Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from:-  Cllr. Louise Hughes (Gwynedd Council), Councillor Ioan Ceredig Thomas (Cabinet Member - Economy) and Mr Arthur Francis Jones (Senior Harbours Officer).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the Barmouth Consultative Committee held on 23.10.2018

The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee, held on 23 October 2018, subject to amending note (d) sand clearance page 5 from 'moving sand' to 'moving sand dunes' and to also correct note 5 harbour safety page 6 from 'pots and fishing tackle in Aberdyfi' to 'pots and fishing tackle in Barmouth'.

It was proposed and seconded that 'matters arising from the minutes' should be a specific item on the agenda.

Matters arising from the minutes:

(a)       Events

The Motorcross dates had been confirmed

(b)       Fairbourne Emergency Telephones
   

Following a review along the coast, it was highlighted that the use of emergency telephones was low. The representative from Arthog Community Council highlighted that the Community Council wanted the telephones to be retained.  It was suggested that discussions should take place with the Community Council regarding the possibility of transferring responsibility for the telephones to them.

(c)       Damage to railings outside the Dora building

It was reported that further damage had been made to the railings outside the Dora Building and although it was the Council that shouldered the burden to pay for the damage it was noted that the costs had been fully recovered.

(ch)        Compound Road

Following a suggestion at the previous meeting for a traffic order on the Compound Road land, the Senior Manager Economy and Community highlighted that arrangements for land orders were being reviewed across Gwynedd and this parcel was part of a wider scheme. He added that it was intended to start the consultation process during summer 2019.  In response, the possibility of letting or leasing the land rather than creating an official car park was highlighted. The need to establish suitable management of the site was proposed.

To consider the Senior Harbours Officers report

(a)          The Senior Harbour Officer's Report

A report was presented by the Senior Harbours Officer giving a brief update to the Committee on harbour matters for the period from October 2018 - March 2019.  

Following a review of the responsibilities of Cabinet Members in March 2019, it was reported that Councillor Gareth Thomas had responsibility for the field of Economic Development and the Community. Councillor Ioan Thomas, former Cabinet member for Economic Development and Community, was thanked for his support and commitment to the maritime service.

In response to a question regarding membership and the attendance of some Committee members, it was highlighted that the Cabinet Member was responsible for Committee membership and that any change in membership or in the Committee's constitution would be determined by the Cabinet Member. 

It was suggested that correspondence should be sent to all existing organisations to seek representation before responding to new applications. In response to membership in the terms of reference where it was noted that it was possible to have 'up to 4 local members of Gwynedd Council', it was suggested that the member representing Penmaenpool should be invited. 

Moorings

In response to the October minute regarding a reduction in the number of moorings, it was reported that it was intended at the time to review why mooring owners had left.  This had not been undertaken, however, there was a wish to seek the views of users.  A request was made for officers to ask users about the situation along the coast.

It was suggested that it was necessary to respond to the change in attitude and to give consideration to market moorings for jet-skis.  It was highlighted that users were likely to use a permanent mooring if one was available, however, in the meantime they used temporary moorings with other boats.  With events organised with an input from the Harbour Office e.g. The Blackrock Blast, it was noted that it was possible to facilitate the provision, but it was not possible to control individuals. If people do not visit the office, it was very difficult to manage the situation.  To address this it was suggested that it was necessary to consider ways of controlling this better and to provide a specific facility for jet-skis.  Members were encouraged to discuss their ideas with the Harbour Officer.

Port Marine Safety Code Inspection.

It was reported that the Coastguard Agency's inspectors had undertaken an inspection (17-19.09.18) on specific safety arrangements and the systems of Gwynedd municipal harbours in order to ensure compliance with the Ports Safety Code.  It was highlighted that every member of the Committee had a responsibility to respond to code matters and for the service to receive comments and views of members about the code's suitability.

Following the review a report had been received suggesting improvements and this was circulated to Committee members.  There was a follow-up to the initial visit during March 2019 and a written report was awaited on the conclusions of the second visit. 

One matter that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To note that the next meeting of the Barmouth Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 22^nd October 2019

   It was noted that the next meeting will take place on 22nd October, 2019.

Members were reminded that any matters could be referred or reported directly to the harbour master and they were encouraged to inform them of any problem via email.