Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cllrs Ms Ford, Mrs Jackman, Mrs Lovelace, Mrs Matcham and Wade.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2018 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2018 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made by any member.

·                  The Chairman was sad to announce formally the death of Cllr Bob Wappet, who represented the Fawley, Blackfield & Langley Ward.  Cllr Wappet was first elected to the Council in 2007 and had been a very active member, serving on the Audit, Appeals and Planning Committees as well as the Corporate, Environment and Housing Review Panels.  He had been Chairman of the Appeals Committee and many of its Appeals Panels for many years, and was its current Vice-Chairman.  He had also been the Vice-Chairman of the Housing Review Panel in 2010/11.  In addition, he had represented the Council on the Hampshire Archives Trust. 

Cllr Wappet had been unwell for some months prior to his death.  On behalf of the Council, the Chairman extended condolences to his family.   A private family funeral, followed by a commemorative service, would be held at All Saints Church, Fawley on Tuesday, 24 April at 12 noon.

Cllr Alvey paid tribute to Cllr Wappet, who had been Chairman of Fawley Parish Council for seven years.  He had carried out his duties conscientiously and had always been helpful.  Cllr Alvey expressed condolences to Cllr Wappet’s family and said he would miss him and his advice and help.

Cllr Mrs McEvoy also paid tribute to Cllr Wappet.  Cllr Wappet had been her long time friend and political partner.  He had been kind and well liked, clever and knowledgeable and a great family man.  The Council and the local area would be the poorer for his passing.

Cllr Harrison also paid tribute to the late Cllr Wappet and spoke of his commitment and experience, in particular for his work on Appeals Panels.  He said he would be greatly missed.

The Council all stood for a minute as a mark of respect for the late Cllr Wappet.

·                  The Chairman welcomed Cllr Christine Hopkins, the newly elected member for the Milford Ward.  The Chairman wished her well and hoped that she would find her new role interesting and enjoyable.  Cllr Harrison echoed these comments.

·                  The Chairman reported that she had presented awards to a group of young adults with learning difficulties, who had attained a Citizens’ Step Up Award.  Each of them attended the Windward Day Service Centres at Netley Marsh, Ringwood, New Milton or Chandlers Ford.

·                  The Chairman’s Charity Youth Concert by young musicians who were members of the Hampshire Youth Service had been held on 10 March, and had raised £812 for the Chairman’s charities and £146 for the Brain Trust.  The donation to the Brain Trust would be in the name of the late Cllr Sophie Beeton.

·                  The Chairman wished to congratulate staff and customers of the leisure centres for a recent fund raising “cyclathon” for Sports Relief, which had raised £3,667.

·                  The Chairman’s Civic Service would be held on Sunday, 29 April at 3.00 p.m. at St. Thomas Church in Lymington.  All members and their spouses or partners were invited to attend.

The Leader announced the completed sale of the St. John’s Street Car Park in Hythe to Lidl.  He was also pleased to report the Council’s success in securing a Government grant of £800,000 from Homes England for 20 affordable housing units at Stocklands, Calmore Drive, Totton.

To receive the report of the Returning Officer on the by-election held on 5 April 2018 to fill the vacancy for the Milford Ward.

The Council received the report of the Returning Officer on the by-election held on 5 April 2018 to fill the vacancy for the Milford Ward was noted.

To consider the report of the Audit Committee dated 23 March 2018.

The recommendations arising from the meeting on 23 March 2018 were agreed.

Cllr O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Audit Committee, presented the report of the meeting held on 23 March 2018.  On the motion that the report be received and the recommendations adopted, it was:

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

To consider the report of the Committee dated 9 March 2018.

The recommendations arising from the meeting on 9 March 2018 were agreed.

Cllr Clarke, Chairman of the General Purposes and Licensing Committee, presented the report of the meeting held on 9 March 2018.  On the motion that the report be received and the recommendations adopted, it was:

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and the recommendations be adopted.

To consider the reports of the Cabinet dated 7 March and 4 April 2018.

The recommendations arising from the meetings of 7 March and 4 April 2018 were agreed.

The Leader of the Council, as Chairman of the Cabinet, presented the reports of the meetings held on 7 March and 4 April 2018.  The Leader reported that the last two Cabinet meetings had considered some important issues.  The Financial Monitoring Report set out how the Council was living within its means and delivering on its plans.  The Council continued to deliver efficiencies and savings, helping to meet financial challenges and protect those services most wanted by the community.

The Leader also referred to the Project Integra Action Plan, which concerned one of the Council’s key services - waste collection.  This was perhaps the most recognisable service, but often taken for granted, and, whilst the community valued the service provided, it was recognised that there were greater pressures to recycle more, whilst remaining efficient.  The Council was working with other Hampshire councils to see how the service could be improved for the community in the future.

The Leader also referred to the Council’s recent proposals for improved and enhanced working with the National Park Authority (NPA).  The NPA had agreed to look at the issues in detail.  Their response was expected in the summer and would be reported back to the Cabinet.

