AGM & Mayor Making
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Macclesfield Town Council
Annual General Meeting and Mayor Making Agenda 17th May 2021
Agenda for the Annual General Meeting and Mayor Making to be held on Monday 17th May 2021 at 7pm at Macclesfield Town Hall.
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Declarations of Interest
Public Questions
The meeting will be adjourned to invite comments and questions from the public.
The meeting will then be reconvened.
NOTE: If you would like to speak during public session, please email clerk@macclesfield-tc.gov.uk by Midday on Thursday 13th May 2021. Every practicable effort will be made to try and arrange your inclusion.
If you would like to submit a written statement, please submit your statement for inclusion and circulation to the committee to clerk@macclesfield-tc.gov.uk by Midday on Thursday 13th May 2021.
Please note this is a face to face meeting and numbers in the room are very limited due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. If you wish to attend, please register with the clerk by emailing clerk@macclesfield-tc.gov.uk.
3. The Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield’s Remarks
4. Election of the Mayor of Macclesfield for 2021/22
5. Election of the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield for 2021/22
The retiring mayor will adjourn the meeting whilst the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor receive their insignia of office.
The Town Clerk will call upon the Mayor of Macclesfield to read and sign their declaration accepting the office of Mayor of Macclesfield.
The Town Clerk will call upon the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield to read and sign their declaration accepting the office of Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield.
The meeting will then be re-convened.
6. Tribute by the Incoming Mayor of Macclesfield to the Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield and Mayoress
7. Appointment (if known) of the Mayor’s Honorary Chaplain, Mayor’s Cadet, introduction to the Mayor’s charity/ies to be supported and plans for the year
8. Deputy Mayor introduces Deputy Mayor’s Consort
9. Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council 29th March 2021
ACTION: To consider the draft minutes and approve them as a true record of the meeting.
10. Committee Appointments
ACTION: To approve the committee appointments.
11. Calendar of Meetings
ACTION: To approve the calendar of meetings.
12. Audit for Financial Year 2020/21
ACTION: To approve the audit submission for 2020/21 recommended to Council by the Finance Committee.
13. Internal Auditor
ACTION: To approve JDH Business Services as internal auditor 2021/22.
14. External Support Services
ACTION:
- To approve Wirehouse Employer Services for HR and H&S support.
- To approve Shires Pay Services Ltd for Payroll Services.
- To approve Blain Boland & Co Solicitors for legal support.
- To approve John Greenhall & Co for finance and accountancy support.
15. Cheshire Association of Local Councils (Chalc)
ACTION: To consider the renewal of membership of ChALC.
16. Insurance
ACTION: To consider Insurance Providers for the Town Council.
17. Other Memberships
ACTION: To consider renewal of the following memberships
- National Allotment Society.
- Chinese Society.
18. Annual Report
ACTION: To note and receive the 2020/21 Annual Report of the Town Council.
19. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting of Macclesfield Town Council is 7pm, 14th June 2021 at Macclesfield Town Hall.
Macclesfield Town Council
Annual General Meeting 17th May 2021
Minutes of the meeting of Macclesfield Town Council Annual General Meeting held on 17th May 2021 at 7pm
In attendance:
Cllr Chris Wilcock
Cllr Mick Warren
Cllr Alift Harewood MBE
Cllr Fiona Wilson
Cllr Neil Puttick
Cllr David Edwardes
Cllr Fin Shenton
Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake
Cllr Sandy Livingstone
1. Apologies for Absence
Cllr Lloyd Roberts
Cllr Janet Jackson MBE
Cllr Mike Hutchison
The meeting was opened by the Retiring Mayor, Sarah Bennett-Wake for the purposes of electing a Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2021/22.
2. Declarations of Interest
None
The meeting was adjourned allowing for public comments and questions.
There were no public comments.
The meeting was then reconvened.
3. The Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield’s Remarks
Cllr Sarah Bennett- Wake, started by saying when she began her role as the Mayor of Macclesfield on 29th June 2020, little did we know how long we would be locked down, the extent of the virus, and the grave economic and personal impact it would have. She said it is easy to focus on the sorrow and despair caused by the pandemic, every family has been impacted by the loss of loved ones, special occasions uncelebrated or postponed, incomes, jobs, businesses, and homes lost too.
