2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Meeting – Monday 18th November 2024
The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Hall, Hargate Close, Fleet on Monday 18th November 2024., which was attended by 6 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Kevin Smith, Evelyn Penney, Chas Penney. Ashlie Smith & the Clerk.
Public Forum – 
A Parishioner raised concerns about vehicles speeding on Old Main Road.  He added that it includes large Farm vehicles and buses.  Cllr Barnes asked County Cllr Coupland if he could take this forward and request an Archers Survey to be carried out. 

Lincolnshire County Councillor Report - Cllr Coupland advised he didn’t have much to report at this time other than reminding Council that voting would take place next year to appoint a Mayor for Lincolnshire. 
District Report - Cllr Barnes – Reported that the parking in Hargate Close had been reviewed and issues have been recognised, he is awaiting an update on the outcome, but it is a work in progress. He also reported that a contract had been awarded to enforce Fly tipping, littering and dog poo not picked up. There are fines up to £100.  Unfortunately, currently they do not visit Fleet Ward.  He has raised this, pointing out that we employ a litter picker and a young volunteer who are busy, so we do have issues.

24.11.92    Apologies for Absence – None  

24.11.93    To receive applications (if any) for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy – None received
•    Discuss how we can Recruit new Cllrs – Cllrs discussed and agreed to have a think on what we can do to encourage new Cllrs – Agenda January

24.11.94    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

24.11.95     Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s corrections from the meeting on 21st October 2024 were previously circulated, read and RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman. 

24.11.96    Financial Matters:
•    Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statement October 2024 – The balance as of 31st October 2024 was £55,425.07 with no pending payments.  Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.   
•    Budget Forecast – Clerk had previously shared details of the current budget and Cllr P Barnes asked full Council to review so figures can be set for the upcoming Precept decision in January 2025. 
•    Payment of Invoices:
01/11/2024    Office supplies/stationery                 49.76     Carteridgesave
01/11/2024    Grants                  100.00     Monday Club
01/11/2024    Cherry Lane Project               405.00     Forceshift Skip Hire
01/11/2024    Upkeep of pavilion & playing field                 27.49     Tonwood
01/11/2024    Upkeep of pavilion & playing field                 11.50     Tesco
07/11/2024    Playing Field grass cutting               775.80     D W Woods
07/11/2024    Upkeep of pavilion & playing field                 27.49     Tonwood
07/11/2024    Upkeep of pavilion & playing field                 43.70     Tesco
07/11/2024    Upkeep of pavilion & playing field                 25.00     Timpson LTD
07/11/2024    Upkeep of pavilion & playing field                 16.80     Tonwood
12/11/2024    Clerk/RFO Salary               576.10     R Negus
12/11/2024    Litter Picker wage                 44.33     J Godden
08/11/2024    Open Space Project            1,737.60     R Wicks Welding Services
All noted and approved.
24.11.97 To receive reports - from:
•    Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr Barnes reported that the hight restriction barrier was now in place with a new gate and pedestrian barriers.  Cllr K Smith reported that the rowing machine had been vandalised.  Clerk to obtain quote to repair/dispose
a)    Update on works for accessible parking area and path – Work has started and is hoped to be completed later next week.
b)    Update on Electricity charge for September – This has now been resolved with a correct reading provided to supplier
c)    Moles on playing field – Resolved to reinstate help with deterring moles.
d)    Review Independent Inspection report for Playing field (if received) – Not yet received.
•    Fund Raising and Grants Working Party 
e)    Update on submitted Grant applications – Cllr A Smiths’s report was shared.   Cllr Barnes confirmed that grant applications for the Shared Prosperity funds had been extended for another year. 
•    War Memorial & Amenities Working Party (including Cherry Lane)
f)       Review Parish Planter and War Memorial Gardens maintenance Invitation to Tender – Cllr Penney confirmed that they were looking at clearing the green off the fence.  The tender for assistance with planters is outstanding.   It was resolved to include a Schedule of works in with the Grass Cutting Tenders.
•    Observations following asset inspections – Nothing of concern to report
•    Signage – For Cherry Lane and Park whilst works is carried out – It was resolved to erect ‘Park Closed’ signs whilst works are carried out and purchase No Smoking sign for Pavilion. 

