Notes relating to the inspection of the District held on Wednesday 24th November 2010 at 9.30pm.
The members travelled to G C Field & Sons Top Farm to look at the site where a new water control was being installed. The structure was in a private watercourse but would require the Boards consent.
The section of drain between points 23-24-25 was inspected as saplings were evident as the drain would not have been flailed in the past three years.
The members then proceeded to the Whittlesey Mere pumping station where an inspection of the weed screen cleaner and pumping station interior was undertaken.
The members then travelled along the bank to Old Decoy Farm to inspect the site where The Great Fen Project wished to install a new slacker.
The members then inspected Caldecote drain where Fen Ditching Co was working and the viewed the length that was to be relinquished.
The members then proceeded to Yaxley to inspect the drains at points 69 and 74 before retiring to The Addison Arms to hold the Board Meeting.
Minutes of the meeting of the Holmewood & District Internal drainage Board meeting held at the Addison Arms Sawtry Road, Glatton, at 11.35am.
Present J Ayres (Chairman) G Bliss, D J Collett, M Davis, J Davis (inspection only to 11.00am),
H Skingley (representing Crown Estate Commissioners), J Mears (meeting only) The Clerk,
Mrs M A Wright
Apologies for Absence A Bowley, N Collett, B Fields, J Henniker-Major, J Wright, Lorna Parker (Great Fen Project)
76/10 Confirmation of Minutes –RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Meeting held on 7th June 2010 be confirmed and signed as being a true record.
77/10 Matters Arising
a) C W Engineering Ltd – Further to minute 66/10 (c). The Clerk reported that the cost to manufacture 6 roller supporting brackets, 3 black acetal rollers, 3 stainless steel roller shafts and fit the same, £1,098. The Chairman confirmed that the work has been undertaken. They have also returned to site to amend the dwell time and check that the screen is working when the pumps are switched on.
b) R B Organics – Further to minute 66/10(d) The Clerk reported that he has inspected the site and obtained drawings of the buildings to enable him to prepare a valuation.
78/10 Pumping Stations
a) Whittlesey Mere – The Chairman reported that the pump was in good working order and that P Camplin had undertaken the annual service of the weed screen cleaner and stated that grab was only 50% effective, hence the work undertaken by C W Engineering Ltd.
The Clerk reported that Vulcan Inspection Services have inspected CW Engineering’s electric travelling wire block with hydraulic grab, crane track x 36” CW Engineering Ltd, manual overhead travelling crane Wharton and crane track for overhead crane and found “No defects”
The Clerk mentioned that the rent on the Old Pump House had not been reviewed for some time and did the Board wish to review it. RESOLVED – That although a higher commercial rent may be obtained the current rent reflects the value of the duties that the tenant undertakes and the additional maintenance that she undertakes on the property.
b) Yaxley – J Mears reported that the mention of a noisy bearing would be investigated. Concern was raised that after pumping the drains low in a matter of three days the level would build up. The situation would be monitored.
Problems with youths standing on the concrete ledge above the door to apply graffiti had been observed.
RESOLVED – That warning signs be placed on the station and around the site.
The Clerk reported that Vulcan Inspection Services had inspected the Runway Track and Manual Chain Block with integral geared trolley Vaughan on 14th October 2010.
79/10 Maintenance of Channels
a) The Chairman and M Davis reported that the drain works scheduled for autumn 2010 were well in progress and should be completed within a week or two. Maintenance of the main drain was discussed – RESOLVED – That the existing practice of having P Wright undertake weed cutting be undertaken rather than slubbing as the depth did not hinder the drainage of the district and bog oaks were known to be in the main drain and slubbing would be a problem.
b) The Board considered that drains were to be relinquished:-
Caldecote drain point 38 to part 39 – Stilton Fen 40 to 41and 41 to 67 - Yaxley Fen 66 to 80 to 81-
Yaxley Fen spur drain 79- Leading Drove 62 to 73 to 74 – Mere Drove 68 to 69 – New Barn Farm spur drain 56
Halfway Farm 57-59.
c) Great Fen Project –Report from Lorna Parker Reserves Manager - A portion of land to the north of Holme Fen has been taken in hand, and the grassland on New Decoy and Park and Holme farms has finally established and further work in these two areas will be undertaken in 2011. Talks with Middle Level regarding the new slacker for Old Decoy are in progress.
