Meeting of the Covent Garden Precinct.

16:00 Lower car Park, Middlesex Street, on Friday 17 April 2020

THE Meeting of the Court was opened by Proclamation

1. OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ. All manner of persons who have anything to do at this Court of Precinct Mote for the Precinct of Covent Garden here holden this day in the Ward of Portsoken, who have anything to do before this court, draw near and give your attendance, God Save the Queen.

All persons here present are commanded to keep silence while the summons is read.

2. THE SUMMONS WAS READ

SUMMONS:

All residents of the Precinct over twelve years of age are summoned to attend a Meeting of the Covent Garden Precinct Mote, to be holden at four o’clock in the afternoon, at the Lower Car Park, Middlesex Street Estate on Friday the seventeenth of March two thousand and twenty

N. Kamnuansil, Precinct Clerk

3.. Call for nominations for the positions of Headborough, Precinct Clerk and Precinct Beadle.

6.. Nomination Paper were completed in writing,

Evan Millner was nominated as Headborough by Alina Koztepe and seconded by Victoria Ward

Victoria Ward was nominated as Precinct Clerk by Evan Millner and seconded by Isabella Rombi

Phillip Chancellor RMV was nominated as Precinct Beadle by Evan Millner and seconded by Alina Koztepe

7. Election return

As the number of candidates validly nominated did not exceed the number of vacancies, the nominated candidates were duly elected to their offices.

8. DECLARATIONS OF OFFICE MADE BEFORE THE COURT OF PRECINCT MOTE

HEADBOROUGH

DECLARATION OF RESIDENCE AS FOLLOWS WAS MADE ALOUD BEFORE THE COURT, AND SIGNED AND WITNESSED.

I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I am an inhabitant of the Precinct of Covent Garden of Portsoken Ward in the City of London. So help me God.

DECLARATION OF ALLEGIANCE

I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will be true and faithful to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors. So help me God.

DECLARATION OF OFFICE

"I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I shall well and truly serve the Office of Headborough for the Precinct of Tower Hill in the City of London, until another be chosen in in my room, or until I shall be legally discharged thereof: Her Majesty's Peace in my own Person I shall keep, and see it kept in all others, as much as lies in me to do so, and do all other things belonging to my Office, according to my knowledge and Power.

So help me God."

Signed:

Witnessed:

Dated:

9. CLERK's DECLARATION WAS MADE ALOUD BEFORE THE COURT, AND SIGNED AND WITNESSED.

I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I am an inhabitant of the Precinct of Covent Garden of Portsoken Ward in the City of London.

So help me God.

DECLARATION OF ALLEGIANCE

I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will be true and faithful to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors.

So help me God.

DECLARATION OF THE PRECINCT CLERK

I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will be a good and true Clerk of this Precinct Court; and that I shall exercise and execute the same office with all my skill, diligence and power.

So help me God.

Signed:

Witnessed:

Date:

Chair: Due to the coronavirus, we will pass the following three items at speed, and if necessary, revisit them at the next Precinct Mote

11,. Item One. Precinct Officer Act 2020, Item Two. Precinct Council Act 2020, Item Three Threescore Club Act 2020 Item Four Headborough Act 2020

Moved to enact the above bills and adopt them as bye-laws of the Precinct Court.

That the question be now put

Carried unanimously

That the Precinct Officer Act 2020, Precinct Council Act 2020, Threescore Club Act and Four Headborough Act 2020 be adopted as bye-laws of this Precinct Court.

Carried unanimously

Chair I declare Precinct Officer Act 2020, Precinct Council Act 2020, Threescore Club Act and Four Headborough Act 2020 duly enacted.

Chair: Is there any other business?

That Angela Kennedy had expressed that she no longer wished to be a member of the Committee of Watch and Ward (Precinct Council).

Isabella Rombi expressed an interest and the inhabitants assembled confirmed her co=option as a member of said committee by the Headborough by unanimous acclamation.

There was no other business.

14.. CLOSURE OF THE SESSION OF THE COURT

The meeting was closed by proclamation

Please be upstanding

OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ. All ye good people of the Precinct of Covent in the Ward of Portsoken, summoned here to this Court of Precinct Mote, may depart hence, and give your attendance when again summoned. And hereof fail not, on penalty of the law as in such case provided.

God Save the Queen.

