HOLMEWOOD & DISTRICT INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD
28 THORNHAM WAY EASTREA WHITTLESEY CAMBS PE7 2AS
Tel/Fax 01733 351223 Mobile 07808 58 22 50
russellianwright@hotmail.co.uk
www.wcidb.org.uk
18th May 2010
Gentlemen
You are cordially invited to attend the next Meeting of the Board at The Addison Arms, Sawtry Road, Glatton on |Monday 7th June 2010 at 7.00pm when it is hoped you will find it convenient to attend.
Yours truly
R Wright
Clerk to the Board
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A G E N D A
1 Apologies for Absence
2 Confirmation of Minutes
Meeting held on 8th February 2010 (Pages 4-5-6)
3 Matters Arising
a) Holme Road – Further to minute 57/10 (c). M Davis to report whether he had been able to fix the RSJ near the headwall at point 37 on the drainage map.
b) Further to minute 58/10(a) N Collett to report whether P McAvoy would be able to service cleaner.
c) CW Engineering Ltd – Further to minute 58/10(a) The Clerk to report upon meeting with CW Engineering
d) R B Organics – Further to minute 63/10(d) Water discharge and appropriate drainage rates.
4 Pumping Stations
a) Whittlesey Mere – The Chairman to report that the motor problems were resolved at a cost of £1,810.66. Following on an oil leak was noticed and Shoebridge Engineering was called out and a repair was undertaken at a cost of £2,180.
The approach road has been given a covering of asphalt plainings but problems arose when a P J Thory lorry decided to back down the track. P J Thory delivered a further load of plainsongs foc.
The weedscreen cleaner was inspected by Tony Jolly of CW Engineering Ltd who felt that the unit was in a reasonable condition and proposed minor improvements.
b) Yaxley – J Mears to report upon condition of pump.
5 Maintenance of Channels
a) The Chairman to report upon drain works scheduled for autumn 2010. The question of the damaged slacker from the pipe under Yaxley Lode point 71 and water control point 51 to be considered.
b) To appoint drainage contractors for 2010 and to consider flail mowing arrangements.
Flail mowing R Ashman – Drain works Fen Ditching Co Ltd.
To consider whether the flail mowing arrangements adopted last year are successful.
6 General Matters
a) Planning Matters - The Clerk to report that the Consulting Engineer had dealt with the following application on behalf of the Board:-
H/10/00274/F M Hornig 7 Askews Lane, Yaxley – side extension
H/10/00324/F J McLelland 38B Church Street, Holme p- dwelling and replacement garage.
b) The Clerk to report that the cost to join the Conservation project administered by Middle Level Commissioners for 2009/2010 - Fenland Drainage Ditch Project Officer was £650 an increase from £620.
The FDDPO and the Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust have undertaken the work to prepare a BAP plan that would satisfy Defra and others and at a cost of £275.
The Board to consider and approve the BAP plan.
c) (i) Risk Management - Control and Risk Management – Mr Wright to report upon the risk management assessment and that a review of the Board’s Insurance cover had been reviewed and the Whittlesey Mere pump house value increased from £65,500 to £663,525 and contents decreased from £130,259 to £125,000, weedscreen cleaner increased from £40,000 to £42,000. The Old Pump house was increased from £214,387 to £223,987.
The Board need to consider the position of the Old pump building.
The Valuations of the Yaxley pumping station were also reviewed – Station £30,500 to £37,000 and contents £85,000 to £74,314.
(ii) Financial Regulations – To consider regulation approved on 13th June 2005.
(iii) Regulations as to Proceedings – To consider regulations approved on 13th June 2005.
(iv)The Health & Safety arrangements continue to be updated.
d) DEFRA
Amalgamations – The Board to give further consideration to amalgamating with other Boards
e) ADA – The Clerk to report upon the following:
Floods & Water Bill that seeks to revise, modernise and consolidate existing legislation covering flooding, land drainage, coastal erosion and reservoir safety was granted Royal Consent in April 2010.
f) Banking – The Clerk to report that interest was down from £1,813.37 to £125.26.
g) Consents –
22 AM & E A Davis & Son had been issued with consent to install eight outfalls into the District drain at Holme Road.
22a Natural England – Installation of new footbridge to accommodate access ramp from highway.
