Agenda and minutes

            In accordance with Standing Order 9, the Deputy Lord Mayor read a passage from the Scriptures.

            The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

Alderman Robinson, on behalf of the Members, congratulated the Lord Mayor (Councillor Mallon) and her husband, Brendan, on the news that they were expecting their first child. 

The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated local boxer Carl Frampton on his recent successful defence of his IBF Super-Bantamweight world title.

            Councillor Newton reminded the Members that Mr. Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure, had retired from the Council at the end of February after forty years of service. 

            On behalf of the Members, he thanked Mr. Hassard for his contribution to the work of the Council during that time and wished him well in his retirement.

            Moved by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (Councillor Mallon),

            Seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Hendron) and 

      Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Council of 2nd Februarybe taken as read and signed as correct.

Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

Seconded by Alderman Stalford and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 13th February be approved and adopted.

            Moved by Councillor Newton,

            Seconded by Alderman Robinson,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Parks and Leisure Committee of 24th February be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Grove Playing Fields - Request

            Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

            Seconded by Alderman Stalford,

      That the decision under the heading “Grove Playing Fields - Request” be rejected and, accordingly, the Council agrees to accede in principle to the request from the Ulster Centenary Committee for the use of the Grove Playing Fields on Saturday, 9th May, subject to Party Political consultations taking place.

On a recorded vote thirty-five Members voted for the amendment and sixteen against and it was declared carried.

River Terrace – Update

            A Member pointed out that the minute of the meeting did not reflect the fact that the Director of Parks and Leisure had reported that there had been interest in the site from a second organisation.

            The Council noted the information which had been provided.

Adoption of Minutes

         Subject to the foregoing amendment, the minutes of the meeting of the Parks and Leisure Committee of 24th February were approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Hargey,

Seconded by Councillor Ó Donnghaile and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Development Committee of 17th February be approved and adopted.

Moved by Alderman Ekin,

Seconded by Councillor Spence and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 18th February, omitting those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Hanna,

Seconded by Councillor McCabe and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Town Planning Committee of 5th February, omitting those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

            In accordance with Notice on the Agenda, Councillor Kennedy proposed:

      “This Council congratulates Willowfield Parish Community Association on receiving a national award from the Christian Funders' Forum for the Best Transformative Community Project for Vulnerable Young People. This community-based project has, since 2002, engaged with thousands of young people, raising self esteem, promoting cross?community understanding and addressing issues such as bullying, self-harm and eating disorders.

      In acknowledging this Award, the Council pays tribute to voluntary organisations across the City which engage positively with vulnerable young people in economically disadvantaged communities.  As a Compassionate City, we encourage both individual and corporate responsibility in providing for the needs of the most vulnerable people within our Society.”

            The Motion was seconded by Councillor Kelly.

            After discussion, the Motion was put to the meeting and passed unanimously.