Draft Minutes for

8th AUGUST, 7.30 pm

ARTIZAN STREET LIBRARY (MAIN HALL)

TUESDAY AT 7.30 PM, 8^th AUGUST

AGENDA

1. THE PROCLAMATION declaring meeting is open was read by Prem Goyal CC.
2. THE SUMMONS was read.
3. APOLOGIES: Phillip Chancellor RVM, Damien Vaugh
4. MINUTES: The minutes of the previous meeting were read out, and approved.
5. MATTERS ARISING: There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.
6. GENERAL BUSINESS.

Mr Ted Hall, Chairman of the Petticoat Square Gardening Club addressed the meeting.

The gardening club received £10,000 from Tesco's Bags for Life. A letter was sent out to all residents, asking for suggestions on how to go about spending the funds, in order to make the podium brighter and more inviting. The estate has allocated the Gardening Club a garage as additional storage space.

Funds will be spent on a water feature, an all weather carpet, and a childrens' paddling pool. In addition, a shredder for recycling gardening waste, and compost bins will be purchased, in addition to large umbrellas.

The flower bed refurbishment will be funded by the Artizan Street works budget, as this is something the CoL should have been doing as ongoing maintenance.

There will be a party on the Podium on 9 September, for which a marquee has been purchased.

The location of the gym equipment has been agreed - it will be sited under the pergola.

Large fruit tree boxes will be purchased, and these will be placed around the kick about area, to provide some additional noise sheltering; the boxes will be very large, as the trees are growing.

The football cage, it is anticipated, will be given new padding to cut down the noise.

The meeting passed a vote of thanks to Mr Hall for all the work he has done for the Middlesex Street Estate.

Moved Evan der Millner

Seconded Ivan Kingsley

Henry Jones, Deputy, was invited to address the meeting.

Henry mentioned that the Mansell St Hotel project was at a standstill, and that there had been several planning meetings involving the alderman. The Dorset Hotel is now open; there is an agreement, negotioated by HJ, to provide finding to the Primary School.

Henry is presently planning a 100th birthday party for Manny; this will be held in the Dorset Hospitality Suite on the Dorset Hotel Roof Terrace.

Henry is looking into the carpark on the Estate being run by a private company; this will provide 24/7 coverage, and will solve many of the Estate's security problems.

...to be continued.....

The Meeting was closed by proclamation

1. PROCLAMATION by beadle Phillip Chancellor RVM declaring meeting is open.
2. SUMMONS is read.
3. APOLOGIES: The Precinct Clerk takes a record of apologies.
4. MINUTES: The minutes will be dealt with.
5. MATTERS ARISING: Items of business directly connected to the minutes.
6. FORMER DECOMISSIONED ENTRANCE ON MIDDLESEX STREET - Discussion; demolition?
7. COMMON COUNCILMEN: Each new Common Councilman will briefly address the meeting, and then after that, questions will be taken.
8. PODIUM - long term improvement plan. Discussion.
9. BEVIS MARKS HOUSE EC3 - discussion.
10. AIR POLLUTION - Discussion - Resolution re: Low emission Zone.
11. LCPAS - Local Council Public Advisory Service - we have been advised that we can affiliate, on the same terms as a statutory Parish Meeting; the cost is £25 per annum.
12. GENERAL BUSINESS
13. Beadle closes meeting by proclamation.

MINUTES MEETING 25th APRIL 2017 at 7.30p

1. The meeting was opened by proclamation.

2. THE SUMMONS WAS READ:

3. APOLOGIES : Mr Munsur Ali did not see fit to reply to the invitation to attend. Mr Fletcher had a Mansell St. Tenants Meeting and tendered his apologies. Mr Pritchard sent his apologies.

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING were accepted as a true and accurate record.

5. Matters Arising

5a. COMMITTEE OF WATCH AND WARD was elected: Ted Hall, Roger Way, Angela Kennedy and Jonathan Goldsmith and Evan der Millner ex officio.

This committee represents the stakeholders in the Precinct: residents with families, the leaseholders association, the gardening club, and the business community.

5b. It was resolved that the Committee of Watch and Ward be given a power to appoint officers (e.g. a Treasurer, and a second signatory for banking requirements.)

6. Resolved that the inhabitants support the demolition of the previous Podium entrance,(to the degree allowed by the existing substation) , and do not support the addition of a mosaic to the existing structure, and that this resolution be sent to the Childrens and Community Services and Planning Committee.

Moved Roger Way. Seconded Jonathan Goldsmith.

7. Common Councilman Henry Jones addressed the meeting.

7a. It was resolved that the Precinct Meeting will only communicate with our elected members (common councilmen) usig their official CoL email address, and that all Members will be advised of this. Copy to Town Clerk.

Moved Jonathan Goldsmith. Seconded Ian Hartog.