The Board to give consideration to a request for proposed works for water monitoring equipment at Corney’s Farm from the Great Fen Project.
Restoration work has commenced on New Decoy Farm, part Old Decoy and part Park and Holme farm, with ground preparation and seeding having been completed in May. Corney’s Farm will be cut for hay and we hope to be able to arrange aftermath grazing with cattle. The sheep which grazed Corney’s Farm over the winter are now at Old Decoy and may move onto the newly established grasslands over the winter. Summer standing will be cattle grazed as usual.
No progress has been made with water control structures as we are still awaiting confirmation of which land will go into restoration in the coming season.
Water monitoring dipwells are being installed at Corney’s and Middle Farm to find out more about how water moves through the soil from ditches and we would also like to seek H&D IDB consent for similar monitoring at Old Decoy in one of the fields being restored this spring, and one further location to be arranged in the Autumn.
Water levels will be raised on part of Middle farm this Autumn to create wet grassland for waders next spring.
I’ll give some more detail of works and results of some of the summer survey work next meeting.
7 Payments made by the Board
To consider and approve the payments made by the Board.
M H B Consulting Ltd Meeting expenses £126.35
Cambs CC Pension contributions £705.32
Fen Ditching Co Drainworks £7,202.75
W H Shoebridge & Sons Ltd Pump repairs, Whittlesey Mere £1,760.93
A J Speechley Son & Ptnr Pump repairs Whittlesey Mere £370.13
Mrs M A Wright Secretary duties £800.80
R Wright Clerks fee and expenses £2,070.38
SWALEC Electricity Whittlesey Mere £1,848.63
BT Telephone Whittlesey Mere £54.91
R + C Ashman Flail mowing £199.50
Hargrave Agricultural Ltd Grease £368.15
P J Thory Ltd Asphalt planinings £479.93
A J Speechley Son & Ptnr Repairs Yaxley/W’sey mere £193.88
Philip G Wright Drainworks £2,533.30
SWALEC Electricity Whittlesey Mere £1,802.41
Whittlesey I D B Renewal of insurance £1,175.00
F I Bliss Ltd Work at Whittlesey Mere £603.36
Middle Level Commissioners Fees £1,021.30
Shoebridge Engineering Ltd Repairs Whittlesey Mere £2,561.50
8 Annual Accounts 2009/2010
To consider the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010 and Statement of Annual Governance. (Pages 7 & 8)
9 Estimates of Income and Expenditure
To consider estimates for 2010/2011 (Page 9 & 10 to review Clerks fee currently £2,075, Secretary’s salary £800, Chairman’s expenses £700, and Attendants fee £175
The Clerk to report that the Audit of the Accounts has been fixed for 1st June 2010 and the appropriate notices have been displayed. G Whitfield has agreed to undertake the internal audit for 2009/201.
10 Rate and Levy Requirements
Under section 37 of the Land Drainage Act 1991, the appropriate proportions in which the net expenditure of the Board must be met for 2010/2011 is: -
a) Proportion to be met by Agricultural Sector 95.82%
b) Proportion to be met by Special Levy issued to
Huntingdonshire District Council 4.18%
In 2010/2011 a rate of 1p together with corresponding special levy would raise £3010.90
The estimated net expenditure of £44,240 in 2010/2011 is equivalent to: -
a) A rate in the £ on agricultural land & buildings of 14.69p to raise £42,390.76
b) A special levy on Huntingdonshire District Council of £1,849.24
In 2008/2009 the Board levied a rate of 10p in the £.and raised £28,850.9 from Agriculture and £1,258.10 from Special Levies. In 2009/2010 a rate of 15p in £ was levied and raised £43,273.50
from Agriculture and £1,887.15 from Special levies.