A request to install water level monitoring equipment – exactly the same design as that on Corney’s with a row of dip-wells in the filed and a stilling well in the ditch.
It would make sense for the IDB to give up those sections of ditch at new Barn Farm.
d) Flail mowing - the Clerk reported that D Beaton was approached to undertake flailing the drains in the Yaxley area as he was doing work within the district. R Ashman would be asked to flail the main drain points 1-2-3-4 and sections between points 23-24-25 where the saplings had been observed. GB and DJC to action.
The Board felt that some lengths of the drainage system could not be left for three years between flailing as the growth of tress and shrubs would not be contained.
80/10 General Matters
a) Planning Matters - The Clerk reported that the Consulting Engineer had dealt with the following applications on behalf of the Board:-
H/10/01493/F Mr Sansbury, 5 Station road, Holme replacement garage.
H/09/09/01574/FUL Multimoon Ltd Caldecote Dyke Farm, Fen Lane – change of use.
H/10/00993/F J Horing 21 Holmewood Crescent – rear extension
Travellers site Great Drove, Yaxley
b) Risk Management
i) - Control and Risk Management – The Clerk reported upon risks of assets in particular the age of the pumping plant and panels, the control structures and drainage channels in relation to the Boards long term commitment to provide drainage services to ratepayers along with the effect of the Great fen Project upon these commitments. A review of the Insurance cover was being made with the NFU Mutual and re-instating breakdown cover. The Whittlesey Mere Pumping Station was commissioned in 1961 which would mean that in 2011 it would have been operative for fifty years. J Mears reported that the Yaxley pumping station was commissioned in 1956.
RESOLVED – That A J Speechley Son & Partner be asked to report upon the condition of the pumping plant and panels.
ii) Health & Safety arrangements – The Clerk reported upon the responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants and confirmed that Health & Safety arrangements were continuously being updated and reviewed. The landlord had a duty of care for the electrical wiring system.
RESOLVED – That A J Speechley and Son be contacted regarding the electric system.
c) DEFRA
IDB Re-view – Further to minute 69/10(d) The Clerk reported that the government is committed to ensuring efficient and effective public bodies, whilst also allowing local communities a greater opportunity to determine what works best in their area. They are no longer working towards ensuring amalgamations of all IDBs in accordance with the sub-catchment map by 2013. However, they do urge IDBs to organise themselves in a way that maximizes their efficiency and their effectiveness, taking into account hydraulic boundaries as well as the benefits of efficiencies of scale considering the range of goals that IDBs currently have. Smaller boards should consider the benefit of making changes which could be through amalgamations or through working as consortia. At present the cost effective threshold suggested is £500,000 pa turnover. Defra have sent all Chairmen a questionnaire to be completed by 3rd November that was duly completed and members were supplied with the response.
d) ADA: Great Ouse Branch meeting to be held at Prickwillow on Tuesday 8th March 2011 at 2.30pm
e) Consents:-
No 23 Great Fen Project - Siting of dip wells in watercourses at Corney’s Farm
f) Electricity – Whittlesey Mere power supply renewed with SWALEC from October 2010 for a period of 12 months.
