Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: May 22, 2025

Purpose:

Content: (1)        The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.   (2)        The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean that, as this was an emergency, all of us, Officers and Members had that in mind as we carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our District.   (3)        The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.   (4)        The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.   (5)        The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.   (6)        The Chair congratulated all Councillors from across Hertfordshire who were successful in their election to the County Council in the recent elections. Specifically at North Herts, he congratulated Councillors Ian Albert, Tina Bhartwas, Alistair Willoughby, Ruth Brown, Steve Jarvis, Sean Prendergast, Chris Lucas, Ralph Muncer and David Barnard on their successful election or re-election.   (7)        The Chair reminded Members to complete their Register of Interest forms by the 31 May 2025.   (8)        The Chair reminded Members to complete their election expenses by 6 June 2025.   (9)        The Chair reminded Members to complete the post-election survey from the Electoral Services Team by 31 May 2025.   (10)     On behalf of the former Chair, Cllr Clare Billing, the Chair confirmed the amount raised for her chosen charity, Sands, during the Civic Year 2024-25 and advised that a representative from Sands would be invited to a future meeting of Full Council to be presented with a cheque.   (11)     The Chair offered thanks to Penny Copestake, Chair’s Secretary, on behalf of the former Chair, Councillor Clare Billing, and announced that a bouquet would be sent in recognition of her hard work and support. The Chair wished Penny a very happy and well-deserved retirement.   (12)     The Chair advised Members that the Director – Place would be retiring shortly after 35 years at the Council and wished him a long and enjoyable retirement.   (13)     The Chair advised Members that the Director – Governance would be retiring shortly and wished her a long and happy retirement.