7b. Resolved that Councilman Henry Jones be thanked for his work to keep the cleansing team from CoL on the Estate, and that we are in favour of this initiative. Copies of this resolution to be sent to the Port Health and Childrens and Community Services Housing Sub-Committee.

Moved Evan der Millner, Seconded Roger Way.

8. PODIUM - long term improvement plan. Discussion. There was no fir outcome to this discussion; just an acknowledgement that some long term planning might be a consideration.

9. BEVIS MARKS HOUSE EC3 - discussion. No substantive points were raised.

10. AIR POLLUTION - Discussion - Resolution re: Low emission Zone. This resolution was agreed , and sent to the Assembly.

11. LCPAS - Local Council Public Advisory Service - we have been advised that we can affiliate, on the same terms as a statutory Parish Meeting; the cost is £25 per annum.

It was resolved that the Precinct Meeting would join the LCPAS.

12. GENERAL BUSINESS

12a. It was resolved that Mr Matt Ring be appointed to the honorary position of SURVEYOR OF ARMS to the Court of Precinct Mote.

Moved Evan der Millner

Seconded Phillip Chancellor

12b. It was resolved that Mr Michael Poll be asked to take up the position of Minstrel to the Court of Precinct Mote, for an honorarium of £1 per annum.

Moved Evan der Millner

Seconded Phillip Chancellor

12c. Resolved that Mr der Millner write letters to the NHS re boundaries for the Precinct, and HNS boundaries, to try to see if it is possible to eliminate the confusion that arises from time to time due to the current boundaries; issues regarding vulnerable residents, information not being shared,etc.

Moved Jonathan Goldsmith, Seconded Ian Hartog.

14. The Meeting was closed by Proclamation.

Draft minutes of the previous meeting will be placed here. Please email the precinct clerk for any observations/corrections needed.

APPROVED Minutes

MEETING 21^st MARCH 2017

1. THE MEETING was opened by proclamation.

2. THE SUMMONS was read.

3. APOLOGIES :

John Fletcher CC

Henry Jones (Deputy)

In attendance:

1. David Anderson

2. Margaret O'Brien

3. Nancy Calvo

4. Angela Kennedy

5. Ian Hartog

6. Ian McPherson

7. Evan der Millner

8. Phillip Chancellor

9. Nattakarn Kamnuansil

10. Alderman, Sir Michael Bear

4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.

Headborough: The draft minutes were emailed to all those who attended the first meeting; a pracy was read to the meeting, after it was agreed this would be sufficient. The resolutions passed had been printed in 'The Precinct'.

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled resolve that the minutes now read be approved as a correct record of the proceedings and it be further resolved that a copy of the minutes be sent down to the Ward Clerk.

Proposer: Evan der Millner Seconder: Ian Hartog Motion carried unanimously.

5. MATTERS ARISING

Headborough: Asked whether there were any matters directly arising from the minutes.

He then quickly reviewed a number of matters: He noted the matter of the Coat of Arms had been satisfactorily and amicably resolved, having met with the Officer in Waiting at the Court of Arms; Mr William Hunt, Windsor Herald of Arms (who, incidentally, designed the Arms for our Alderman). His advice was to not use anything that a layman would confuse with the Arms of the City, as they are ganted to the Corporation, not to the wardmote courts or indeed, to our court. He recommended we find another suitable emblem. We are using a conjectural badge that represents the Arms of Roman London.

b.) Artizan Street. The windows and cills outside the Tower entrance have been washed, for the first time in years. Many thanks to Joey for doing this. It was noted that the fencing is being painted, and that more will be done soon. Residents remarked on the slow time scale for the Artizan Street works – we agreed that it is taking a very long time, but there are good reasons for the delay.

6. VOTE OF THANKS TO SIR MICHAEL BEAR, ALDERMAN

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

resolve to thank our Alderman, Sir Michael Bear, for kindly sponsoring the most recent issue of 'The Precinct'.

Proposer: David Anderson Seconder: Ian Hartog Motion carried unanimously

7. BYE-LAW RE: DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR:

The Headborough clarified that everyone present had read the text of the proposed bye-law as published in the last issue of 'The Precinct'. This was confirmed. Mr der Millner outlined that the text was largely copied from the standard procedures of other Parish Meetings, with the addition of the three forms of motion in the Schedule. One resident wanted to know if this would apply in the Precict as a whole; it was explained that this was only for meetings.

The following bye-law was put to the vote for adoption:

Proposer: Ian McPherson Seconder: Ian Hartog Motion carried unanimously.

