Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 20th November, 2019, 7.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Civic Centre Folkestone

Contact: Jemma West 

Media

Items
No. Item

56.

Declarations of Interest

Members of the Council should declare any discloseable pecuniary interest or any other significant interests in any item/s on this agenda.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in respect of minute number 69 (Otterpool Park - additional capital funding) in that she has two properties adjacent to the site and she would therefore take no part in the discussions and voting on this item. She stated that she had previously declared this as a voluntary declaration but on advice would now declare reluctantly an OSI.

 

Councillor Lesley Whybrow declared a voluntary announcement in respect of minute 66 in that she is Joint Leader of the Opposition and would stand to benefit from the recommendation so therefore felt she could not take part in the vote and requested that each recommendation is taken individually.

 

Councillor Connor McConville declared a voluntary announcement in respect of minute 66 in that he is Leader of the Labour Party and would stand to benefit from the recommendations so therefore felt he could not take part in the vote.

 

 

 

57.

Minutes

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the council held on 16 October 2019 and to authorise the Chairman of the Council to sign them as a correct record.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2019 were submitted, approved and signed by the Chairman.

58.

Chairman's Communications

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman made the following announcements:

 

Another busy month of supporting Events.

 

Many of which have been Commemorative such as, the launch of the Poppy Appeal in Maidstone which featured largely on youth involvement.

 

Attending the Garden of Remembrance where crosses were laid at the foot of the many white crosses set out there, representing the vast number of different regiments.

 

A Commemorative service at the Dover Cruise Terminal, which concluded with a moving speech about the Unknown Warrior.

 

The Annual Youth Festival of Remembrance at the Leas Cliff hall was once again an amazing spectacular with a variety of groups taking part. Each year it goes from strength to strength.

 

Folkestone’s Remembrance service was extremely well supported once again with many laying wreaths at the War Memorial on the Leas, ending with a march past at the Town Hall. This was followed the next day by a service at the Machine Gun Core Memorial on the Cheriton road.

 

This month too we saw the much awaited re-opening of Morrisons on Cheriton road.

 

An invitation by The Mayor of Lydd Town Council, to join them to listen to the wonderful Gurkha Band play in the local Church, which was packed to the rafters. It was good to see one of our own Councillors busy organising the raffle.

 

Yesterday by kind invitation of the Mayor of Ashford we visited two iconic buildings. A new Brewery called ‘Curious’ of ultra-modern design which opened earlier this year and a visit to the large, new addition to the Outlet.

 

In addition I would like to tell you about the recognition our staff have received about being really good at Customer Service Excellence.

 

We had our three yearly deep inspection and assessment last week and the inspector was so impressed that not only were we fully compliant in all 57 areas that are rated, we achieved plus rating in 12 of these, one up on last time.

 

He was particularly impressed with our professional working and the passion and drive of our staff, and the 12th compliance plus was for staff development and training.

 

I am sure you will join me in thanking the staff and wishing them well.

 

59.

Petitions

There are no petitions to be presented.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no petitions.

60.

Questions from the Public

The following questions have been submitted:

 

From Mrs Lawes to Councillor David Godfrey, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Special Projects

 

1.            Could you explain why, in 2017 most private properties especially in Folkestone but not exclusively, were rented by London Boroughs for people on their waiting list?

This reduced vastly private rented housing to local families.

 

Can you tell me why, other Councils like Thanet are still putting people on their waiting list into private properties in Folkestone? Still reducing local housing for residents.

 

With the lack of rented housing for locals especially in Folkestone, what plans are in place to improve quality and quantity housing for local families?

 

From Mrs Sacre to Councillor John Collier, Cabinet Member for Property Management and Grounds Maintenance

 

2.         In spring this year it was understood our public toilets, located within the bus station, yet owned by the shopping precinct management, in Folkestone, would be reopening shortly, following restoration work. To an onlooker it appears no such work has been undertaken, in the preparation for the reopening.

 

            When will the toilets be reopened for the publics use?

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The questions asked, including supplementary questions (if any), and the answers given are set out in Schedule 1, appended to these minutes.

 

61.

Questions from Councillors

(Questions can be found on www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk from noon 2 days before the meeting, on Modern.gov, under the agenda for this meeting).

 

Up to 45 minutes is allowed for questions from councillors.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The questions asked, including supplementary questions (if any), and the

answers given are set out in Schedule 2, appended to these minutes.

 

NOTE: Councillor Davison asked that it be noted that she objected to the fact that the meeting was not being webcast live as important points and questions were being made by members of the public and councillors and felt people had a right to hear the answers to the questions put.

62.

Announcements of the Leader of the Council

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council on the business of the cabinet and on matters that the leader considers should be drawn to the council’s attention. The leader shall have 10 minutes to make his announcements.

 

The opposition group will have an opportunity to reply to the leader’s remarks.  The opposition group leader shall have 5 minutes to respond after which the Leader of the Council will have a right of reply.  Any right of reply will be for a maximum duration of 5 minutes.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

No announcements were made by the Leader.

 

63.

Opposition Business

There is no opposition business.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no opposition business.

