Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

3.1             The Mayor reminded councillors that the use of mobile communication devices was expressly banned in the Council Chamber during Council meetings and asked that they be turned off and anyone wishing to use such a device should leave the Chamber beforehand.

3.2             The Mayor then reported the death of Pat Miles, a long-term stalwart of community involvement and tenant participation in the city.  He stated that she would be remembered for her kindness to friends and neighbours and her courtesy and diplomacy at all times.  Her respected voice at many meetings, including Housing Management Consultative Committee had contributed greatly to ensuring that the voice of residents’ had been reflected in the development of housing policy in the city over many years.  He asked for a minutes silence as a mark of respect.

3.3             The Mayor then drew council’s attention to the successful Armed Forces Day event organised by the Democratic Services Team working in partnership with Sussex County Cricket Club.  It had proved to be a very enjoyable day for all concerned with Sussex coming out on top against Bangladesh and over £5,000 being raised for the Help for Heroes Charity.

3.4             The Mayor noted that this was the last Council meeting for the Director of Environment; Jenny Rowlands who was leaving t take up the post of Chief Executive at neighbouring Lewes District Council.  He wished to thank the Director on behalf of the Council for her support over the years and to wish her every success in her new role.

3.5             The Mayor then informed the meeting that he had agreed to take an additional item, Item 17A, South Downs National Park Authority, which had been approved at the Governance Committee meeting on the 13^th July and concerned approval for the delegation of development control functions to constituent authorities.