11 Date of Next Meeting
November 2010 – Inspection and meeting to start at 9.30pm
Minutes of a meeting of the Holmewood & District Internal Drainage Board held on Monday 8th February 2010 at the Addison Arms, Sawtry Road, Glatton at 6.30pm.
Present J Ayres (Chairman), G P Bliss, A L Bowley, D J Collett, N J Collett, E M Davis, J Davis,
B Field, J Mears, J D Wright, R Wright (Clerk), Mrs M A Wright (Secretary),
H Skingley (representing Crown Estate Commissioners), L Parker (Wildlife Trust)
Apologies for Absence
56/10 Confirmation of Minutes RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 3rd November 2009 were correctly recorded and that they are signed as being a true record.
57/10 Matters Arising
a) Water inlet point 78 – G Bliss reported that orange coloured markers have been placed at the inlet but the securing mechanism could not be straightened.
b) Code of Conduct – The Clerk circulated forms to members absent from the last meeting and asked all members to make sure a completed form was returned as soon as possible.
c) The headwall at point 37 has been repaired by the highway authority and M Davis agreed to fix an RSJ in place of the broken barrier.
58/10 Pumping Stations
a) Whittlesey Mere – The Chairman report that Messrs Speechley’s were called out to investigate overheating of the motor and recommended that Messrs Shoebridge Engineering be asked to inspect the motor. Shoebridge removed the sup rings, skimmed the ring and fitted new brushes.
The Chairman was concerned that a failure of the weed screen cleaner reported on 14th December had not yet been repaired by P Camplin. The members agreed that it was unsatisfactory and the Clerk confirmed that he had spoken to P Camplin who reported that he would undertake the work as soon as possible. N Collett would check with P McAvoy as to whether he would be able to service cleaner. The Clerk would check with CW Engineering Ltd as to their terms and conditions regarding servicing.
b) Yaxley – John Mears reported that the two heating el3ements to the pump had not been working since the pump was re-installed. The Clerk to inform Speechley’s in order that the appropriate repairs may be undertaken when servicing took place.
The electricity meter reading as at 8th February 20120 was recorded at 357520
59/10 Maintenance of Channels
a) The Chairman reported that with the exception of lengths 8-9 the planned drain works scheduled for autumn 2009 had been completed. It was agreed at the inspection that the length 8-9 would be inspected after flail mowing had been undertaken and before works to install a new bridge for disabled access. A Bowley reported that works were scheduled to commence in March, the Clerk stressed that consent would be required and asked AB to supply the relevant details to enable consent to be granted. It was agreed that the slubbing works would not be undertaken until October 2010.
b) Great Fen Project: - Lorna Parker presented the following report to members. A new Project Manager had yet to be appointed. S Goodson had moved to Suffolk CC and his position had yet to be filled.
Restoration began at Corney’s and Part of Old Decoy farms, with ground preparation and grass seeding in Spring 2009, and will be carried out on the remainder of Old Decoy, New Decoy and part of Holme Farm Spring 2010. A basic seed mixture was used, and the grass was topped and sprayed for weeds during the summer 2009. A further significant area will come back into restoration in the spring of 2011, but the location is yet to be confirmed.
A water vole mitigation plan for the project has been written and water management plans will be produced for each holding.
To date no water control structures have been erected. This is because the project is keen to carry out work based on best information, and for best value. In some cases this will mean a delay in raising water level until other land parcels come back into restoration.
Changes to the IDB drain through Corney’s farm have been discussed previously, and plans have been on hold pending confirmation of land to restore in 2011, however this matter should be resolved shortly. The installation of a new slacker is proposed on the north east edge of Old Decoy Farm; this will be carried out by the Middle Level Commission, subject to all necessary consents and permissions.
Plans for water control structures will be drawn up over the summer and consultation with the IDB and other interested parties will be carried out to ensure our objectives can be delivered without compromising the functioning of the system or the operations of neighbours.
