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LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Council held in the Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn, on Tuesday, 25 February, 2020 at 7:00 pm
PRESENT: The Right Worshipful the Mayor Councillor A Givan
Deputy Mayor Councillor J McCarthy
Aldermen J Baird, W J Dillon MBE, D Drysdale, A G Ewart MBE, A Grehan, S Martin, S P Porter and J Tinsley
Councillors N Anderson, R T Beckett, R Carlin, S Carson, D J Craig, S Eastwood, J Gallen, O Gawith, A Gowan, M Gregg, M Guy, D Honeyford, S Hughes, J Laverty BEM, S Lee, H Legge, S Lowry, G McCleave, C McCready, A McIntyre, R McLernon, U Mackin, T Mitchell, Jenny Palmer, John Palmer, S Skillen, A Swan and N Trimble
IN ATTENDANCE: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Chief Executive Director of Service Transformation Director of Leisure & Community Wellbeing Director of Environmental Services PCSP/Member Services Manager Member Services Officer Attendance Clerk
Commencement of the Meeting
At the commencement of the meeting, The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, welcomed those present to the meeting, including those seated in the Public Gallery, and thanked everyone for their attendance.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor requested that all mobile phones be switched off or put on silent for duration of the meeting and also reminded everyone in attendance of a number of procedural matters including unauthorised recordings of the meeting not being permitted.
At this point The Right Worshipful the Mayor expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to Members, Officers and staff who had sent good wishes to him for a speedy and full recovery from his recent illness. The Right Worshipful the Mayor also extended thanks to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor J McCarthy, for having deputised for him on several occasions in recent days.
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At this juncture Alderman W J Dillon having wished The Right Worshipful the Mayor a return to full health and wished him well for the remainder of his Mayoral term. Alderman Dillon also wished to put on record thanks to The Right Worshipful the Mayor for the professional and honourable manner in which he had conducted the Freedom of the City Ceremony at which he had been bestowed with the Freedom of the City, long with two other recipients, Mrs Geraldine Rice MBE and Mr Tommy Jeffers, at a Special Meeting of Council on 8 February 2020. Alderman Dillon advised that he was conveying the thanks of Mrs Rice and Mr Jeffers also.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor welcomed the fact that Alderman W J Dillon had exercised his right to herd his sheep across the City’s Jubilee Bridge the previous week.
The Chief Executive outlined the evacuation procedures in the case of an emergency.
1. Business of The Right Worshipful the Mayor
1.1 Prayers
The Right Worship Mayor, Councillor A Givan, informed Members of the recent death of Mrs Ann Rodgers, mother-in-law of Councillor Andrew Ewing, and asked that the family be remembered at this time.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor welcomed Pastor Gordon Walker, from Carryduff Baptist Church, to the meeting of Council and invited the Pastor to lead the Council in prayer. Pastor Walker gave an address and said a prayer, during which he remembered Councillor Andrew Ewing and his wife, Michelle, and the family circle on their recent bereavement.
1.2 Mayor’s Engagements
The Council noted a number of engagements attended by The Right Worshipful the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor since the last meeting of Council.
2. Apologies
It was agreed to accept apologies for non-attendance at the meeting on behalf of Alderman M Henderson MBE and Councillor A P Ewing.
3. Declarations of Interest
The following Declaration of Interest was made:
Councillor U Mackin – in respect of item 8.6 of the minutes of the Leisure & Community Development Committee of 4 February 2020 Lagan Valley Regional Park – Volunteering – in view of his membership of the Lagan Valley Regional Park Board.
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4. Council Minutes
4.1 Meeting of Council held on 28 January 2020
It was proposed by Alderman J Tinsley, seconded by Councillor S Eastwood, and agreed that the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 28 January 2020 be confirmed and signed subject to:
Page 84 Item 8 Adoption of Minutes of Committees
Councillor J Gallen’s name being replaced by Councillor S Eastwood as the proposer of the Governance & Audit Committee minutes of 16 January 2020.
4.2 Special Meeting of Council held on 6 February 2020 Striking the Rate 2020/21
It was proposed by Councillor R Carlin, seconded by Alderman S P Porter, and agreed that the minutes of the Special Meeting of Council held on 6 February 2020 be confirmed and signed.