Cllr Bennet-Wake said however out of this heart-breaking period there was and is hope; our key workers, NHS staff, carers, schools, shopworkers, emergency services, councils kept going with an army of support from volunteers and the third sector. They pulled out all the stops to protect and support the most vulnerable people in the community and she extended a heartfelt thanks.
Cllr Bennett- Wakes told of her Mayoral theme for the year, which was was ‘kindness’, to yourself, others, the community and the environment. This has been reflected in the fundraising activities for her chosen charities, Cre8 and Macclesfield Seals Disability Swimming Club. She stated fundraising was hard this year, however they produced masks, a Book of Kindness written by local Children and produced by Cre8 and also held a charity auction thanks to Adam Partridge Auctioneers, which raised £1000 in one night. Altogether thanks to your generosity we raised £5,512 for the Mayors Charities.
Cllr Bennet-Wake thanked Cllr David Edwards, the Deputy Mayor for his enthusiasm and support throughout the year covering events, she also thanked her Chaplain Fr Peter from St Albans for his comforting prayers.
Cllr Bennett-Wake extended thanks to the Town Hall team and then went on to thank her wife Stella, the Mayoress, official chauffeur, bag, umbrella carrier and photographer and for caring for her in this difficult year as she could not have done this without her. Cllr Bennett- Wake finished by thanking her family and her parents for bringing her up to care, love and look out for others. She hopes she made them proud.
4. Election of the Mayor of Macclesfield for 2021/22
RESOLVED: Nominated by Cllr Wilson: Cllr David Edwardes.
Cllr Wilson was delighted to nominate Cllr David Edwardes as Mayor of Macclesfield who is an active community campaigner focussing on improvements to the public realm and outdoor spaces including bike racks, planters and a defibrillator at Tytherington shops and improvements to the Tytherington playing fields.
She spoke of the hard work of Cllr Edwardes, to improve the safety in Tytherington by setting up a community speed watch team and how he is a committed fundraiser and has supported local organisations and charities in our community, distributing Easter eggs to schools and care homes and, at Christmas, in his role as Santa, bringing some Christmas cheer to the children and residents of our town.
In the time Cllr Wilson has known Cllr Edwardes, Cllr Wilson has learnt that he is a helpful and enthusiastic person who always does his best for his community and our town. Cllr Wilson stated she was certain that Cllr Edwardes will continue to encourage and welcome changes and improvements to our town. As we emerge from the pandemic, he will use his experience and commitment to work for a brighter future for us all.
Seconded by Cllr Wilcock.
Cllr David Edwardes was then unanimously voted as the Mayor of Macclesfield for the Civic Year of 2021/22.
5. Election of the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield 2021/22
RESOLVED: Nominated by Cllr Bennett-Wake Cllr Fiona Wilson.
Cllr Bennett-Wake was very pleased to nominate Cllr Wilson, stating it was Fiona who encouraged her to stand as a town councillor. She said Cllr Wilson has passion for all things political, a keen sense of fairness, an amazing attention to detail, and a caring nature which will make her an excellent candidate for Deputy Mayor.
Cllr Wilson’s interest in politics started at Macclesfield County High School for Girls. She quickly became an active union rep in her first job at a high street bank, then moving on To USDAW where she was ultimately appointed Head of Research and Economic. Cllr Wilson now works part time for two local charitable trusts.
She said that Cllr Wilson was elected to represent South Ward in May 2019 and sits on all the Council Committees. She is also the Town Centre and Regeneration Champion and an active member of the Macclesfield Town Centre Recovery Working Group and Chair the sub-group on outdoor hospitality.
With 40 years of experience and enthusiasm, working and campaigning for the benefit of others Cllr Bennet Wake expressed she has no doubt that Cllr Wilson will make a fantastic Deputy Mayor.
Seconded by Cllr Warren.
Cllr Fiona Wilson was unanimously voted as the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield for the Civic Year of 2021/22.
The Retiring mayor adjourned the meeting whilst the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor received their insignia of office.
The Mayor of Macclesfield read and signed their declaration accepting the office of Mayor of Macclesfield.
The Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield read and signed their declaration accepting the office of Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield.
The meeting was re-convened by the Mayor.
