MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH 2005 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

 

Present :

 

Mrs M A Jarman (Chairman), Mr B E Abraham, Mr J R Adams, Mr R R Barry, Mr A C Bartlett, Mr J A Bowker, Mrs T M Butchers, Mrs B D Clough, Mr A C Coburn, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr J H Fleming, Mrs B E Foster, Mr E Fox, Mr C R Hancock, Mr P G Harris, Mr J F Howe, Miss H L Humby, Mr P D Joyce, Mr G S Kendall, Mr D J Knowles, Mrs B Lawson, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mr M O Morgan Huws, Mr A J Mundy, Mrs E Oulton, Mr G P Price, Mr H Rees, Mr R C Richards, Mrs S A Smart, Mr I R Stephens, Mr R A Sutton, Mr A A Taylor, Mrs J L Wareham, Mr D G Williams,  Mr D T Yates

 

Apologies :

 

            Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr C H Lillywhite,

            Mr A J Mellor, Mrs L J Peacey-Willcox, Mr K Pearson, Mrs J White, Mr J         Whittaker

 

 

 


89.       MINUTES

 

RESOLVED :

 

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2005 be confirmed.

 

90.       DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

91.       PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

 

Questions were put to the Chairman as follows:-

 

Mr J Wortham asked an oral question relating to access to information.  The Portfolio Holder for Resources agreed to provide a written reply.

 

92.       CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 

The Chairman acknowledged, on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council, the contribution made by Glen Garrod, Director of Adult and Community Services, in the service of the Isle of Wight Council and to wish him every success in his future role as Chief Executive with Waverley Council.

 

The Chairman updated Members on recent events that she had attended since the last meeting which included presenting Ellen MacArthur the honorary freedom of the Isle of Wight.  The Chairman expressed disappointment at the low turnout to her recent charity event but thanked those who had attended.

 

93.       ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

Members received a presentation from Mike King of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, Derek Rowell, Strategic Director of Environment Services and Nigel Smith, Head of Tourism.  The focus of the presentation was on Economic Development Priorities; South East Plan and Regeneration; and the emerging Tourism and Development Plan.

 

            Members had the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.

 

Following the presentation the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, UK and EU, Regional Issues moved the motion which had been circulated prior to the presentation: -

 

‘The Council supports the Special Policy Status in the draft South East Plan in recognition of the opportunities it provides to enhance the quality of life for all Island residents via the support of economic regeneration, investment in skills and raising business confidence to invest in the Island’s future as envisaged in the emerging 2020 Vision being developed by the Local Strategic Partnership.’

 

            The motion was seconded and a debate followed. Upon voting the motion was adopted.

 

94.       DOGS ON THE SEASHORE BYELAWS

 

The Council considered a report submitted by the Portfolio Holder for Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection, on suggested amendments to the Dogs on the Seashore Byelaws.

 

            The recommendation was moved and seconded and it was:

 

            RESOLVED:

 

(a)               THAT Council formally make the byelaw and authorise the Proper Officer to seal (properly attested) and date the byelaw on behalf of the Council.

 

(b)               To further resolve that the byelaw be advertised in accordance with DEFRA recommendations and then, after the period of deposit, sent to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

 

95.       ISLAND WIDE SEASIDE PLEASUREBOAT BYELAW

 

The Council considered a report submitted by the Portfolio Holder for Tourism and   Leisure on the Island Wide Seaside Pleasureboat Byelaw.

 

            The recommendation was moved and seconded and it was:

 

            RESOLVED:

 

(a)               THAT Council formally make the Seaside Pleasure Boat Byelaw and authorise the Proper Officer to seal (properly attested) and date the Byelaw on behalf of the Council.

 

(b)       To also further resolve that the Byelaw be advertised in accordance with Section 236 of The Local Government Act 1972, and then after the period of deposit sent to the Secretary of State for possible confirmation.

 

96.       RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

 

The Council considered two additions to the Standard Committee’s Terms of Reference, numbers 8 and 9, and the Annual Report of the Standard Committee, February 2004 to February 2005, submitted by Councillor Cunningham, Member of the Standards Committee.

 

It was noted that the Standards Committee Member, Mr D Russell, represents the Town and Parish Council, and that the Annual Report should be amended accordingly.

