Decision details

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2014.

Councillor T Neilson referred to minute number 23 and the debate on the motion in respect of minimum size of vehicular garages on new developments.  He felt that the comment made by Councillor D J Stevenson had not been accurately reflected as he did not believe the word ‘often’ had been used.  He stated that he had submitted a complaint regarding this matter and was pleased that Councillor D J Stevenson had agreed to apologise at the next meeting.  He asked if Councillor R Blunt would be prepared to give an apology on his behalf at this meeting in his absence.

Councillor R Blunt responded that whilst Councillor T Neilson might speak on behalf of his own Members, he would allow his Members to speak for themselves.  He commented that sometimes members of the both political groups said things that the leaders did not agree with.  He stated that Councillor D J Stevenson had agreed to apologise at the next meeting and therefore it was a matter for him to do so. 

Councillor T Neilson moved that the minutes be amended to accurately reflect Councillor D J Stevenson’s statement at minute number 23 by removing the word ’often’. 

The motion was seconded by Councillor J Legrys.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.

Councillor L Massey sought clarification on the legal position in respect of leaving a statement in the minutes that was inaccurate.

The Chairman clarified that the minutes were taken at the last meeting by the Democratic Services Officer and it was a matter for Members to determine the final minutes.

Councillor J Geary commented that Councillor D J Stevenson had agreed to apologise for his statement, but now Members were voting to agree that he did not make that statement.

The Monitoring Officer clarified that Members were debating the exact wording used; Members had been asked to vote on the removal of the word ‘often’, and if the majority of Members agreed that that word should remain, this would determine the formal minutes.  She added that whilst the complaints process was intended to be confidential, and therefore care was needed in terms of the level of detail that was discussed, there was some discrepancy about what had been said.  Notwithstanding that, Councillor D J Stevenson had agreed to apologise, and this was a separate issue to agreeing the minutes.

It was moved by Councillor G Jones, seconded by Councillor G A Allman and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2014 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.