Study work with dip wells, stilling wells and other instruments will be extended over the next six months to gain better understanding of the influence that ditches have on field water levels and vegetation. These too will be subject to consent from the IDB. Locations are yet to be identified. Readings continue to be collected from the series of dip wells either side of the railway line, and we may seek to install flow meters in some areas to better understand the volumes of water passing through some parts of the system. We would be very keen to carry out further ditch bed level measuring over the summer.
The Master plan consultation continues, and concepts for visitor facilities are being explored.
The Middle Level Commissioners had agreed to install an inlet at New Decoy Farm and again the Clerk stressed that consent would be required and members raised concerns over its operation as it may lead to localised flooding. The Clerk reported that all other inlets were under the control of the Board. Further details would be required and an operational document drawn up.
60/10 General Matters
a) Planning Matters - The Clerk reported that the Consulting Engineer had dealt with the following applications on behalf of the Board:-
H/05008/09/CC Cambs County Council Holme School, Church Street, extension to provide new school hall and services, extension to kitchen and conversion of existing hall to teaching accommodation. Development contribution of £255.45 received.
H/09/01465/F D Smith Brookfields, Station Road, Holme – extensions and alterations
H09/01406/F Holme School – play area in corner of playing field.
b ) BAP – The Clerk reported that a draft BAP report has been received and circulated to members for comments along with proposed works. No adverse comments were received and details of the finalised plan were awaited.
c) Risk Management & Health & Safety - Control and Risk Management – The Clerk reported that the valuation of assets had been increased when the insurance review was undertaken. Health & Safety matters continue to be reviewed and the appropriate risk assessments undertaken with the chairman and attendant.
d) DEFRA
Amalgamations – The Chairman reported upon the Middle Level Commissioners IDB Review meeting of the 16th December 2009 which he felt did not reach a firm conclusion. The Clerk reported that the consensus reached by the Consultant was for three Boards to be created but these were based on a financial basis and in his opinion did not reflect the differing pumping anomalies. Members felt that the present arrangement worked and did not agree with the suggestions of Defra and the Consultant that larger Boards would be more efficient. It was considered not to be feasible for a single Board to be in place by 2013 and little may be achieved by rushing into any amalgamation but talks with neighbouring Boards would continue.
e) ADA: The Clerk reported that the Gt Ouse Branch meeting was to be held in Ely on Tuesday 9th March 2010 at 2.30pm
f) Banking – The Clerk reported that Santander Business banking were offering saving account with 2% interest. At present a six month bond of £20,000 with Barclays at 1.1% had been taken out on the 7TH August and would mature on 5th February 2010. The balance as at 31st January with Barclays was £32,335.12. The members felt that with the risk within the banking world it may be prudent to retain investments with Barclays.
g) Consents: - The Clerk reported that no consents since November had been issued.
61/10 Payments made by the Board
The Board considered and approved the following payments.
Environment Agency Precept £4040.00
Moore Stephens Audit fee 2008/2009 accounts £471.50
BT Telephone – Whittlesey Mere £52.57
SWALEC Fuel Whittlesey Mere £545.16
Addison Arms Meeting expenses £86.90
SWALEC Yaxley Fen station £569.21
F I Bliss Ltd Clearing weed Whittlesey Mere £368.00
SWALEC Whittlesey Mere £915.94
R + C Ashman Flail mowing £2691.00
J Ayres Chairman’s expenses £700.00
J Mears Pumping duties £175.00
Association of Drainage
Authorities Subscription £463.45
SWALEC Whittlesey Mere £1523.92
Total inclusive of vat £12,260.65
62/10Estimates of Income and Expenditure
The Clerk presented a schedule of income of £50,885.89 and expenditure of £28,462.13 for 2009/2010
63/10
a) M Davis reported that the pipe under the Yaxley Lode at point 71 had a slacker that had been damaged by the flail mower and appeared to be rotted. It was agreed that the Clerk, Chairman and M Davis would look at the slacker when planning the 2010 drain works.
b) The Clerk referred to the water control at point 51 and it was agreed that this would also be inspected.
c) J Davis referred to problems encountered with the entry level scheme where flailing was only undertaken every three years. Mainly the growth of elders with diameter’s of 8/9 inches. The Board would monitor the position as this was the first year that flailing was only undertaken on the drains where drain works were planned.
d) M Davis was concerned as to the amount of water being discharged from RB Organics and whether the correct drainage rates were being levied. The matter would be investigated.
