Issue - meetings

Councillors Not Seeking Re-Election

The Mayor reported that this was the last Council meeting before the Council Elections on 5 May 2016 and that the following Councillors would not be seeking re-election:

Councillors Lord Fearn and Mahon who had both served on Sefton Council for 43 years’ since May 1973 when the Council was established, which was a remarkable achievement;

Councillor Maureen Fearn, who had 33 years’ service on the Council;

Councillor Kerrigan who had 20 years’ service on the Council; and

Councillors Veronica Bennett, Gatherer, Hartill and the Mayor, himself who had all had 4 years’ service on the Council.

On behalf of the Council, The Mayor expressed thanks to those Members for their dedicated service to the people of Sefton and extended my best wishes to them for the future.

Councillor Byrom paid tribute to the service given by Councillors Lord Fearn and Mahon.

Councillor Dams paid tribute to the service given by Councillor Veronica Bennett.

Councillor Dawson paid tribute to the service given by Councillors Lord Fearn and Gatherer.

Councillor Fairclough paid tribute to the service given by Councillor Kerrigan.

Councillor Friel paid tribute to the service given by Councillor Kerrigan.

Councillor Hands paid tribute to the service given by Councillors Kerrigan and Mahon.

Councillor Jones paid tribute to the service given by all of the retiring Councillors.

Councillor Maher paid tribute to the service given by all of the retiring Councillors.

Councillor McGuire paid tribute to the service given by Councillors Lord Fearn, Maureen Fearn, Kerrigan and Mahon.

Councillor McKinley paid tribute to the service given by Councillor Gatherer.

Councillor Moncur paid tribute to the service given by Councillor Mahon.

Councillor Weavers paid tribute to the service given by Councillors Maureen Fearn and Gatherer.

Mayor of Sefton’s Charity Ball Update

The Mayor reported that the Charity Ball final income figure after expenditure had now been completed and that the total of £10,325 was raised on the night. The Mayor extended his thanks to everyone who contributed or supported in any way to the success of the Charity Ball.

Councillor Ashton

The Mayor indicated that he was pleased to see the return of Councillor Ashton to the Council Chamber following a period of mourning.

Mayoral Engagements

The Mayor reported that he and the Mayoress had attended 270 engagements so far during his Mayoral Year.

Extraordinary Council Meeting – 9 June 2016

The Mayor reported that an Extraordinary Council Meeting would be held on Thursday 9 June 2016 at Bootle Town Hall, commencing at 6.30pm to consider a report on the Inspectors initial findings on the Draft Local Plan and the proposed modifications to the Local Plan to be published for consultation.

Mayor Elect 2016/17

The Mayor reported that Councillor Iain Brodie-Browne had been nominated for the office of the Mayor of Sefton for 2016/17 and the appointment would take place at the Annual Council meeting to be held on 17 May 2016 at Southport Town Hall, commencing at 6.00pm