 

Prior to the recommendation being moved Mr Kendall proposed an amendment to the wording of number 8 and this was agreed by Council.

 

The recommendation was moved and seconded and following the debate it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       THAT the Standards Committee adopt the following Terms of Reference:

           

1.        To promote and maintain high standards of conduct by the members and co-opted members of the Isle of Wight Council and the Town and Parish Councils on the Isle of Wight.

           

2.                  To assist members and co-opted members of the Councils on the Isle of Wight to observe the relevant Council’s code of conduct.

 

3.                  Specifically the Committee will:

 

·        Advise the various Council’s on the adoption or revision of a code of conduct and monitor the operation of the code of conduct.

 

·        Advise, train or arrange to train members and co-opted members of the Councils on matters relating to the code of conduct.

 

4.                  To consider any other matters that are referred to the Committee by either:

 

·       The Standards Board (subject to Regulations under section 66 of the Local Government Act 2000)

 

·       The Isle of Wight Council

 

·       Any of the Parish and Town Councils on the Isle of Wight

 

5.                  Subject to any regulations issued by the Secretary of State in accordance with Section 81(5) of the Local Government Act 2000 to consider and determine any requests for dispensations to speak and / or vote on any matters in which the Member has an interest.

 

6.                  To develop appropriate measures and monitoring systems to ensure Councillors are fulfilling their contract with the electorate (as agreed by the Council at its meeting on 19 April 2000).

 

7.                  To ensure that the measures and monitoring systems as set out in 6 above are fully and properly exercised within any prescribed timetable.

 

8.                  To enquire of its own instigation into any matter touching or concerning the ethics and standards of the Council.

 

9.                  To submit an annual report on the activities over the last year, to the Council.

 

(a)               THAT the Council approve the Annual Report of the Standards Committee, February 2004 to February 2005.

 

(c)        THAT the Council should respond to the current consultation exercise and      pressure for an independent local standards complaints system and notification to Members if a complaint is made against them.

 

97. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2004-05

 

The Council considered the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2004-05    submitted by Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of the Co-ordinating Committee.

 

            Following debate it was:

 

            RESOLVED:

 

            THAT the Council approve the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2004-05.

 

98. EXECUTIVE

 

(a)               Reports Of The Portfolio Holders

 

(i)                 The Leader

 

            The Leader had no report at this stage for the Council.

 

(ii)               The Deputy Leader

 

Mr Effemey submitted a written question regarding car parking policy at Cowes Esplanade, MQ 16/05.  The Portfolio Holder gave a reply.

 

Mr Barry submitted a written request to bring to the Executive on 24 March 2005 an Item of Urgent Business relating to car parking policy, MQ17/05.  The Portfolio Holder gave a reply.

 

            A copy of the questions and replies are contained on the Members Question Register.

 

The Portfolio Holder answered a number of oral questions relating to damage caused by contractors’ vehicles whilst on Council business; a     road safety concern in Ventnor and the implementation of Traffic Orders for 2004-05.

 

(iii)             Tourism and Leisure

 

            The Portfolio Holder circulated a written report.

 

The Portfolio Holder answered a number of oral questions relating to a feasibility study at Northwood Park, dotto trains and contract tender at Puckpool Park.

 

Mrs Lawson reminded the Portfolio Holder that she was still waiting for a reply on the protocol towards keeping Members informed about local meetings.

 

(iv)              Sustainable Development, Environment and Planning Policy

 

            The Portfolio Holder submitted a written report.

 

(v)                Resources

 

            The Portfolio Holder gave an oral update.

 

            The Portfolio Holder answered an oral question on the European Election counts.

 

(vi)              Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection

 

            The Portfolio Holder read a statement concerning the Fire Service.  Council was assured that Public Safety was not at risk.

 

(vii)            Economic Development, UK and EU, Regional Issues

 

            The Portfolio Holder had no report at this stage for the Council.

 

(viii)          Children’s Services

 

            The Portfolio Holder gave a verbal update.

 

(ix)              Adult and Community Services

 

            The Portfolio Holder gave a verbal update.

 

The meeting closed at 14:50 pm

 

 

                       

CHAIRMAN