64/10 Date of Next Meeting Monday June 7th 2010 at 7.00pm
The meeting closed at 8pm
==========================================================russellianwright@hotmail.co.uk
www.wcidb.org.uk
27th January 2010
Gentlemen
You are cordially invited to attend the next Meeting of the Board on Monday 8th February 2010 at 6.30pm. The meeting will be held at the Addison Arms, Sawtry Road, Glatton. It is hoped that you will find it convenient to attend
Yours truly
R Wright
Clerk to the Board
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A G E N D A
1 Apologies for Absence
2 Confirmation of Minutes
Meeting held on 3rd November 2009 (Pages 3-4-5-6-7)
3 Matters Arising
a) Water inlet point 78 – G Bliss to report whether a marker and if the securing mechanism ws straightened.
b) Code of Conduct – outstanding members forms.
4 Pumping Stations
a) Whittlesey Mere – The Chairman to report upon the condition of the pump. Messrs Speechley’s were called out to investigate overheating of the motor and recommended that Messrs Shoebridge Engineering be asked to inspect the motor.
b) Yaxley – John Mears to report upon the condition of the pump.
5 Maintenance of Channels
a) The Chairman to report upon drain works scheduled for autumn 2009.
b) Great Fen Project – To consider any update.
6 General Matters
a) Planning Matters - The Clerk to report that the Consulting Engineer had dealt with the following applications on behalf of the Board:-
H/05008/09/CC Cambs County Council Holme School, Church Street, extension to provide new school hall and services, extension to kitchen and conversion of existing hall to teaching accommodation. Development contribution of £255.45 received.
H/09/01465/F D Smith Brookfields, Station Road, Holme – extensions and alterations
b ) BAP – a draft BAP report has been received and circulated to members for comments.
c) Risk Management & Health & Safety - Control and Risk Management – The Clerk to report.
d) DEFRA
Amalgamations – The Chairman to report upon the Middle Level Commissioners IDB Review report of the 16th December 2009.
e) ADA: Gt Ouse Branch meeting to be held in Ely on Tuesday 9th March 2010 at 2.30pm
f) Banking – The Clerk to report
g) Consents:- The Clerk to report
7 Payments made by the Board
To consider and approve the payments made by the Board.
Environment Agency Precept £4040.00
Moore Stephens Audit fee 2008/2009 accounts £471.50
BT Telephone – Whittlesey Mere £52.57
SWALEC Fuel Whittlesey Mere £545.16
Addison Arms Meeting expenses £86.90
SWALEC Yaxley Fen station £569.21
F I Bliss Ltd Clearing weed Whittlesey Mere £368.00
SWALEC Whittlesey Mere £915.94
R + C Ashman Flail mowing £2691.00
J Ayres Chairman’s expenses £700.00
J Mears Pumping duties £175.00
Association of Drainage
Authorities Subscription £463.45
SWALEC Whittlesey Mere £1523.92
Total inclusive of vat £12,260.65
8 Estimates of Income and Expenditure
To consider estimates for 2009/2010 (Page 8)
9 Date of Next Meeting
Monday June 7th 2010
Notes of the inspection held on 18th November 2009 and minutes of the subsequent meeting held at the Addison Arms, Sawtry Road, Glatton at 11.30am.
The members inspected the inlet in the Pig Water, point 78, on the district plan and then looked at the overspill on Yards End Dyke Yaxley. From here the group went to Ramsey Road to look at the outfalls installed by G C Field & Sons at points 25 – 26 and from Charter House Roadway to point 19. The drain from point 17 to the inlet on Corney’s Farm was inspected before heading off the Holme Fen Post to view the reserve footbridge and inner access road, points 8 -9. The culvert headwall at point 37 was inspected as damage had been caused by heavy traffic.
