Minutes:
Death of Former Councillor Brian Rimmer
The Mayor reported that former Councillor Brian Rimmer had passed away.
Brian Rimmer had served the Norwood Ward from 10 May 1973 until 8 May 2011 and was Mayor of Sefton in 1985 – 1986.
The Council stood for a one minute silence as a mark of respect for Brian Rimmer.
A tribute to Brian Rimmer was made by Councillor Pugh.
Death of Employee David McAllister
The Mayor reported that former employee David McAllister had recently passed away. It was reported that David McAllister from Waterloo, Crosby served the Council for 40 years cleansing the streets of Sefton who was well thought of by the residents of Sefton and who will be sadly missed.
Death of Jean Kerrigan
The Mayor reported that Jean Kerrigan had recently passed away. Jean Kerrigan was an active Member of the Crosby branch of the Mayors Charity Fund since its inception until two months before Jean sadly passed away.
The Council stood for a one minute silence as a mark of respect for both David McAllister and Jean Kerrigan.
Resignation of Councillors
The Mayor referred to the recent resignation from Councillor Kevin Cluskey, Councillor for Ford Ward. It was reported that Kevin Cluskey had served the Council for 32 years representing Litherland Ward and later Ford Ward. On behalf of the Council he extended the Council’s appreciation for all his hard work as Ward Councillor, Mayor of Sefton and Member of Sefton Council and wished him well for the future.
Councillor Maher, Moncur, Pugh, McKinley, Brodie-Brown, Michael O’Brien, Carragher, Dutton and Bennett paid tribute to Councillor Kevin Cluskey for his service on the Council.
Councillor Linda Cluskey thanked Members for their tributes.
The Mayor informed the Council of the resignation from Councillor Andy Dams. On behalf of the Council he extended the Council’s appreciation for all his hard work as Ward Councillor for Bludellsands.
Councillors Brodie-Browne, Page, Dan.T.Lewis and Dawson paid tribute for his service on the Council.
Councillors Not Seeking Re-Election
The Mayor reported that this was the last Council meeting before the Council Elections on 3 May 2018 and that the following Councillors would not be seeking re-election:
Councillors McGuire who had served on Sefton Council for 12 years’ since May 2006;
Councillor Preece, who had 8 years’ service on the Council; and
Councillor Robert Owens and David Owens who 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 his best wishes to them for the future.
Councillors Keith and Pugh paid tribute to the service given by Councillor McGuire.
Councillor Pugh and Dawson paid tribute to the service given by Councillor Preece.
Mayor of Sefton 2018/19
The Mayor reported to the Council that he had been nominated for the office of the Mayor of Sefton for a further 2018/19. He reported that the appointment would take place at the Annual Meeting of the Council scheduled to take place on 17 May 2018 at the Town Hall, Bootle. He further reported that in respect of that he had made a decision not to hold an installation dinner so therefore there would be no requirement to adjourn the Annual Meeting.
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 £3,232 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.
VC Commemorative Paving Stone for Richard George Masters
The Mayor reported that on Saturday 21st April at 11.00am, the VC Commemorative Paving Stone for Richard George Masters would take place at Southport War Memorial on Lord Street. He further reported that the service would start at 11.00am, with a Parade conducted by 238 Squadron Royal Logistics Core from 10.30am prior to the service and he invited all Members of the Council to attend.
The Mayor also reported that following the service in Southport, there would be an official new road sign unveiling that will see Pelham Drive re-named to George Masters Drive.