Minutes:
Mr Colin Caller
(1) The Chairman stated that it was with regret that he had to inform Members of the death of Mr Colin Caller, former Labour Member for Gravesham East from 2013 to 2017, on 14 February 2020.
(2) Mr Bird, Dr Sullivan, Mr Burden, Mr Sweetland, Mr Gough and the Chairman paid tribute to Mr Caller.
(3) A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Mr Caller.
(4) The Chairman then moved, the Vice-Chairman seconded, and it was resolved unanimously that:
“This Council records the sense of loss it feels on the sad passing of Mr Caller and extends to his family and friends its heartfelt sympathy to them in their sad bereavement.”
Formal Thanks
(5) The Chairman referred to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it was having on Kent’s communities. He formally thanked all those working in the social care sector and asked Mrs Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, to pass on the Council’s thanks to all providers and workers in the sector across the county.
(6) The Chairman also thanked Members, officers, voluntary organisations, the health sector, delivery drivers, key workers, teachers, retail workers and many others for their dedication and tireless efforts in supporting those most in need and for keeping essential services running during this unprecedented time.
(7) The Chairman paid tribute to those that had passed away after contracting the virus and passed on the Council’s condolences to their families and friends.
KM Charity/Inspire School Celebration
(8) The Chairman referred to the KM Charity’s 20th Birthday celebrations which took place on 5th March 2020. During the evening, Mr Whiting, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, received a Commemorative Award and Certificate on behalf of Kent County Council, in recognition of the Council’s help and support for the KM Charity Team and Inspire Schools events and services throughout 2019. The Award was presented by Mike Ward, Chief Executive of the KM Charity Award Team.
Award for Kent Waste Management
(9) The Chairman announced that Kent County Council had received the REPIC ‘Champion of Champions’ award for delivering a 12-month project that improved annual vehicle usage efficiency by 7%. The award was achieved by optimising e-waste recycling collections and meant that, through positive engagement with the public, Kent had improved the collection of waste electrical materials.
(10) The Chairman invited Members to join him in congratulating all of those involved in the scheme on the achievement and for their dedication to recycling.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise
(11) The Chairman announced that Kent had two winners of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise this year. They were Nim’s Fruit Crisps (Sittingbourne) and Priority Freight Holdings (Dover).
(12) The Chairman congratulated these companies on this great achievement and invited Members to join him in congratulating all of the recipients of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise this year.
The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service
(13) The Chairman announced that Kent had three winners of The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service this year. They were ‘Broadstairs Town Team’, ‘The Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne’ and ‘Nourish’ in Tunbridge Wells. The Chairman added that Home-Start Medway, supporting challenged families with complex needs had also received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
(14) The Chairman congratulated these voluntary organisations and invited Members to join him in congratulating all recipients of The Queen’s Awards.