WHEREAS:- (1) From time immemorial there has existed and still exist in the City of London Courts of Precinct Mote, and that these Courts have made, passed, ordained and established divers Ordinances, Rules, Orders and Regulations for the regulation and good government of their respective areas of jurisdiction as to them from time to time has been found necessary and expedient, it is desirable to make certain incidental and consequential changes to the standing orders for disruptive behaviour for the Precinct Court of Covent Garden BE IT THEREFORE and IT IS HEREBY ENACTED ORDAINED AND ESTABLISHED by The Inhabitants of the Precinct of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled, and the authority of the same, AS FOLLOWS: DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT MEETINGS:

Section 1.

(a) No person shall obstruct the transaction or business at a Precinct Court Meeting or

behave offensively or improperly. No inhabitant at a meeting shall disregard the ruling of

the Headborough, wilfully obstruct business or behave irregularly, offensively, improperly

or in such a manner as to bring the Court of Precinct Mote into disrepute. If this bye-law is

ignored, the Headborough shall request such person(s) to moderate or improve their

conduct.

(b) If, in the Headborough's opinion, there has been a breach of bye-law Section 1 (a), the

Headborough shall express that opinion that the bye-law has been breached, and

thereafter any inhabitant present at the meeting may move that the person be silenced or

excluded from the meeting and the motion, if seconded, shall be put forthwith and without

discussion. If a resolution, made in accordance with bye-law 1(b) above is disobeyed, the

Headborough may take such further steps as may reasonably be necessary to enforce it

and/or he may adjourn the meeting.

(c) In the event the Headborough anticipates a risk of disturbance at a forthcoming

meeting, which he anticipates he will have trouble managing himself, he may contact the

police beforehand, and request assistance at the meeting.

Schedule 1.

Suggested precedents for resolutions for use in actioning section 1 (b)

a.) The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE that (named person) will be given a right to address this meeting for a specified

time period (e.g. 2 minutes), to be stated clearly by the Headborough, on a specified point

to be identified clearly by the Headborough. The Headborough may refuse the person

specified above the right to respond to other members of the public at the meeting, or ask

any questions or make any interjections or any interruptions or any other observations

whatsoever.

b.) The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE that (named person) shall remain silent for the duration of this meeting.

c.) The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE: that (named person) shall be excluded from this meeting, and must depart forthwith.

Proposer:………………………………………………

Seconder:……………………………………………..

Headborough: All those in favour say 'aye' . Against, say 'nay'. Abstentions?

Aye

Nay

Abstentions

8. BYE-LAW DEFINITION OF RESIDENT

Mr der Millner discussed the issue with this bye-law; as the Precinct Meetings have not been legislated for, we still are operating under the pre-existing laws - such as the traditional age for frank-pledge in the City of London; it was agreed that most twelve year olds would be mature enough to understand the issues we deal with in this meeting, and this age was acceptable.

The bye-law was put to the vote for adoption:

Proposer: Evan der Millner Seconder: Phillip Chancellor Motion carried unanimously.

BILL FOR A BYE-LAW: WHEREAS:- (1) From time immemorial there has existed and still exist in the City of London Courts of Precinct Mote, and that these Courts have made, passed, ordained and established divers Ordinances, Rules, Orders and Regulations for the regulation and good government of their respective areas of jurisdiction as to them from time to time has been found necessary and expedient, it is desirable to make certain incidental and consequential changes to the standing orders for the definition of resident for the Precinct Court of Covent Garden BE IT THEREFORE and IT IS HEREBY ENACTED ORDAINED AND ESTABLISHED by The Inhabitants of the Precinct of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled, and the authority of the same, AS FOLLOWS:

RESIDENTIAL STATUS IN THE PRECINCT OF COVENT GARDEN

(1) Given that the Representation of the People Act 1983, determining whether a person is "resident" at a particular address for the purposes of electoral law, does not apply to Ward elections, it will also not apply to voting at the Court of Precinct Mote. The common law definition of resiant given in Toulmin-Smith's 'The Parish' (1857) will therefore apply, subject to the provisions below.

(2) Determining "residence" is, therefore, a question of fact in each case, to be determined on a case by case basis by this Court of Precinct Mote.

(3) Temporary absence does not deprive a person of residence, but temporary presence does not make a person resident.

(4) A person is resident when his or her stay has a considerable degree of permanence, and this will be a question of fact to be determined by this Court of Precinct Mote. Permanent residence will be considered to occur after three plus one days, provided there is an intention on the part of the person that residence be permanent.

