Agenda and minutes

None.

The Chairman, County Councillor B. Strong, addressed the council and thanked all who had supported him during his year of office, particularly Mrs Mary Strong, his consort, and Rev. Paul Baxter, his Chaplain.  The Chairman referred to the great honour of being able to represent Monmouthshire as Chairman and highlighted some outstanding moments, which included the opportunity to speak with young people who took part in the Walking with Wounded charity event, Remembrance Day services, the opening of the new Raglan Primary School and the opportunity to attend Gwent Music concerts.  The Chairman urged all Member, where possible, to support Gwent Music.  Funding of in excess of £12,000 had been raised for the Chairman’s charities, Wales Air Ambulance and Noah’ Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.

The Leader of the Council, County Councillor P.A Fox addressed Council and thanked the Chairman and his consort for their work as first class ambassadors for the Council. All were in agreement that the Chairman was highly respected, easy to work with and able to demonstrate the qualities important in leadership.  It was acknowledged that the Chairman had continued his committee throughout his year as Chairman.  The Leader of the Council praised the fantastic fund raising for the charities, noting it being the most ever raised by a Chairman of this Council since it had started.

The Leaders of the Political Groups, County Councillor D. Batrouni and P.A.D. Hobson, and on behalf of the Independent Group, County Councillor F. Taylor echoed the sentiments of the Leader, and thanked the Chairman and his family for their tremendous work as ambassadors.

It was moved by County Councillor D. Batrouni, duly seconded by County Councillor P. Fox, and resolved, that County Councillor J. Higginson be elected as Chairman of the County Council for the Civic Year 2016/17.

County Councillor Higginson made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, was invested with his Chain of Office by the outgoing Chairman, and took the Chair.

The newly elected Chairman thanked Members for their support, and announced that  Mrs. Pauline Collier would be his consort; Rev. Dennis Richards his Chaplain; and that his charities would be T? Hafan and St. David’s Foundation.

The Chairman then presented the outgoing Chairman with the Past Chairman’s Badge of Office.

It was moved by County Councillor R.J.W. Greenland and seconded by County Councillor E.J. Hacket Pain, that County Councillor P. Jordan be appointed as Vice Chairman of the County Council for the Civic Year 2016/17.

We resolved that County Councillor P. Jordan be appointed as Vice Chairman of the County Council for the Civic Year 2016/17.

County Councillor Jordan made and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, was invested with his Chain of Office by the Chairman, and took his position as Vice Chairman.

The Vice Chairman thanked Members for their support, and introduced Mrs. Katherine Jordan as the Vice Chairman’s Consort.

The programme concluded with the presentation of the Chain of Office to the incoming Chairman’s Consort, Mrs. Pauline Collier; a pendant to the outgoing Chairman’s Consort, Mrs. Mary Strong; and the Chain of Office to the incoming Vice Chairman’s Consort, Mrs. Katherine Jordan.

We resolved that the remaining items of business be deferred to the meeting of the county Council to be held on Thursday 12^th May 2016.