2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 22nd January 2024

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at Gedney Hill Memorial Hall, Hillgate, Gedney Hill PE12 0NN on Monday 22nd January 2024, which was attended by eleven members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Eddie McNally, Evelyn Penney, Kevin Smith, Geraldine Scholes, Chas Penney & the Clerk.

Public Forum – A public forum was opened for any parishioners attending to raise any matters: 

A Parishioner wanted to thank District Cllr Barnes for his work in assisting with the improvements to the path on Long Lane.  Cllr Barnes confirmed some work was outstanding this was on the Highways project list. 

Another Parishioner raised concerns regarding speeding on Long Lane.  It was agreed that this would be included on the Fleet Community Speed Watch project.  

Another question was raised with regards to obtaining a Dog Waste Bin.  It was agreed that Clerk would write to SHDC to request consideration. 

Lincolnshire County Councillor – In the absence of County Cllr Coupland, no reports were received. 

District Cllr Barnes reported that he does not have any updates on the Solar Farm proposal at this time but will update his Facebook page as and when he had news. He also reported that there will be further updates to follow regarding the National Grid proposal.  Rubbish collections may be reviewed as feedback indicates that the re-routes have caused issues.  Brown bin requests are still ongoing, and updates should be received in March.  

24.01.89 Apologies for Absence – Cllr Dave Hudson - Reasons given were noted and RESOLVED to accept by all.  Clerk reported that the resignation had been received from Cllr Favell and the vacancy had been published.  Fleet Parish Council gave thanks for Cllr Favell’s time and huge efforts over the past year and wished her well for the future.    

24.01.90 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

24.01.91 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 20th November 2023 were read and were RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

24.01.92 Financial Matters:

•   Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for November and December 2023 – The balance as of 31st October 29th December 2023 was £29,135.90 with no payments.  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 24/25 budget forecast for councillors to review.  Following an in-depth review and discussion noting that our current budget would result in a deficit of £1,025 for the year ahead and consideration of more equipment needed for the Speed Watch campaign. Two proposals were put forward. The first to raise the precept by 7%, a vote took place resulting in 2 fore, 3 against and 1 abstention, therefore not carried.  A second proposal for increasing the precept by 10% was seconded and resulted in a vote of 4 fore and 2 against, therefore carried.  It was RESOLVED to increase the precept by 10%.  This equates to an increase of 34p per month ($4.12 per year) for a band D property.  Clerk will apply for a Precept of £35,846.00 for 2024/25 which is an increase of £3,259 on the prior year.  
•   Payment of Invoices:

24.01.93 To receive reports - from:

Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr Smith reported that maintenance and repairs are continuing on the playing field, and the Hive was now installed.  He confirmed that replacement lights were needed as the current ones were not very suitable.  He requested that we consider the use of any 106 monies available to fund this project.  He also noted that he would like to review the current playing field grass cutting and fed back some points noted.  It was RESOLVED that a meeting would be set up to review and discuss with the current contractor.  

a)   Tree inspection in on the playing field – Following meeting with contractors and estimates received, in light of the prompt action required to resolve before any injuries to Parishioners.  It was agreed for the Park Committee to prepare description of works to be signed and authorise emergency works up to the value of £1,000.  

b)   Actions for Playdale equipment in the Park – Cllr Smith reported that the Playdale timbers have now been received and awaiting installation.  

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

a)   Update plans for required works on playing field/hard standing – Cllr Barnes confirmed that funds have now been secured for the footpath to be installed once the weather improves.  Once a date was agreed, a meeting will take place on the field to confirm siting.  

•   Planter Maintenance & War Memorial Working Party – Cllr E Penney that the bench at the Church had now been restored and placed back at the church. Thanks was given to The Man Shed for their assistance with this. 
•   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.  

24.01.94 Correspondence Received:

•   Email from New football team enquiring about use of the Playing Field – no action needed
•   Email From CSW Co-ordinator approving proposed sites including recommendation for a second CSW banner to display.  No further action needed. 
•   Email from LALC with D-Day Celebrations guidance – Noted 
•   Email for SHDC Safety Advisory Group offering more dates for the Events Training – Cllr Barnes & Cllr Pickett agreed to attend.  Clerk to enrol.
•   Email from Parishioner requesting that we publicise the School’s adopted One Way System during drop off and pick up times for roads around the School. Following a discussion, Cllr Barnes confirmed that as a Parish Council we are unable to enforce or condone this, but we do want to support the School.  It was agreed that we would try and set up a forum to discuss in more details so we can assist with a solution. 

24.01.95 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 to arrange long outstanding meeting with Vicar and Church Warden to discuss.

24.01.96 Speed Watch Initiative - To review any information gathered from 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
•   Due to recent accidents on A17 with one fatality, it was RESOLVED approach our neighbouring parishes to get together and plan how we can approach Highways to urgently review the road and make improvements.  

24.01.97 Planning Matters –Cllr McNally had nothing of serious concern at this time.  

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

24.01.98 Forward Planning & Events

•   Update on plans to Fleet Summer Fete 9th June 2024 – Cllr Barnes reported that the plans were moving forward, with many activities now confirmed.  A Fate meeting was due to take place next week. 
•   Update on purchase/planting Oak tree near church – It was resolved to remove this item until the tree works had been discussed. 
•   Update on event in respect of the D-Day Celebrations on 6th June 2024 – Cllr Barnes reported that beacon is being built and was looking to purchase poppies to be displayed on the Parish Lampposts. He also added, should any Parishioners wish to purchase these, to get in touch so a bulk order could be completed to save on additional postage costs.  He also confirmed that he will be purchasing a PA system with his District Budget, which could be used by the Parish Council for future event.     

24.01.99 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 19th February 2024 at the Fleet Hargate Community Centre

20:50 Public left the meeting, and it was resolved to go into closed session to discuss:

24.01.100    Land Management – Cllr Barnes confirmed that solicitors had now been appointed to finalise Fleet Parish Council adopting an open space within the Parish and available funds were being dealt with separately. 

21:10 The meeting closed