(5) In the City of London, a person may only vote in one ward; it follows, they may only vote in one precinct, in the event they have residences in more than one precinct of a ward.

(6) The law applying to merchant seamen in the Representation of the People Act 1983 applies to ward elections, by virtue of the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1957. This Court of Precinct Mote will adopt this definition, and additionally S14 (1) and S 1- 17 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, by virtue of section 8 of the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1957, (members of the armed forces and their spouses) will be held to apply to this Court.

(7) Non-resiant voters will not be allowed to vote in this Court of Precinct Mote. This includes voters who are on the ward list by virtue of a qualifying body, but who are non resiant.

(8) There is no nationality requirement for voting in Court of Precinct Mote elections, nor for standing for office as an officer of the Court of Precinct Mote, or being a Trustee of said Court.

(9) The age for being able to attend and vote at the Court of Precinct Mote, attested in this City of London since time immemorial, is 12 (twelve) years of age.

(10) The Precinct Beadle, in accord with ancient custom, is under a duty make house to house or other sufficient enquiries to establish entitlement to be a voter at the Court of Precinct Mote and in addition to assist in compiling a list of eligible voters in the Precinct, to be known as the Precinct List.

9. SHED MONEY

Mr der Miller outlined the problem with the 'Shed Money' ,in particular, problems with trying to find out how the expenditure had been accounted for, and the manner in which residents had been consulted on ways to spend it. A few residents benefitted, not the whole Estate. We decided not to ask the CoL to provide accounts for previous expenditure; this would be complex, and as the accounts did not appear to be set up to differentiate the expenditure in this way, we would be unlikely to get the information we needed. Rather, we would ask for better consultation and proper accounting for these funds in future.

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE: that the Court of Common Council be asked that future allocations of the 'shed money' should only be distributed after consultation with the Precinct Meeting.

Proposer: Ian McPherson Seconder: Nancy Calvo Motion passed unanimously

10. NEW FLATS ON PETTICOAT SQUARE

There was quite a bit of discussion here; residents were in favour of the new flats; however, the affect they would have on our local retailers was noted; in particular, that the retailers were being forced to give up the space on their top floors to make room for the flats, and thus were losing vital storage capacity, needed in order that they can run their businesses effectively. It was agreed that the CoL should try to find an alternative for the affected retailers.

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE: that we convey our support for the provision of additional housing in the Precinct, and that we wish to make the following observations:

1. That there should be triple glazing

2. That as the retailers will be forced to give up their storage space, making it difficult for them to run their businesses, alternative arrangements for storage should be made for the affected retailers; the residents additionally expressed concern that there does not appear to be a formal Neighbourhood Plan in place regarding what would be a suitable mix of shops and business types for the Precinct. Resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent down to the Ward Clerk.

Proposer: Evan der Millner Seconder:Phillip Chancellor Motion carried unanimously

11. PRECINCT BOUNDARY

The nature of the beating of the bounds procession (perambulation) was described by Mr der Millner. Mr Chancellor noted that in former days they would hold boys upside down over the boundary markers, 'to help them remember where the markers were'. Mr Bear noted the involvement of the local school in the annual ward beating the bounds procession. There was general interest in this activity; the meeting did not set a date for it; but it will be done.

12. OUTDOOR GYM

Discussion here centred around general disatisfaction with the way the CoL had gone about consulting residents, and the general decline in residents' meetings over the past few years, until finally they ptered out altogether; decisions were being made without consultation. The following resolution, it was agreed, was a reasonable thing to request;

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE to invite Fusion to address this meeting with a presentation about the proposed gym equipment that is proposed for installation on the Estate; to request the Corporation of London to make no final decision about placement and installation of said gym equipment without the agreement of this Precinct Meeting. Resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent down to the Ward Clerk.

Proposer:Angela Kennedy Seconder:Ian McPherson Motion carried unanimously

13. FORMAL NAME

As the previous meeting had agreed to keep the traditional nae of the Precinct, even though this would cause some confusion with the other 'Covent Garden' in Westminster, it was agreed to keep the name as it had historically been, adding 'in the Ward of Portsoken' to the full formal title; for 'internal use' we would not need the full title.

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE the formal name for the Precinct is “The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in the Ward of Portsoken in Precinct Mote Assembled”; also to be known or styled as “Covent Garden Precinct Mote in the Ward of Portsoken”, and/or “Covent Garden Precinct Meeting in the Ward of Portsoken” and/or “Covent Garden Precinct Mote” and/or “Covent Garden Precinct Meeting”.