4.3 Special Meeting of Council held on 8 February 2020 Conferment of the Freedom of the City
It was proposed by Alderman J Baird, seconded by Councillor N Trimble, and agreed that the minutes of the Special Meeting of Council held on 8 February 2020 be confirmed and signed.
5. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising out of the Minutes of 28 January 2020, 6 February 2020 and 8 February 2020.
6. Deputations
There were no deputations to be received at the meeting.
7. Business Required by Statute
(i) Signing of Legal Documents
On a proposal by Councillor S Carson, seconded by Alderman J Tinsley, it was agreed that the following legal documents be signed at the meeting:
Hearth Historic Buildings Trust of The Old Museum, 7 College Square North, Belfast, BT1 6AS and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council – Memorandum of Sale in respect of purchase of Navigation House, Sprucefield, Lisburn.
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Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and ASG & Partners of Anderson House, Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 2GU – Integrated Marking Campaign Letter of Appointment.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and AECOM Limited of 10th Floor, The Clarence West Building, 2 Clarence Street West, Belfast, BT2 7GP – Review of the CUIDF Letter of Appointment.
Bye-laws made by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council under the provisions of Article 10 (4) of the Recreation and Youth Service (NI) Order 1986, Section 10 Public Parks (Ireland) Act 1869, Section 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906, Section 36 and the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 and Section 90 of the Local Government Act (NI) 1972 for Leisure and Community Facilities.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Spektrix Limited of Third Floor, 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN – Contract for provision of Integrated Box Office System for the Island Arts Centre and Facilities Management.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and A L Contract Services Limited of 26 Lany Road, Moira, Craigavon, BT67 0NZ – Call-off contract for Annual Tender AT2 – Hire of plant and machinery.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Corrigan Vehicle Rentals Limited of 72 Old Caulfield Road, Dungannon, County Tyrone, BT70 3EH – Call-off contract for Annual Tender AT2 – Hire of plant and machinery.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Balloo Hire Centre Limited of 31 Sydenham Road, Belfast, BT3 9DH – Call-off contract for Annual Tender AT2 – Hire of plant and machinery.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Kervyn Kirk Excavation and Groundworks of 3 The Nursery, Innishmore Road, Killyleagh, County Down – Call-off contract for Annual Tender AT2 – Hire of plant and machinery.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Pentland Plants Limited of Pentland Nurseries, Pentland Mains, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9QG – Contract for Lot 1: finished summer bedding, Lot 2: finished winter bedding and Lot 3: young plants (plugs).
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Hanna’s Nursery of 16 Hanna’s Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2SZ – Contract for Lot 7: planting, installation, removal and irrigation of hanging baskets.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and John Lindsay Professional Sportsturf of 2 Carn Court Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT63 5YX – Contract for Lot 6: amenity flower mixtures.
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Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Clive Richardson Limited of 54 Derrycoose Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 1LY – Contract for Lots 2,3,5,6,7,8, and 11 for supply and delivery of top sand and soil.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and White Mountain Quarries Limited of 5 Blackwater Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4TZ – Contract for Lot 1: for supply and delivery of top sand and soil.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Norman Emerson Group Limited of 116-118 Ardomore Road, Craigavon, BT66 6QP – Contract for Lot 4: for supply and delivery of top sand and soil.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Tony Patterson Sportsground Limited of 49 Ballynahinch Road, Saintfield, BT24 7ND – Contract for Lots 9 and 10 for supply and delivery of top sand and soil.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Killarney Christmas Tree Farm Company of Ballyhar Road, Knockasarnett, Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland – Contract for procurement of Christmas trees.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Carolyn Adams Displays of The Studio, 19 Diamond Road, Dromore, BT25 1PH – Contract for procurement of Christmas tree decorations.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Nilfisk Gerni NI of 102 Ballybogey Road, Ballybogey, Ballymoney, BT53 6PD – Contract for Lot 8: for supply and delivery of small horticultural equipment.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and D A Forgie of Unit 8, Blaris Industrial Estate, 7 Altona Road, Lisburn, BT27 5QB – Contract for Lots 4, 5 and 7 for supply and delivery of small horticultural equipment.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Cyril Johnston and Company Limited of The Cyril Johnston Centre, Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff, BT8 8DJ – Contract for Lot 3: for supply and delivery of small horticultural equipment.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Laird Grass Machinery Limited of 5A Island Road Lower, Ballycarry, Carrickfergus, BT38 9HB – Contract for Lots 1,2,6 and 9 for supply and delivery of small horticultural equipment.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Perfect Circle JV Limited of Halford House, Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1HA – Delivery Agreement (Part A) for provision of Construction Consultancy Services for Central Services Depot, Lisburn.
