Probably the worst set of minutes ever produce by the Clerk.
Minutes are a legal record of the councils resolutions and they must be clear.
From the minutes below I challenge anyone to let me know where we approved
the promotions of Oakham Working group expenditure and the amount.
Also the names of two members we co-opted?
As like the meetings more space if given to recording the chairman attacking me.
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH 2017 AT THE OFFICES OF OAKHAM TOWN
COUNCIL, VICTORIA HALL, 39, HIGH STREET, OAKHAM
PRESENT:
Cllrs, Michael Haley (Chair), Peter Ind, Anne Skipworth, Martin Brookes, Adam Lowe,
Joyce Lucas BEM, David Romney, Sally-Anne Wadsworth, Paul Buxton
ABSENT: None
4 members of the public were also present
Cllr Oliver Bird (RCC) was invited to speak by the Chairman on Agenda items 13 and 15
481/17 APOLOGIES - Standing Order 1(u)
None
482/17 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
(i) No Disclosable Pecuniary Interests were declared
(ii) Cllr Wadsworth declared an interest in items 16 and 22. Cllr Wadsworth stated
she would take part in discussions and any vote
(iii) Cllr Skipworth declared an interest in item 15. Cllr Skipworth stated she would
take part in discussions and any vote
(iv) Cllr Haley declared an interest in item 27. Cllr Haley stated he would take part in
discussions and any vote
It was then proposed by Cllr Brookes, seconded by Cllr Romney to alter the order of business so
that Item 27 on the Agenda would be considered next. This motion fell with 2 votes for, 4 against
and 3 abstentions
483/17 MINUTES (Appendix A)
(i) It was proposed by Cllr Romney, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and unanimously
resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 9th August 2017
were adopted as a true and accurate record
484/17 CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER’S REPORTS
(i) Cllr Lucas, tabled a report on her attendance at a Oakham In Bloom meeting
(ii) Cllr Ind gave a verbal report on his attendance along with the Chairman at a
meeting with Rutland County Council
Cllr Brookes asked that the paragraph concerning the Chief Constable be retracted from the
Chairman’s report. The Chairman refused
485/17 COUNCILLOR’S QUESTIONS
One question was asked by Cllr Brookes and was answered by the Chairman without
discussion
Cllr Lowe raised the fact that Cllr Brookes was not observing the recording protocol by refusing
to place his recording equipment on the designated table as is required by Council policy
486/17 CLERK’S REPORT – For information only
Play Inspection
An inspection of the three parks took place today. Once the office has received this
report, members will be sent a copy.
Work has been carried out to the pour around the 5 Bay Contact Swing at Royce’s.
With reference to the Supernova replacement pour, the Clerk has arranged to meet with
the Area Sales Manager of Wicksteed, for a quotation for remedial works and for the
complete surfacing area. Once this is received, I will bring back to Council
Floral Displays
Planters will be collected on 20th September 2017
Correspondence
I have received a communication from a member of the public which I will read out when
the item comes up
487/17 DEPUTATIONS BY THE PUBLIC
None
488/17 WORKING GROUPS AND STEERING GROUPS STRATEGY
(Appendices Bi –Biv)
Members noted the reports. It was then proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Lucas
and unanimously resolved to authorise expenditure on the PPWG report
Cllr Brookes thanked Cllr Wadsworth for her hard work on organising the park events
Following comments made by Cllr Brookes aimed at the Chairman, the Chairman
responded by reading 2 of Cllr Brookes recent allegations concerning his behaviour and
telling lies to the Council:
Allegation: I am told the chairman wants to speak to OTC members about the
(Neighbourhood) plan main due to your lack of reporting to council. He feels public
deputations is the only chance.
Response from the NPSG Chairman:
Neither of these statements are true.
I know that you report to the Council though the meeting schedule and I also know that
there are other ways to address the Town Council other than by public deputations!
Allegation: (conduct complaint) At the last council meeting Cllr Michael Haley lied and
treated me with no respect both serious breaches of the code of conduct and the nolan
principles
I am not sure Cllr Haley can ever be honest in a council meeting.
During the meeting Cllr Haley distributed a report detailing events and activities carried
out by the Neighbour Plan Steering Group. This is a rolling report, the latest can be
found here:
http://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Item-8-Appendix-DiNeighbourhood-Plan-Steering-Group.pdf
I noticed a Person named Lewis had been paid £40
I attempted to ask Cllr Haley why this expenditure had not been approved by full council
because a working group cannot spend any money without prior consent of the council.
