Agenda and minutes

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Spence and Councillors Long and Nicholl.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

The Committee was reminded that the Council’s Bonfire Governance Arrangements stated that the Press and public will be excluded from meetings in relation to bonfire-related issues having regard to the sensitive nature of the business to be transacted and for the protection of officers who might be required to provide information to assist in decision-making. In addition the information provided was to be treated as sensitive and confidential.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the Press and public be excluded from the meeting.

            The Committee was advised also that, in accordance with Standing Order 37a - Duties of Committees: Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, it had full delegated authority to take decisions in relation to bonfire related issues.

            The Chief Executive submitted a report which provided details on a number of bonfire sites and current issues on which the Committee may consider it appropriate make a decision. The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services then provided a verbal update on each of the sites.

            Thistle Court/Madrid Street

            The Committee agreed:

·        To approve the provision of a beacon, as an alternative to a traditional bonfire, at a location identified at Thistle Court/Madrid Street on 11th July and that Council officers manage the issue of no constituted group being responsible for any liability; and

·        That officers implement mitigation measures to minimise potential damage.

            Avoniel Site

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor Walsh,

            That the Committee agrees to the removal of all of the bonfire materials at the Avoniel site and to the removal also of all the flags on the site.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Dorrian,

            Seconded by Alderman Haire,

            That the Committee agrees to allow for more discussions to take place in relation to the removal of the tyres only at the Avoniel site.

            On a vote by show of hands, five Members voted for the amendment and twelve against and it was declared lost.

            The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Beattie and Seconded by Councillor Walsh was put to the meeting, when twelve Members voted for and five against and it was declared carried.

            Ashdale Street

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor Walsh,

            That the Committee agrees to the removal of all of the bonfire materials at the Ashdale Street site.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Dorrian,

            Seconded by Alderman Haire,

            That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the matter for a period of 24 hours to allow for more discussions to take place in relation to retaining the bonfire at its current height and that a further special meeting be held to consider the outcome of those discussions.

            On a vote by show of hands, five Members voted for the amendment and twelve against and it was declared lost.

            The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Beattie and Seconded by Councillor Walsh was put to the meeting, when twelve Members voted for and five against and it was declared carried.

            Inverary Site

            The Committee agreed that at the present time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.