Carbon reduction Commitment – The Clerk reported that registration of Whittlesey Mere with the new scheme that started in April 2010 and introduces new legal duties and help improve energy efficiency has been completed.
g) Environment Agency – The Clerk reported that he attended an IDB liaison meeting on 3rd November where the Agency discussed ADA’s proposal to De-main or Delegating main rivers to IDB’s as they could maintain them more effectively and efficiently. They explained the workings of the Local Flood Risk management Partnerships and the role of IDBs. The Grant and projects system was explained. They reported upon dredging trails and their maintenance programme of £3.6m. Spraying was proving to be a cost effective method of controlling weed growth. They were unable to report upon how much Precepts would rise as information upon Defra cuts and a response from ADA were still unknown. Problems with budgeting for Highland Water payments were evident as a result of variances in estimated and actual claims by the IDBs. The date for claims to be received was brought forward from October to 1st July.
h) Rate Determination RESOLVED – That the assessment of J Hammond Askews Lane be amended from
1.40 a £90 to 1.1a £71
i) Middle Level IDB BAP Partners meeting to be held on 2nd December 2010 at March – RESOLVED – That J Mears attend as a representative of the Board.
j) Remote Monitoring – The Clerk referred to the present system that allowed the Chairman to ring the station to ascertain whether the pump was running. The Middle Level Commissioners were looking into systems for IDBs and it was agreed that the Clerk would obtain costings for telemetry systems.
k) Public Bodies Bill – The Clerk reported that the Bill had its first reading on 29th October 2010. The purpose of the Bill is to streamline the procedures for approval of amalgamations, boundary changes, and changes in rules of procedure by giving the EA a decision-making role in non-contentious cases. Strengthen governance systems and incentives for efficiency, by providing for the composition of Boards to reflect sources of funding and for Boards to include members representing the wider environmental interest.
Further consultation on the transferring of powers to supervise IDBs from the EA to upper tier local authorities is being considered.
81/10 Payments made by the Board
The Board considered and approved the following payments that had been made.
Middle Level Commissioners Baps plans £323.13
Siemens Meter charges £902.21
Swalec Electricity £815.53
Swalec Electricity £1,551.34
Swalec Electricity £675.39
BT Telephone £53.73
L R Boon & Sons Ltd Grease etc £181.75
R J C Countryside Management Trim tress from drain side £599.25
Information Commissioner Subscription £35.00
Environment Agency Precept £4,040.00
Swalec Electricity £562.96
Swalec Electricity £573.72
Swalec Electricity £549.58
Moore Stephens Audit fee £477.05
Swalec Electricity Whittlesey Mere £557.37
BT Telephone £53.72
ADA Subscription £35.25
P Camplin Weedscreen cleaner £310.00
Middle Level Commissioners Fees £117.50
Whittlesey I DB Servicing etc £214.78
Swalec Electricity Whittlesey mere £1153.86
Swalec Electricity Whittlesey mere £673.86
Swalec Electricity Yaxley £530.35
82/10 Annual Accounts 2009/2010
a) The Clerk reported that the audit was completed by Moore Stephens on 30th July 2010 and the appropriate notices have been displayed.
b) The Internal Audit report from Mr G Whitfield confirmed that the financial controls and procedures put in place by the Board are sufficient to enable the Board to operate efficiently and effectively. The report from the Audit Commission which considers the Use of Resources and Value for Money has been considered and I append the main criteria which the Board might like to use for self appraisal:
• Channels of communication are in place with service users
• Variances against operational targets, for taking action where necessary, and reporting to members
• Robust measures are present to manage performance against budgets
• Arrangements are in place to manage its significant business risks
• There are appropriate processes to manage and improve value for money
• Arrangements are in place to ensure the Boards spending matches its available resources
• Appropriate steps are taken to manage the Boards Asset base.
83/10 Estimates of Income and Expenditure
The Clerk presented a schedule of income of £48,515.72 and expenditure of 310,730.61
84/10 Date of Next Meeting
Meetings would be held on the third Monday in February, the second Monday in June and the third Monday in November 2011
Great Fen Homewood Meeting notes and map
Minutes of a meeting of the Holmewood & District Internal Drainage Board held on
Monday 7th June at the Addison Arms, Sawtry Road, Glatton at 7.00pm.