Cllr Haley was very rude and disrespectful and gave a dishonest reply. He said the
payment did not need to be approved by council and accused me of attacking the working
group.
At next week’s meeting members are being asked to approve the £40 payments and what
looks like additional travel costs not listed in the report but written on a receipt provided
for council.
http://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Item-19-Appendix-OReimbursment-of-Expenses.pdf
The meeting was recorded and is available at my YouTube account
Response: the NPSG action plan (Council’s resolved means of reporting WG progress)
shows £40.00 in the resource column. It does not state that this has been paid and the SG
member has not yet been reimbursed. The recording clearly shows that the Chairman
stated that the member of the SG paid for the event out of her own pocket and that it
would be coming to the September meeting (it is on the agenda). The recording also
shows that the Chairman was not rude or disrespectful in any of his replies and does not
accuse Cllr Brookes of attacking the SG.
The member of the Steering Group referred to has e-mailed:
We discussed my going on the course at a SG meeting in June, I think. It was specifically
designed for people working on NPs. I felt someone ought to attend this and managed to
make arrangements quite late in the day so that I could attend. When I applied to go on
the course, which Liz had notified us of and which took place on July 10th, I was told by
Rebecca Breakwell of NACRE that the fee of £40 had to be paid by the next day, the
deadline for membership. This I paid electronically through my bank and attended the
course in Rothwell accordingly.
After this, I then asked if I could be reimbursed and was told that it would have to be
cleared by the SG and the TC. I then put in my paperwork and the claim to Allison - not
sure when exactly - end of July? - but not in time for any TC meeting until the one on
September 13th. Allison told me that the claim would be dealt with at that meeting.
Does that make it clear? I cannot see why on earth the matter is any of his concern. Why
would you or anyone else on the SG lie about anything? There was no time in advance of
the course to obtain the money from the TC to pay for the course.
Cllr Brookes responded by calling the Chairman a bully
489/17 POPPIES ON LAMPOSTS (Appendix E)
It was proposed by Cllr Skipworth, seconded by Cllr Romney and unanimously resolved
that The Council agrees to support the scheme and obtain 15 Poppies and approves the
£45 expenditure
490/17 WWI COMMEMORATION EVENT (Appendix F)
It was proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Buxton and resolved with 8 votes for and 1
against by Cllr Brookes that the Council earmarks a contribution in the 2018/19 budget
the sum of £2K for this event
491/17 FREEMAN (Appendix G)
(i) It was proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Haley and unanimously resolved
that the Council agree to bestow the honour of the Freeman of the Town upon Sir
Laurence Howard
(ii) It was proposed by Cllr Skipworth, seconded by Cllr Haley and unanimously
resolved that the Council set up a working group consisting of Cllrs Lowe, Ind and the
Clerk
(iii) It was proposed by Cllr Haley, seconded by Cllr Skipworth and unanimously
resolved to approve a budget of up £1000
492/17 REQUEST TO USE CUTTS CLOSE
It was proposed by Cllr Romney, seconded by Wadsworth and unanimously resolved to
grant permission to Circus Vladimir to hire Cutts Close at a rate of £115.00 per night
under the Councils usual conditions
493/17 PARKING REVIEW – SCHEME PROPOSAL FORM (Appendix I)
Before discussions took place it was noted by members that the form contained an error.
Cllr Bird confirmed that the form was for administrative purposes only and had no legal
standing.
