2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 17th June 2024

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at Community Hall, Hargate Close, Fleet on Monday 17th June 2024, which was attended by 5 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Nigel Pickett, Kevin Smith, Evely Penney, Chas Penney & the Clerk.

Public Forum – 

A Parishioner asked what was happening with Speed Watch as she had not seen any recent activity.  Cllr Pickett confirm, now that the road works on Old Main Road had been completed the team would be revisiting the area.  But also explained that we still need volunteers to assist.  

Another Parishioner gave thanks for planning the Holly bushes to deter access to the Dyke at the Pavilion end of the playing field. 

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

District Cllr Barnes – Confirmed there was not much to report at this time due to Purdah.  But noted that the planning application on Fen Road for 269 houses had been deferred.  Whilst this development id not in Fleet, it would have an impact on the local infrastructure, including the roads and local schools.  Cllr Penney added that she was concerned about the Dam gate development. Cllr Barnes advised he had challenged the 106 monies available.  He is also continuing to chase so bins not being emptied and areas of grass not being cut within the Parish. 

24.06.32 Apologies for Absence – Cllr A Smith - Reasons given were noted and RESOLVED to accept by all.  No apologies were received from Cllr Scholes. 

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

24.06.34 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  

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

24.06.36   Financial Matters:

•   Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for May 2024 – The balance as of 31st May 2024 was £62,046.74 with pending payments of £885.90, bringing the total balance to £61,160.84.  This balance includes receipt of £6,451.66 in respect of the VAT reclaim.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.   Clerk also reported that £8,500 had been received in respect of S106 funds released from the acquisition of the land in Cherry lane.  Cllr Barnes explained that a condition for utilising these funds was to use them on an open space project within Fleet Hargate.  That is why it had previously been decided in closed session to start work on the accessible path on the playing field. A Parishioner asked what we planned to do with Cherry Lane.  Cllr Barnes confirmed that we intend to use the area for an orchard and wildflower garden.  The old redundant play equipment and matting will be removed.  
•   Budget Forecast – Clerk circulated a copy of the budget forecast, no issues were raised, but Cllrs were asked to review so amendments can be made in July meeting.
•   Payment of invoices:

24.06.37 To review/adopt the following policies:

•   Financial Regulations – Outstanding Re Agenda July
•   Memorial Bench Policy – Details of a draft policy were shared, and Cllrs asked to review so it can be resolved to adopt in our July meeting.

24.06.38 To receive reports - from:

•   Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr Barnes reported that Cllr K Smith had agreed to rejoin the Playing Field working party.  Maintenance to the park area was ongoing and the tap cover on the pavilion had now been replaced.  A new flagpole has also now been installed. 

a)   Update on Tree works on the playing field – Following a chaser, works to the tree are now likely to be done in September.  

b)   Update on installation of footpath/Table tennis table – Cllr Barnes confirmed that work to the path had now started, and Clerk confirmed that a date for installation of the table tennis table had been chased.   

c)   Review planning of foliage to deter access to Dyke near Pavilion – Cllr Barnes confirmed that Holly bushes had now been planted. Thanks, was earlier given by a Parishioner in the public forum. 

d)   Proposal to pass a Bylaw for dogs on leads whilst on the playing field – Cllr Barnes provided a brief history on issues previously raised with dogs off a lead on the playing field.  Cllrs were asked to consider passing a Bylaw for Dogs to be kept on a lead.  Re-visit July

•   Grants & Donations Working Party – Cllr A Smiths report was previously circulated and read by all.  

a)   Update on submitted Grand Applications – Cllr Barnes confirmed that funding for the hard standing and path were proving more difficult to apply for, there are grants available for revamping the Pavilion. 

b)   Review Grant Application received from Fleet Wood Lane School – It was RESOLVED by all to defer a decision for this and invite a representative from the School to attend the next meeting to discuss further. 

•   War Memorial & Amenities Working Party –Cllr E Penney

a)   Update on area to be dug for flowerpots at War Memorial – Cllr Penney gave thanks for the work carried out to raise an area for planting.  She confirmed that the new pots were filled and would now be sited. 

b)   Review quotes received for renewing fence at the War Memorial – O/S Cllr Penney confirmed she had been seeking contractors to quote. – Agenda July

c)   Review further quotes received for cleaning and repairs to Meridian Stone o/s – Agenda July 

•   Observations following Asset Inspections – Received reports were circulated – Nothing of concern was raised other than the Notice Board on the corner of Rowan Close needs some TLC. 
•   Update on litter - bins Cllr Barnes confirmed that the new bin should be installed by the bus stop this week and would raise that the Church Gate bin has not been emptied with SHDC.
•   Cllrs A Smith & K Smith confirmation signature now received for receipt and reading the following policies:
   Standing Orders
   Code of Conduct
   Training and development Policy 

24.06.39 Correspondence Received:

•   Invitation received from SHDC to attend the Chairmans Civic Church Service on the 29th September 2024 – Previously circulated, no further action needed. 

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

•   Update on tree works at Church End – o/s
•   Review quotes received for erecting a notice board at Gedney Hill end of Fleet – O/S Clerk to chase

24.06.41   Speed Watch Initiative - Update on Community Speed Watch Sessions – Cllr N Pickett reported that data had been gathers from the speed sign whilst at Lowgate.  He and Cllr K Smith will now analyse the data and agree the best time for the team to set up the CSW.

•   Update on feedback following Proposal for speed limits to be reduced and other safety management measures, Hallgate, Church End & Church Gate –LCC Cllr Coupland – O/S

24.06.42 Planning Matters – Cllr Pickett was pleased to report that Mr G Donley had agreed to rejoin the Planning Committee to assist.  

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

24.06.42   Forward Planning & Events

•   Feedback following Fleet Summer Fete – Cllr Barnes gave thanks to Cler, Cllr K Smith, Cllr A Smith, Cll Pickett and all involved with making the Summer Fete a very enjoyable day.  He proposed we book in the 8th June 2025 to do it again.  All agreed.  It was also RESOLVED to give a donation of £245 to the ATC (which was the remaining balance of the budget) for their assistance with litter picking, organising the parking.  
•   Feedback following D-Day celebrations on 6th June 2024 – Cllr Barnes reported that there was a good attendance with activities for children and a great singer and Holbeach Town Band.  He proposed we look at holding another event around the 10th May 2025 for VE Day – Agenda July 
•   Update on proposed Yard Sale 27th July 2024 – Cllr Penny reported that posters were done and she had received quote a few bookings already. 

24.06.44 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 15th July 2024 (Gedney Memorial Hall) 
 
20:40 The meeting closed