The Board set a rate of 19.50p in the £.
The Clerk reminded Members of the need to declare interests in any relevant matters.
The Chairman spoke appreciatively of the services rendered to the District by Mr Roger Hartley who died recently. He informed Members that Mr Hartley had been appointed to the Board in May 1960, had been Vice Chairman between 1972 and 1992 and had been Chairman between 1992 and 1999.
The Vice Chairman reported that Mr W Poole had expressed a wish to resign as a Member of the Board.
The Board noted developments with the IDB Review and the passing of the Public Bodies Act. They noted the changes to section 23 of the Land Drainage Act.
The Clerk also updated the Members on the Water Framework Directive and spoil disposal.
The District Officer confirmed that the District system was operating well.
The Clerk updated Members on the current position regarding the Hazelmere Homes site.
The Environmental Officer’s Newsletter was noted and progress in implementing the Board's BAP discussed. Members noted the position regarding the unchanged precept figure and the proposed use of precept monies to fund local works.
Members still considered it appropriate to undertake a visit to the new St Germans Pumping Station.
The payments and accounts were approved.
Approval was given to the Report of the Internal Auditor and the system of Internal Control.
The Board also adopted a policy under the Bribery Act 2010.
The Board authorised Miss S Ablett to appear in court to obtain distress warrants on their behalf.
John Hartley was re-elected Chairman and Ken Goodger was elected Vice Chairman after Gabriel Bliss stood down from that post. The Board recorded their thanks to Mr Bliss.
Declarations of Interest were duly made.
The Board discussed the IDB Review and noted that the present government were now no longer supporting the sub-catchment approach but were requiring IDBs to demonstrate that they were efficient and effective. The Clerk updated members on the Public Bodies Act, the Localism Act and on proposed Defra consulations.
The Clerk reported that the lead local flood authorities within the Middle Level area had now established formal Partnership Groups and the members noted the update from Cambridgeshire.
The District Officer drew attention to the Biodiversity Manual, which had been produced by the Environmental Officer, which he felt was very useful.
The Clerk also updated the Board on Spoil Disposal, and the Water Framework Directive.
The Board received the report of their Consulting Engineers which primarily outlined matters requiring attention at their Pumping Stations. Members noted the position and the District Officer outlined the actions being taken. It was agreed to consider participation in a telemetry scheme. As regards Nordelph Pumping Station, the Board resolved to seek a contribution towards costs from their Consulting Engineer, over the problems with the pump refurbishment. A planned programme of pump inspection, starting with Upwell Fen, was agreed.
The Clerk updated members on the position regarding Hazelmere Homes and the discharge from their site. It was resolved to commence legal action against the owners of the houses.
The Board discussed membership of ADA and agreed to remain as members for 2012.
The Board agreed to purchase a Shelbourne flail mower and to investigate further the purchase of a second hand tractor.
The Clerk reminded the Board of the importance of undertaking proper health and safety checks, particularly at the pumping stations.
The Board noted and approved their budget report.