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8. Adoption of Minutes of Committees
Leisure and Community Development Committee 4 February 2020 Proposed by Alderman J Tinsley Seconded by Councillor H Legge
Adopted subject to the following amendments to items 3.1 and 4.2 as requested by Councillor M Guy
Item 3.1 Irish Language Week [Seachtain na Gaelge] 1st -17th March 2020
The following additional wording be included at the end of the first sentence (point (a) refers), and a new sentence added to the paragraph (point (b) refers):
(a) “especially as the Council area have more diversity than Irish Language and Ulster Scots groups.”
(b) “This point was echoed by Councillor M Guy who stated that more work was required than just balancing these two communities.”
Item 4.2 Tree Planting – Woodland Trust
The following additional wording be included at the end of the first sentence (point (a) refers), and a new sentence added to the paragraph (point (b) refers):
(a) “to assist in offsetting the Council’s carbon footprint.”
(b) “It was noted that ways to mark the 100th anniversary of the creation of NI and the possibility of planting trees as part of these commemorations would be considered in due course by the Corporate Services Committee, arising from the work of the Council’s NI Centenary Working Group.”
Item 4.1 Outdoor Facilities – Alignment of Facility Availability
It was agreed, at the request of the Chairman, Alderman J Tinsley, that item 4.1 be referred back to Committee for further consideration.
Environmental Services Committee 5 February 2020 Proposed by Alderman J Baird Seconded by Councillor M Gregg
Development Committee 5 February 2020 Proposed by Alderman A G Ewart Seconded by Alderman W J Dillon
Corporate Services Committee 12 February 2020 Proposed by Councillor R Carlin Seconded by Councillor S Carson
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Special Capital Projects Committee 20 February 2020 Proposed by Councillor R T Beckett Seconded by Councillor A McIntyre
Prior to the minutes being adopted Councillor N Trimble raised the issue of the minutes having been published the previous day and that in view of the 5 day period for scrutiny enquired if these minutes should be held for one month.
A discussion ensued during which the Chief Executive responded to Councillor Trimble’s comments. Councillor R T Beckett, Chairman of the Capital Projects Committee, reminded the Council that the Special Meeting had been convened due to the urgency and importance of the capital project on the agenda and stated that for this reason he was proposing that the minutes be adopted and signed that evening. It was noted that Standing Order 14.0 allowed for the ‘five day’ notice to be dis-applied in matters of urgency.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, put the proposal to the meeting that the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Capital Projects Committee of 20 February 2020 be adopted and signed. The proposal was seconded by Councillor A McIntyre and agreed.
A question from Alderman W J Dillon was noted in connection with the funding of the Dundonald International Ice Bowl capital project.
Planning Committee 6 January 2020
The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting of 6 January 2020 had been circulated for noting as these minutes had been agreed at the subsequent meeting of the Planning Committee on 3 February 2020. It was proposed by Councillor D J Craig, seconded by Councillor O Gawith, and agreed that their contents be noted.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor D J Craig put on record the importance of Members of the Planning Committee declaring an interest when the planning application is before them at the meeting and to absent themselves from that part of the meeting.
9. Report from Chief Executive
9.1 Refurbishment of Conference Suite
It was noted that the information contained in the report in relation to this item of business was of a confidential nature and would be considered under Confidential Business later in the meeting.
9.2 Appointment of Councillors to the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland
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The Council had been furnished with correspondence dated 10 February 2020 from the Department for Infrastructure inviting nominations from the Council to be considered to the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland.
It was proposed by Alderman J Tinsley, seconded by Alderman J Baird, and agreed that nominations to the Drainage Council be advised to the Chief Executive by Party Group Leaders by Friday 6 March 2020 in order to allow time for the completion of submissions to the Department by Friday 13 March 2020.
