Issue - meetings

To receive communications from the Chairman and/or the Leader of the Council.

Former District Councillors Elsie Milne and John Harper

The Chairman noted the sad passing of former District Councillors Elsie Milne and John Harper. Mrs Milne served as a Cherwell Councillor from 1998 – 2006. Mr Harper served as a Cherwell Councillor from 2000–2008 and as Chairman from 2006 –2007. Members of the Council joined the Chairman in remembering Mrs Milne and Mr Harper’s service to the Council and the District by observing a one minute’s silence.

Councillor John Wyse

The Chairman noted that Councillor Wyse was not at the meeting as he was undergoing medical treatment. Members joined the Chairman in wishing him well.

Resolved

(1)               That Councillor John Wysebe granted a six month attendance dispensation with effect from 28 July 2010.

Councillor Paul O’Sullivan

The Chairman reported that Councillor O’Sullivan had recently been involved in a car accident and was at home recovering. Members joined the Chairman in wishing him well.

Local Council Shadowing Programme

The Chairman presented certificates to Sarah Jordan and David Smith who had successfully completed the Local Councillor Shadowing Programme. The Chairman reported that Jessica Lake had also completed the Programme but was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment. The Chairman also thanked Councillors Rose Stratford, Lawrie Stratford, Carol Steward, George Parish, Norman Bolster and Barry Wood who had taken part in the programme.

Chairman’s Dinner

The Chairman thanked members for the support they had given at her recent dinner and reported that just over £3,000 had been raised in aid of her chosen charities.

Elections

The Chairman of the Council supported by many Members paid tribute to Councillors Eric Heath and Devena Rae who were standing down at the forthcoming election. Councillor Eric Heath and Councillor Nick Cotter, on behalf of Councillor Devena Rae, thanked members for their kind words.

The Chairman thanked Councillors Alyas Ahmed, Norman Bolster, Colin Clarke, Margaret Cullip, Tony Ilott, James Macnamara, Kieron Mallon, Paul O’Sullivan, George Parish, George Reynolds, Douglas Webb, Douglas Williamson, and Barry Wood for their service to the Council and wished them well in the forthcoming election.

Councillor Fred Blackwell

The Chairman supported by the Leader of the Council paid tribute to Councillor Blackwell who was celebrating his 40^th year of local government service in 2010. The Leader noted that Councillor Blackwell was a former Council Chairman and had made many valuable contributions to the Council, especially as Chairman of the Planning Committee.

Section 151 Officer

At the Chairman’s request, the Chief Executive reported that Cherwell District Council had finalised arrangements to share a Section 151 Officer with South Northamptonshire District Council. Martin Henry would be the Council’s Chief Finance Officer and designated Section 151 Officer until 28 February 2011.

To receive communications from the Chairman and/or the Leader of the Council.

Councillor Macnamara

The Chairman informed the meeting that Councillor Macnamara’s wife, Marcelle, sadly passed away over the Easter weekend. Members joined the Chairman in extending condolences to both him and his family.

Councillor Linda Thirzie Smart

The Chairman extended his condolences to Councillor Linda Thirzie-Smart on the recent passing of her mother Frankie.

Councillor Pack

The Chairman reported that since the last meeting Chris Pack had stood down as a Councillor after nearly nine years in order to begin to enjoy his retirement. The Council wished him happiness for the future and agreed that he should be invited to Annual Council.

Councillor Strangwood

The Chairman informed the meeting that Councillor Strangwood had a new addition to his family, with the birth of Audee May. The meeting conveyed their congratulations to the Strangwood family.