Agenda and minutes

The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            The Chief Executive explained that only a quarter of the Members, based on party strengths, were requested to attend the Meeting.  She advised that it was in accordance with social distancing measures which were operational due to the coronavirus pandemic.  A technical apology was therefore reported for all other Members.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            Representatives of all Parties expressed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign in light of the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

            Councillor Matt Collins proposed:

“The Council agrees to write to the Chief Constable of the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Minister for Justice stating that the Council believes that all fines issued at the Black Lives Matter protests on Saturday, 6th June should be dropped and that there should be no recriminations for the organisers of the protests.”

            As there was no seconder, the proposal was not put to the Council. 

      Resolved  - That the decisions of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd May, taken by the Chief Executive, in accordance with the authority delegated to her by the Council on 16th March, 2020, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

      Resolved - That the decisions of the decisions of the People and Communities Committee of 12th May, taken by the Chief Executive, in accordance with the authority delegated by her by the Council on 16th March, 2020, be approved and adopted.

      Resolved – that the decisions of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 13th May, taken by the Chief Executive, in accordance with the authority delegated by her by the Council on 16th March, 2020, be approved and adopted.

Resolved – that the decisions of the Licensing Committee of 20th May, taken by the Chief Executive, in accordance with the authority delegated to her by the Council on 16th March, 2020, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted

Resolved – that the decisions of the Planning Committee of 19th May, taken by the Chief Executive, in accordance with the authority delegated to her by the Council on 16th March, 2020, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

This request relates to a call made by six Parties to have the following issues discussed:

To give consideration to the current Covid-19 crisis, the financial outlook of the Council, and to consider immediately holding virtual monthly meetings of the Council, the council committees and working groups.

Signed by:

Councillor Long

Councillor Lyons

Councillor O’Hara

Councillor Ferguson

Councillor Copeland

Councillor Kyle

            The Lord Mayor explained that a requisition had been received from six Parties seeking to have the following motion discussed:

            Moved by Councillor Lyons,

            Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

“To give consideration to the current Covid-19 crises, the financial outlook of the Council, and to consider immediately holding virtual monthly meetings of the Council, the Council Committees and Working Groups.”

            At the request of Councillor Nicholl, the proposer agreed to amend his motion to include the following additional paragraph.

“That consideration would also be given to cancelling the July recess with Council and Committee meetings to be convened over this period.”

            On a recorded vote seven Members voted for the motion, as amended and set out hereunder, and eleven against and it was declared lost:

“Consideration to be given to the current Covid-19 crisis, the financial outlook of the Council, and to consider immediately holding virtual monthly meetings of the Council, the Council committees and working groups.

            That consideration would also be given to cancelling the July recess with Council and Committee meetings to be convened over this period.”