Item for Noting
9.3 Alliance Party NI Nominations to Committee/Outside Bodies
The Chief Executive reported receipt of a communication from Councillor O Gawith, the Council’s Alliance Party Nominating Officer, advising of the following in regard to the following changes to positions on committees/outside bodies following the resignation of the former Alderman Tim Morrow:-
Development Committee Councillor Sharon Lowry (to replace former Alderman Tim Morrow)
Corporate Services Committee Alderman Amanda Grehan (to replace Councillor David Honeyford)
Environmental Services Committee Councillor Sharon Lowry (to replace Councillor M Gregg who was nominated as Vice-Chairman of the Committee in place of former Alderman Tim Morrow)
Governance & Audit Committee Councillor Sharon Lowry (to replace Alderman Amanda Grehan)
Coopers Mill/Millmount Steering Group Councillor Sharon Lowry (to replace former Alderman Tim Morrow)
NILGA Councillor Sharon Lowry (to replace Alderman Amanda Grehan)
Belfast Hills Partnership It was noted that no further nominations would be made (based on legal advice and decision of Council)
Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group Councillor Owen Gawith (to replace former Alderman Tim Morrow)
It was agreed that the Alliance Party nominations to the above Committees and Outside bodies be noted.
10. Reports from Members on Board
There were no reports from Members on Boards.
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11. Reports on Decisions Subject to the Reconsideration Procedure
There were no reports on decisions subject to the reconsideration procedure.
12. Notice of Motion
There were no Notices of Motion for consideration at the meeting.
13. Confidential Business
The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, advised that the following items required to be considered ‘in Committee’ due to:
Item 13.1 Section 76 in respect of Planning Application LA05/2019/0337/F: containing information in relation to which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings
Item 13.2 Refurbishment of Conference Suite: containing information on the business or financial affairs of the organisation (including the Council holding that information)
“In Committee”
It was proposed by Councillor D J Craig, seconded by Councillor D Honeyford, and agreed that the following items be considered ‘in committee’, in the absence of members of the press and public being present.
The member of the press left the meeting (7.38 pm).
It was agreed that the Confidential report and recommendations of the Chief Executive be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below.
Councillor S Skillen left the meeting at 7.39 pm.
13.1 Section 76 in respect of Planning Application LA05/2019/0337/F
Having noted information set out in the Chief Executive’s report and having been provided with a copy of the above Deed of Agreement, it was agreed on a proposal by Councillor D J Craig and seconded by Alderman W J Dillon that approval be granted to the signing and sealing of the above Deed of Agreement by The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, and the Chief Executive.
13.2 Refurbishment of Conference Suite
Councillor S Skillen returned to the meeting at 7.41 pm.
Further to the ‘in principle’ decision of the Corporate Services Committee of 12 February 2020 that the Council proceed with the refurbishment of the Conference Suite subject to a further report on the above project being
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provided to include a breakdown of costs for the project as well as projected income and performance targets arising from the refurbishment, a report as outlined had been furnished to Members.
The Chief Executive outlined the key issues in relation to the report circulated.
Councillor N Trimble having welcomed the refurbishment proposals put on record his thanks to the Chief Executive for taking initiative with this project.
It was proposed by Councillor N Trimble, seconded by Alderman S P Porter, and agreed that the report circulated be approved.
14. Any Other Confidential Business
14.1 NILGA Annual Conference & Awards Alderman W J Dillon
A number of comments were noted by Alderman W J Dillon and Councillor U Mackin in regard to their attendance at the NILGA Annual Conference and Awards event on Thursday 20 February 2020 which had taken place in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Belfast.
Resumption of Normal Business
It was proposed by Councillor N Anderson, seconded by Alderman S P Porter and agreed to come out of Committee and normal business was resumed.
15. Any Other Business
15.1 NILGA Annual Conference & Awards The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan
The Right Worshipful the Mayor wished to put on record some of the comments raised “in Committee” during consideration of item 14.1 in particular in regard to the excellent speech by the Council’s Chief Executive, David Burns, at the NILGA Conference and also the success of the Council in winning two awards.
During consideration of the previous item Alderman W J Dillon and Councillor U Mackin had commended the Chief Executive on the content of his speech on revitalisation that he had delivered at the NILGA Conference and in particular the manner in which he had delivered his speech.
It was also noted that Councillor U Mackin had commended the success of the Council’s City Centre Management team from the Economic Development Unit in winning the Best Local Authority Service Team award and the Elected Member Development Network in winning the Best Local Government Elected Member Development Initiative award at the NILGA Conference and awards event.