64.

Motions on Notice

The following motions have been placed on the agenda in the order received; up to 60 minutes shall be allowed for debates on motions on notice:

 

1.         From Councillor McConville, Leader of the Labour Party

 

This Council notes:

·         There has been a 60% increase in the use of pesticides such as glyphosate in the UK since 1990.

·         Italy and Portugal have banned the use of glyphosate [or glyphosate-based weed killers] and France is working towards this by 2021, Germany in 2023.

·         In the UK many councils have banned the use of glyphosate: Brighton, Bristol, Croyden, Trafford and Lewes are but a few.

·         That since the verdict against Monsanto, producers of Roundup, in America there has been work in many other local authorities to phase out the use of pesticides from their practice.

·         That glyphosate was listed as a probable carcinogen in 2015 by the International Agency for the Research of Cancer (IARC)

·         That recent studies published in ScienceDirect show a 41% increased risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma caused by exposure from glyphosate-based weed killers and products 

 

This Council believes:

·       There is evidence to suggest that glyphosate and a wide range of other herbicides and pesticides may be harmful to human health

·       The use of pesticides and weed killers reduces biodiversity, impacting negatively on insects, birds and bees, in a time when the world is losing 2.5% of its insect population per-year.

·       Harmful weed killer residues can creep into the food chain.

·       Pets and children should not be playing in parks treated with such chemicals.

 

This Council resolves to:

·       Move towardsphasing out the use of all pesticides and weed killers in council owned parks, gardens and play areas.

·       Trial pesticide-free alternatives to control weeds in these areas. These might include; biodegradable foam or hot steam treatments on weeds.

·       To report the outcomes of these trials to the Climate and Ecological Emergency working group for discussion and recommendation within 12 months.

·       Grant an exception to the above ‘phasing out’ regarding the control of Japanese knotweed, or other invasive species, where there are currently no effective mechanical techniques available. For these plants glyphosate will be stem-injected, rather than sprayed, to reduce its spread in the environment.

·        Grant an exception on sprays only in relation to Giant Hogweed where it’s not safe to be dug out or safely removed by other means or where invasive plants are too small to be stem injected.

·           It is recognized that herbicides are required for the control of weeds in fine turf such as bowling greens and tennis courts. Any chemical use will be kept to an absolute minimum and alternative methods of control, trialed when and if they become available.

·       Write to the secretary of state for the environment to inform the government of this Council’s opposition to glyphosate-based pesticides and to call for a UK-wide programme to phase out use once trials have been concluded and viable alternatives have been introduced for weed control across the District.

 

2.    From Councillor Whybrow, Leader of the Green  ...  view the full agenda text for item 64.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

1.         From Councillor McConville, Leader of the Labour Party

 

Councillor McConville outlined his motion which was set out in the agenda.

 

Proposed by Councillor Connor McConville

Seconded by Councillor David Monk and

 

Resolved that this Council:

·         Move towards phasing out the use of all pesticides and weed

killers in council owned parks, gardens and play areas.

·         Trial pesticide-free alternatives to control weeds in these areas.

These might include; biodegradable foam or hot steam

treatments on weeds.

·         To report the outcomes of these trials to the Climate and

Ecological Emergency working group for discussion and

recommendation within 12 months.

·         Grant an exception to the above ‘phasing out’ regarding the

control of Japanese knotweed, or other invasive species, where

there are currently no effective mechanical techniques available.

For these plants glyphosate will be stem-injected, rather than

sprayed, to reduce its spread in the environment.

·         Grant an exception on sprays only in relation to Giant Hogweed

where it’s not safe to be dug out or safely removed by other

means or where invasive plants are too small to be stem

injected.

·         It is recognized that herbicides are required for the control of

weeds in fine turf such as bowling greens and tennis courts.

Any chemical use will be kept to an absolute minimum and

alternative methods of control, trialed when and if they become

available.

·         Write to the secretary of state for the environment to inform the

government of this Council’s opposition to glyphosate-based

pesticides and to call for a UK-wide programme to phase out use once trials have been concluded and viable alternatives have been introduced for weed control across the District.

 

(Voting: For 27; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

 

 

2.         From Councillor Whybrow, Leader of the Green party

 

Councillor Whybrow outlined her motion which was set out in the agenda.

 

Proposed by Councillor Lesley Whybrow

Seconded by Councillor Rebecca Shoob and

 

Upon being put the motion was LOST.

 

(Voting: For 13; Against 14; Abstentions 0)

65.

Amendment to the scheme of delegation of Executive functions made by the Leader of the Council

Under the Council’s constitution (part 6, para 1.4.1) the Leader of the Council decides on the delegation of cabinet functions.  The Leader may amend the delegations at any time by giving written notice to the Head of the Paid Service.  Where such a notice is received the Head of the Paid Service must submit a report on the amendments to the next ordinary meeting of the Council.  This report sets out the amendments made by the Leader.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Under the Council’s constitution (part 6, para 1.4.1) the Leader of the

Council decides on the delegation of cabinet functions. The Leader may

amend the delegations at any time by giving written notice to the Head of

the Paid Service. Where such a notice is received the Head of the Paid

Service must submit a report on the amendments to the next ordinary

meeting of the Council. This report set out the amendments made by the

Leader.

