i) Chairman of Council
ii) Leader of the Council
iii) Head of Paid Service
Minutes:
i) Chairman of the Council
The Chairman addressed Council advising it had been a very busy period. Over recent weeks she had had the pleasure of attending a number of Events and Award Ceremonies, making reference to the following: -
· The Bishop Burton Student Awards Ceremony
· National Citizens Service – both Groups in Caistor, Market Rasen and Gainsborough and a graduation in Lincoln
· Judging the Gainsborough in Bloom competition.
· The Scout and Guide Jamboree at the Lincolnshire Showground
· The Pedal Car Grand Prix at the High School in Gainsborough
She had also had the pleasure of recently planting a tree at “Cherry Fields” in Cherry Willingham to officially open a wonderful community project. The project was home to a “growing to eat” area, cycle track, woodland walk and footpaths linking to the Viking Way. A total of nearly 2000 trees had been planted in the area.
The Chairman had also recently raised the Red Ensign to celebrate Merchant Navy Day at the Guildhall and expressed thanks to those Members who had supported this event.
In conclusion the Chairman thanked all those Members who had attended the “Meet the Officers and Staff Event” held earlier in the evening.
ii) Leader of Council
The Leader in opening his announcements paid tribute to a dear friend, good colleague and ally for a number of years, Councillor Stuart Curtis, who had recently taken the decision to resign from his position due to ill health. He praised Councillor Curtis for his pragmatic approach, his working together approach and positive attitude, commenting on his stewardship in his Planning Committee Chairman role, which he had held for a number of years. The Leader indicated that in the interim he would manage ward duties in the area. He shared with Council a message he had early received from Councillor Curtis’ daughter regarding the most current position.
Fellow Members across the Chamber joined the Leader in paying tribute to their former colleague, commenting on his unwavering professionalism and the fair and balanced way in which he approached his role and duties. All were in agreement that Councillor Curtis would be sorely missed in the Chamber by all.
The Leader then returned to his announcements, making reference to the recent demolition of the Sun Hotel and the motion which was evident across the Town in terms of regeneration. A number of key projects were moving forward at a good pace and he awaited the outcome with excitement and anticipation. The Council continued to support regeneration across the District as whole, including the creation of Business units at Hill Crest, Caistor. The Leader had recently visited the development and was encouraged by the enthusiasm surrounding the project.
The Local Plan was also proving an invaluable document, and was assisting the Council in defending a number of planning appeals successfully
iii) Head of Paid Service
This was the first update from the new joint executive management team.
Members noted that over the summer the new management team had been finding its feet.
The key piece of work which had needed completing was a new structure for the staff below director level. This had now been done and the Head of Paid Service indicated the Management Team would be sharing with members in the near future a “family tree” (together with contact details and major responsibilities).
Alongside this work the Management Team had been working to communicate key messages to the staff. As part of this process the first whole staff meeting had been held at Trinity Arts Centre on 18 July. The meeting was very well attended and, along with the Leader, had provided the Management Team with an opportunity to be able to explain to the staff the management arrangements following the retirement of the Chief Executive, the roles of the three directors in managing the council and that as far the delivery of services was concerned it was business as usual.
It was also noted the event held earlier in the evening whereby Councillors had had the opportunity to meet with staff, was also part of the process of continuing to involve staff in the work or the council.
Looking forward, the Chamber were advised that the Autumn period look set to be a busy one. The briefings for the committees have recommenced after the summer break and all had important business to transact over the coming months
The first Scampton Airshow was due to be held at the weekend and officers would be heavily involved, both using the event to promote business opportunities in the District and ensuring appropriate emergency planning cover was in place.
It was also noted that the Council had been shortlisted for the Association of Public Service Excellence award for the best commercialisation and entrepreneurship initiative for its acquisition of “Surestaff”.
The regeneration of Gainsborough was proceeding at pace and was now clearly evident, with the development of the new Lidl store and the construction of the new Travelodge on the site of the old Sun Hotel.
The annual budget consultation round would also be starting later this month and Members were encouraged to promote the events and avenues to engage across communities.
In conclusion Members were advised consultation on the crematorium project was also shortly due to commence.