It was agreed that a letter of congratulations be sent to the above-mentioned two successful teams from the Council who had won on the evening,
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15.2 Graffiti in Castlereagh South Area Councillor N Anderson
Councillor N Anderson outlined the ongoing problem for local businesses in relation to graffiti in the Newtownbreda, Four Winds and Carryduff areas. Councillor Anderson was concerned that many local businesses were already struggling and this was compounded by the cost to continually repaint these graffiti attacks. Councillor Anderson acknowledged that current Council policy was to remove graffiti only in instances where the graffiti was detrimental and/or offensive, and urged Members representing Castlereagh South to condemn all graffiti attacks on local businesses.
It was agreed on a proposal by Councillor N Anderson that a report be brought to the Environmental Services Committee at a future meeting which would outline options to address graffiti and private business premises.
15.3 Gambling Addiction Councillor N Anderson
Councillor N Anderson referred to a previous briefing by the then Department for Social Development dated 6 October 2011 which outlined issues in relation to legislation on gambling practices in Northern Ireland which had not kept pace with technological changes. Councillor Anderson stated that 9 years on this issue had become more serious as technology had become even more advanced and the legislation around gambling was complex.
Councillor Anderson also highlighted the seriousness of gambling addiction for thousands of people and their families and stated that it was important that these people and their families were provided with appropriate support and advice. Councillor Anderson stated that it was important that legislation was updated in this regard.
Councillor S Hughes left the meeting at 7.51 pm and returned again at 7.53 pm.
Councillor Jenny Palmer and Councillor John Palmer left the meeting at 7.53 pm.
It was proposed by Councillor N Anderson, seconded by Alderman S P Porter that: a) the Chief Executive writes to the Minister for Health asking:
what initiatives his Department currently provides in relation to gambling addiction,
what initiatives are planned to support and raise awareness of the mental health problems associated with problem gambling and gambling addiction, and
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stating this Council’s full support to the Department in any means to raise awareness of these important issues. b) a request that the Council lights up the Council building during Gambling Awareness week in November 2020 be referred to the Corporate Services Committee for consideration, and c) a report on this matter be brought to the Council’s Health Working Group to address what the Council was doing to support and raise awareness of the problem of gambling.
15.4 Noise Complaint Councillor R Carlin
Councillor R Carlin reported having received a complaint from a constituent relating to dog barking at night-time and the effect this issue was having on families with young children in the area in question. Councillor Carlin referred to the lengthy process of establishing a nuisance and enquired if there was any action the Council could take to expedite this process or interim measures meanwhile. In response the Chief Executive stated that Councillor Carlin should liaise with the Director of Environmental Services on this matter.
15.5 Local Government Commissioner for Standards Councillor S Carson
Councillor S Carson reported having obtained statistics on funding to the Local Government Commissioner for Standards office. Councillor Carson having acknowledged that this Council contributed to this role stated that there had been significant increases in funding to this organisation in recent years and more significantly in 2018/2019.
Councillor Carson requested that a report on funding to the Local Government Commissioner for Standards for the past 4 years be made available which would include contributions from this Council.
The Chief Executive undertook to look into the issues raised and provide a response to all Members.
15.6 Parenting NI Event Councillor M Guy
Councillor M Guy having commended the recent Parenting NI event that had taken place at Lagan Valley Island congratulated the Council Officers and staff who had assisted in the organisation of the event, it being noted that Parenting NI had received positive feedback from the event delegates on the manner the Council staff had assisted during the day.
Councillor M Guy referred to the Notice of Motion on Parenting that was passed by this Council in October 2019 and in this regard requested that the Council sends a letter to the Northern Ireland Executive to encourage the Executive to
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15.7 Inappropriate Comments during Council Meeting Councillor M Guy
Councillor M Guy referred to a ‘light-hearted joke’ that had been made earlier in the meeting and having reminded the Council that there were seven female Members on the Council, wished to put on record that it was inappropriate for such comments to be made in the Council Chamber.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, concurred with the sentiments expressed by Councillor M Guy.
