Agenda and draft minutes

This was the last of two meetings of Forest Heath Council before it’s dissolution on 6 May 2019.  As a result, the minutes of the meeting remain as drafted following the meeting and cannot be confirmed by the Council and signed by the Chair.  This is consistent with all other dissolved Committees and bodies.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ruth Allen.

Councillor Louise Marston was also unable to attend the meeting.

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.

Councillor James Waters will move:

That the Council confer upon NIGEL ANTONY ROMAN, the Honorary Freedom of the District of Forest Heath in the terms of the formal motion set out in the Agenda, and present an illuminated copy of the resolution to NIGEL ANTONY ROMAN.

Councillor Ruth Bowman will second the motion.

The Chairman will put the motion to the vote, and upon its being declared carried will then ask all Members of the Council to rise and will present an illuminated copy of the resolution and Freedom Award to NIGEL ANTONY ROMAN.

Members of the Council will resume their seats and the Chairman will invite NIGEL ANTONY ROMAN to acknowledge his admission.

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.)