A rate of 40p was set.
The Chairman welcomed Peter Lummis who was attending his first meeting.
Declarations of interest were duly made.
The Register of Electors was approved.
The Board received update reports on the Spreading/Disposal of Spoil, Defra Grant-in-Aid and the Water Framework Directive.
The Board discussed the latest developments on the IDB Review and associated legal developments in particular the Public Bodies Bill. The Clerk referred to the continued need for vigilance, even though the most contentious elements of that Bill, so far as IDBs were concerned, had been removed. He referred to a Defra statement of £225,000 savings as regard IDBs due to the changes proposed under that Bill, without any supporting evidence yet published and to the implementation of the Flood and Water Management Act. The Clerk also reported on the recent publication of the National Flood and Coastal Eroson Risk Strategy and Funding Documents.
The Board noted the position of the Environment Agency regarding the Cranbrook/Counter Drain. The Clerk advised that the questions raised by the Board still awaited a response from the Agency.
The charge for the hire of the Board's excavators and flail mower was raised to £25/30 and £26 for 2011/12.
The Board noted the difficulties that had arisen with their excavators and resolved to purchase a new Atlas excavator at a gross cost of £100,000 reduced to £68,000 after trade-in. This machine would replace both of the Board's existing machines.
The District Officer reported that the District system and most of the Board's Plant and Machinery were in good order but drew attention to the condition of the excavators which had led to the decision to replace them.
The Clerk reported on the precept which had been issued in error at the previous year's gross sum despite the fact that the Agency had accepted the points made by the Board that the baseline value on which they seek to base future precepts should only reflect the average figures paid by the Board since the capital element was removed, which had brought about a precept reduction of approximately £22,000 per annum. The Agency had been advised accordingly. The Clerk also reported on the refund paid to the Board due to the operation of Welches Dam Pumping Station.
The Board considered proposals for alleviating the problems caused by the proximity of the Boards Cranbrook Drain to the main Cranbrook Drain put forward by the Consulting Engineer. It was resolved to proceed to fill the existing drain and move it 9-12 metres into the fields subject to the approval of the Environment Agency and discussions with the landowners.
The Chairman's and Vice Chairman's expenses allowances remain unchanged.
The update from the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Partnership was noted.
The Clerk also reported on developments regarding the spreading/disposal of spoil, grant-in-aid and the Water Framework Directive.
The Environmental Officer's report and BAP update was noted and approved.
The Board considered the report of their Consulting Engineer and noted the low pumping hours required last winter. It was agreed to proceed with the construction of a new inlet into the District at Kings Farm. The Board also noted the proposals of Cambridgeshire County Council to upgrade the A142 Hiams Bridge later in the year.
The Board noted the lower water levels held in the Counter Drain last winter and the Clerk was asked to write to the Agency, asking for these levels to be maintained next winter.
The payments and accounts were approved and approval given to the Annual Governance Statement. The Board approved the report of their internal auditor, their Internal Audit Strategy and Plan and Risk Register and resolved that they were satisfied with the internal controls in place. The use of internet banking facilities was also authorised.
The Board resolved to receive minutes by e-mail in the future.
Prior to the meeting, Members undertook a comprehensive inspection of the District. The Board also noted Mr I R Lack had been reappointed by Huntingdonshire District Council.
The Clerk reported on legal developments with particular reference to the Flood and Water Management Act and the Public Bodies Bill, together with current Defra consultations. He also updated the Board on the latest position on developments regarding the spreading/disposal of spoil and the Water Framework Directive.
The Board received the Report of their Consulting Engineer and it was agreed that arrangements should be made for the installation of an inlet from the Counter drain into the District drain close to Kings Farm south of Welches Dam.
Members agreed to seek the opinion of experts on the most appropriate way of reducing seepage from the Cranbrook drain into the District system.
The Board agreed to rejoin ADA and pay the subscription rate set for 2011.