Present J Ayres (Chairman), G P Bliss, 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),
Apologies for Absence J Henniker-Major, H Skingley (representing Crown Estate Commissioners), L Parker (Wildlife Trust)
Members were reminded that pursuant to the National Code of local Government Conduct they must declare any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in respect of any item to be discussed.
65/10 Confirmation of Minutes RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Meeting held on 8th February 2010 be confirmed and signed as being a true record.
66/10 Matters Arising
a) Holme Road – Further to minute 57/10 (c). M Davis reported that he had been able to fix an RSJ near the headwall at point 37 on the drainage map.
b) Further to minute 58/10(a) N Collett reported that P McAvoy would not be able to service the auto-matic weed screen cleaner.
c) CW Engineering Ltd – Further to minute 58/10(a) The Clerk reported upon the Chairman and his meeting with CW Engineering regarding the condition of the weed screen cleaner. The inspection revealed that the cable trolley wheels may need replacing in the future, cable on retract hose not secured properly at termination. The machine was set to operate during the summer each Monday morning at 10am. The Chairman reported that the cleaner was not operating as such. N Collett agreed to look at the computer programme and alter accordingly.
d) R B Organics – Further to minute 63/10(d) The Clerk reported upon the water discharge and charging of the appropriate drainage rates. Water from the Pig Water drain was used to clean the produce and then circulated around a lagoon where soil was deposited. The lagoon was being dredged at the time of the visit. The water was then siphoned through reed beds before being re-circulated back to the factory or into the adjoining watercourse.
The current assessment was based on a bare land value as previously the Company farmed some 1600 acres contiguous with the hereditament. Since the majority of the land had been sold the land and buildings should be re-assessed. RESOLVED – That the Clerk arranges for a re-assessment to be undertaken.
67/10 Pumping Stations
a) Whittlesey Mere – The Chairman reported 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 reported that the electric meter reading was 364418 and that Messrs Speechley had looked at the heaters and that the condition of pump was reasonable.
68/10 Maintenance of Channels
a) The Chairman reported that the drain works scheduled for autumn 2010 would be the whole of the Yaxley IDB district. The question of the damaged slacker from the pipe under Yaxley Lode point 71 and water control point 51 would also be investigated and the appropriate repairs undertaken. M Davis asked whether it would be prudent to leave the works until next year. A general discussion took place regarding the merits of the proposal. D Collett felt that the Board’s programmed works were beneficial and drainage had been improved through-out the District RESOLVED – that the Board inspect the area and determine what works if any should be undertaken.
b) The Board considered the drainage contractors for 2010 and considered flail mowing arrangements. RESOLVED – That the flail mowing is undertaken by R Ashman and the drain works by Fen Ditching Co Ltd. The Board felt that flailing the drains where the works were to be undertaken would be continued.
69/10 General Matters
a) Planning Matters - The Clerk reported 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 reported 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 considered and approved the BAP plan which was duly signed by the Chairman.
c) (i) Risk Management - Control and Risk Management – The Clerk to reported 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 £63,525 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 discussed the Old pump building and rental of the Old Pump House. RESOLVED – That no change in the rent of the Old Pump House was necessary. Improvements were still being undertaken by the tenant who assisted as a non paid caretaker at the pump and kept the surrounding area neat and tidy. The Old Pump building currently being used as a store was sound and secure and could be a major asset for the Board in the future.
The Valuations of the Yaxley pumping station were also reviewed – Station £30,500 to £37,000 and contents £85,000 to £74,314.
The Board felt that the cost of insuring plant for breakdown should be investigated.
(ii) Financial Regulations – The Board considered that no changes to The Financial Regulation first approved on 13th June 2005 were required.
(iii) Regulations as to Proceedings – The Board considered that no changes to the Regulations as to Proceedings first approved on 13th June 2005 were required.