Proposer: Evan der Millner Seconder: Ian McPherson Motion carried unanimously

14. FUNDING AND BANK ACCOUNT

We discussed that there would eventually be two Trustees; Mr der Millner explained that in most local authorities, the equivalent to the Precinct Meeting had its Chairman as one Trustee, with a nominee from the District Council – often a councillor, as the other Trustee. We are waiting to hear back from the Town Clerk regarding this; we would like the Corporation to appoint/assign a common councilman as an additional Trustee.

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE: that the Headborough be authorised to apply for funding or otherwise raise funds on behalf of the Court of Precinct Mote, and that he further be authorised to set up a Paypal account and/or a bank account for the Court of Precinct Mote, and further that the Headborough's authority will be deemed sufficient to make payments for the benefit of this Precinct of Covent Garden by cheque, bank card, cash or other means, and further resolve that all such items of expenditure and income must be reported to this Court of Precinct Mote, such accounting to be from the date of the previous meeting, and to be tabled at the Court of Precinct Mote on each occasion it meets, and also to be regularly published on the Precinct Mote's website.

Proposer: Ian Hartog Seconder: Nancy Calvo Motion carried unanimously

15. NOTICE BOARD

This resolution was not put to the vote – the issue of noticeboards was discussed, and Mr der Millner was of the view that for the time being the current arrangements were sufficient. The residents' noticeboards were being used by the CoL as spill-over boards, as there had been little residents' activity recently.

16. WARDMOTE

All residents are encouraged to attend the Court of Wardmote, to be held by precept of the Lord Mayor at 5pm tomorrow; The wardmote will adjourn and reconvene after the poll has concluded, for the count.

17. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

There was much discussion about the mix of shops in the area, and the local environment; it was observed that the Corporation appears to let out shops without thinking through what whe area could be like; residents wondered why a shop was let to an adult-related business in a shop in a residential neighbourhood. No-one objected to the business itself, if it was legitimate, but queried whether this was the right place for it. A proper policy needs to be in place, with a mix of shops appropriate for the area; residents said they would like to see a traditional butcher, a laundrette, a baker, an organic greengrocer, and perhaps a flower shop. This could all be done if the appropriate policies were in place, and this would change the character of the area. Residents were concerned that Middlesex Street might end up as a seedy backwater if the Corporation is not careful with how it manages the situation; it was noted there are now three massage parlours on the street already; one at the top end near Bishopsgate, and two near the Middlesex Street Estate.

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

RESOLVE: that the Headborough write to the Ward Clerk, outlining our concerns about the mix of shops and the general retail environment of the Precinct, noting that there should be a more formal nighbourhood plan in place for the area. Resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent down to the Ward Clerk.

Proposer:Ian McPherson Seconder: Margaret O'Brien Motion carried unanimously.

18. THE MEETING WAS CLOSED BY PROCLAMATION

MINUTES 8 MARCH 2017

Meeting of the Covent Garden Precinct Mote, on Wednesday 8th March 2017, 9.45 a.m. in the Artizan St Community Centre, Upstairs Main Hall.

In Attendance:

Ian McPherson; Andrew Hickman; Damien Vaugh; Margaret O'Brien; Marion Dobson; Ian Hartog ; Ted Hall; Evan der Millner; Phillip Chancellor RVM; Barbara Hall; Nattakarn Kamnuansil; Mr Henry Jones (Deputy).

Opening of the Meeting:

The Precinct Beadle opened the meeting by proclamation.

MINUTES

1. WELCOME

Mr der Millner gave a brief introduction to the Meeting. The City had conveyed their view via telephone, that we could hold this Precinct Meeting. Residents were assured that this forum was not intended to replace the Gardening Club, Leaseholder's Association, Tenants Association or other small residents' groups in the area– but that it was vital, for representative reasons, that the entire Precinct has a meeting that would represent it's viewpoint to the City of London – along the lines of a local Parish or Town Meeting. Mr der Millner pointed out that the individual groups could use this forum to put items on the agenda, which would then be voted on by a meeting called of all interested residents. The individual committees would be encouraged.

2. CHAIRMAN

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled resolved that Evan der Millner should take the Chair:

Proposed: Phillip Chancellor RVM; Seconded: Damien Vaugh; Carried unanimously

3a). NOMINATIONS FOR PRECINCT HEADBOROUGH

I, Phillip Chancellor, an inhabitant of the Precinct, nominate Evan der Millner for the position of Precinct Headborough.

Seconded by Damien Vaugh; Carried unanimously; There were no other valid nominations.