(i) It was proposed by Cllr Haley, seconded by Cllr Romney and resolved with 7
votes for, 1 against and 1 abstention to support the proposal from the Longhurst
Group regarding a residents parking scheme waiting restrictions in Derwent Drive
(ii) Cllr Lowe proposed that the Council support the above proposal with a financial
contribution. There was no seconder, therefore this motion fell
(iii) It was proposed by Cllr Romney, seconded by Cllr Ind and resolved with 8 votes
for and 1 against that the Council would not be willing to make a financial
contribution
Cllr Lucas left the room and returned
494/17 AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDERS (Appendix J)
(i) It was proposed by Cllr Romney, seconded by Cllr Brookes to suspend
Standing Order 6 (e, r). This motion fell with 4 votes for and 5 against
(ii) It was proposed by Cllr Brookes, seconded by Cllr Skipworth that this item is
deferred so the Council can seek legal advice. This motion fell with 4 votes for
and 5 against
(iii) It was proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Skipworth and resolved with 8
votes for and 1 against to go through each recommendation
(i) Page 5 (Meetings, section s) - delete supported by two other councillors and
replace with supported by a majority vote of councillors present
Proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Haley to accept
Resolved with 7 votes for and 2 abstentions
(ii) Page 6 (Meetings, section t vi) - add and actions required
Proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Ind to accept
Resolved with 8 votes for and 1 against
(iii) Page 10 (Proper Officer, section (a)) - delete by the Council to undertake the work
of the Proper Officer and replace with by the Chairman to undertake such work as
is necessary. Delete last two sentences
Proposed by Cllr Haley, seconded by Cllr Ind to accept
This motion fell with 3 votes for and 6 against. Therefore it remains unchanged
(iv) Page 11 (Proper Officer, section (b) xviii) - delete and Parks
Proposed by Cllr Haley seconded by Cllr Wadsworth to accept
Unanimously resolved
(v) Page 15 (Rules of Debate, section e) - delete third sentence and replace with The
contributions or speeches by a Councillor shall relate only to the motion under
discussion and shall not exceed 3 minutes without the consent of the Chairman of
the meeting. Councillors will be allowed to speak once only during each item of
business, except by invitation of the Chairman in order to clarify a point
previously made.
Proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Lucas to accept
Resolved with 7 votes for, 1 against and 1 abstention
(vi) Page 17 (Rules of Debate, section r) - delete entire section (now subsumed within
section e as amended/expanded above)
Proposed by Cllr Haley, seconded by Cllr Ind to accept
Resolved with 8 votes for and 1 against
(vii) Page 17 - sections s and t to be re-lettered r and s to take account of previous
change
Proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Ind to accept
Resolved with 8 votes for and 1 abstention
(viii) Page 20 (Disorderly Conduct, section d) - delete may take such further steps as
may reasonably be necessary to enforce it and/or he may adjourn the meeting and
replace with will adjourn the meeting and may reconvene it at an appropriate
venue
Proposed by Cllr Skipworth, seconded by Cllr Buxton to accept
Resolved with 8 votes for and 1 against
(ix) Page 29 (Delegation of Functions, section a) - delete and Parks
Proposed by Cllr Lowe seconded by Cllr Skipworth to accept
Unanimously resolved
(x) Page 29 (Delegation of Functions, section b) - delete Sub-committee and replace
with Committee
Proposed by Cllr Haley seconded by Cllr Lowe to accept
Unanimously resolved
(xi) Page 30 (Delegation of Functions, section c) (i)- insert in the opinion of the
Staffing Committee it appears
Proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Haley to accept
Resolved with 8 votes for and 1 abstention
(xii) Page 30 (Delegation of Functions, section c) ( iv) insert specific
Proposed by Cllr Haley seconded by Cllr Ind to accept
Unanimously resolved
(xiii) Page 30 (Delegation of Functions, section c) (vi) insert by means of reports to
Full Council
Proposed by Cllr Skipworth seconded by Cllr Ind to accept
Unanimously resolved
(xiv) Page 30 (Delegation of Functions, section c) add (vii) these delegated powers
shall also apply to all staff related issues
Proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Haley to accept
Resolved with 5 votes for, 3 against and 1 abstention
(xv) Page 33/34 add 35 e-mail Accounts
a. All Council business electronic mail between the Clerk’s office and Councillors
will be made via Council provided e-mail addresses. An electronic copy of all
correspondence to be maintained by Council.
b. These e-mail addresses are only to be used for Council business. E-mails are
open to scrutiny and possible FOI requests.
