2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 18th March 2024

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Hall, Hargate Close, Fleet on Monday 18th March 2024, which was attended by 2 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Eddie McNally, Kevin Smith, Evely Penney, Geraldine Scholes, Chas Penney, Nigel Pickett, Ashlie Smith & the Clerk.

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

A Parishioner reported that he had cleared the rubbish from the dyke behind his property and asked that we do the same when we cut our side of the dyke.  He also noted that the water board drain was blocked.  Council confirmed we would investigate further.  Parishioners were reminded that when they spot blocked drains or road concerns to report these to Fix My Street and take photos to assist with Highways to review.  

Cllr Scholes raised concerns, on behalf of a Parishioner, about the Ivy growing at the rear of a few of the bungalows.  Cllr Barnes confirmed that it was the responsibility of the bungalow resident to maintain their own garden but would investigate further to find a resolve.  

Lincolnshire County Councillor –County Cllr Coupland reported that the Devolution deal had now been approved with local government.  A £20million budget had been added to fix roads and potholes.  The Pillon proposal had been reviewed with LCC voting unanimously against the proposal. 

District Cllr Barnes – advised he didn’t have much to report at this time, other than Council Tax bills were being sent for the new year, brow bin waiting lists were moving and reminded Parishioners about the presentation from the Solar company being held at The Gedney Hill Memorial Hall on Tuesday 19th March at 7pm.  All Parishioners are welcome to attend.  

24.03.114 Apologies for Absence – None received

24.03.115 To receive applications for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy – None received

24.03.116 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. Cllr Smith signed the book in respect of item 7c – Grass cutting.  

24.03.117 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 19th February 2024 were read and with one small correction, RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

24.03.118 Financial Matters:

•   Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for February 2024 – The balance as of 29th February 2024 was £27,858.11 with pending payments of £698.42, binging the total balance to £27,159.69.  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. 
•   Insurance – Pre-renewal information was shared, and all agreed to go ahead with current information and sums insured and wait to see what premium was raised. 
•   Payment of Invoices:

It was also resolved and agreed to raise a payment of £500 for the Clerks Working from home allowance once the new financial year had begun. 

24.03.119    To review the following policies:

•   Standing Orders – Following a review, it was resolved, with a few small amendments, to accept and proposed Standing Orders 
•   Code of Conduct – Following a review it was Resolved to accept the current Code of Conduct. 

24.03.120 To receive reports - from:

Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr Smith reported general maintenance was ongoing, weather permitting.   He also confirmed that rolling the field had been postponed for now until the playing field dry up. 

a)   Update on Tree works on the playing field – Again waiting for the weather to improve and field dry so machinery can access the area. 

b)   Update on moles – Clerk confirmed that the sessions were going well but has suspended any further visits for now until the field had been rolled and first grass cut been carried out. 

c)   Review Grass Cutting for Playing Field – Following a lengthy discussion and debate it was Resolved and agreed by all to accept an increase of £47 per cut for cutting the playing field.  

d)   Electricity contract/provider for pavilion – Clerk confirmed that a new contract had been secured at an approximate cost (depending on usage) of £19.51, which is a £10 per month saving.  

•   Grant Application Working Party in respect of Redevelopment of the Playing Field – Cllr Barnes reported that a list had now been shared by SHDC of grants available and he is working on applications for the Hard Standing.  He is also speaking to UKSPF about a further application.  Full council were in agreement for him to submit applications.  

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 –Cllr Penney reported that the flower beds were coming on and looking good.  She advised that new membrane under the gravel at the war memorial was needed and proposed that raised flower beds were built to stop plants being washed away when it rained.  It was proposed that she obtain prices so a budget can be agreed at the next meeting.  
•   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.  

24.03.120    Reappoint HR Working Party/Committee – Resolved to re-agenda April meeting 

24.03.121    Litter Picker – Proposed areas/days – It was resolved to set a schedule of areas for the litter picker to visit, including Gedney Hill end of the Parish (Mill Lane/Long Lane)

•   Update on bins being emptied/request for additional waste bins – Cllr Barnes confirmed that the refuse trucks are responsible for emptying the roadside litter bins and van does visit if any are missed.  He advised to report any missed to SHDC.  Unfortunately, there is no budget at this time to ask for any more litter bins, but should we see anyone littering or fly tipping we should report it.  

24.03.122 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. 

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

•   Update on tree works at Church End –Clerk to arrange long outstanding meeting with Vicar and Church Warden to discuss.  Cllr Barnes advised he will try set up a meeting.  

24.03.124 Speed Watch Initiative

•   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 further discussions were ongoing with ideas being shared.  Further information to follow in due course.  
•   Update following first Community Speed Watch Session – Cllr Pickett reported that the team had now grown and has 9 volunteers.  Thanks was given for their time and continued dedication.  LCC Highways Speed signs had now been received and were going up.  Further training sessions were coming up.  

20:02 One Parishioner left the meeting 

24.03.125 Planning Matters –Cllr McNally reported he had no concerns at this time.   

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

24.03.126 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. 

24.03.127 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 15th April 2024 at The Gedney Hill Memorial Hall 

** Including Annual Parish Meeting

20:20 The meeting closed