Agenda item

The Chairman sought members support to receive the following items as one.

a.  Essa

b.  Tamar

c.   Trematon

Members agreed.

The Chairman opened the item of business by first thanking the candidates in attendance for their applications, expressing how great it was to see so many Saltash residents interested in becoming a Saltash Town Councillor.

The Chairman informed Members that the applications received had been checked and verified by the Town Clerk as eligible for co-option to any of the three vacant wards.

Members confirmed they had received the candidate applications prior to this evening’s meeting and have access to them during the meeting. 

The Chairman provided clarity on the evening’s process, in line with the Town Council Co-option Policy.

The Chairman stated that it is worth noting that Cornwall Council have issued a notice of casual vacancy for a seat in Tamar Ward.  If by 13 June, a request by TEN electors is received, an election will be held at an expensive cost to the tax-payer.

If not, Cornwall Council will ask Saltash Town Council to enact its Co-option Policy.

Therefore, any candidates not successful this evening were encouraged to  stay in contact with the Town Council and if an election is called or co-option vacancy is announced to apply.

The co-option process began with each candidate (in alphabetical order) welcomed to the table and given up to 3 minutes to speak, allowing time for an introduction, an opportunity to provide further information on their background and experience, and explaining why they wished to become a member of the Town Council.

Members had the opportunity to ask each candidate questions following their presentations.

Following all 9 candidates presentations the Office Manager / Assistant to the Town Clerk provided all Members the first Ballot Paper.

The Chairman reminded Members that to ensure a vote is counted, they must follow instructions on the ballot paper, writing their name and one clear cross next to their chosen candidate per ballot. Once completed, Members were requested to fold it twice and leave on their desk to be collected by the officer.

The officer then collected the ballot papers confirming there were no duplicates and counted the votes on each ballot for each candidate, these were verified by the Town Clerk with the Town Clerk informing the Chairman of the results.

During the ballot voting process, the Chairman informed Members that the meeting was heading to exceed 2 ½ hours as per Standing Orders.

It was proposed by Councillor Stoyel, seconded by Councillor Brady and RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order Section 3.26 to continue with the remaining items of business this evening.

The voting process repeated until there was an absolute majority for a candidate in each vacant ward.

It was proposed by Councillor Gillies, seconded by Councillor Martin and RESOLVED:

1.  To thank all candidates for their interest in becoming a Saltash Town Councillor;

2.  To co-opt Alice Ashburn as a Town Councillor for Essa Ward vacant seat on this Council,

3.  To co-opt Peter Nowlan as a Town Councillor for Tamar Ward vacant seat on this Council,

4.  To co-opt Gordon McCaw as a Town Councillor for Trematon Ward vacant seat on this Council,