The outfall markers on the drain 58 -59 were also inspected.
Present J Ayres, G P Bliss, A L Bowley, N J Collett, J D Wright, The Clerk, Mrs M A Wright and M/s H Skingley (representing Crown Estate Commissioners)
Apologies for Absence D J Collett, A M Davis, J M Davis, B C Field, J Henniker-Major, J Mears
46/09 Election 2009
a) The reported that as the number of candidates did not exceed the number of persons to be elected the following were elected as member of the Board:-
J Ayres, G P Bliss, A L Bowley, D J Collett, N J Collett, A M Davis, J M Davis, B C Field,
J A Henniker-Major, J J Mears, J D Wright
R Easton and D Fountain did not seek re-election and the new members were B C Field
and J D Wright
b) Appointment of Chairman. RESOLVED – That John Ayres be elected as Chairman for the period 1st November 2009 to 31st October 2012. A Declaration of Acceptance of Office was duly completed and signed.
c) Appointment of Vice Chairman. RESOLVED – G Bliss be elected as Vice-Chairman for the period 1st November 2009 to 31st October 2012. A declaration of Acceptance of office was duly completed and signed.
d) The Chairman welcomed John Wright onto the Board and he was presented with a map of the District.
e) The Clerk circulated a form of Register of Members Interests for completion along with a Code of Conduct booklet. Members absent would be asked to complete the form at a later date.
47/09 Confirmation of Minutes. RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 13rd June 2009 were correctly recorded and that they are signed as being a true record.
48/09 Matters Arising
a) Precept – Further to minute 29/09 (c). The Clerk reported that the appeal against the Precept is still outstanding although payment has been made. There is still no response from the Middle Level Commissioners regarding the out-turn adjustment.
b) Water inlet point 78 – marker. Following on from the inspection that revealed that the metal clasp had been bent over and the lock removed but no actual damage to the inlet structure had been made. G Bliss agreed to put an orange marker near the structure and straighten the securing mechanism.
49/09 Pumping Stations
a) Whittlesey Mere – The Chairman reported that the oil reservoir that was drained when the cooling system was altered needs to be filled frequently. It was agreed that he contacts Patrick Nightingale regarding the matter.
Messrs Speechley’s undertook the annual maintenance of the pump and panel on 10th June and repaired the old phase monitor system in July. P Camplin undertook the annual service of the weed screen cleaner in July. The cleaner tripped out recently and P Camplin was called to investigate the reason. The Clerk reported that a piece of rope had been fitted as a temporary repair to prevent the rope from snagging until a new bracket arrangement could be made.
b) Yaxley - The Chairman reported that Messrs Speechley’s had installed the ELL system and to his knowledge all was well with the pump. G Bliss asked whether the reason why the pump had broken down was known. It was assumed that the greaser was at fault but when stripped grease was present and it was felt that the damage to the shaft had been caused by a piece of wood.
50/09 Maintenance of Channels
a)TheChairman reported that R Ashman had started flailing the drains and Fen Ditching could be on site in the next two weeks. The Board considered the adoption of the drain from point17 to the inlet. RESOLVED – The Board adopt the length from point 17 to the inlet.
The Chairman felt that the machine could start with the slubbing from the inlet to point 17 and then track to point 2 to undertake the autumn programme. G Bliss agreed to cut/remove the Elder bush at the pump gate entrance.
The Board discussed the problem of the inner roadway on the reserve near the Holme Fen Post and the provision of a new bridge to allow disabled access to the Post. RESOLVED – That the work on section 8 -9 be deferred until Natural England had re-aligned the footpath along the drain edge. Once flailed the section would be inspected by the Chairman and A Bowley to ascertain the extent and method of slubbing. Consent would be given to NE to extend the footbridge and create a disabled access.
