Content

(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 congratulated all Councillors from across
Hertfordshire who were successful in their election to the County
Council in the recent elections. Specifically at North Herts, he
congratulated Councillors Ian Albert, Tina Bhartwas, Alistair
Willoughby, Ruth Brown, Steve Jarvis, Sean Prendergast, Chris
Lucas, Ralph Muncer and David Barnard on their successful election
or re-election.
 

(7)       
The Chair reminded Members to complete their
Register of Interest forms by the 31 May 2025.
 

(8)       
The Chair reminded Members to complete their
election expenses by 6 June 2025.
 

(9)       
The Chair reminded Members to complete the
post-election survey from the Electoral Services Team by 31 May
2025.
 

(10)    
On behalf of the former Chair, Cllr Clare Billing,
the Chair confirmed the amount raised for her chosen charity,
Sands, during the Civic Year 2024-25 and advised that a
representative from Sands would be invited to a future meeting of
Full Council to be presented with a cheque.
 

(11)    
The Chair offered thanks to Penny Copestake,
Chair’s Secretary, on behalf of the former Chair, Councillor
Clare Billing, and announced that a bouquet would be sent in
recognition of her hard work and support. The Chair wished Penny a
very happy and well-deserved retirement.
 

(12)    
The Chair advised Members that the Director –
Place would be retiring shortly after 35 years at the Council and
wished him a long and enjoyable retirement.
 

(13)    
The Chair advised Members that the Director –
Governance would be retiring shortly and wished her a long and
happy retirement.