 

Proposed by Councillor David Monk

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee and

 

1.         To receive and note report A/19/15.

 

(Voting: For 27; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

66.

Report from the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members' Allowances and Expenses

This report recommends the consideration of the proposals of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel that the members allowance scheme for elected members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council be amended.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

This report recommended the consideration of the proposals of the

Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel that the members allowance

scheme for elected members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council be

amended.

 

Proposed by Councillor David Monk

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note report A/19/19.

2.         To refer the report to the Governance Working Group and report back to Council.

3.         To thank the Independent Remuneration Panel for undertaking the review.

 

(Voting: For 24; Against 1; Abstentions 2)

67.

Members' Allowances - Independent Remuneration Panel

This report recommends the council’s approval for the appointment of members for the Folkestone and Hythe Independent Remuneration Panel.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

This report recommended the council’s approval for the appointment of

members for the Folkestone and Hythe Independent Remuneration Panel.

 

Proposed by Councillor David Monk

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note report A19/18.

2.         To appoint:

(a) Chris Harman

(b) Beverley Crouch

(c) Paul Murphy

(d) Judy Williams

 

As members of the Folkestone and Hythe Independent Remuneration

Panel for a period of four years from 2 December 2019.

 

(Voting: For 27; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

68.

Budget Approval for Folkestone Beach Chalets Scheme

This report proposes changes to the Council’s capital programme including the capital funding implications. The capital works are a request from the Trustees of the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity to provide capital funding of £500,000 to support the renovation of 16 of existing beach chalets, the demolition of the remaining 58 beach chalets and the installation of 120 new beach chalets at Marine Walk, Folkestone.  

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

This report proposed changes to the Council’s capital programme including

the capital funding implications. The capital works are a request from the

Trustees of the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity to provide

capital funding of £500,000 to support the renovation of 16 of existing

beach chalets, the demolition of the remaining 58 beach chalets and the

installation of 120 new beach chalets at Marine Walk, Folkestone.

 

Proposed by Councillor Tim Prater

Seconded by Councillor Connor McConville that

 

Recommendation 2 be amended to read:

“To refer the matter to Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider the scheme as a whole prior to decision being made by the Council.

 

In accordance with the Council procedure rule 17.5 five members present demanded a recorded vote.

 

FOR: Davison, Dorrell, Fuller, Keen, J Martin, McConville, Meade, Prater, Shoob, Treloar, Wade, Wing

 

AGAINST: Berry, Brook, Collier, Gane, Godfrey, Hills, Hollingsbee, P Martin, Meyers, Monk, Mullard, Peall, Rolfe, Whybrow, Wimble

 

ABSTENTIONS: None

 

(Voting: For 12; Against 15; Abstentions 0)

 

The vote was LOST.

 

Proposed by Councillor Douglas Wade

Seconded by Councillor Stuart Peall and

 

Resolved:

That a further recommendation be added:

3.         That details of how this loan is to be implemented are yet to be finally decided and will be decided subject to appropriate consultation and flexibility of implementation.

 

(Voting: For 27; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

 

Proposed by Councillor David Monk

Seconded by Councillor John Collier and

 

Resolved:

1)         To receive and note report A/19/16.

2)         To approve the change to the Council’s capital funding programme to include £500,000 to be met from Prudential Borrowing to support the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Grounds Charity’s Folkestone Beach Chalets Scheme.

 

In accordance with the Council procedure rule 17.5 five members present demanded a recorded vote.

 

FOR: Berry, Brook, Collier, Davison, Dorrell, Fuller, Gane, Godfrey, Hills, Hollingsbee, Keen, J Martin, P Martin, McConville, Meade, Meyers, Monk, Mullard, Peall, Rolfe, Shoob, Treloar, Wade, Whybrow, Wimble, Wing

 

AGAINST: None

 

ABSTENTIONS: Prater

 

(Voting: For 26; Against 0; Abstentions 1)

69.

Otterpool Park - Additional Capital Funding

This report considers the recommendation of the Cabinet on additional capital funding for the Otterpool Park project.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

This report considered the recommendation of the Cabinet on additional

capital funding for the Otterpool Park project.

 

Proposed by Councillor David Monk

Seconded by Councillor David Wimble and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note report A/19/17.

2.         To make available an additional one hundred million pounds to be drawn down over a period of up to five years to enable the Otterpool Park project to proceed.

 

In accordance with the Council procedure rule 17.5 five members present demanded a recorded vote.

 

FOR: Berry, Brook, Collier, Gane, Godfrey, Hills, P Martin, Meyers, Monk, Mullard, Peall, Prater, Rolfe, Shoob, Wimble

 

AGAINST: Davison, Dorrell, Fuller, Keen, J Martin, McConville, Meade, Treloar, Wade, Whybrow

 

ABSTENTIONS: Wing

 

(Voting: For 15; Against 10; Abstentions 1)