Agenda and minutes

The Mayor’s Chaplain to give a blessing. 

Father Witon from Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George gave the blessing. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ahmet Oykener and Dino Lemonides and for lateness from Councillors Michael Lavender, Doris Jiagge and Ozzie Uzoanya. 

Members of the Council are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non pecuniary interests relevant to items on the agenda. 

No interests were declared by members at the meeting. 

Councillor Sitkin, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development, paid tribute to Neil Isaac, who had recently died.  Neil Isaac had been an assistant director in Regeneration and Environment since 2009, recently leading the Council’s economic development function. 

Councillor Sitkin praised Neil as a modern, entrepreneurial man, who was well liked and respected, both at work and by those who knew him socially.  He had been committed to improving services both in Enfield and across the region in his role in ALCO (Association of London Cleansing Officers).

Since his death the Council had been inundated with emails from both private and public sector colleagues expressing their dismay and obvious sense of loss at Neil’s passing.

Neil bravely and resolutely faced his illness, steadfastly refusing to be cowed and to the last retained his sense of humour and smile.

He would be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu regretted the sad death of Mame Gyang on 22 April 2016 saying that it had been a pleasure working with her.  Mame would be remembered for her commitment and focus on service users and carers, her sense of humour and positive outlook. 

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu sent her heartfelt condolences to Mame’s family and friends. 

Councillor Neville added his tribute to Neil Isaac whom he had known very well.  He said that Neil had been a real addition to the staff at a crucial time, that of the wheeled bin roll out.  This was an initiative that had needed careful handling and Neil had proved adept at bringing it in. 

Councillor Neville said that he had last spoken to Neil in the office recently where he had been full of courage, showing himself dedicated to the job and talking about coming back to work.  The Council had lost a dedicated local government officer of the first order.  He knew how to do the work and how to teach others, skills he had passed on to the benefit of the borough.

Councillor Neville sent his condolences to Neil’s friends and family, saying that he would be much missed.  He had liked him and felt sadness at his passing. 

One minute’s silence was held in memory of Neil Isaac and Mame Gyang. 

To elect the Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield for the Municipal Year 2016/17. 

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Neville seconded the nomination of Councillor Bernadette Lappage as Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield for the 2016/17 Municipal Year. 

Councillor Neville, in seconding the nomination on behalf of the Conservative Group, looked forward to Councillor Lappage’s year of office acknowledging that they had worked together for a long time, and he wished her an enjoyable year.

AGREED that Councillor Bernadette Lappage be elected as Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

The motion was agreed unanimously (without a vote).  Councillor Lappage then made and signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was invested with the badge of office by the retiring Mayor, Councillor Ekechi.

The Mayor made an acceptance speech:

Good Evening and Welcome

The Mayor began by wishing everyone good evening, thanking them for coming and then welcoming particularly Alma Nichoigligh, First Secretary of the Irish Embassy and the family of former Council Leader Jeff Rodin.

The Mayor said that she was proud to be part of the Enfield Community and that her year as Deputy Mayor had taught her so much about the extent of the giving and caring for others that exists around us in Enfield.

Looking round the room she said that she could see so many people with whom she had worked.  All of whom had something to contribute to Enfield and wanted the best for the borough.  

History of the Past

The Mayor said that she stood before the Council, as the daughter of Irish immigrants who had arrived in the country in the late 1940s.  She had been born and grown up mostly in Forty Hill.  She had good memories of Forty Hall, Hillyfields and other parks where she played when young, apart from the memory of when her older brother and sister had dropped her in the river by the Victorian ponds at Forty Hall. 

The Mayor said that she was truly honoured to be the Mayor of Enfield.  She owed a great debt to her wonderful parents, Pauline and Liam, who worked tirelessly for others in the borough and ensured that we never ignored anyone that needed help. 

The Mayor had been a French graduate and spent a year in the Sorbonne in Paris studying art history and in particular the Impressionists. 

While a student she had met her husband, Andrew to whom she had been married for over 30 years.  He was with her that evening as her consort along with her son Edward, also her consort. 

As the Mayor, she promised to bring a multiplicity of perspectives to the role, like the crest above her: the Enfieldian, with its head of a fox, chest of a hound, body of a lion, hindquarters and tail of a wolf and the talons of an eagle.  Whether it was accepted as the amalgam of animals on the old royal hunting ground of Enfield Chase or as the family crest of the O’Kelly’s in Ireland for over 1,000 years, she could identify with both. 

The Mayor’s perspective on Enfield was similarly varied.  She had been born in Enfield, attended local schools, commuted into Central London, had been a parent with a son at Enfield schools and a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George on the London Road.  Her parents had helped raised money for the construction of the church: the predecessor had been destroyed in the war.

The Mayor had also been an officer at the Council, run her own business teaching French at local nursery schools and also taught in several local primary schools. 

The Mayor had first been elected as a councillor in 1998, taking breaks since then, one  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Councillor Doug Taylor paid tribute to Jeff Rodin, former councillor, former Leader of the Labour Group, former Leader of the Council and freeman of the borough. 