3b). NOMINATIONS FOR PRECINCT CLERK

I, Evan der Millner , an inhabitant of the Precinct, nominate Nattie Kamnuansil for the position of Precinct Clerk.

Seconded by Phillip Chancellor RVM; Motion carried unanimously; There were no other valid nominations.

3c). NOMINATIONS FOR DEPUTY PRECINCT CLERK

Evan der Millner, an inhabitant of the Precinct, nominated Damien Vaugh for the position of Deputy Precinct Clerk.

Seconded by Phillip ChancellorRVM ; Motion carried unanimously ; There were no other valid nominations.

3d). NOMINATIONS FOR PRECINCT BEADLE

Evan der Millner , an inhabitant of the Precinct, nominated Phillip Chancellor RVM for the position of Precinct Beadle.

Seconded by Damien Vaugh; Motion carried unanimously; There were no other valid nominations.

4. ELECTION RETURN:

Precinct of Covent Garden. At a Precinct Meeting held on the eighth of March two thousand and seventeen at Artizan Street Library, Main Hall, before the inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Meeting Assembled for the purposes of electing able and sufficient officers to serve as Headborough, Precinct Clerk, Deputy Precinct Clerk and Headborough of said Precinct. The candidates validly nominated for the said offices were:

Headborough

Evan der Millner

Precinct Clerk

Nattakarn Kamnuansil

Deputy Precinct Clerk

Damien Vaugh

Beadle

Phillip Chancellor RVM

As the number of candidates did not exceed the number of vacancies, the nominated candidates were duly elected to their offices.

5). STANDING ORDERS

Headborough:The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled resolve to use the common law customs for the conduct of Precinct Mote meetings, where such are in conformity with statute, as described in 'The Parish'(Toulmin-Smith, 1857), and the Common Council Standing Orders for the conduct of meetings; where there is a conflict, common law will prevail.

Proposer: Chair Evan der Millner; Seconder: Damien Vaugh; Motion carried unanimously

In the discussion on this resolution, it was informally agreed that the next meeting should be held in the evening.

6). COMMUNITY SPACE

Headborough:The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled resolve that the Court of Common Council be petitioned to enclose the balcony space that is situated above the entrance to Petticoat Tower, on the first floor of said Tower with a glass conservatory-type extension, using the same style to be adopted for the stairwell renovations, and the Harrow Place stairwell, thus forming it into an enclosed room.

And further resolve that the Common Council assign this newly enclosed space to be used exclusively as a Vestry or Community Meeting Room for this Precinct, for the purpose of holding local residents' meetings for the various committees, clubs and groups formed by the inhabitants; and that the keys, administration and booking of this room should be under the control of the Officers of said Precinct, who will institute a fair and equitable booking system for said room. And further resolve that a copy of this resolution to be passed to the Ward Clerk.

Proposer: Ted Hall; Seconder: Damien Vaugh; Motion carried unanimously

There was an amount of discussion here – the loss of our dedicated community hall, after the construction of the library, and broken promises from the Corporation that there would still be dedicated Community Space. The lack of toilet access was raised by one resident – but the general consensus was that it was not all that far to take a lift down one floor, and use the toilet in the adjacent library. In many public buildings one has to walk much further to access a toilet. The meeting thought that it would be a wonderful idea if the Precinct could have such a dedicated space.

ACTION: Headborough has sent this down to the Ward Clerk.

7). WEBSITE

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled resolve that a website be set up for the Precinct on Google Sites. The Title will be “Covent Garden Precinct” and the subtitle “”The Court of Precinct Mote / Covent Garden Precinct of Portsoken/ City of London” in sequentially decreasing font size.

The 'About' section will state: “In the ancient Saxon constitution of England, the inhabitants formed themselves into units

of ten families, called a Tithing Court, derived from the old number Tinth. This is our Precinct. Ten tithing courts constituted a Hundred Court. This is our Court of Wardmote. The Wardmotes taken together constituted a County – and this is our City of London.” Further resolve that minutes of meetings, and public notices of the precinct, be published to this website.

Agreed to discuss further details about this at the next meeting, particularly as regards contact details for officers etc.

Proposer: Chair Evan der Millner ; Seconder: Ian McPherson ; Motion carried unanimously

ACTION: This has been implemented. The url is http://coventgardenprecinct.london

8.) LETTERHEAD

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled resolve that the Head-borough write to the Court of Chivalry to obtain clarification on which Coats of Arms (i.e. Royal Arms & City Arms) this Court of Precinct Mote may use or whether we should have on court of arms.

