Minutes:
(a) Death of Mr Martin Jackson
The Chairman formally advised the County Council of the death of Mr Martin Jackson on 28 December 2009, former County Councillor for the Ashford No 3 electoral division from 1973 to 1977.
Following tributes from Mr Christie and Mr Richard King, the Council stood in silence in memory of Mr Jackson and then passed a resolution in the following terms:
RESOLVED that this Council desires to record the sense of loss it feels on the death of Mr Jackson and extends to his family and friends its heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavement.
(b) New Year’s Honours
The Chairman formally advised the Council of the following Awards in the New Year’s Honours list:
Honorary Alderman Peter James Morgan, who was awarded the MBE for services to the community in Sittingbourne.
Ms Jenny Robson, Head of the Minority Communities Achievement Service (Children, Families and Education Directorate), who was awarded an MBE for services to education.
Resolved: that this Council records its sincere congratulations to Honorary Alderman Peter James Morgan and Ms Jenny Robson for the Honours they have received.
(c) Mr Roger Frayne – extension of period of absence
Resolved: that in view of the continued absence of Mr Roger Frayne, County Councillor for the Dover Town Division, due to ill health, the Council formally approves his continued absence, in accordance with Section 85(i) of the Local Government Act 1972.
(d) Petition from Mr Parry
The Chairman announced the receipt of a petition from Mr Parry in relation to a safe road crossing in Crockham Hill, Sevenoaks, which he handed formally to Mr N J D Chard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, for investigation and formal response.
(e) Gravesham Borough Council – Local Councillor Shadowing Scheme
The Chairman welcomed a delegation of young people from the Borough of Gravesham who were taking part in the Local Councillor Shadowing Scheme, which was running throughout February and March. The aim of the scheme is give young people between the ages of 13 and 19 the chance to shadow their local representatives and learn more about local democracy.
(f) Mr Steve Leidecker
The Chairman advised the County Council that Mr Steve Leidecker, Director of Operations, Kent Adult Social Services, would be retiring in March 2010 after over 20 years’ service with KCC. On behalf of all Members of the County Council, the Chairman thanked Mr Leidecker for his great contribution to Adult Social Services and the way in which he had shown such passion and commitment. The Chairman added that he would be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues in the organisation.
(g) Poppy Appeal Awards and Launch of Cadet 150
The Chairman advised the County Council that he had attended the above event with the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent, which was to recognise the work of the cadets for the Poppy Appeal and to celebrate 150 years of the cadet movement. The Chairman stated that 300 young people were present at the event and there were many more like them throughout the County who commit considerable amounts of time to their units, supported by adult leaders. The Chairman added that, in this day and age when so much is said about the youth of today in derogatory terms, it was refreshing to know that the cadets were a shining example and a true representation of young people in our Country. He congratulated them all.