2023 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 16th October 2023

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Hall, Hargate Close, Fleet Hargate on Monday 16th October 2023 which was attended by one member of the public and the following Councillors: Evelyn Penney, Kevin Smith, Geraldine Scholes, Chas Penney, Samantha Favell, Dave Hudson & the Clerk.

Public Forum – A public forum was opened for any parishioners attending to raise any matters: Nothing was raised from the public 

Lincolnshire County Councillor, no reports received.  In the absence of District Cllrs Barnes, Clerk reported that Garden Waste Collection event ran without any problems, although turnout was very poor.  Those who did come along were very grateful.  It was publicised on Facebook and in the local press – so I can only assume that people either had no waste or are happy disposing of garden waste some other way.  He has have written to the Rose and Crown to thank them.  He also wanted to thank those on the Parish Council who assisted.

There is a council meeting on 2 November for District Councillors for a briefing on a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) in South Holland – a large scale solar farm.  Due to its scale the application will be submitted directly to the Planning Inspectorate, and it will be determined by them.  As a District we will be a consultee only.  The application site is to be located across several wards including Fleet

Cllr Barnes is aware of the parking issues around Hargate Close area. This will be work in progress over the next few months.

In the absence of Cllr Barnes and Cllr Donley, it was resolved to appoint Cllr Geraldine Scholes to chair the meeting.  

23.10.60 Apologies for Absence – Cllr Barnes & Cllr McNally – Reasons given were noted and RESOLVED to accept by all.  Clerk reported that the resignation had been received from Cllr Donley and the vacancy had been published.  Fleet Parish Council gave thanks for Cllr Donley’s time and huge efforts over the years.  It was resolved for the Clerk to purchase a thank you gift.  

23.10.61 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

23.10.62 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 18th September 2023 were read and were RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

23.10.63 Financial Matters:

•   Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for September 2023 – The balance as of 29 September 2023 was £46,087.63 with pending payments £425.90 bringing the total balance to £45,087.63.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.  
•   Budget Forecast & Precept decision – Clerk had circulated a copy of the 23/24 budget forecast for councillors to review.   
•   Payment of Invoices:

23.10.64 To receive reports - from:

•   Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr Smith reported that maintenance and repairs are continuing on the playing field, with the Burma Bridge now complete.  He also reported that the playing field would benefit from being rolled again and proposed we go ahead with the same contractor as last year.  It was RESOLVED to go ahead with this at a cost of £25 per hour, with an estimate of 3-4 hours.  Clerk to liaise with Cllr Smith and the grass cutting contractors to arrange a suitable date.  

a)   Tree inspection in on the playing field – Clerk confirmed she had emailed SHDC to request assistance but had not received a reply.  Clerk to Chase again.

b)   Approval request to purchase replacement basketball net – Details of costs shared.  It was Resolved for Cllr Smith to replace the basketball net at a cost of £8.94.

c)   Approval request to purchase paint for fence on playing field – Details of cost shared.  All in favour for the fence to be painted.

•   Grant Application Working Party in respect of Redevelopment of the Playing Field

a)    Update plans for required works on playing field/hard standing – No updates at this time.

d)   SHDC Prosperity Fund – Clerk reported that the new pieces of equipment had now been ordered and was awaiting confirmation of installation dates.  

c)    Update of Monkey Challenge – Clerk reported that a date had now been scheduled for installation.

•   Planter Maintenance & War Memorial Working Party – Cllr E Penney shared her typed report, noting thanks to Cllr Smith for his help with the watering scooter.  She also requested permission to ask the Man Shed for assistance with the repairs to planters.  This was agreed by all to proceed.  Lastly, Cllr E Penney advised that the In Bloom Group, who have funding and manpower available to assist with plants.  

a)   Review quotes received for tree works at War Memorial – Following several requests for quotations for the work needed to the trees at the War Memorial and only one being received.  It was resolved to review the one received.  After a discussion it was RESOLVED to accept the quotation received at a cost of £700.  Clerk to arrange.

•   Observations following asset inspections – Forms received were reviewed – Clerk reminded full Council that it would be very useful for Asset forms to be received 2 weeks prior to the meetings so these can be reviewed and added to the Agenda should the need arise.  

23.10.65 LLC Tree Planting Scheme – No updates received at this time.

23.10.66 Correspondence Received:

•   Email from Parishioner for consideration of making a one way system down Hocklesgate for the school run – Following much discussion, Fleet Parish Council have no powers to enforce a one way system as this is the responsibility of LCC, but it was Resolved that Fleet Parish Council would incorporate Hocklesgate into its Speed Watch program and monitor, providing any evidence to LCC as appropriate.  
•   Email from SHDC regarding Claimed footpath between Damgate and Branches Lane – Already Circulated – No further action needed.

23.10.67 Actions List - To discuss completion of outstanding items and agree timescales.

•   Public Space Protection Order – Application of PSPO to enforce dogs on leads whilst using the playing field – o/s
•   Update on tree works at Church End –Clerk reported that the new Vicar and church Warden had now been appointed and was trying to set up a meeting to discuss the trees and obtain quotes.  Further updates to follow.    

23.10.68 Speed Watch Initiative - To review any information gathered from the interactive speed sign.

•   Update of purchase of Speed Watch Equipment – Clerk reported that the equipment had now been purchased and a meeting will be held with the Speed Watch Team to confirm the Roads that require approval from Highways.  It was also agreed that further quotes would be obtained for the interactive speed sign.
•   Update on feedback following Proposal for speed limits to be reduced and other safety management measures, Hallgate, Church End & Church Gate – No further updates at this time

23.10.69 Planning Matters 

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

23.10.70 Forward Planning & Events

•   Update on plans for Fleet Car Rally 1st October 2023 – Clerk reported numbers were low but those who attended had a good time with cake, coffee and lunch for some.  Several attending went down roads they did not know existed and had never been to the Meridian Stone.  Thoughts where it may have been the wrong time of year, but we will be looking at doing a similar thing but make it into a car treasure hunt.  That would allow anyone with cars to take part.
•   Update on plans to Fleet Summer Fete 9th June 2024 – Clerk reported that plans were underway, but more volunteers were needed.  The next meeting will be held on Monday 13 November at 6:30pm in the Community Centre. 
•   Update on purchase/planting Oak tree near church - o/s

23.10.71   Proposal to purchase a Storage Container to be sited on the Playing field – Cllr Smith shared details and costs of installing a storage container on the Playing Field.  Following a discussion, it was Resolved to revisit this item in the spring once we have set the budget for the new year. 

23.10.72   To Note Date of Next Meeting – 20th November 2023