The Chairman reported that G C Field & Sons had been approached about the outfalls and the possibility of the Board relinquishing control of drain sections. RESOLVED - The drain from Charterhouse roadway to point 19 would be relinquished along with section 25 – 26 but the control of the dams would remain with the Board.
The section from 57 -58 would be reviewed when talks with Messrs Davis had taken place but would be resolved when considering the 2010 drain work programme.
b) Tile drainage headwalls into district drains – The Chairman reported the matter would be monitored.
c) Great Fen Project – The Chairman reported that problems were encountered with the ground investigation and monitoring equipment installed by Atkins but were resolved and the appropriate consents issued.
Alan Bowley reported that as the Corney’s Farm scheme was proving to be extremely expensive it had been deferred and other options were being considered but no resolution had been made as talks were still progressing with G C Field & Sons. Chris Gerard would be transferring to another position and a new Project manager would be employed in the near future. Investigations were proceeding and a 10 – 15 year plan should be known shortly.
d) Water Levels in the Pigwater – Following concerns over the benefit gained from intake 78 on Yards End Dyke the Board contacted the Middle Level Commissioners. They achieved an improvement of some 15mm in water level by the installation of boards across the old Yaxley Overspill. This design level allowed for any sudden summer rainfall and protected properties adjacent to Holme Fen Road.
51/09 General Matters
a) Planning Matters - The Clerk reported that the Consulting Engineer had dealt with the following applications on behalf of the Board:-
H/05008/09/CC Cambs County Council Holme School, Church Street, extension to provide new school hall and services, extension to kitchen and conversion of existing hall to teaching accommodation. – Problems with discharge have been discussed with Terry Stafford and utilisation of existing surface sewers and attenuation features are being considered.
H/09/01022/F Mr Channing double garage, stable
H/09/00950/F E England 41a Station Road - extension
b) The Clerk reported that he had spoken to the Environmental Officer of the Middle Level regarding the BAP report that would be completed by the Middle Level and Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust on the Board’s behalf.
c) Risk Management - Control and Risk Management – The Clerk reported that a review of internal controls had been made and a Risk Assessment undertaken. The Board’s insurance cover on assets would be reviewed with the NFU Mutual in December.
d) Health & Safety arrangements. – The clerk reported that risk assessments had been undertaken and working arrangements were in the process of being updated if required.
e) Code of Conduct – The Clerk further reported upon the Code of Conduct and its adoption together with the register of members Interests.
f) DEFRA
Amalgamations – The Clerk reported that the Middle Level Commissioners would be holding a meeting on 16th December to discuss arrangements within the Middle Level Sub-Catchment. The Chairman and Vice Chairman were to represent the Board.
The first meeting of the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management partnership group took place on 13th July; the next scheduled meeting was 20th October.
g) ADA: Gt Ouse Branch meeting to be held in Ely on Tuesday 9th March 2010 at 2.30pm
The Clerk reported that subscriptions were likely to increase by 15%.from £439 to £468.
h) Banking – The Clerk reported that a Treasury Deposit with Barclays had been taken out from 7 Aug 2009 to 5 Feb 2010 for £20,000 @ 1.1%
i) Consents:- The Clerk reported that the following consents had been granted:-
No 17 Atkins Borehole tests at Pretoria farm, Yaxley – New Barn Farm, Holme –
Queenies Crossing, Holme.
No 18 Atkins Vibrating Wire Peizometer within nine metre maintenance strip
No 19 Haskoning UK Ltd Whittlesey Mere main drain – floating pontoon to allow bridge repairs
No 20 N J Collett Ladyseat Farm, New long Drove – water control in drain
No 21 G C Field & Sons Tile drain outfalls
j) Electricity – Whittlesey Mere power supply transferred from e.on to SWALEC on 11th August 2009.
Carbon reduction Commitment – new scheme that will start in April 2010 introduces new legal duties and help improve energy efficiency.
k) Environment Agency – The Clerk reported that he had attended an IDB liaison meeting on 28th October. The Catchment Flood Management Plan was out for consultation – Questions were raised concerning the reporting procedure for IDB grant aided schemes. Precepts for 2010/2011 were to be recommended to be maintained at 2009/2010 levels subject to Committee approval.
