There were no apologies for absence.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2015 to be submitted and signed. 

Copies of the minutes of this meeting are usually available seven working days following the meeting.

(All minutes are available on the Council’s website.)

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2015 were submitted and signed.

Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth and the Single Commemorative Act

The Chairman informed Council that on Monday 9 March he had led the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth ceremony and the Elected Mayor led the Single Commemorative Act to remember World War One.  He added that Members may have noticed the candle in the cabinet outside the Council Chamber.  This candle would remain throughout the year.

Chairman’s Reception at Watford Colosseum

The Chairman stated that he had hosted a charity reception at Watford Colosseum to see a performance of La Traviata.  The reception raised £360 from a raffle, for his charities. 

Jamaican High Commission Visit

The Chairman announced that the previous day he had welcomed the Jamaican High Commissioner and her guests to the Town Hall.

Chairman’s Charity Quiz

The Chairman informed Council that he was holding the annual Chairman’s Quiz the following day, Thursday 19 March at the Colosseum.  He looked forward to seeing those who would be taking part.

Members’ Self-Assessments

The Chairman reminded Members to return their self-assessments to the Member Development and Civic Officer by Tuesday 31 March.

Members’ Related Party Transactions

The Chairman also reminded Members to return their Related Party Transaction forms to the Head of Democracy and Governance as soon as possible.

Managing Director’s Letter to Councillors

The Chairman referred to the Managing Director’s letter which had been sent to the Mayor and all Councillors.  He asked Members to note the contents.

A report of the Mayor had been circulated with the agenda.

a)      Councillor Mehta referred to her previous questions to the Mayor about required actions for the New Watford Market that would now be taking place in April.  She then referred to the Dome roundabout and commented that she was confused as to why the mayor was asking for something that was already happening.  The County Council had already agreed to review the situation regarding the traffic lights at the roundabout.  The MP had carried out a survey and presented the results to the County Council.  She asked the Mayor why she was pressing for action.

          The Mayor responded to Councillor Mehta’s statement regarding the market.  The Mayor stated that the town had previously had a failing market in a failing location, which meant that a failing market had been transferred to the new location.  She felt that issues about the tenant mix and the public’s requirements were still in question.  The public did not go to the market before and they were still not visiting it.  It was necessary to find out what kind of market Watford wanted and the types of stalls that would attract people.  The Mayor said that markets across the country were located in different types of locations and had different styles.  If the market had the items people wanted to buy they would visit it.  She added that she regretted that it had taken longer than she had hoped to have the problems resolved.  She said that there was an urgency and a meeting would shortly take place with Town and Country Markets to discuss their plans for the future.  The Council needed to note the main issue was about the tenant mix.

          The Mayor then referred to Councillor Mehta’s comments about the Dome roundabout.  She stated that the review would only be happening because County Councillor Derek Scudder had asked for it to take place.  The Mayor mentioned that there had been Section 106 funding for the alleviation of the Dome roundabout following the planning permission granted to MEPC for its Leavesden development.  Due to the lack of development on the site the funding did not come through.  The administration had always placed emphasis on the need for action at the Dome roundabout.  She was delighted that County Councillor Scudder’s recent efforts had been echoed by the MP.

b)      Councillor Bashir also posed a question to the Mayor on the market.  He asked the Mayor whether she accepted that the project was ill-prepared, not thought through and had been amateurish in its organisation, planning and delivery.  In addition he asked the Mayor whether she would accept personal responsibility for the debacle. 

          The Mayor responded that she would not accept personal responsibility.  She did not personally manage the Project Team.  If Members asked the Project Team about the scheme, they would state that certain things should have happened differently and the Council would learn from it.  She referred to her response to Councillor Mehta  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The Chairman reported that questions had been received from Councillors Bell and S Williams.

The questions and responses were circulated at the meeting and are attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

No questions had been received.

No petitions had been received.

There was no urgent business.

No motions had been received.

Report of Cabinet 16 February 2015

Council received a report of Cabinet, including the original report presented to Cabinet at its meeting on 16 February 2015.

RESOLVED –

that the current draft of the Corporate Plan 2015-19 be approved.

Report of Licensing Committee 4 March 2015

Council received a report of the Licensing Committee, including the original report presented to the Committee on 4 March 2015.

RESOLVED –

that the Food Safety Law Enforcement Plan be approved subject to the following amendments suggested by the Licensing Committee

1.      In item 2.4 under ‘Access to the Food Service’ the times where customers can use the Environmental Health service be amended to read ‘8.45 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. (4.45 p.m. on Fridays).’

2.      In item 3.1 under ‘Risk Based Inspection Programme’ the wording in category ‘E’ be amended to read ‘A well run newsagent selling only pre-packed drinks, crisps and sweets.’