Agenda item - Mayor's Communications.

45.1       The Mayor stated that he took little pleasure in having to speak on the following matter given the manner in which it had come to light and had felt that the action was indefensible and had impacted on an individual’s privacy.  However, he wished to offer his thanks and appreciation for the support and unwavering service that the Chief Executive has given to both the council and to him personally.  The Chief Executive epitomised the type of officer that any excellent local authority would want to have.  He had been able to rise to the top of the organisation and had achieved a great deal, bringing a level of humour and humanity to the role of Chief Executive which was rare indeed.  He hoped that the Chief Executive was as successful in whatever role he chose for his future career path and that the council would join him in offering its best wishes to the Chief Executive.

45.2       Councillor Mears stated that she wished to disassociate the Conservative Group from the recent media coverage and to thank the Chief Executive on behalf of the Administration for all the help and support he had given, which had proved to be invaluable.  She also wished to offer her personal thanks to the Chief Executive and to say that she hoped he would fulfil a long-term ambition of playing the banjo at a fringe festival, and that she would be there to see it.

45.3       Councillor Mitchell stated that she wished to thank the Chief Executive on behalf of the Labour Group for his service to the council and the city and to express the Group’s deep sadness at his untimely departure.  She echoed the comments of other city leaders and thanked the Chief Executive for his sound advice and integrity over the years and wished him well in his future endeavours.

45.4       Councillor Randall stated that he wished to offer the thanks and appreciation of the Green Group to the Chief Executive.  He especially noted the knowledge and passion that the Chief Executive held for the city which had been reflected in many projects plans that had been taken forward and had enabled aspects such as the sports forum to come to fruition and highlight the needs of sport within the city.  He had always been helpful and even handed in dealing with the minority groups on the council and would be missed.

45.5       Councillor Elgood stated that he wished to add the Liberal Democrat’s thanks and appreciation for the work and leadership shown by the Chief Executive, who always had the city’s interest at heart.  His friendly advice and courtesy had helped to define the city for what it was today.

45.6       The Mayor thanked the respective Group Leaders for their comments and asked that the council’s good wished be passed onto Green Group’s Convenor, Councillor Taylor, who was recovering from a recent operation.  He then asked the Chief Executive if he wished to address the council.

45.7       The Chief Executive thanked the council for its support over the years and the comments that had been made.  He stated that it had been a privilege and an honour to serve the council and the city.

45.8       The Mayor then informed the council that he had agreed to take an urgent report regarding the appointment of an Acting Chief Executive, which he proposed to take as item 45A on the agenda.

45.9       The Mayor then invited Councillor Cobb to come forward and receive a Green Apple gold award for environmental best practice for the Young Environmentalist of the Year Scheme, run by the council’s Sustainability Team.