2022 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 18th July 2022

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Hall, Hargate Close, Fleet Hargate on Monday 18th July 2022 at 7pm which was attended by four members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes (Chair), Evelyn Penney (Vice Chair), Peter Coupland, Geoff Donley, Stephen Dickey, Eddie McNally, Caroline Stockford, David Rodwell & the Clerk – Robyn Negus.

Public Forum – A public forum was opened:

A Parishioner asked for an update on the not suitable for HGV signs.  Cllr Coupland reported that these are now in place, but some need to be moved and will action this. 

Another Parishioner advised that there are a few overgrown trees on nearby roads causing obstruction.  It was resolved that they would report on Fix My Street and attach photos. 

Lastly a Parishioner commented on how nice the Pavilion is looking with the improvements been made. 

Report from elected member of Lincolnshire Council and South Holland District Council – Cllr Coupland reported that funds are tight across all councils, with the cost-of-living increase of 8.9%.  The government need to come up with a contingency or councils will run out of funds.    Cllr Penney asked if there was an update on Unity Trust.  Cllr Coupland confirmed there were no further plans at present to include SHDC, Boston & East Lindsey.  

19:10 The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming all.

22.07.15 Apologies for Absence and reasons given – Cllr V Gemmell. Reasons given were noted and RESOLVED to accept by all. 

22.07.16 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.

22.07.17 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 16th May 2022 were read and RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

22.07.18 Financial Matters:

•   Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statement for May & June 2022 – The balance as of 30 June 2022 was £54,696.02 with pending payments £5,894.14 bringing the total balance to £49,048.28.  This balance included receipt of £3,158.79 in respect of the HRMC Vat rebate.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records. 
•   Budget update 22/23 – Clerk had previously circulated a copy of the budget forecast for Cllrs to review.  Nothing was raised as a concern. 
•   Payment of Invoices:

22.07.19 To receive reports - from:

•   Playing Field & Pavilion Committee - Cllr Coupland reported that there had been an increase in antisocial behaviour around the Pavilion.  Following a discussion, it was agreed that we would look at maybe forming a youth committee including younger parishioners to establish their needs within the Parish.   Cllr Coupland also reported an incident that had happened with a child falling in the dyke trying to retrieve their ball.  Ideas were shared and it was resolved to erect a fence behind the goal and along one side of the dyke.  Parishioners have volunteered to erect the fence if we purchase the materials (approximate cost £1,200).  Cllr Barnes proposed we go ahead with this.  This was seconded by Cllr Rodwell and agreed by all.  

a) Update on replacement windows in pavilion -The windows are now installed and look great with lots more light inside the pavilion.

b) Risk Assessment for Pavilion – A draft of the risk assessment was previously circulated, with small amendments being made.  Agenda September 2022

c) Moles on playing field – Currently the mole situation is good, but the ground is very hard.  To review going forward. 

•   Grant Application for Redevelopment of the Playing Field Committee –Cllr Stockford 

a) Clerk to provide update on land registry and planning application for Playing Field – Clerk advised this was still outstanding and requested the help of the Planning Committee to complete and register.  This was agreed. 

b) Update on results for Co-Op community vote – ongoing closes 3 September 2022

c) Update following grant application to Gedney Marsh Windcluster Fund in respect of hard 
standing – Cllr Stockford confirmed we had been offered a grant of £5,000 pending an undated quote for the works, planning requirements and more funding.  Following a discussion, it was agreed Clerk would obtain an estimate for a civil engineer to draw up plans for required works to ensure revised quotes are consistent.  

d) SHDC Prosperity Fund Update – At this stage SHDC had issued details requesting a note of interest and ideas.  Clerk confirmed that we had submitted our ideas, which include an all-inclusive recreational and social centre with a car park with an approximate cost of £250K.  

e) Clerk further reported that we had been successful with a grant application to the Grange Wind Farm Community Fund following an application for funds to install a new piece of play equipment in the park.  We have been awarded £2,500, which was initially towards a roundabout, but due to the high costs, it was agreed by the community fund that we could utilise the funds towards an alternative piece to suit our budget.  It was resolved for the Paying Field Committee to meet and discuss an alternative piece of equipment to a budget of £6,000.  This includes the £2,500 grant, £2,500 match funding and £1,000 from the Tesco grant received some time ago.  

•   Planter Maintenance & War Memorial Committee – Cllr Penney advised she had nothing to report at this time but thanked parishioner volunteers for their help with planters and Cllr Barnes wife for her help with the War Memorial plants. The fence has now been completed and Cllr Barnes confirmed he would paint this in the next few weeks.  A discussion was had regarding the area to be paved.  It was confirmed that the area needs to permeable due to being in a conservation area and agreed that Clerk would obtain quotes for membrane & gravel. 
•   Observations following asset inspections – Inspection forms received and all in order. 
•   To review/adopt working groups/committees Terms of Reference – Details circulated by Clerk and to be confirmed/adopted in September meeting. 

