A rate of 70p was set for Area 1, with corresponding rates, according to the differential rating order, for Areas 2 and 3.
The Clerk reported that, at the last election, Peter Stroude had stood down, having been a founder member of the Board. Keith Wilderspin and James Dodson were re-elected respectively as Chairman and Vice Chairman. Neil Stroude was welcomed to his first Board meeting.
The Clerk reported on the need for members to declare interests in any relevant matters. The Chairman reminded Members that the Great Ouse Catchment Management Plan had been published and that Swavesey had been included within the Fens area, which had a ‘retain the standard of defences’ policy. He hoped for a consistent approach between Lead Local Flood Authorities covering the Fens and the Environment Agency covering this matter.
The Board gave further consideration to the proposed further development at Cambourne from where the foul flows were intended to be directed to Anglian Water's Uttons Drove STW and, after treatment, discharged to the Swavesey Drain Catchment. The Chairman and the Clerk referred to developments over the last year and outlined the concerns of the Board that the agreement apparently reached and signed off by South Cambridgeshire District Council did not adequately cover maintenance obligations and their enforcement. It appeared however that, as yet, only preliminary contact with the landowners affected had been made by the Agency.
Mr Pat Matthews from South Cambridgeshire District Council reported that the Environment Agency and South Cambridgeshire District Council were still working on a joint scheme to provide flood protection to properties in Swavesey and Fen Drayton which would include Covells Drain. He was hopeful that grant would be obtained for this project in 2013/14 or even, if some funding remained not taken up, 2012/13. Mr Matthews referred to the substantial cost benefit of the scheme.
The Clerk reported on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway Project and that the discharge contribution had been received, although the actual impermeable area remained to be confirmed.
The Clerk also mentioned that there were no further developments on the A14 Improvement Scheme, since the project had been deferred.
The Clerk referred to outstanding drainage rates and it was agreed to ask a different firm of bailiffs to vist the ratepayer.
The Board discussed the IDB Review and other legal developments and the Clerk updated the Board on the Water Framework Directive and the spreading/ disposal of spoil.
The Board considered the reports of their Consulting Engineer and District Superintendent which confirmed that the District was generally in good order. The Chairman drew attention to works carried out in 2011 on Pump No. 2 which had proved more expensive than originally envisaged. This year's works essentially involved weed control, machine cleansing and bank reinstatement works. The Board agreed in principle to consider a telemetry link to the pumping station.
The District Superintendent commented on the works that had been undertaken.
The Environmental Officer’s newsletter and BAP Implementation Report were noted and approved. The precept figure, unchanged from 2011, was noted.
Thanks were expressed to the District Superintendent.
The Board considered the proposal within the EA's Tidal River Strategy to alter the drawmark at Earith which the Clerk reported was subject to a desk top study and resolved to object. The Clerk reported that no further information was available.
The payments were approved.
Byelaw consents granted were approved.
Determination of annual values and rates write-offs were approved.
The Board considered the report of the internal auditor. The Board expressed satisfaction with their system of internal control. The Board noted the continuing need to monitor health and safety issues, particularly around the pumping station. The Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Partnership Update was noted. The Board authorised Samantha Ablett to appear in court to obtain distress warrants for non-payment of rates.