Agenda and minutes

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

            The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors M. Campbell and G. Robinson.

Moved by Councillor Hartley,

Seconded by Councillor O’Reilly and

      Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meeting of 1st November be taken as read and signed as correct.

            The Chief Executive informed the Members that a request for permission to address the Council had been received from Ballymurphy Families in respect of its request to stage a photographic exhibition entitled “Reflections on Internment” in the City Hall during the period from August till September, 2011 in order to highlight the 40th Anniversary of the Ballymurphy Massacre.

            Accordingly, the Council agreed to the deputation being received and Ms. Breige Voyle, Ballymurphy Families, accompanied by Mr. Alan McBride, Women Against Violence Empowerment, were admitted to the meeting.

            Ms. Voyle thanked the Council for receiving the deputation and stated that she appreciated the fact that the Council was made up of different political parties and stressed that the members of the Ballymurphy Massacre Group were not politicians but victims who had lost loved-ones as a result of the Massacre.  It was the Group’s intention to dispel the lies which, in her opinion, surrounded that terrible event.  She stated that her mother, Joan Connolly, had been killed leaving behind a family of eight children.  She pointed out that it was the Group’s intention to tell their stories through the photographs which would be on display at the exhibition and she asked the Members to put their party politics aside and allow the exhibition to be held in the City Hall.

            Mr. McBride advised the Council that his wife had been killed as a result of the Shankill Bombing in 1993 and explained that he had been given an opportunity to tell his story which had helped him to deal with his own trauma and personal loss.  He stated that the Ballymurphy Massacre Group had not been given that same opportunity and that the Council should support the Group by granting approval for the exhibition to be held in the City Hall.

            Ms. Voyle and Mr. McBride then withdrew from the meeting.

            It was noted that consideration would be given to the representations which had been made when the minutes of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee were being discussed later in the meeting.

            The Lord Mayor extended, on behalf of the Council, a warm welcome to:

      Councillor Philip Robinson, who had been appointed to replace former Councillor Reg Empey in the Pottinger District Electoral Area;

      Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell, who had been appointed to replace former Councillor Tierna Cunningham in the Castle District Electoral Area;

      Councillor Steven Corr, who had been appointed to replace former Councillor Máire Cush in the Upper Falls District Electoral Area;

      Councillor Emma Groves, who had been appointed to replace former Councillor Chrissie Mhic Giolla Mhín in the Upper Falls District Electoral Area; and

      Councillor Deirdre Hargey, who had been appointed to replace former Councillor Alex Maskey in the Laganbank District Electoral Area.

            The Chief Executive reported that notification had been received from the Ulster Unionist Party Grouping indicating that it wished Councillor P. Robinson to replace Councillor Bostock on the Development Committee and Councillor J. Rodgers on the Licensing Committee.  In addition, it wished Councillor P. Robinson to fill the vacancy on the Town Planning Committee consequent upon the resignation of former Councillor Empey.

            The Chief Executive reported also that notification had been received from the Sinn Féin Party Grouping indicating that it wished:

·         Councillor Corr to fill the vacancies on the Health and Environmental Services and Parks and Leisure Committees, the District Policing Partnership West Belfast Sub-Group and the West Belfast Partnership Board consequent upon the resignation of former Councillor Cush;

·         Councillor Hargey to fill the vacancies on the Development Committee and the South Belfast Partnership Board consequent upon the resignation of former Councillor A. Maskey;

·         Councillor M.E. Campbell to fill the vacancies on the Health and Environmental Services and Town Planning Committees, the Belfast District Policing Partnership, the North Belfast Partnership Board and the Ormeau Baths Gallery Limited consequent upon the resignation of former Councillor Cunningham; and

·         Councillor Groves to fill the vacancies on the Development and Health and Environmental Services Committees and the Arc 21 Joint Committee consequent upon the resignation of former Councillor Mhic Giolla Mhín.

            In addition, notification had been received from the Democratic Unionist Party indicating that it wished Councillor L. Patterson to replace Councillor McKee on the North Belfast Partnership Board and Councillor McKee to replace the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Humphrey) on the Health and Environmental Services Committee.

            The Council approved the aforementioned changes.

Minutes of meeting of 19^th November.

            Moved by Councillor Crozier,

            Seconded by Councillor J. Rodgers,

      That the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 19th November be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Exhibition in the City Hall

            Moved by Councillor Hendron,

            Seconded by Councillor D. Browne,

      That the decision under the heading “Exhibition in the City Hall” be referred back to the Committee for further consideration.

