To consider a report seeking approval to bid to host the Geopark Global Conference in 2016.

The Council considered the submitted report on proposals for Torbay, as a member of the Geopark Global Network, to submit a bid to host the Geopark Global Conference in 2016.

It was proposed by Councillor Butt and seconded by Councillor Hill:

(i)         that Council give it’s approval for Torbay Council, in partnership with the English Riviera Geopark Organisation (ERGO) and the TDA, to bid to host the Geopark Global Conference in 2016;  and

(ii)        that the Council commits to underwriting any shortfall in costs of hosting. It is expected that the costs will be covered by fees from delegates and with private sector sponsors.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Morey and Councillor Davies:

            That consideration of the report be deferred to the Council meeting to be held in October 2013 to allow the concerns raised at this meeting, in particular the mitigation of the exposure to the Council’s costs, and enable a full and robust business case to be developed.

On being put the vote, the amendment was declare lost.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Hernandez and Councillor Thomas (D):

(i)         that Council give it’s approval for Torbay Council, in partnership with the English Riviera Geopark Organisation (ERGO) and the TDA, to bid to host the Geopark Global Conference in 2016 and a letter of intent be drawn up to support this;  and

(ii)        that the Council commits to working with partners to underwrite any shortfall in costs of hosting. It is expected that the costs will be covered by fees from delegates and with private sector sponsors.

On being put to the vote the amendment was declared carried.

The substantive motion (the second amendment with the changed and additional wording) was then before Members for consideration.

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4, a recorded vote was taken on the substantive motion.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows: For:  the Mayor, Councillors Addis, Amil Barnby, Bent, Brooksbank, Butt, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, McPhail, Mills, Pritchard, Scouler, Stockman, Thomas (D) and Thomas (J) (19);  Against:  Councillors Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, James, Morey, Pentney and Tyerman (9);  Abstain: Councillor Parrott and Stringer (2); and Absent: Councillors Baldrey, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), Hytche, Pountney, Richards and Stocks, (7).  Therefore, the substantive motion was declared carried.