2021 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Virtual Meeting – Monday 15th March 2021
A meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held remotely via ZOOM video conference call on Monday 15th March at 7:00 pm.  This was attended by 3 members of the public and the following Councillors:
Paul Barnes (Chair), Evelyn Penney (Vice Chair), Geoff Donley, Eddie McNally, Stephen Dickey, Valery Gemmell, Peter Coupland, Caroline Stockford & the Clerk – Robyn Negus.
Due to the Annual Parish Meeting proceeding this meeting, there was no open public forum.  A member of the public did ask to raise a question, which the Chair invited.  They asked if Fleet Parish Council would consider adopting Gedney South as it is closer to Fleet Parish than Gedney North.  Cllr Coupland explained in order to move parish boundaries, we would need an Act of Parliament and very good reason.  It was agreed the Clerk would raise with the Gedney Parish Clerk to make them aware that some Parishioners may be feeling excluded.
Report from elected members of Lincolnshire Council and South Holland District Council – Cllr Coupland reported that things are slowly improving within the District Council, but many staff continue to work from home.  He also reported that the bus stop clearway markings in Old Main Road had now been completed. 
The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming all.

1. Apologies for Absence – received from Cllr Ward. Reasons given were noted and accepted by all.

2. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations in respects of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in Agenda items – None received.

3. Signing of the Minutes – The minutes of the meeting held on 18th January 2021, were read and agreed by all as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

4. Financial Matters:
• Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statement for January & February 2021 - Clerk advised balance as at 26th February 2021 was £18,398.96, with one pending payment of £13.21 bringing the balance to £18,412.17.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.
• Payment of Invoices - Payments since last meeting:

5. To receive reports - from:
• Playing Field & Pavilion Working Group – Cllr P Coupland advised there were no issues and the playing field had received its first grass cut of the season.  Clerk added that the new flood lights should be installed later in the week.
• Fund Raising Committee – Cllr Gemmell reported that we are awaiting the outcome of the recently submitted grant application for the gym equipment and it was agreed to agenda for May.  She also wanted to point out that as a Sub Committee of the Parish Council, the Fund-Raising Committee do not have to request permission from full council to apply for grants.  Whilst awaiting the outcome of the above, she asked what do we want to focus on next?  Footpaths, benches, and new windows for the pavilion were discussed, Cllr Penney also confirmed that grants are available from the Football Foundation for new goal posts and windows for the pavilion.   Further discussion was had regarding a dog run, with mixed views and feed back that other local dog runs cost approximately £100 per month to maintain.  Cllr Gemmell also noted that as Volunteers, we can apply for grants with match funding.  Guidance suggests that volunteers can claim £9 per hour, per Cllr.  She suggested that Cllrs keep a time sheet and maybe work out the hours volunteered over the last year.  
• Planter Maintenance & War Memorial Committee – Cllr Penney reported that she was disappointed with plants that were purchased for winter.  But was now focusing on ones for spring.  She also reported that the wreaths have now been taken away from the War Memorial, but pictures created by the school had been left.  Lavender has now been planted and doing well.  Cllr Coupland added that the planter by the church was looking nice and thanks noted for the parishioner that maintains it.  

6. To review/adopt new policies – The following policies were previously circulated, and it was agreed by all to adopt.
•    Fleet Parish Council Equality Policy
•    Fleet Parish Council Safeguarding Policy

7. Community Payback scheme – Cllr Penney reported that due to current Covid-19 restrictions, this scheme is currently suspended.

8. Correspondence Received:
•    Email from LALC requesting confirmation of us joining their training scheme for 21/22.  It was agreed by all to re-join the training scheme.
•    Email from Parishioner regarding poor road repair on Langary Gate, between Gedney Hill and Fleet Fen.  Clerk reported that this has already been raised with LCC highways under reference 4158343, who have confirmed they will be attending to inspect the works carried out.
•    Email from SHDC to confirm Highways grass cutting schedule for 2021.  Details were shared, and it was agreed that we would be making alternative arrangements for this year.
•    Letter from a Parishioner regarding proposal for speed limit reduction on C742.  Contents and the concerns in the letter were discussed.  It was noted, whilst Fleet Parish Council can put our views forward, the overall decision is with Highways, who will address and look at all safety issues.  
•    Email from Parishioner to ask the Council to organise an event in 2022 in honour of the Queens 70th year reign.  It was agreed that the Parish council will consider and event.  It was agreed to agenda for May and discuss in more details. 

9. Actions List - To discuss completion of outstanding items and agree timescales – Clerk to lead
•    Additional Notice Board Eastgate – Still outstanding
•    Request for consideration for Drop kerbs on corner of Eastgate Gdns & Eastgate and another on corner of Burgess Drive & Eastgate – Due to LCC lack of funding and resources, still outstanding. 
•    Public Space Protection Order – Application of PSPO to enforce dogs on leads whilst using the playing field. – This has now been escalated, but in the meantime, it was agreed that 2 more signs will be purchased and erected to advise ‘Dogs must be kept on lead’.  
•    Request for a waste bin to be sited near information board on Fleet Road – Further chasers have been sent, but currently still outstanding.
•    Reports of vermin coming from Holbeach House – Cllr Barnes reported that this issue has now been resolved and the waste has been cleared.
•    Repeat request for not suitable for HGV signs to be erected – Clerk reported that Highways have confirmed that this falls under a Traffic Regulation Order and needs to be requested by County Cllrs.  Cllr Coupland agreed to take this forward.  

10. Speed Watch Initiative – Clerk reported that she had received an update form the PCSO to confirm they had now received the Speed Radar back but had limited resources to take it out.  Following further discussions, it was agreed, when Covid restrictions allow, we would seek permission to erect our interactive speed sign on new lamp post around the Parish in an effort to deter speeding. 

11. Planning Matters – Planning Applications and decisions received from SHDC since the last meeting were noted and confirmation that objections entered for H05-0670-20.  No other comments added:
Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

12. Forward Planning & Events – Cllr Penney reported that following the great feedback and success of the last Yard Sale, residents had been asking when there will be another.  Cllr Penney proposed that, all being well with Government guidelines, we start to advertise that another Yard Sale will take place on Saturday 22 May.  This was accepted and agreed by all.  Clerk and Cllr Penney to produce and display posters.   She also reported that there is a planned coach trip to Holt on 24 July.
A Parishioner also asked if the Parish Council were happy for them to restart the Walking Football, given Government relaxation of lockdown, now permitting outdoor sports.  This was agreed by all. 

13. To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 17th May 2021.  Next Meet & Greet Public Forum postponed until further notice.

It was resolved to go into closed session to discuss items 14 on the agenda.
Public left the meeting 20:31
14. Closed Session:
•    Letter from Lives to request a donation
•    Budget Tenders received for Hard Standing