            A division on the amendment was demanded.  A poll having been taken on the amendment, there voted for it twenty-seven Members, viz., the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Humphrey); the High Sheriff (Councillor Stalford); and Councillors Adamson, Bostock, D. Browne, W. Browne, Crozier, Ekin, Hendron, Jones, Kingston, Kirkpatrick, Kyle, McCoubrey, McKee, McKenzie, McMillen, McNamee, Newton, L. Patterson, R. Patterson, P. Robinson, F. Rodgers, J. Rodgers, Rodway, Smyth and Stoker; and against it twenty-two Members, viz., the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (Councillor Convery); and Councillors Attwood, Austin, M. Browne, Brownlee, M.E. Campbell, Corr, Groves, Hargey, Hartley, B. Kelly, N. Kelly, Lavery, Mallon, Maskey, McCabe, McCann, McCarthy, Mac Giolla Mhín, Mullaghan, O’Neill and O’Reilly. 

            The amendment was accordingly declared carried.

Amendment

Consultation – Justice Bill (Northern Ireland) 2010

            Moved by Councillor Hartley,

            Seconded by Councillor Attwood,

      That the decision under the heading “Consultation – Justice Bill (Northern Ireland) 2010” be amended to provide that the words ”or are members of political parties” be deleted from paragraph 10 of the Council’s response in so far as it relates to the appointment of Independent Members.

            On a vote by show of hands twenty-nine Members voted for the amendment and twelve against and it was accordingly declared carried.

Further Amendment

            Moved by Councillor D. Browne,

            Seconded by Councillor F. Rodgers,

      That the decision under the heading “Consultation – Justice Bill (Northern Ireland) 2010” be amended to provide that the response include a request that the Policing and Community Safety Partnership in Belfast be comprised of representatives from all political parties on the Council.

            On a vote by show of hands fifteen Members voted for the amendment and twenty-nine against and it was accordingly declared lost.

Request for Matter to be Taken

Back for Further Consideration

            Revenue Estimates 2011/2012

            The Chairman (Councillor Crozier), at the request of Councillor Newton, with the consent of the Council, agreed that the minute under the heading “Revenue Estimates 2011/2012” be taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

            Requests for Use of the City Hall

            and the Provision of Hospitality

            Arising out of discussion, it was agreed that reports in relation to the provision of hospitality for veterans attending Remembrance Sunday Events and the Christmas signage on display throughout the City Centre be submitted to the appropriate Committees.

Adoption of Minutes

            The minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 19th November were thereupon approved and adopted, subject to the foregoing omissions and amendment.

Minutes of meeting of 11^th November.

            Moved by Councillor O’Reilly,

            Seconded by Councillor McCarthy,

      That the proceedings of the Parks and Leisure Committee of 11th November be approved and adopted.

Request for Matter to be Taken

Back for Further Consideration

            Alexandra Park Improvement Programme

            At the request of Councillor Crozier, the Chairman (Councillor O’Reilly), with the consent of the Council, agreed that the minute under the heading “Alexandra Park Improvement Programme” be taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

Adoption of Minutes

            The minutes of the proceedings of the Parks and Leisure Committee of 11th November were thereupon approved and adopted, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading “Alexandra Park Improvement Programme” which, at the request of Councillor Crozier, is taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

Minutes of meeting of 4^th, 5^th, 10^th and 24^th November.

            Moved by Councillor Maskey,

            Seconded by Councillor Mac Giolla Mhín,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Development Committee of 4th, 5th, 10th and 24th November be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Belfast and Northern Ireland 2012 Business Case

            Moved by Councillor Mallon,

            Seconded by Councillor Crozier,

      That the decision of 5th November under the heading “Belfast and Northern Ireland 2012 Business Case” be amended to provide that the Working Group to be established consider also the issue of the Decade of Centenaries.

            On a vote by show of hands thirty-one Members voted for the amendment and thirteen against and it was accordingly declared carried.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Hartley,

            Seconded by Councillor Maskey,

      That the decision of 5th November under the heading “Belfast and Northern Ireland 2012 Business Case” be amended to provide that the Council agrees:

(i)                  that an All-Party Steering Group be established to oversee the Council’s approach over forthcoming years to important Centenaries and Anniversaries;

(ii)                that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive and the Chairman and Deputy Chair of the Development Committee, to sign a legal agreement in regard to facilitating the Olympic Torch Relay; and

(iii)               to immediately convene the aforementioned Steering Group with a view to deciding upon the request for £1 million of Council funding for the “Land of Legends” programme, in the context of

(a)         a detailed analysis of the programme;

(b)         a breakdown of costs; and

(c)         agreement on core principles being applied to forthcoming Centenary and Anniversary celebrations.