c. E-mail will not be used to debate any Council business that should come before
Council or Committee meetings for debate and resolution
d. Councillors may wish to continue to contact each other by private e-mail
addresses however Council will not accept any responsibility for this traffic or the
contents thereof
Proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Haley to accept
Resolved with 7 votes for and 2 against
It was proposed by Cllr Lucas, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and unanimously resolved to extend
the meeting by 30 minutes to allow for business to be concluded
495/17 WORKING WITH OAKHAM TOWN PARTNERSHIP (Appendix K)
(i) It was proposed by Cllr Lucas, seconded by Cllr Romney to defer this item. This
motion fell with 3 votes for and 6 against
(ii) It was proposed by Cllr Brookes, seconded it by Cllr Romney and resolved with 5
votes for and 4 against that Council do not accept OTP’s invitation for Cllr Haley
to become their OTC representative
496/17 CLLR BROOKES – CONDUCT COMPLAINTS (Appendices Li – Lii)
(i) It was proposed by Cllr Brookes, seconded by Cllr Romney that the formal letter
is issued to Cllr Brookes and that the letter is only published on OTC website for
1 month. There was 3 votes for, 3 against, and 3 abstentions. This motion fell
with the Chairman using his casting vote
(ii) It was proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Haley and resolved with 6 votes
for, 1 against and 2 abstentions that the formal letter is only published and not the
Decision Notice
(iii) It was proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Haley that the formal letter is
published on OTC website and notice boards. There was 2 votes for, 2 against and
5 abstentions. This was resolved with the Chairman used his casting vote
(iv) It was proposed by Cllr Haley, seconded by Cllr Lowe and resolved with 8 votes
for and 1 against by Cllr Brookes that the Chairman pursues the mechanism for a
conciliation process with a consultant recommended by the Monitoring Officer
and reports his findings, together with costs, to Council
It was proposed by Cllr Lucas, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and resolved with 8 votes for and 1
abstention by Cllr Lowe to extend the meeting by 30 minutes to allow for business to be
concluded
Cllr Romney left the room and returned
497/17 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS (Appendix M)
It was proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Romney and resolved with 8 votes for and
1 abstention to approve the Statement of Accounts – August 2017
498/17 FINANCIAL RESERVES BANKING ACCOUNTS (Appendix N)
Members noted the report
499/17 REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES (Appendix O)
It was proposed by Cllr Skipworth, seconded by Cllr Haley and resolved with 8 votes for
and 1 against to authorise a payment of £58 for a course fee and travel expenses
500/17 EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
It was proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and resolved with 4 votes for, 1
against and 4 abstentions to call an Extraordinary meeting for 18th September 2017 to
discuss, the Local Plan Review and the Electoral Review of Rutland. To ensure
sufficient notice Agendas were distributed to members
It was proposed by Cllr Brookes to alter the order of business so that each item could be
considered individually as an exempt item. There was no seconder so the motion falls
501/17 EXEMPT ITEMS
It was proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Haley and resolved with 6 votes for, 1
against and 2 abstentions to exclude the Press and Public under Section 1 of the Public
Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, as amended, during consideration of Items
22, 23, 24 and 25 on the agenda as they concern contractual and confidential matters
The Chairman reminded members that nobody should be recording any part of the
meeting during discussion of the following items
502/17 MINUTES (Appendix P)
It was proposed by Cllr Brookes that the supplementary confidential record
minute no 458/17 be retracted. There was no seconder so the motion fell.
It proposed by Cllr Ind, seconded by Cllr Lucas and resolved with 6 votes for, 1 against
and 2 abstentions to confirm the minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on
Wednesday 19th July 2017
It was proposed by Cllr Lucas, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and resolved with 6 votes for and 1
against and 2 abstentions to extend the meeting by 30 minutes to allow for business to be
concluded
503/17 OCC BUILDING (Appendix Q)
It was proposed by Cllr Romney, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and resolved with 8 votes
for and 1 abstention that Council resolved not to accept the proposed amendments to the
Heads of Terms
504/17 CO-OPTION (Appendix R)
It was proposed by Cllr Lowe, seconded by Cllr Wadsworth and resolved with 8 votes for
and 1 abstention that Council accepts the recommendations from the co-option interview
panel and both candidates are appointed.
It was proposed by Cllr Haley, seconded by Cllr Romney and unanimously resolved
that the candidates serve on the Oakham South East Ward
505/17 VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE CHAIRMAN
It was proposed by Cllr Brookes a vote of no confidence in the Chairman. There was
no seconder so this motion fell
It was noted that Cllr Brookes repeatedly did not comply with Standing Orders (s/o 6 e, 11 a,b)
in that he repeatedly refused to follow the Chairman’s instructions to desist and interrupted
other Members when they had the floor
