The meeting was opened with a prayer.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Morris, O’Dwyer and Stringer.

To elect the Chairman/woman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2017 - 2018.

Councillor Barnby proposed and Councillor Stockman seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as set out below:

That Councillor Anne Brooks be elected Chairwoman of the Council of the Borough of Torbay for the Municipal Year 2017/2018.

(The Chairwoman, Councillor Brooks, in the Chair)

The Chairwoman of the Council took the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Oath of Allegiance and thanked the Council for the honour bestowed upon her.

The Chairwoman also announced that Mr William Taylor would be her Escort during her term of office and her charities would be Carers Aid Torbay (CAT) and Torbay Museums’ Trust.

The Chairwoman announced that she had appointed Reverend Father Peter Marsh to be her Chaplain and that the Annual Civic Church Service would be held at St Luke’s Church, Torquay in the Autumn.

Councillor Lewis (C) proposed and Councillor Morey seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as set out below:

That the Council express its sincere thanks and appreciation to Councillor Ray Hill and Mrs Patricia Hill for the manner in which they had carried out their duties during their term of office.

To elect the Vice-Chairman/woman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2017 - 2018.

Councillor Sander proposed and Councillor Thomas (D) seconded a motion, which was agreed (unanimously) by the Council as set out below:

That Councillor Ian Doggett be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council of the Borough of Torbay for the Municipal Year 2017/2018.

The Vice-Chairman of the Council took the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and thanked the Council for the honour bestowed upon him.

The Vice-Chairman also announced that Mrs Maggi Douglas-Dunbar would be his Escort during his term of office.

To consider adjourning the meeting until 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 10 May 2017 to deal with the remainder of the business set out in the separate agenda.

At this juncture the meeting was adjourned until 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday 10 May 2017.