At the invitation of the Chairman, the Leader
took great pleasure in introducing this item which was to recognise
the significant contribution of Councillor Nigel Roman.
The Leader explained that he considered
Councillor Roman to be both his friend and mentor, however, to many
he was simply known as “Mr Mildenhall” due to his 40
year contribution to the town and the Forest Heath District.
It was highlighted that the Honorary Freedom
of the District to be bestowed on Councillor Roman had never before
been awarded by Forest Heath District Council and the Leader
formally moved the motion to do so.
Councillor Ruth Bowman duly seconded the
motion and addressed the meeting in respect of Councillor
Roman’s achievements.
Members were advised that Councillor Roman had
served as Chairman of Council twice; having visited China in 2001
during one such term. He was also the
first ever appointed Deputy Leader of the District Council.
Lastly, Councillor Bowman informed all present
that the Freedom of the District status awarded by Forest Heath
District Council would be carried into West Suffolk
Council. Accordingly, Councillor Roman
would be considered a Freeman of West Suffolk after 1 April
2019.
With the vote being unanimous, it was
RESOLVED:
That this
Council, in recognition of the eminent
services rendered by NIGEL ANTONY ROMAN
for 40 years outstanding
service to the District of Forest Heath.
Do
hereby, in pursuance of Section 249 of
the Local Government Act 1972 and in acknowledgement of the
services aforesaid, confer upon the said NIGEL ANTONY ROMANthe Honorary Freedom of the District of
Forest Heath; and do
hereby admit the said NIGEL ANTONY ROMANto be
an Honorary Freeman of the District accordingly.
The Chairman presented a plaque
and an illuminated copy of the resolution and Freedom Award to
Councillor Roman and invited him to acknowledge his
admission.
Councillor Roman gave thanks to
his fellow Councillors for the award, which he considered a
great honour.
He spoke on his 40 years of service and made
reference to the significant achievements made by the Council
during that period.
Councillor Roman acknowledged past and present
colleagues and gave thanks to his family for their unrelenting
support.
He wished all those standing for election well
and was confident that the West Suffolk Council would achieve great
things.
(Councillor Victor
Lukaniuk joined the meeting at 5.36pm during the Leader’s
introduction to this item.)