Last night was the latest full Medway Council meeting, the first featuring the new lineup of councillors elected back in May. If you didn’t fancy giving up four hours of your life on a Thursday to pop along, we’ve got all of the highlights below:
Do you want the good news or the bad news?
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
The good news is that we will be live tweeting full #MedwayCouncil tonight from 7pm.
The bad news is that we do not have full council bingo cards this time. Sorry about that.
The first full #MedwayCouncil meeting since the local elections is about to get underway. No one stand out item on the agenda tonight. https://t.co/jEuCzKr6ND
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
As usual, we are beginning a full public #MedwayCouncil meeting in 2019 with a prayer. Because of course we are.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Apologies for absence from Cllrs J Iles, @SteveIles, Carr, Clarke, @piersthompson82, Doe (all Con). All @MedwayLabour and independents are here.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
New mayor Cllr @HabibTejan is laying down the law, says he has supplied all councillors with a copy of the rules and will be asking what rule they believe is being broken if they interrupt one another. Cracking stuff. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
No public petitions. Only councillor petition is Cllr @markprenter to stop travellers on Beechings Green. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
First public question is this superb effort. This isn't even all of it because we couldn't get it into only four screenshots. Incredible work. pic.twitter.com/Ci5h8Va5Dk
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Wildey responds by saying the concerns have been raised to the CCG, but that Overview & Scrutiny can't deal with a lot of the issues raised. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Next is this on air pollution. Cllr Chitty responds with some figures about air pollution in Medway, disagreeing with opening statement. Talks about various council initiatives to improve wellbeing and air quality. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/gbC5lHIbAC
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
First question on saving Stoke Primary School, which is new a little out of date as the closure proposal has now been dismissed. Cllr @MartinMPotter commends campaigners against closure, and says the trust did not engage with council on closure. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/RzNFVHgpUI
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
The trust didn’t consult with young people or parents when merging Williamson and Leigh, guess they have form for this now. https://t.co/wy4p5DHuqn
— Thomas Baldock (@thomasb8899) July 18, 2019
Next up is this on unhappy Dickensians. Cllr @TurpinRupert responds that some events will inevitably overlap, and that positive responses have been received about the event. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/1uzsFGyatE
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Looks like the @MedwayLibDems are going all in on cycling provision. Cllr Filmer responds with "lots" for the first one, talks about 13km of new cycle routes, and new pump track in Gillingham. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/wBqkQumBE3
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Next question is from @JohnCastle4 about the locations of stroke units in Kent. Cllr Brake says #MedwayCouncil have taken legal advice on the process, and that decision has been referred to an independent panel. pic.twitter.com/PSsRzV6pbM
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Finally we have this from @Spud_Spalding. Cllr @TurpinRupert responds that #MedwayCouncil has supplied 20 tickets to theatre events, and 15 tickets to one Castle Concert. Nice. pic.twitter.com/pJL62o6J1B
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
We've now gone backwards to an earlier question as @frederickchespy has arrived late, but is being allowed to ask it. Cllr Jarrett responds that the current system is in line with the law, and that there will be a later debate on this issue. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/R96X7TmUCO
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
We're now moving on to Cllr Jarrett's Leader's Report. He begins by talking up #MedwayCouncil's festival lineup, specifically events based around Armed Forces Day. Says 15k attended English Festival, 61k Sweeps, 34k Dickens.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett talks about Castle Concerts, admits this year has "not seen the bounce back we hoped for". "We are beginning an urgent in depth review of the Castle Concerts". Suggests they may not continue in future. Big. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple responds on Castle Concerts, suggests inconsistent drinks ban was part of the problem, then points out long term decline in Dickens Festival attendance. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Incredible scenes. #MedwayCouncil https://t.co/8GbhQGPGLr
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Murray is referred to Cllr Mrs Murray for the first time this evening. One day these meetings will actually make it into the 20th century. Not even the 21st. The 20th would be progress. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @ClivJoh, referring back to Cllr Mackness' parting shot on the council, asks if Cllr Jarrett is comfortable with cabinet members using @MedwayLabour "an absolute shower". Cllr Jarrett says he would use the term himself "if appropriate". Fun. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
New councillor Cllr Buckwell is introducing the Overview & Scrutiny activity report. In so much detail. So, so much detail. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @TurpinRupert seconds the report, and spends a good chunk of his time praising Cllr Buckwell. It's a beautiful thing. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @ajpaterson highlights that #MedwayCouncil now pays more for CCTV but has fewer cameras. Highlights how overview and scrutiny committees are often a "missed opportunity". Says council can't admit when it gets it wrong. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @ajpaterson exceeds his time, and gets his mic turned off within seconds. The new mayor really is laying down the law. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @HowcroftJoanne says that she doesn't feel opposition councillors are treated the same as the ruling group within #MedwayCouncil. Then points out how Estonia has more hospital beds than the UK, apparently.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
