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(1)  
The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the
meeting would be recorded.
 

(2)  
The Chair reminded Members that the Council had
declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency.
These are serious decisions, and mean that, as this was an
emergency, all of us, Officers and Members had that in mind as we
carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our
District.
 

(3)  
The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages
regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in
line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed
to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.
 

(4)  
The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of
debate and times to speak will apply.
 

(5)  
The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply
to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate
time, should proceedings continue at length.
 

(6)  
 The Chair agreed a change to the order of the
published agenda and Agenda Item 6 ‘Questions from
Members’ and Agenda Item 7 ‘Notice of Motions’
were taken after Agenda Item 13.
 

(7)  
The Chair agreed that
Agenda Item 9 ‘Community Governance Review – Draft
Proposals for Public Consultation’ was deferred to the Full
Council meeting on Thursday 27 February 2025.
 

(8)  
The Chair announced that Louise Symes,
Strategic Planning and Projects Manager, had been working at North
Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended gratitude to Louise for
her services to the Council.
 
RESOLVED: That the Council place on record
its sincere thanks and appreciation to Louise Symes for her long
and valuable service to Local Government.
 

(9)  
The Chair announced that former Councillor Tony
Hunter passed away on 7 January 2025, and members stood for a
minutes silence in tribute.