in relation to its various Committees.

It was moved by Councillor Garland, seconded by Councillor Hotson:-

1.  That the allocation of seats on Committees be as set out in

  Appendix C to the report of the Head of Democratic Services with the following adjustments:-

2.  That the allocation of seats on the Standards Committee be:-

RESOLVED:

1.  That the allocation of seats on Committees be as set out in

Appendix C to the report of the Head of Democratic Services with the following adjustments:-

2.  That the allocation of seats on the Standards Committee be:-

(A copy of the amended allocation of seats on Committees is attached as Appendix A to these Minutes).

(a)  Overview and Scrutiny Committees:

·  Corporate Services

·  Regeneration and Economic Development

·  Communities

(b)  Planning Committee

(c)  Licensing Committee

(d)  Licensing Act 2003 Committee

(e)  Standards Committee

(f)  Member and Employment and Development Panel

(g)  Joint Transportation Board

(h)  General Purposes Group

(i)  Planning Referrals Committee

(j)  Audit Committee

In accordance with Section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Council considered the appointments to its Committees and Substitutes.

It was moved by Councillor Garland, seconded by Councillor Paine, that the wishes of the Group Leaders with regard to the appointments to Committees and Substitutes be accepted.

RESOLVED:  That the wishes of the Group Leaders with regard to the appointments to Committees and Substitutes be accepted.

It was moved by Councillor Garland, seconded by Councillor Paine, that Councillor J A Wilson be appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Transportation Board for the Municipal Year 2012/13.

RESOLVED:  That Councillor J A Wilson be appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Transportation Board for the Municipal Year 2012/13.

NOTICE IS GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING ACT 1989 THAT ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES OUTSIDE THE USUAL POLITICAL BALANCE REQUIREMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED IN RELATION TO AGENDA ITEM 13.

It was moved by Councillor Garland, seconded by Councillor Greer, that the Scheme of Delegation for Non-Executive Functions be agreed.

RESOLVED:  That the Scheme of Delegation for Non-Executive Functions be agreed.

11.15 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.