Tribute to councillor at first ‘virtual’ Cabinet meeting for Peterborough City Council

The Cabinet completed its first online ‘zoom meeting’ on Monday as the council became the latest of many authorities now taking to the internet in order to carry out meetings.
Cabinet members had not met since February 25 when they discussed budget matters for the year..
Since then, the COVID-19 crisis has meant that all public meetings have been cancelled and increasingly authorities up and down the country are turning to technology for a solution with no date specified for the resumption of public gatherings.
Monday’s meeting of the Cabinet was hosted by Leader of the Council, Cllr John Holdich, who said: “This is a historic day in for the city council as we convene our very first ever online meeting thanks to the huge efforts of the IT team getting everything ready on time.”
Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald added: “I totally agree that we should thank the entire Democratic Services Team, this being quite an historic first ‘virtual’ meeting of the Cabinet.
“I did actually spot a bit of criticism online about our seeming inability to hold meetings, but maybe those persons hadn’t realised it was actually illegal for us to do so until very recently?
“Then we’ve had to equip everybody, get everyone up to speed in terms of training and preparation for future council meetings.
“So, they’ve done a great job in the time available getting it all ready and out into the public domain and on record.
“I think everybody ‘attending’ today will agree that its’ all gone fairly smoothly – expertly ‘virtually chaired’ by Cllr Holdich.”

The meeting included a two minute silence to commemorate the passing of Cllr Louise Coles.

Leader of the Council, Cllr John Holdich told members: “I should like you all to bow your heads in remembrance of the loss of our dear colleague Cllr Louise Coles who passed away recently.”

Members were silent for two minutes.

Afterwards, Cllr Holdich added: “I know that her husband, Cllr Andy Coles would like me to pass on all of his thanks for kind messages he has received, not just from ourselves and the council, but from right across the country.

“Louise was a very-valued colleague here and shall be much missed, and I know that Andy would like me to share his thanks with you for your kind thoughts and words – and today is his first day out of quarantine, so I’m sure we will all be pleased about that as well.”

Cllr Louise Coles Conservative member for Fletton and Woodston on Peterborough City Council who passed away (29 April), after battling cancer and the coronavirus.

The re-opening of the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Fengate was also among the items discussed.

Cllr Irene Walsh asked at the cabinet meeting: “Is the Recycling Centre going to be open for normal hours?”

Executive Director for Place and Economy, Steve Cox replied: “Peterborough City Council Household Recycling Waste Centre (HRC) will be open again from Monday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm starting this week.

“Some queues were reported early in the morning as people took advantage of this re-opening but these were soon dealt with and social distancing rules enforced.

“People had tried to queue before the site opened, but I think it is important to stress that while 8am is the opening time, we do need to allow our work force to get in and get things up and running – so a little patience on the part of the general public is much appreciated as we get back up to running speed.

“That said, we do need to reinforce the message around essential waste disposal that have been provided by government – our staff will refuse non-essential waste disposal attempts if necessary.

“Only if you cannot safely store your waste at home should you be making a journey to the HRC to dispose of it.

“If you can safely store your waste at home then please continue to do so.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr John Holdich added: “While we may be able to review matters in a week or so’s time can we just add to that we are not accepting any trailer’s or vans at the HRC this week.”