Prior to the meeting Members undertook an inspection of the District which included visits to Fenton Lode, Puddock, Westmoor and Washways Pumping Station and the Lafarge Aggregates site.
James Heading and Robin Noble were re-appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Middle Level Commissioners were re-appointed as Clerk and the Finance Committee were re-appointed ‘en-bloc’, with the addition of David England.
The Board received an updated report on the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review – legal developments and noted that Ramsey First (Hollow) IDB no longer felt that a possible amalgamation between the two Boards was appropriate.
Reports were also given on the Water Framework Directive and Spoil Disposal and the works on the Board's bungalow. An update on progress with the new Lafarge agreement was given by the Clerk.
The Consulting Engineer and the District Officer reported on the present situation with regard to drainworks maintenance and the condition of the pumping stations.
Approval was given to migrate asset data onto the CAMC system and to proceed with consideration of a grant aided scheme for Washways Pumping Station.
Further work was required to stabilise a private watercourse following unconsented work on it. This work would be done by the landowner.
Plans were produced and approved relating to the proposed diversion of Fillenham's Cut and the Finance Committee were authorised to deal with the Heads of Terms submitted by the Developers.
Byelaw consents and the ADA subscription for 2012 were approved.
The update from the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Partnership was noted.
A rate of 20.50p was set
The Clerk reminded Board members of the need to declare interests in any relevant matters. Appropriate declarations were duly made.
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, and to the implementation of the Flood and Water Management Act.
The Board approved for a sub-committee to hold discussions with a neighboring drainage board over a possible amalgamation.
Byelaw consents granted were noted.
The Board considered the minutes of their finance committee, and approved the recommendations they made concerning budget provisions to be made for maintenance works for the coming year, and also regarding the possible effect of proposed planning developments on sections of District watercourses.
The Board considered the report of their Consulting Engineers on proposed works and planning issues within the District.
The Environmental Officer's newsletter and report were noted and approved as was the report on the Board's Biodiversity Action Plan.
Board approved to relinquish a section of District watercourse at Colne Fen, on which it had not been necessary to carry out maintenance works for a number of years.
The update from the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Partnership was noted.
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 precept figure of £18,791 was noted.
It was agreed to continue raising funds for the capital reserve fund.
It was agreed to hold an inspection of the District prior to the next meeting of the Board.