15.8 Capital Programme 2019 Councillor G McCleave
Councillor G McCleave referred to the Capital Programme list that had been presented to Committee in February 2019 following a needs based analysis that had been carried out across the entire Council area and requested that the Capital Programme list be referred back to the relevant Committee.
The Chief Executive stated Councillor McCleave should liaise with the Director of Service Transformation in order to obtain the specific detail of this request with a view to the matter being progressed.
15.9 Greenway Framework initiative Councillor S Lee
Councillor S Lee referred to the graffiti issue in Castlereagh South that Councillor N Anderson had raised under item 15.3 and agreed that this issue had become out of hand in recent times.
Councillor Lee also referred to a meeting he had attended a few weeks ago along with the other Members from Castlereagh South and representatives from Carryduff Regeneration Forum when the Greenway had been discussed and it had been the view of those present that there was little progress being made.
It was proposed by Councillor S Lee, seconded by Councillor N Trimble, and agreed that the Council writes to the Minister for Health seeking the help of his Department to progress the element of Greenway on the Knockbracken site which was an important part of the proposed greenway.
15.10 Manufacturing Month NI Councillor S Eastwood
Councillor S Eastwood reported that next month, March, was ‘Manufacturing Month NI’ which was being launched by Manufacturing NI to recognise manufacturing excellence in Northern Ireland. Councillor Eastwood stated that it
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The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, acknowledged the Council’s active Economic Development Unit.
15.11 Castlereagh East Working Group Public Meeting Councillor S Skillen
Councillor S Skillen put on record her thanks to the Chief Executive, Directors and staff for their efforts in regard to the public meeting at the Dundonald International Ice Bowl the previous evening which had been called in regard to a large planning application which had been deferred in January 2020 and which had been well attended by representatives from the business and community sectors.
Councillor S Skillen paid a particular thanks to the Director of Service Transformation for his efforts in ensuring a successful public meeting.
Councillor Skillen also wished to concur with the sentiments expressed by Councillor M Guy in relation to the recent Parenting NI event.
15.12 Backlog at MOT Centres Councillor A Swan
Councillor A Swan referred to the item raised by Councillor S Carson at the previous meeting of Council regarding the ongoing issues at MOT Centres and was pleased to report that the issues appeared to be alleviating in the Lisburn MOT Centre as he had been successful in getting MOT appointments for two cars during the month.
15.13 IPad Issue Councillor C McCready
Comments were noted from Councillor C McCready regarding a login issue with his iPad.
15.14 Coronavirus Alderman S P Porter
Alderman S P Porter having referred to the ongoing concern regarding the Coronavirus and stated that it was important that Council Officers were making appropriate preparations. Alderman Porter also stated that it was important that any actions required by Officers in taking appropriate action in this regard had the authority of this Council to do so.
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In response the Chief Executive confirmed that Officers had been considering these matters both at a national level and regional level and that following discussions by the Corporate Management Team all teams had been instructed to review their continuity plans for any potential impacts.
15.15 Compliments from Local Resident Councillor H Legge
Councillor H Legge spoke in support of Councillors M Guy and S Skillen in regard to the two events raised earlier in the meeting, the NI Parenting event and the Castlereagh East public meeting respectively. Councillor Legge stated that she had attended both these excellent events.
Councillor H Legge also advised the Council of a conversation she had had with a lady at the above-mentioned public meeting who had asked her to convey to the Council her comments regarding the efficient and professional manner in which she was always dealt with when contacting the Council. This lady stated that the contact via the Council’s website was particularly efficient as she always received an immediate and appropriate response.
15.16 International Women’s Day 8 March Councillor H Legge
Councillor Legge advised that International Women’s Day was held each year on 8 March and that there were many events by various community groups taking place that day to mark International Women’s Day and encouraged all Members to go along and support events in their local area.
15.17 Thanks and Best Wishes for Retirement – Member of the Management Staff at the Lough Moss Leisure Centre Councillor N Anderson
Councillor N Anderson having informed the Council of the forthcoming retirement of a Member of the management staff at the Lough Moss Leisure Centre, paid tribute to the long service he had provided in his role over many years.
It was agreed at the request of Councillor N Anderson that a letter of thanks and appreciation from The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor A Givan, be sent to the member of management staff concerned for his many years’ service.
Conclusion of the Meeting
There being no further business for consideration, the meeting was terminated at 8.09 pm.
______Mayor
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