(iv) The Clerk reported that the Health & Safety arrangements continued to be updated and regular consultations with the Chairman over Health & Safety matters were undertaken.
d) DEFRA
Amalgamations – The Board had spoken with neighbouring Boards about amalgamating but little interest had been received. The Board felt that with the change in Government a change in the policy may be forthcoming.
e) ADA – The Clerk reported that the 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. The key features of the Act were
· To give the Environment Agency an overview of all flood and coastal erosion risk management and unitary and county councils the lead in managing the risk of all local floods.
· To introduce an improved risk based approach to reservoir safety.
· To encourage the uptake of sustainable drainage systems by removing the automatic right to connect to sewers and providing for unitary and county councils to adopt SUDS for new developments and redevelopments.
· To widen the list of uses of water that water companies can control during periods of water shortage, and enable Government to add to and remove uses from the list.
· To enable water and sewerage companies to operate concessionary schemes for community groups on surface water drainage charges.
· To reduce ‘bad debt’ in the water industry by amending the Water Industry Act 1991 to provide a named customer and clarify who is responsible for paying the water bill.
· To make it easier for water and sewerage companies to develop and implement social tariffs where companies consider there is a good cause to do so, and in light of guidance that will be issued by the SoS following a full public consultation.
f) Banking – The Clerk reported 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.
h) 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 dip wells 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.
The Board had no problems with the dip wells but concern was raised as to the proposed water inlet at Decoy Farm and more information would be required before consent could be given.
70/10 Payments made by the Board
The Board considered and approved the following payments:-
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
71/10 Annual Accounts 2009/2010
The Clerk presented the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010 and the Statement of Annual Governance.
RESOLVED – That the Annual Accounts be approved and the Chairman and clerk sign the Annual Return and Statement of Governance.
72/10 Estimates of Income and Expenditure
The Clerk presented a schedule of Income and Expenditure and the estimates for 2010/2011.
The Clerk’s fee currently £2,075 was increased to £2,130, the Secretary’s salary from £800 to £820, Chairman’s expenses from £700 to £720, and Attendants fee from £175 to £180.
The Clerk reported 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 2009/2010 which was currently in progress. It was agreed that G Whitfield be retained as Internal Auditor for 2010/2011.
73/10 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 rate of 14.69p
It was proposed and seconded that a rate of 15p in £ be approved to raise £45163.50.
RESOLVED:-
a) A rate in the £ on agricultural land & buildings of 15p to raise £43,276.35
b) A special levy on Huntingdonshire District Council of £1,887.15
c) The seal of the Board is affixed to the Record of Rate & Special Levy.
d) The Clerk is empowered to recover any outstanding rate through the appropriate court.
74/10 Water controls and Inlets
Problems with the Water inlet on Corney’s Farm had arisen and Messrs Collets had been able to open and close the inlet but reported that repairs were required. The question then arose was who was responsible for the inlet.
The Clerk reported that several inlets were installed by ratepayers, F I Bliss Ltd, Onyett Farms and E R Slote. Consent for the inlets would have been granted by the Middle Level Commissioners and the operational side consented by the Drainage Board. B Field reported that he had paid Onyett Farms a sum for the inlets on his farm and as such was the owner.
The inlet on Corney’s Farm was originally installed by E R Slote with a contribution from C & J Wright. It was assumed that the ownership and responsibility now rested with the Great Fen Project.
It was agreed that the Clerk would contact the Great Fen Project regarding the state of the inlet.
B Field raised the leakage problem of the Water control point 25, installed as part of the scheme with Natural England ownership which would be vested with the land owner. He had already called out Fen Ditching Co Ltd twice who had clayed the sides but the control still leaked. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Natural England and arrange a site visit to help resolve the issue.
75/10 Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 24th November 2010 – Inspection and meeting to start at 9.30pm
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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
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