The problems of high expenditure encountered with maintenance works as environmental assessments had to be undertaken were evident and questions were asked as to whether IDB’s needed to amend their consultation methods. The Defra review had slowed down and little had occurred in the last six months and concerns were raised over the mixed views being expressed by Defra.
52/09 Payments made by the Board The members considered and approved the following payments made by the Board.
P J Davies Machine hire £385.25
e.on Electricity Yaxley pump £80.93
Middle Level Commissioners Planning fees/ environment fees £948.90
A J Speechley Son & Ptnr Water cooling system £636.64
e.on Whittlesey Mere £1131.40
e.on Whittlesey Mere £614.64
Siemens Meter charges Whittlesey Mere £851.52
Information Commissioner Registration fee £35.00
Bt Whittlesey Mere - telephone £51.86
Environment Agency Electricity Whittlesey Mere £4040.00
A J Speechley Son & Ptne Repairs weed screen cleaner £383.33
R Wright Election notice etc £119.61
The Addison Arms Electricity Yaxley Fen £69.25
SWALEC Yaxley £173.27
e.on Whittlesey Mere £555.48
e.on Yaxley £555.48
P Camplin Repairs to weedscreen cleaner £150.00
Shoebridge Engineers Ltd Pump overhaul Yaxley £6766.60
A J Speechley Son & Ptnr Maintenance Whittlesey Mere £370.68
e.on Yaxley £7.71
A J Speechley Son & Ptnr ELL system Yaxley £1129.21
e.on Whittlesey Mere £553.29
e.on Whittlesey Mere £603.73
P J Davies Removal of rubbish £82.80
J A Mears & Son Removal of pump £181.70
Whittlesey IDB Servicing and admin charges £327.88
BT Telephone Whittlesey Mere £51.66
SWALEC Yaxley £533.28
Barclays Treasury Deposit £20000.00
e.on Whittlesey Mere £983.78
e.on Whittlesey Mere £580.87
ADA Gt Ouse Subscription £34.50
L R Boon & Son Ltd Grease - Yaxley £50.70
A J Speechley Son & Ptnr Repairs Whittlesey Mere £103.50
R Wright Election advert £314.00
Total inclusive of vat £43,457.98
53/09 Annual Accounts 2009/2010
The Clerk reported that the internal auditor confirmed that the financial controls and procedures put in place by the Board are sufficient to enable the Board to operate efficiently and effectively. No material matters to bring to the Board.
The external Auditor Moore Stephens had signed the accounts for the year ending 31st March 2009 on 23rd October. He mentioned that the reserves were comparatively low and the Board needed to consider whether they were adequate to deal not only with operating expenditure, but also with contingencies. The Clerk stated that balances were considered when Risk management was reviewed and the Board were aware of the level. The appropriate audit completion notice would be displayed within the District.
54/09 Estimates of Income and Expenditure
The Board considered income and expenditure for 2009/2010. The Clerk referred to the schedule that listed gross expenditure of £18,135.86 income of £48,309.20 and recorded balances of £38,089.94 and £20,000.00 at Barclays bank
RESOLVED that the Clerks fee from the 1st April 2009 currently £1,998 be increased to £2075, and the Secretary’s salary £764 to £800, the Chairman’s expenses £675 to £700, and the Attendants fee £170 to £175
The Board had looked into cost savings and flail mowing was one area that savings could be made. Instead of an annual programme drains were to be cut every three years when slubbing was undertaken. This was beneficial to wildlife and plant life and may assist farmers with their ELS. It was considered that the section between point 3 -12 may need flailing every year to avoid constriction of the watercourse.
55/09 Date of Next Meeting
Monday February 8th 2010 at 6.30pm.
Monday June 7th 2010 at 7.00pm
Wednesday 24th November 2010 at 9.30am
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