Proposer: Phillip Chancellor Seconder: Damien Vaugh Motion carried unanimously

In the discussion prior to this, Mr der Millner mentioned the dispute with the Corporation about the use of their arms, and that the correct authority to resolve this matter was the Earl Marshall's Court, particularly as it involved possibly both the Royal Arms and the Arms of the City. A discussionwas also had about what information should be on the letterhead; certainly the names of the officers, and email addresses.

ACTION: Initial letter written to Town Clerk, as he requested we contact him. If answer is unsatisfactory, will write to Heralds. This has now been clarified, following a discussion with Windsor, Herald of Arms at the Court of Chivalry.

9). VOTE OF THANKS - COUNCILMEN

Headborough: The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled give a vote of thanks to the four Common Councilmen of this Ward for their service over the past four years, and further resolve that the Headborough shall write individually to each Councilman, informing them of this resolution.

Proposer: Phillip Chancellor RVM; Seconder: Ian Hall; Motion carried unanimously

In the discussion, Mr der Millner stated that the intention was that this Court would try to develop a good relationship with the Common Councilmen. Mr der Millner also discussed the proposistion, that, after the election, the Court meet with the Councilmen, and ask them to divide their responsibiities up, with two taking the Tower Hill Precinct, and two taking Covent Garden Precinct. This would be a return to something like the old system, where each Precinct had a dedicated Common Councilman, whom they had nominated. It would also make it easier for the Councilmen, as it would focus their workload on one particular area of the ward.

10). PARISH MEETING GUIDANCE

Further, given that the latest community Infrastructure Levy guidance states that:

“A community without a parish or town council will still benefit from this incentive, with the local planning authority retaining it and spending it in accordance with the wishes of community”, can the CoL please advise this Court of Precinct Mote of how this applies, and if it does, how would we be advised to proceed?

Damien Vaugh, Deputy Precinct Clerk, will investigate this matter, and report back to the next meeting. Mr der Millner said he did not know much about it. Another resident said he knew of it; Mr der Millner said that, now we have the Precinct Court, we are in a position to avail ourselves of it, as the previous committees were not representative of all the residents, but were divided amoung tenants/leaseholders.

The meeting was happy for Damien Vaugh to take on this role, although no formal resolution was passed on this matter. Mr Millner will also be following this matter through.

ACTION: Damien Vaugh to report to the meeting once he has written a report.

11). ESTATE OFFICE

Residents discussed moving the Estate office to a dedicated space, and the consensus was this was a good idea, as the current arrangements are unsatisfactory.

The general feeling of the meeting was sounded out by the chairman, and as everyone agreed that this was a good idea, and as the new Estate manager, Michelle Warman, wanted to move the office to a place where the Estate Officers were more publicly visible, a resolution on this matter was not put to the vote.

12). AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE

A resident noted that the minutes for the next should have the ‘apologies’ in the order of business. The Headborough agreed this should be the case. To correct the record, he asked for apologies. There were none in this instance. He said he would include this item in the next minutes.

ACTION: This has been implemented in the meeting script for the next meeting.

13). WELCOME TO MICHELLE WARMAN

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

resolve that a formal welcome be extended to Michelle Warman by the Headborough, on behalf of the inhabitants of the Precinct, and that additionally, she be invited to attend a future Precinct Meeting, to address the inhabitants and answer any questions they may have about the Middlesex Street Estate, and her role as Estate Manager.

Proposer: Phillip Chancellor RVM; Seconder: Marian Dobson; Motion carried unanimously

14). RESOLUTION: INVITATION TO A POLICE OFFICER TO ATTEND

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

resolve that the City of London Police be invited to send a ward constable to address this Precinct Meeting meeting, and answer any questions the inhabitants may have about the policing of the Precinct.

Proposer: Phillip Chancellor RVM; Seconder: Ian McPherson; Motion carried unanimously

15). VOTE OF THANKS TO THE NIGHTWATCH

The Inhabitants of Covent Garden in Precinct Mote Assembled

resolve that the Court of Common Council be profusely thanked for continued provision of the Nightwatch in the Precinct. The inhabitants feel much more secure, knowing that night watchmen regularly visit the vicinity and patrol the Middlesex Street Estate; and further resolve that this resolution be sent down to the Ward Clerk.

Proposer: Evan der Millner; Seconder: Phillip Chancellor RVM; Motion carried unanimously

16.) It was resolved to close the meeting (Proposer Ted Hall, Seconder Ian McPherson)

17.) The Precinct Beadle then closed the meeting by proclamation.