On the motion that the reports be received and the recommendations adopted, it was:

RESOLVED:

That the reports be received and the recommendations be adopted.

To receive the annual report of the Overview & Scrutiny Panels.

The Council considered the report of the Overview & Scrutiny Panels for 2017/18.

RESOLVED:

That the report be received and noted.

There were none.

To ask questions of Portfolio Holders. Members are reminded that questions must be submitted to the Chief Executive or to the Executive Head of Governance and Regulation by not later than noon on Friday 13 April 2018.

Cllr Harrison asked the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing a question concerning management of the Eling Experience Project in Totton.  Cllr Harrison’s request for a Task and Finish Group to be established was declined by the Portfolio Holder.

Cllr Tipp asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulatory Services a question concerning air quality monitoring work in Totton/A35, on which an update was given.

Question 1:

From: Cllr D Harrison

To:  Cllr Binns, Leisure and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder

“Will the Portfolio Holder ask a Panel or Task and Finish Group to carefully scrutinise the project to deliver the ‘Eling Experience’ in Totton, in particular to discover any lessons to be learned surrounding project management, given the two year delay and increased costs in completing things?”

Answer:

The Portfolio Holder replied that despite the complexities of a project involving an 18^th Century Tide Mill, the scheme, which involved a £1.6 million investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, had resulted in an excellent redevelopment.  He said that he would not set up a Task and Finish Group and utilise any further resources to scrutinise the progress of the project.  An externally appointed monitor had reviewed the progress and value for money of the project during regular formal meetings on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The redevelopment had proved more complex than had originally been anticipated, mainly due to the highly unusual nature of the tide mill, one of only two of its kind in the country, and its 2* listing status. 

Totton and Eling Town Council had been kept informed throughout the project and lessons had been learned from the process. 

Cllr Binns was pleased that the Tide Mill and Visitor Centre was now open and would provide an excellent facility for the residents of Totton and Eling, as well as being a valuable tourist attraction.  He did not feel that the overspend was disproportionate, given the circumstances.

In view of other more pressing issues, for example on housing and leisure, it was right that the Council should concentrate on current and future issues.  Lessons had been learned and these would be applied.

Question 2:

From: Cllr D Tipp

To:  Cllr Hoare, Environment and Regulatory Services Portfolio Holder

“Now that the data for the air quality monitoring work in Totton and along the A35 is complete, please will the Portfolio Holder given an update on this issues?”

Answer:

The Portfolio Holder said that all the air quality modelling had been completed and had been submitted in draft form to the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU), DEFRA and the DoT for comment.  The project was being led by Southampton City Council to address the Southampton Air Quality Zone requirements.  Currently the data from the modelling exercise was being checked by JAQU and the outline business case to be submitted at the end of May would be made public by Southampton and this Council prior to a consultation process.

Cllr Tipp asked a subsequent question about charges and sought assurances that residents travelling along the A35 would not be subject to any charge when the Clean Air Zone was implemented.  In reply, the Portfolio Holder said that it was highly unlikely that there would be charges but the process was still at an early stage. 

To agree a change in the start time of the annual meeting on 14 May 2018 from 6.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

It was agreed that the start time of the annual meeting on 14 May be changed from 6.30pm to 6.00pm.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Meeting of the Council on 14 May 2018 be changed from 6.30pm to 6.00pm.

To consider and make recommendations to the Council on 14 May 2018 for election/appointment to the offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council for the following municipal year.

The Conservative Group has nominated Cllr M J Kendal for election to the office of Chairman.

Further nominations may be made at the meeting.

Cllr M J Kendal was nominated as Chairman and Cllr A Glass as Vice-Chairman for 2018/19.

RESOLVED:

That Cllr M J Kendal be nominated as Chairman and Cllr A T Glass as Vice-Chairman of the Council for the following municipal year.

To consider any changes to the membership of Committees or Panels that might be proposed by the political groups.

The following changes were made:

Cllr Ms Sevier was appointed to serve on the Audit Committee in place of former Cllr B Wappet.

Cllr B Dow was appointed to serve on the Appeals Committee in place of former Cllr B Wappet.

Cllrs Mrs C Ward and Mrs C Hopkins were appointed to serve on the Planning Committee in place of Cllrs M Thierry and Mrs A Rostand.  There is 1 vacancy following the death of Cllr Wappet.

RESOLVED:

(a)        That Cllr Miss Sevier be appointed to serve on the Audit Committee in place of former Cllr Wappet;

(b)        That Cllr Dow be appointed to serve on the Appeals Committee in place of former Cllr Wappet;

(c)        That Cllrs Mrs Hopkins and Mrs C V Ward be appointed to serve on the Planning Committee in place of Cllrs Thierry, Mrs Rostand and Wappet, leaving one vacancy on the Planning Committee.