2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Fleet Parish Council

Meeting – Monday 15th July 2024

The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Gedney Hill Memorial Hall, Hillgate.  Gedney Hill PE12 0NN on Monday 15th July 2024., which was attended by 12 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Nigel Pickett, Kevin Smith, Evelyn Penney, Chas Penney. Ashlie Smith & the Clerk.

Public Forum – The Communications Representative from the Meridian Action Group was welcomed to provide an update on the proposed plans for the Meridian Solar Farms in our area.  He provided a brief overview of the plans and advised that Stage 1 was now complete with Stage 2 about to commence.  He advised that the Meridian Action Group now has 400 followers, and the Website would soon be up and running.  He welcomed any volunteers to assist.  Cllr Barnes advised he was preparing a newsletter, so should they wish to add any information, to let him know.  Another Parishioner added he was a member of the local reptile association so would assist in any way he could. 

A Parishioner raised concerns about the overgrown brambles on the dyke backing onto the houses on the playing field.  Cllr Barnes confirmed that these were due to be cut within the next 2 weeks. 

Another Parishioner raised concerns about the new traveller’s site in Fleet Coy and had sent further details in an email.  Cllr Barnes confirmed he would take this forward with SHDC.

One last Parishioner wanted to note his thanks for the Fleet Summer Fete, as he had a very enjoyable day.

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

District Report - Cllr Barnes – Reported that the SHDC survey will soon be launched with details of the proposed refuse collections.  It will close on the 23 August so encouraged Parishioners to complete it.  Cllr E. Penney asked Cllr Barnes to raise the issue of the bin near the Church still not being emptied.  

19:20 – 3 Parishioners left the meeting 

24.07.45 Apologies for Absence – The Absence of Cllr Scholes was noted, but not apologies received. 

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

24.07.47 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  

24.07.48 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 17th June were previously circulated, read and RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

24.07.49   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 28 June 2024 was £57,062.07 with no pending payments.  This balance includes receipt of £8,851.39 in respect of the funds released from the acquisition of Cherry Lane.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.   
•   Budget Forecast – Clerk circulated a copy of the budget forecast and confirmed there was a surplus that should be allocated.  Following a discussion, it was resolved to allocate any surplus to towards the installation of the path on the playing field.  This was agreed by all.  
•   Payment of invoices:

24.07.50 To review/adopt the following policies:

•   Financial Regulations – Cllr had reviewed both FPC and the new Financial Regulations.  It was resolved by all to continue with the one Fleet Parish Council has in place. 
•   Memorial Bench Policy – Cllr Barnes shared the proposed Memorial Bench Policy.  Following discussion, it was Resolved by all to adopt these.  Clerk to add to the Website. 

24.07.51 To receive reports - from:

•   Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr K Smith reported that maintenance was ongoing, repairs to the Burma Bridge were now complete and the stepping stump had been replaced. Cllr Barnes added that the Dyke was due to be cut, but only our side.  He proposed we hold a BBQ inviting volunteers to come and assist in clearing the middle and strimming the areas that have not been able to be reached.  Further discussions to follow.  All were in favour of this.  

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 path had now been installed, but some further work was required to rectify.  Clerk confirmed that a date for installation of the table tennis table had now been agreed.  

c)   Proposal to pass a Bylaw for dogs on leads whilst on the playing field – Cllr Barnes shared further information he had obtained about By-laws.  He confirmed he would share a link for Cllrs to review and Re-visit September.  He also added he had held a meeting in the Park with Parishioners, lots of ideas were shared, including a request to fencing off half of the playing field.  This was discussed in depth, but no resolution at this time.  

•   Fund Raising and Grant Working Party – Cllr A Smiths report was previously circulated and read by all.  

a)   Update on submitted Grant Applications – Cllr Barnes confirmed that application had been submitted, but we were awaiting outcomes.  He gave thanks to Cllr A Smith for her time and efforts in completing the applications. 

b)   Re-visit Grant Application received from Fleet Wood Lane School – Cllr Barnes welcomed a representative from Fleet Wood Lane School and a discussion was opened following the £1,200 donation request in respect of their funding for the Primary Reading Challenge.  It was Resolved to offer a Donation of £1,200, which was agreed by all and gratefully accepted by Fleet Wood Lane School. 

19:20 – 1 Parishioner left the meeting 

•   War Memorial & Amenities Working Party –Cllr E Penney gave thanks to Mr Donley for looking after the Fleet Road Planter.  She also reported that the new pots were in place at the War Memorial.  She added that these belong to Fleet in Bloom, so there was no need to add to the Parish assets.  She gave thanks for installation of the outside tap on the Pavilion and advised the signs in Cherry Lane have been cleaned. 

a)   Review quotes received for renewing fence at the War Memorial – 2 Quotes have been obtained.  Quote 1 £4,400 and Quote 2 £4,940.  It was noted that before we could resolve to accept any quote, that we needed to establish ownership of the fence.  Clerk to investigate and repot back in next meeting.  

b)   Review further quotes received for cleaning and repairs to Meridian Stone – Cllr A Smith agreed to try and obtain further quotes for review in September meeting.  

•   Observations following Asset Inspections – Received reports were circulated – None of concern was raised.  A quote of £840.00 had been obtained for installation of a Notice board at Gedney Hill end of the Parish.   It was resolved to hold this for now until a suitable place had been agreed. 
•   Update on litter bins Cllr Barnes confirmed that the new bin has now been installed by the bus stop.

24.07.52 Correspondence Received:
•   Email from Savills regarding Claimed footpath between Damgate and Branches Lane - 

24.07.53 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

24.07.54   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

24.07.55 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:

24.07.56   Forward Planning & Events

•   Feedback following Fleet Summer Fete – Cllr Barnes gave thanks to Clerk, 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 and 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. 

24.07.57 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 15th July 2024 (Gedney Memorial Hall) 

20:40 The meeting closed