Decision details

Councillor Colin Blackburn welcomed Enya Jane Battersby to her first meeting of The Bath City Forum. Enya explained that she is a resident in Bath and undertakes a number of roles in the City, this include being an advocate for student safety and student housing, that she is a member of the SCP and has an understanding of the divisions that high levels of students bring to the City.

Councillor Sue Craig was introduced as the replacement representative for the Liberal Democrats who takes over from Andrew Furse.

Apologies were recorded in the attendance record.

The minutes from the 18th September 2018 meeting were agreed by Robin Kerr and seconded by Councillor Peter Turner.

Councillor Colin Blackburn responded to matters that had arisen through an e-mail received from Nicolette Boater which commented on a number of issues at the previous meeting:

The first point raised was regarding Ben Palmer seconding the minutes from (17.07.18) at the last meeting (18.09.18) – It was agreed that at future meetings we ask for persons who was present at the previous meeting approves and seconds the minutes.

Point two - it was confirmed that the Bath City Forum minutes can be agreed and seconded by any forum member weather they are a Councillor or Co-optee.

Point three – it was confirmed that the word second or seconded is a recognised term for the approval of minutes (the terms that parliament uses asks for is an approver and a seconder).

Point four – it was confirmed that the election of the Chair and Vice Chair allows for all members to nominate and vote. At the meeting on 18^th September Cllr Bob Goodman attended as the Cabinet Representative and the thirteenth Councillor member, who sit alongside the 13 Co-opted members. The Bath City Forum Terms of Reference make only one exclusion on the Cabinet Member; this is that they are not able to stand as Chair of the Bath City Forum.

Point five – was a suggestion that the submission of nominations be made five working days in advance of the Bath City Forum AGM for both Chair and Vice Chair nominations. It was confirmed that any change will require a motion to be raised for a change to be made to the standing orders, this could be put forward at a future agenda setting meeting. Once on a future agenda this would need to be put to the Bath City Forum as a motion for them to vote upon.

The sixth point raised was regarding forum development. It was confirmed that Andrew Page has been working alongside the Chair and Vice Chair on this work stream. This work has yet to conclude, this could morph into a task and finish group if there is the desire for members of the forum to take this on.