Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

To note and accept the report.

Report of the Senior Harbours Officer and the Harbourmaster.

Everyone was welcomed to the meeting and the Cabinet Member was also thanked for her presence, the meeting commenced with the Senior Harbours Officer's report. 

Barmouth Moorings and Boat Registration

It was confirmed that 71 boats had been registered in 2023 compared with 64 in 2022, and it was pleasing to report that there had been an increase. It was assumed that it was the lower costs that attracted customers to Barmouth Harbour and hopefully the figure would be even higher next year and the trend would continue.  It was reported that the majority had registered online, namely 1,269 powerboats and 1,240 personal watercraft.

Port Marine Safety Code

It was confirmed that Barmouth Harbour complied with the Requirements, and should anyone have any observations about the Code they should inform the Senior Harbours Officer.

Staffing Matters

It was confirmed that there had been no change in staff, however the Harbourmaster and the Assistant Harbourmaster had been helping out in Porthmadog and Aberdyfi Harbours. The opportunity was also taken to thank the seasonal staff for all their work.   

Financial matters: Financial Situation of Barmouth Harbour

The Maritime Service Manager reported on the budget giving a summary under the main headings. He reported that the information was based on a meeting with the Finance Officers during August, that demonstrated the actual expenditure for five months and predicted the expenditure for September 2023 to March 2024. He reported that it was very difficult to predict and that matters such as a hard winter would affect the figures.

Employees - £65k - overspend of £800 due to overtime costs as staff had been busy assisting in Porthmadog and Aberdyfi Harbours.  This budget did not reflect the costs of seasonal staff.

Property - £12k - overspend of £650 – due to the picnic tables and signage, and it was confirmed that this was to be expected.

Transportation - £1000 – under spend of £700 - this figure included fuel/petrol for the boat (but did not include maintenance costs).  It was noted that this was the figure as the boat had been out less frequently due to the poor summer and the new engines had made the work more economical.
Services and Supplies - £11k - over expenditure of £6k - this included the chains, shackles, lights together with the price of the new aid to navigation (over £3k). It was reported that they had to pay contractors to install a buoy as well as costs to service the boat's engines.

In terms of Income, it was noted that it came from the mooring fees, temporary parking fees and the car park and that the target was £38,500, however £40,500 was predicted.  Reference was made to the work on the Bridge and the income from Network Rail Company, however there was not much more income to come.  It was confirmed that without the income from Network Rail, that the target would not have been met.

In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6