24.11.98    Baptist Church – Update (if any) on request for support and quotes they have received – No further action needed.

24.11.99    Parish Survey – Update on launch of new Parish Survey – Cllr A Smith advised the Survey was coming together and had a meeting with a Grant representative to review and obtain feedback for any amendments and to finalise. 
24.11.100 Proposed Reduction in Speed Limit – Fleet Road RH/2093 B1515 – Feedback from the survey was shared and it was resolved to share with Highways.   
24.11.101 Correspondence Received:
•    Email from LCC Fens Reservoir - EIA Scoping and Consultation and Regulation 11 Notification – No action required
•    LCC – TOR RH/2093 B1515 Holbeach (already covered under item 9 on the Agenda)
•    LCC Email re Events affecting the highway - Public Liability Insurance Cover 2025 – Noted, no action required

24.11.102    Actions List - To discuss completion of outstanding items and agree timescales 
•    Update on tree works at Church End – Clerk reported that it was proving difficult to obtain contractors to quote but will keep trying.  A question was raised about ownership of the green by the church.  Clerk/Chair to investigate further. 
•    Update on location for notice board at Gedney Hill end of Parish – Various locations discussed, and further review of the area needed to ensure a safe location is agreed.

24.11.103 Speed Watch Initiative - To review any information gathered from the interactive speed sign & Police Speed Camera - Cllr K Smith shared information gathered, and it was resolved to share with LCC Road Safety. 
•    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. 
•    Additional Agenda item following letter from Resident – Concerns have been raised about the congestion caused by vehicles parked outside Fleet Road Garage. 

24.11.103    Planning Matters - To note all Planning Applications and decisions received from SHDC since the last meeting – It was Resolved for Cllr C Penney to lead the planning committee with continued assistance from volunteer G Donley.

Applications received since last Meeting:

Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:

24.11.105    Forward Planning & Events
•    Poppy Removal – Cllr Barnes gave thanks for those who helped with the poppies.  Cllr A Smith that parishioners in the South Ward were very happy to be included. 
•    Light Up Fleet Christmas 2024 – Reminder that entries close 1 December 
•    Santa’s Senior Citizen Social - 18 December 2024 – Plans in place and being advertised, but not many tickets sold, so Parishioners outside of the Parish were welcome to purchase tickets.
•    Spalding Flower Parade May 2025 – Cllr Barnes has spoken to the school, who are interested, and Harold Payne has also offered to use the ‘Duck’.  Plans ongoing and awaiting feedback from the School.
•    8 May VE Celebrations in the Park – The Beacon will be lit at 21:30 with a gathering of Parishioners with maybe soup & a roll. 
•    VE Day 11th May 2025 – Plans ongoing. 
•    Fleet Summer Fete 8 June 2025 – Meeting to be arranged for volunteers to start planning. 

24.11.106    To Note Date of Next Meeting – It was resolved to miss the December meeting in light of festivities.
•    Proposed Meeting dates for 2025: Resolved and agreed by All 
Tuesday 21st January (Gedney Hill Memorial Hall)
Monday 17th February 
Monday 17th March 
Tuesday 15th April **Includes Annual Parish Meeting ** (Gedney Hill Memorial Hall)
Monday 19th May ** Includes Annual Parish Council Meeting ** 
Monday 16th June
Tuesday 15th July (Gedney Hill Memorial Hall)
August - TBC
Monday 15th September 
Tuesday 21st October (Gedney Hill Memorial Hall)
Monday 17th November 
December – TBC 

Resolve to go into closed session to discuss:
24.11.107    Clerk Salary Pay Scale – Following a discussion it was Resolved for the Clerk Salary to remain the same with a further review in April 25

24.11.108    Grass Cutting Tenders for 2025 – It was resolved for a separate meeting to discuss the layout and requirements for the Schedule of works for Grass Cutting.  The new document will be shared and resolved in January meeting 
Meeting Closed 20:45