6. Tribute by the Incoming Mayor of Macclesfield to the Retiring Mayor of Macclesfield and Mayoress
Cllr Edwardes paid a warm tribute to the retiring Mayor, Cllr Bennett-Wake, stating what a fantastic Ambassador to our town she has been. Whilst working full-time in education she has steered Macclesfield through the awful pandemic. Her theme of Kindness has never been truer or more needed than in the last year. Cllr Edwardes stated she is genuinely a kind person herself and worked cooking and delivering meals with the Green in the corner café to help those in need during the lockdowns helping to feed and spread kindness to local residents.
He stated Sarah really was the perfect person to be Mayor, during the last year. Not only volunteering herself, but still ably engaging with communities and groups, sharing motivational videos and holding virtual events.
Cllr Edwardes also thanked Cllr Bennett-Wake’s wife, Stella who has fantastically supported the Mayor in her role as Mayoress throughout her time as Mayor.
7. Appointment (If Known) of the Mayor’s Honourary Chaplain, Mayor’s Cadet, Introduction to the Mayor’s Charity/ies to be Supported and Plans for the Year
Cllr Edwardes stated that he has always loved Macclesfield and his theme for the year is ‘My Town, Your Town, Our Town’. As Mayor this year he is incredibly proud to work with the present Council who are doing an amazing job. He thanked his fellow Councillors for their friendship, guidance, and support.
The chosen Pastor for the coming year will be Steve Parsons from Tytherington Family Worship Church.
The Mayors chosen Charities are firstly, the Windyway Trust. Started in 2005 with its sanctuary up Buxton Old Road it has rehomed hundreds of animals over the years.
The second charity will be Macclesfield Round Table which over recent years has provided radio equipment for Cheshire Search and Rescue, 5 defibrillators in and around Macc, toys for the family centre, funds for the Upton Priory Scout group and Macclesfield boxing club plus many, many, more.
Cllr Edwardes also thanked his wife, Natalia, who is always there to support him and is very excited to support Cllr Edwardes in her new role as Mayoress. He also thanked the Town Hall staff and the Town Rangers for doing a wonderful job.
8. Deputy Mayor introduces Deputy Mayor’s Consort
Cllr Wilson introduced her Consort, her husband Mr Brian Puddicombe. She shared that they met at the Trades Union Congress in Blackpool in 1990, were married in May 1992 and are celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary at the end of the month. They met because they were both active members of the Banking, Insurance and Finance Union and quickly established they had a shared interest in politics.
Cllr Wilson thanked Brian for his support over the years, stating he is a thoughtful, caring and very laid-back person who she knows will be an excellent Consort and how she looks forward to her term of office as Deputy Mayor with Brian by her side.
9. Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council 29th March 2021
RESOLVED: That the minutes are approved as a true record of the meeting.
10. Committee Appointments
RESOLVED: That that the circulated list of committee appointments is approved with the amendment to add Cllr Sandy Livingstone to the Planning and Services Committee.
11. Calendar of Meetings
RESOLVED: That that the calendar of meetings is approved, subject to ongoing review and change.
12. Audit for Financial Year 2020/21
RESOLVED: That the audit submission for 2020/21, recommended to Council by the Finance Committee, is approved
13. Internal Auditor
RESOLVED: That JDH Business Services is appointed as internal auditor for financial year 2021/22.
14. External Support Services
RESOLVED:
14.1. That Wirehouse Employer Services is approved for HR and H&S support
14.2. That Shires Pay Services Ltd is approved for Payroll Services.
14.3 That Blain Boland & Co Solicitors is approved for Legal support.
14.4 That John Greenhall & Co is approved for Finance and Accountancy support.
15. Cheshire Association of Local Councils (CHALC)
RESOLVED: That membership of ChALC is renewed.
16. Insurance
RESOLVED: It was approved that Zurich would provide insurance for the next 3 years.
17. Other Memberships
RESOLVED: To following memberships were approved:
17.1. National Allotment Society.
17.2. Chinese Society.
18. Annual Report
The annual report was noted.
19. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting of Macclesfield Town Council is 7pm, 14th June 2021, at Macclesfield Town Hall.
Meeting closed at 7.30pm
Chair (from Item 6) Cllr David Edwardes
Clerk Laura Smith