Adjournment

            The Council agreed to adjourn for a period of time to consider the amended resolution.

            (The Council stood adjourned from 7.45 p.m. - 7.55 p.m.)

            After the meeting had been reconvened, the amendment was put to the Council.  On a vote by show of hands twelve Members voted for the amendment and thirty against and it was accordingly declared lost.

Further Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Mullaghan,

            Seconded by Councillor Crozier,

      That the amendment standing in the name of Councillor Mallon agreeing that the Working Group to be established consider also the issue of the Decade of Centenaries be further amended to provide that the Group agree on a core set of principles to be applied to those events.

            A division on the amendment was demanded.  A poll having been taken on the amendment, there voted for it thirty Members, viz., the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (Councillor Convery); the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Humphrey); the High Sheriff (Councillor Stalford); and Councillors Attwood, Bostock, D. Browne, W. Browne, Crozier, Ekin, Hendron, Jones, B. Kelly, N. Kelly, Kingston, Kyle, Mallon, McCarthy, McKee, McKenzie, McNamee, Mullaghan, Newton, O’Reilly, L. Patterson, P. Robinson, F. Rodgers, J. Rodgers, Rodway, Smyth and Stoker; and against it none.

            The amendment was accordingly declared carried.

Request for Matter to be Taken

Back for Further Consideration

            Ballymacarrett Recreation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Minutes of meeting of 3^rd November.

            Moved by Councillor Jones,

            Seconded by Councillor McNamee and

      Resolved – That the minutes of proceedings of the Health and Environmental Services Committee of 3rd November be approved and adopted.

Minutes of meeting of 17^th November.

            Moved by Councillor Stalford,

            Seconded by Councillor Rodway and

      Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 17th November, omitting those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Minutes of meetings of 27^th October and 4^th and 18^th November.

            Moved by Councillor Lavery,

            Seconded by Councillor Rodway,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Town Planning Committee of 27th October and 4th and 18th November, omitting those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Reconsidered Items – 7 Mountpottinger Road

            Moved by Councillor Hendron,

            Seconded by Councillor Jones and

      Resolved – That the decision of 18th November under the heading “Reconsidered Items – 7 Mountpottinger Road” be amended to provide that the Council agrees to reject the opinion of the Divisional Planning Manager to approve the application.

Reconsidered Items – 22 Sydenham Drive

            Moved by Councillor McNamee,

            Seconded by Councillor Jones and

      Resolved – That the decision of 4th November under the heading “Reconsidered Items – 22 Sydenham Drive” be amended to provide that the Council agrees to reject the opinion of the Divisional Planning Manager to approve the application.

Adoption of Minutes

            Subject to the foregoing amendments, the minutes of the Town Planning Committee of 27th October and 4th and 18th November were approved and adopted.

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

      “Belfast City Council acknowledges the excellent work of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Health Employment Partnership, a unique partnership between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, UNISON and the community, which seeks to tackle disadvantage through building sustainable employment.

      The Council notes that the Employment Partnership has provided pre-employment training and support to 300 long-term unemployed and that 143 persons have secured employment in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and agrees to examine the possibility of developing a similar employment partnership scheme for the Council.”

            The proposal was seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Humphrey).

            Prior to the Notice of Motion being considered, the Lord Mayor (Councillor Convery) reminded the Council that Standing Order 11(e) specified that, if the subject matter of any Motion of which Notice had been given comes within the Province of any Committee, upon being Moved and Seconded, it shall stand referred without discussion to that Committee or such other Committee as the Council may determine for consideration and report.

            Accordingly, the Lord Mayor indicated that the matter would be referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee without debate.

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

      “Belfast City Council unreservedly condemns the recent attacks by extremist dissident and loyalist groupings and believes that these attacks do not reflect the will of the vast majority of people in Belfast.

      The Council supports the community in refusing to yield to such threats, violence or intimidation from any criminal organisation.

      The Council affirms its support for law and order and supports the PSNI in its strategy of policing with the community, which is the most effective way of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.”

            The proposal was seconded by Councillor Mullaghan.

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