22.07.20 Correspondence Received:

•   Email from SHDC to join their Love Your Parks week running 25th July – 5th August – Details shared, and posters displayed on Facebook page/notice boards. 
•   Invitation to join the Spalding Flower Parade due to be held Saturday 6th May 2023 – It was agreed we would take part and review resources. Agenda September. 
•   Email from LCC Highways with proposal for speed reduction along Lowgate North &  Roman Bank – details circulated and noted.  No further action required. 

22.07.21 Actions List - To discuss completion of outstanding items and agree timescales – Clerk to lead

•   Request for consideration for Drop kerbs on corner of Eastgate Gdns & Eastgate and another on corner of Burgess Drive & Eastgate.  Clerk reported that confirmation had been received that works have been approved for this.  Awaiting start date, Clerk to chase for update. 
•   Public Space Protection Order – Application of PSPO to enforce dogs on leads whilst using the playing field – Clerk reported that a representative from SHDC was happy to have a meeting (zoom) to answer any question and offer advise on how we could proceed.   It was agreed that Clerk would arrange a suitable date and Cllrs would create a list of questions in preparation – Outstanding 
•   Repeat request for not suitable for HGV signs to be erected – Cllr Coupland reported that this is now complete. 

22.07.22 Neighbourhood Watch Scheme – Cllr McNally reported that he is looking to promote the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme within Fleet and asked if we would support it.  It was agreed that we would offer support but not be involved in the running of it.  Cllr Donley offered to assist Cllr McNally.    

22.07.23 Speed Watch Initiative - To review any information gathered from the interactive speed sign & Police Speed Camera – Cllr McNally reported he has arranged to put the sing up in the next few weeks.  Clerk had supplied the authorised lamppost numbers but confirmed that we will check these are still valid. 

•   Update on Proposal for speed limits to be reduced, Eastgate, Hall Gate & Church Lane – Cllr Barnes reported that a meeting was held with LCC Highways to discuss the concerns raised.  Following on from the meeting LCC have agreed to carry out an assessment to encompass Hazelwood Lane junction with Hockles Gate & Church Gate Junction with Proudfoot Lane and Hazelwood Lane.  In September on the return from holidays their team will run several assessments to cover both Parking, Speed and School in one to ensure that they fully capture the issues from all aspects.  They have also confirmed that they will install White H-Bars for the crossing to ensure that cars observe that there is a crossing there and will look to install bollards around the island where several cars/vans were noted parking, obstructing the view for oncoming traffic. 

22.07.24 Planning Matters - Cllr Donley gave an overview of recent planning applications and concerns that have been raised and submitted. 

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

22.07.25 Forward Planning & Events

Cllr Barnes gave thanks for the hard work and efforts put in by all involved in hosting the Queens Jubilee Celebrations to make is a funs, successful day for all.

•   Cllr McNally proposed we hold and an annual ‘Fete’ on the Fleet Playing field.  First to be held on Sunday 11 June 2023, this was seconded by Cllr Dickey and agreed by all.  Clerk will check with nearby parishes and local events to ensure we do not clash. 
•   Cllr Penney confirmed the 6 August 22 for the next Yard sale to be held in Fleet.  Posters have been put up in the notice boards and Facebook page. 
•   Update on purchase of Oak tree to plant with RBL.   Following discussion, it was resolved that Fleet Parish Council would purchase an Oak Tree, but not have a plaque.  Cllr Coupland will liaise with the Church to ask permission to plant in place of a fallen tree. 

22.07.26 Community Emergency Plan – Cllr Penney reported that LCC are now running the running the Community Emergency Plan.  There will be lots of training available to all, with a particular focus on Parishioner involvement.  Clerk will circulate correspondence received.  Agenda September

22.07.27 Proposal to move from bi-monthly meetings to monthly – Cllr Barnes proposed from September 2022, we move to monthly meetings to have more focus on projects and be more proactive with Council business.  This was seconded by Cllr McNally and agreed by all to trial and see how it goes. 

22.07.28 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 19th September 2022.  

9:10 Parishioners left the meeting

It was resolve to go into Closed Session to discuss

22.07.29 Quotes received for works to front of War Memorial – Clerk shared one quote (despite three being requested) received for the works required to the ground at the front of the memorial.  Cllr Barnes proposed we go ahead at the cost of £3,320.  This was seconded by Cllr Dickey, with a vote of 8 for and 1 against.  Therefore, carried.  Clerk to contact the contractor to confirm.  It was agreed that Cllr Coupland would oversee the works.