He began by saying that Jeff Rodin had been an embodiment of civic life and he felt it was therefore appropriate to pay tribute to him on this occasion.  A memorial event would also be held later in the year. 

Jeff Rodin had been a councillor from 1986 to 2010 and leader of the first Labour administration for 26 years. He had given up his time to serve the community to make a difference: “to dare is to do”.  He was a politician with principles who believed in fairness and redistribution and was dedicated to the abolition of need and want.  When he became leader in 1994 his clear focus had been combatting poverty, making a difference to individuals, families and groups in the borough.

Since leaving the Council, Jeff had continued to make a contribution to society through his work with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Transport and the Over 50’s Forum. 

His unexpected early death had been met with great sadness but Councillor Taylor hoped that all who knew him would acknowledge his achievement, contribution and worth. And that he would live on personal memories. Enfield was a better place because he had lived here. 

Councillor Taylor thanked Jeff’s family for coming along that evening. 

Councillor Neville also paid tribute. 

Councillor Neville said that this was a sad occasion and that he had been stunned when he had hear about his death as he had not heard that Jeff Rodin was unwell.  He had known Jeff for a long time, since he had first joined the Council.

Although he had taken a different view in politics, he had respected Jeff Rodin as a highly principled man who held to his principles.  Both parties were in politics to strive to do something to address people’s problems, the problems of poverty, fairness and equality, but they believed in different means to do so. 

Both had agreed on the introduction of Cabinet government, the new model of governance which had been bought in in 1998.  It was fitting that they liked each other. 

He felt that Jeff Rodin had been a good man who did what he believed to be right.

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou added his own tribute saying he was pleased that Jeff Rodin’s wife and family were present that evening.  Jeff Rodin had been proud of Enfield which had much going for it. Jeff had wanted to improve the borough and there was much to admire.  It was thanks to Jeff that the borough had the Southbury Leisure Centre, the Cinema on Southbury Road, the redevelopment of Edmonton Green and Community House.  These developments had been achieved because of Jeff’s vision, leadership and courage.

Councillor Georgiou praised Jeff’s conviction and belief in social justice, fairness and equality, also mentioning his volunteer work at the Citizens Advice Bureau and his free tax advice.  He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Mayor announced the appointment of Andrew and Edward Lappage as her Consorts for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.  She then invested them with the badge of office.

The Mayor confirmed the appointment of Councillor Christine Hamilton as Deputy Mayor for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.  The Deputy Mayor then made and signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was invested by the Mayor with her badge of office.

Councillor Hamilton thanked the Mayor for her appointment and looked forward to supporting her and working together.”

The Deputy Mayor announced the appointment of Ian Hamilton as her Consort for the 2016/17 Municipal Year, and invested him with the badge of office. 

5.1       Appointment of Mayor’s Consort

The Mayor to announce the appointment of her consort for the Municipal Year 2016/2017.

5.2   Appointment of Deputy Mayor

To receive the Mayor’s written notice of the appointment of a Councillor of the London Borough of Enfield to be Deputy Mayor for the Municipal Year 2016/2017 and record the appointment.

5.3   Appointment of Deputy Mayor’s Consort

The Deputy Mayor to announce the appointment of her consort for the Municipal Year 2016/17.

5.3   Appointment of Deputy Leader and Cabinet

To note the appointment by the Leader of the Council of the Deputy Leader and the Cabinet, as detailed under item 10.1 on the agenda.

Councillor Taylor confirmed the appointments as set out below and detailed on the yellow list tabled under agenda item 10.1:

Deputy Leader – Councillor Achilleas Georgiou

Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care - Councillor Alev Cazimoglu

Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration & Business Development – Councillor Alan Sitkin

Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection – Councillor Ayfer Orhan

Cabinet Member for Community Arts and Culture – Councillor Yasemin Brett

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health – Councillor Krystle Fonyonga

Cabinet Member for Environment – Councillor Daniel Anderson

Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency – Councillor Dino Lemonides

Cabinet Member for Housing & Housing Regeneration – Councillor Ahmet Oykener. 

Councillor Taylor thanked former cabinet members, Councillors Andrew Stafford and Nneka Keazor for their work in the areas of finance and public health. 

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor will present past Mayor’s and past Mayor’s consort badges to Councillor Patricia Ekechi and Dr Christine Ekechi. 

The Mayor presented past Mayor’s and Mayors Consort badges and certificates recording the Council’s appreciation to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Patricia Ekechi and her Consort Dr Christine Ekechi.

The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, thanked them for the work they had undertaken during the 2015/16 Municipal Year.

The Leaders of both Groups were also presented with a token of appreciation for their support over the year.

The Mayor made the following announcements: 

1.          Councillors Pite and Stewart would be taking part in a through the night charity cycle ride and would be grateful for any donations and/or sponsorship.  More details were available from the Mayor’s Office.