We're onto councillor questions. @CllrDanMcD has withdrawn this question, as the issue has now been resolved, thanking ruling group councillors. All very reasonable. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/QFqkqpzljY
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
This question from @CllrAndyStamp gets precisely no relevant answer from Cllr Filmer, who just says the car park continues to operate. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/w2JzWxMkc6
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Travellers are back on the agenda. Cllr Gulvin says #MedwayCouncil are focusing on securing sites that are regularly camped on, but doesn't want them "looking like some kind of latter day Checkpoint Charlie". As you do. pic.twitter.com/Q7YagXOR8s
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Jennings was 36 when this meeting started. https://t.co/u9z5A2Uiww
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
We're now onto this item. #MedwayCouncil seeking to spend up to £3m to purchase Mountbatten House. Cllr Gulvin references the much mooted champagne fund, and suggests cost could be far less. pic.twitter.com/csdKgSOrI0
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
In a display of cross-party unity, Cllr @vincemaple says that the @MedwayLabour will support the Mountbatten House purchase. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple raises concerns about change of use rules that can sidestep full planning process. Cllr Jarrett says he has problems with permitted development process and this purchase will help stop others using this system. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
This is the next item and there's now a discussion about whether or not the press and public should be kicked out. We get to stay.. for now. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/E6CRmRk95C
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Questions about value for money of Innovation Park are being raised by @CllrAndyStamp. Also says most businesses showing interest in project don't seem particularly innovative. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Chitty is accusing certain @MedwayLabour councillors of "snobbery" towards the companies that have expressed interest in the park. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
The Innovation Park funding is agreed. We're now onto a proposal to assess possible development options of the Deangate Ridge site. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/wOevhGtthk
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Curry asks what a "rural town" is. We'd guess it's a town in a rural area, but we're looking forward to finding out for sure. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @ronniesands suggests #MedwayCouncil are subverting planning rules by using Deangate Ridge as a site for Medway Norse containers without seeking permission.
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett confirms that a 'rural town' is a "small town in a rural setting". Phew, that was tense. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
We're now onto a local democracy item! Cllr @vincemaple moving a proposal that he says restores the mayoralty to being "above politics". Will be interesting to see if it gains any traction. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/SYMY1smje5
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Kemp says the "barefaced duplicity of @MedwayLabour beggars belief". We'll put him down as a maybe for supporting the motion. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Quite clear that @MedwayTories will not be supported in a change to the mayoral system, so ideally we'd just move on to the vote. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Fireworks as @CllrStuartT says he would like to see Cllr @ajpaterson "sing the national anthem". Cllr Paterson raises a point of order, Mayor @HabibTejan demands the rule, Cllr Paterson brandishes one. Everyone grumpy. Punchy. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
This is never ending. Cllr @ajpaterson keeps getting up, brandishing rule numbers as Mayor @HabibTejan has required. Also, if anyone would like to bring us a copy of those rules, we'd be delighted to see a copy. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
This sums up the last ten minutes of this #MedwayCouncil meeting. pic.twitter.com/LAbwgmLzJE
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Chitty is now complaining about Cllr @ajpaterson being able to stand up and cite the rules repeatedly. Mayor @HabibTejan clarifies that he allowed this system. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett refers to @HowcroftJoanne as "Cllr Mrs Howcroft-Scott". Twice. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Jarrett requests moving on as this debate is not achieving anything. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr @vincemaple is calling for a recorded vote. Says some @MedwayTories have spoken to him that they support his proposals, but they will have lied to him if they vote against now. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Unsurprisingly, @MedwayTories vote against the proposals, with the exception of Cllr Gulvin who confusingly supports @MedwayLabour. Independents support too. Proposal is lost. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
We're now debating this motion from Cllr @vincemaple, to effectively request the government keep the Early May Bank Holiday next year. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/WTqI0IRjwB
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
More Rochester West fireworks as @CllrStuartT quickly moves to second the motion, while Cllr @ajpaterson was signally that he would like to do so. If looks could kill.. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
That look was actually my flabber being gasted! Consensus politics. Hooray!!
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) July 18, 2019
Broad support for this motion it appears. Cllr Buckwell raises an important question – the new bank holiday will be the day after the Police & Crime Commissioner election. When will the votes be counted? The burning question of the night. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
The bank holiday motion is unanimously agreed. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Final motion is this from Cllr @mickpendergast. #MedwayCouncil pic.twitter.com/Ch0rgrFyDH
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
Cllr Filmer supports the motion. Looks like Cllr @ClivJoh was trying to too, so this also appears to have cross-party support. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019
The motion has been agreed, and with that, we're done at a relatively early hour. #MedwayCouncil
— The Political Medway (@MedwayPolitics) July 18, 2019