Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.
Minutes:
(i) Late Councillor Graham Galton – Minute Silence
The Lord Mayor announced the sad loss of our former Councillor and Colleague Graham Galton on Polling Day. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go to his wife Diana, son, Stephen and his wider family at this time. Please stand and join me for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
(ii) Appointments – New Councillors
The Lord Mayor thanked all Members for their support in electing her as the City’s 801st Mayor and 2nd Lord Mayor and welcomed everyone back to the Council Chamber following the recent all-out elections as a result of the Boundary Commission Review. The Lord Mayor also welcomed to the meeting all those Councillors who were attending their first meeting together with those who had successfully defended their seats.
(iii) Filming
The Lord Mayor announced that the meeting is open to being film and reminded those filming that the right to film is limited to the duration of the meeting and recording must cease when I close the meeting. Filming or recording was not permitted if the effect would be to interrupt or disturb the proceedings or if it was intrusive of a specific individual or individuals. If in the Lord Mayor opinion this was occurring, it would not be permitted, and she would ask you to stop. Similarly, some members of the public attending the meeting may object to being filmed, photographed or recorded. The Lord Mayor would be making those attending the meeting today aware and would ask those filming, to respect their wishes, and would expect that these were complied with. As was the case when Council met in the Guildhall the meeting is being live streamed.
(v) Meeting Protocol
The Lord Mayor referred to the need for these meetings to run efficiently and effectively and asked Members to keep in mind through the year the basic courtesies we need to adhere to for this to happen: – timeliness both in arriving at the meeting and listening carefully to the speeches and arguments. The Lord Mayor further requested that Members remembered the courtesies they would like from members when speaking and for the benefit of the public Members remain in the seat allocated or if you wish to move, you give notice of your intention prior to the next meeting so that copies displayed in public areas could be amended.
(vi) Mobile phones and electronic devices
The Lord Mayor reminded Members, wi-fi is available in the Council Chamber. The use of mobile electronic devices can therefore be used in the Chamber and in Committee Meetings. The Lord Mayor urged Members to use their good sense and behave with courtesy, particularly in not tweeting messages which would otherwise be in breach of our rules or the law. For example, tweeting material discussed in confidential session would be a very serious breach. As in previous years, there was a £25 fine for mobile phones ringing and this would go to the Lord Mayor’s charity.
(vii) Development and Refresher Sessions for Members
The Lord Mayor reminded Members of the comprehensive development and refresher programme that had been arranged and encouraged both new and existing Members to attend.