2.          The Enfield Night Hike would be held on Friday 20 May 2016, starting at the Civic Centre.  Further details were available from the Mayor’s Office and the Acting Head of Leisure Facilities, Sport, Recreation, Leisure and Culture.

To approve as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on Wednesday 23 March 2016. 

NOTED the following amendments to the minutes of 23 March 2016:

1.               To add apologies for lateness to Councillor Anderson

2.               The following changes to Minute 155 and 158:

Minute 155

To add in to paragraph 1 (Condolences) the following phrase:  “and to the people of Ankara who had also suffered from terrorist attacks in recent weeks”

To change the third paragraph to read: 

“Councillor Doug Taylor added his condolences to the victims in Brussels, which were echoed by Councillor Terry Neville who also added his condolences to the people of Ankara.”

To change “Her Royal Highness” to “Her Majesty” in Para 2 Update on Mayoral Engagements.

Minute 158

To change “She” to “He”(Nineteenth bullet point second sentence).

AGREED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 23 March 2016 be confirmed and signed as a correct record with the above amendments. 

To receive the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services asking the Council to determine the consultation and political balance of the committees, joint committees and panels that have been set up for discharge of the Council’s functions.  (Report No:1)

Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Alessandro Georgiou seconded the report of the Director of Finance, Resources & Customer Services (No.1) seeking Council approval to determine the constitution and political balance of the committees, joint committees and panels that had been set up for discharge of the Council’s functions.

AGREED

1.              That the seats allocated to each political party on the committees and boards to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 apply, be approved as set out in Appendix A of the report.

2.              That in accordance with paragraph 3.3 of the report, the Council resolves (without dissent) that the rules of political proportionality should not apply to those bodies marked with an * in Appendix A of the report.

10.1    To establish the Council bodies for the coming Municipal Year and to appoint memberships to these (see list on yellow).

10.2    To confirm the Terms of Reference of those bodies set out in Part 2 of the constitution.   

Link to Part 2 of the Constitution

1.1   Appointment of Council Bodies 2016/17: Committee Membership list

Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Alessandro Georgiou seconded the list of Council bodies to be established and membership appointments for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

AGREED to the establishment of the Council bodies for the 2016/17 Municipal Year and appointment of their memberships, as set out on the yellow list tabled at the meeting.

1.2   Appointment of Council Bodies 2016/17: Terms of Reference

AGREED to confirm the terms of reference of those bodies as set out in Part 2 of the Council’s Constitution. 

To consider the Council’s representation on other bodies and organisations as required (see list on green).        

Councillor Stewart moved and Councillor Alessandro Georgiou seconded the list of nominations for appointments to outside bodies for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

AGREED the Council’s representation on outside bodies, as detailed on the green list tabled at the meeting.

The Council is asked to agree the authority’s Scheme of Delegation as set out in Part 3 (pages 3.2 - 3.13) of the Constitution. 

Link to Part 3 of the Constitution

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Neville seconded the authority’s scheme of delegation. 

AGREED the authority’s Scheme of Delegation, as set out in Part 3 (pages 3-2 to 3-13) of the Constitution.

13.1    Urgent Questions (Part 4 - Paragraph 9.2.(b) of Constitution – Page 4-9)

With the permission of the Mayor, questions on urgent issues may be tabled with the proviso of a subsequent written response if the issue requires research or is considered by the Mayor to be minor.

Please note that the Mayor will decide whether a question is urgent or not.

The definition of an urgent question is “An issue which could not reasonably have been foreseen or anticipated prior to the deadline for the submission of questions and which needs to be considered before the next meeting of the Council.”

Submission of urgent questions to Council requires the Member when submitting the question to specify why the issue could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the deadline and why it has to be considered before the next meeting.  A supplementary question is not permitted.

13.2    Councillors’ Questions (Part 4 – Paragraph 9.2(a) of Constitution – Page 4 - 8)

None. 

1.1           Urgent Questions

None received.

1.2           Questions by Councillors

None received. 

None. 

None received. 

15.1    To approve the calendar of Council meetings, including the proposed date for the next Council meeting on Wednesday 8 June 2015 at 7.00pm at the Civic Centre.  The calendar has been subject of consultation with officers and both political groups. 

15.2    The Council is asked to approve the calendar, subject to any further changes/additions being delegated to the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, in consultation with both party groups. 

NOTED the calendar of meetings included indicative dates for future meetings of the Council up until May 2018.

AGREED

1.               The calendar of meetings of the Council, including the next Council meeting, which had been scheduled for Wednesday 8 June 2016.

2.               That approval of any further amendments to the calendar be delegated to the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, in consultation with both party groups.

None received. 

None received

Members are asked to note that subject to Item 15 above, the next meeting of the Council will be held on Wednesday 8 June 2016 at 7.00pm in the Civic Centre. 

NOTED that the next meeting of the Council would be held at 7pm on Wednesday 8 June 2016 at the Civic Centre.