2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 19th February 2024

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Hall, Hargate Close, Fleet on Monday 19th February 2024, which was attended by 3 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Kevin Smith, Geraldine Scholes, Chas Penney, Nigel Pickett & the Clerk.

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

Nothing was raised at this time, as items were already covered by the agenda. 

Lincolnshire County Councillor –County Cllr Coupland reported that concerns were being raised with our neighbouring parishes regarding the National Grids proposals to put a new line of overhead electricity pylons through Lincolnshire. It is planning to install pylons of up to 164ft (50m) high along an 87 mile (140km) stretch between Grimsby and Walpole in Norfolk.  Parishioners are being encouraged to forward their comments and objections. He also reported that Devolution is moving forward and will provide further updates in due course. 

District Cllr Barnes reported a motion was going forward to SHDC to oppose the Solar Panel plans, which will have an impact on the Parish.  He confirmed that he had arranged a representative to do a presentation to and provide an up to date map showing boundaries affected.  This presentation will be held at The Gedney Hill Memorial Hall on Tuesday 19th March at 7pm.  All Parishioners are welcome to attend.  He also reported he had applied for the Police Commission fraud packs so we can distribute and raise awareness of fraud.  

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

24.02.102 To receive applications for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy - One application had been received for the Councillor vacancy, the applicant was invited to say a few words by way of introduction and give a brief background.  Having met the necessary criteria and vote was taken.  This concluded in Ashlie Smith being successfully co-opted onto Fleet Parish Council.  Members were pleased to welcome and invited Mrs Smith to join the meeting.

24.02.103 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

24.02.104 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 22nd January 2024 were read and were RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

24.02.105 Financial Matters:

•   Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for January 2024 – The balance as of 31st January 2024 was £27,721.02 with pending payments of £591.78, binging the total balance to £27,129.24.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.  
•   Budget Forecast – Clerk had circulated a copy of the budget; no issues were raised. 
•   Internal Audit - Clerk reported that an Internal Audit had been carried out in preparation for year end.  All was in order, other than a couple of minor website updates nothing was raised for concern. 
•   Payment of Invoices:

Clerk raised concerns that the electricity costs for the Pavilion had increased due to the current contract ending.  It was resolved that she would source a better deal.

24.02.106 To receive reports - from:

Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr Smith reported that the drop posts had now been installed and general maintenance was going well.   It was resolved to meet with the current contractor to discuss the playing field grass cutting and dyke for the coming season. 

a)   Tree inspection in on the playing field – The contract for the tree works has now been signed and work will commence as soon as the field is more accessible.   

•   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 Work for the agreed footpath and table tennis table hard standing had been agreed and will commence as soon as the weather improves.

•   Planter Maintenance & War Memorial Working Party – In the absence of Cllr Penney, Cllr C. Penney confirmed there was nothing to report at this time, only that the weather has not been ideal for the conditions at the War Memorial. 
•   Update on bins being emptied/request for additional waste bins – Cllr Penny and Cllr Smith raised concerns for waste bins not being emptied and proposed we request an additional bin to be sited near the bus stop.  Cllr Barnes agreed to take this up with SHDC.  
•   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.  

24.02.107 Correspondence Received:

•   Email from SHDC with quote for Highway verge cutting quote for 2024 – Following a review of the quote received, it was RESOLVED not to take them up for this year. 

24.02.108 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 It was RESOLVED to remove this item until further information was received.
•   Update on tree works at Church End –Clerk to arrange long outstanding meeting with Vicar and Church Warden to discuss o/s

24.02.109 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 – LCC Cllr P Coupland confirmed he had met with Highways and the School to discuss more options, including reducing the number of parked cars by the school.  Further updates to follow in due course. 
•   Update following first Community Speed Watch Session – Cllr Pickett reported that the team had now been out on two sessions, with six speeders logged with one vehicle clocked at 61MPH.  The second visit was not as productive, thoughts where it was the wrong time and location. 

19:50 One Parishioner left the meeting 

24.02.110 Planning Matters – In the absence of Cllr McNally no report was received.   

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

24.02.111 Forward Planning & Events

•   Update on plans to Fleet Summer Fete 9th June 2024 – Cllr Barnes reported that the plans were moving forward, but volunteers were needed to help.  Emails and social media posts were being sent to invite stall holders. Posters were also displayed to invite entries for the Tug-of-War.
•   Update on event in respect of the D-Day Celebrations on 6th June 2024 – Cllr Barnes reported that beacon is now ready, and he was meeting with the LCC Fire office to confirm a suitable location for the Beacon to be sited on the field.      
•   Fleet Yard Sale – Clerk reported that no requests for the Parish to hold a yard sale. Cllr C. Penney suggested that July/August time may be suitable.  It was RESOLVED that Cllr Scholes would discuss with Cllr E. Penney and arrange a Parish Council run yard sale. 

24.02.112 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 18th March 2024 at the Fleet Hargate Community Centre

•   Following a discussion, it was RESOLVED to hold every 3rd Parish Council meeting at The Gedney Hill Memoria Hall, the first will be held Monday 15th April 2024, which will include the Annual Parish Meeting. 

20:05 Public left the meeting, and it was resolved to go into closed session to discuss:

24.02.113    Land Management – Cllr Barnes confirmed that Fleet Parish Council should shortly received confirmation of ownership.

20:20 The meeting closed