Agenda and draft minutes

To elect Chair for 2019 / 2020

RESOLVED to re-elect Councillor Dewi Owen as Chair of this Committee for the year 2019/20.

To elect a vice chair for 2019 / 2020

RESOLVED to elect Councillor Anne Lloyd Jones as Vice-chair of this Committee for the year 2019-20.

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies were received by Cllr. Gareth Thomas (Cabinet Member- Economy), Cllr. Dewi Owen (Gwynedd Council), Llŷr B Jones,  Assistant Head Economy and Community Department and Barry Davies (Maritime and Country Parks Manager)

To receive any declaration of personal interest

None to note

The Chairman will propose that the minutes of the meeting of this committee, held on 5th March 2019, be signed as a true record

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee, that took place on 5th of March 2019, as a true record.

To submit the report of the Senior Harbour Officer

a) Senior Harbours Officer's Report

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

Moorings

It was reported that the moorings were on station despite a change in the users' pattern.  It was highlighted that powerboats and jetskis were now more popular that yachts and the situation was the same across the country.

                 Port Marine Safety Code

Members were reminded that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's inspectors had undertaken an inspection in March 2019 of specific safety arrangements and the systems of Gwynedd municipal harbours in order to ensure compliance with the Port Safety Marine Code. Following a further visit to see how the suggested enhancements had been implemented, it was reported that Capt. Quader (Agency inspector) was satisfied that the Service was in compliance with the provisions of the Port Marine Safety Code. Members were reminded of their right to submit observations on the suitability of the Safety Code and to refer any concerns to the Harbour Master.

Staffing Matters

It was reported that a full-time Assistant Harbour Master had been appointed and was based in Aberdyfi harbour. The appointment would ensure support for the harbour master as well as assisting in other harbours across the County, when required.  The Harbour Master noted that the appointment of Mr Oliver Simmonds to the team had already proven valuable and his experience of working with the Yacht Club was advantageous.   The members added that there was good cooperation amongst the staff and it was a good appointment.

Financial Matters

The harbour budget was presented to highlight the current financial situation up to the end of September 2019.  There was an estimated underspend of £4,121.  It was highlighted that it was proposed to increase daily launching fees from £10 to £15.

In response to a question regarding what had been earmarked for the underspend, it was highlighted that it was proposed to purchase a buoy as well as to undertake winter maintenance work.

(b) Harbour Master's Report

A report was presented by the Harbour Master detailing navigational, operational and maintenance matters.  Attention was drawn to the following matters:

·         That the service continued to monitor the main navigational channel into Aberdyfi.  It was noted that the channel was continuously changing and was moving northwards. It was noted that this caused modification work to assist and ensure navigational safety. 

·         That the Outward Bound Trust and the Dyfi Yacht Club had conducted a busy and successful programme of events over the summer.

·         The Service had seen an increase in the number of animal carcasses that had been washed up on the beach.

·         The Outward Bound Trust and the Dyfi Yacht Club were thanked for the assistance given to the Service while structural repair work was undertaken on the harbour vessel.

·         That wooden sand ladders enabled access across the dunes to the beach having disposed of the golf club boardwalk.

·         The situation regarding the railway bridge to Bryn Llestair (Picnic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider matters requested by members

a)    Harbour Quay

Aberdyfi Harbour Quayside Hazards

(a)              Aberdyfi Quay Scheme

Regarding the renovation of the wall, it was reported that the Welsh Government had approved the application in principle and the scheme had now been listed on the Council's Assets Plan.   It was highlighted that the Council had confirmed that match funding had been earmarked and further details on the Full Business Plan had been submitted to the Welsh Government. The work will go out to tender during the 2019/20 financial year with the tender documents and tender assessment methodology completed.  The intention was to appoint a contractor before March 31st 2020 to commence the work in September 2020 (avoiding the Summer season) and to complete by Easter 2021.  It was added that a public meeting would be organised to share information with local businesses and the community, before the commencement of the work.

This was received as extremely heartening news.  The plans were praised and it was welcomed that funding had been secured.  It was suggested that the successful contractor should be invited to the public meeting in order to build an open relationship with the local community. It was added that a great deal of work was required to ensure the success of the scheme with a request for all to be supportive. 

-       It was suggested that the harbour master's office should be upgraded during this period - it was too good an opportunity to miss.

-       It was necessary to ensure that the contractor contacts and works with the RNLI and commerical fishermen.

In response to the comment about upgrading the office, it was noted that the Property Unit was aware of the situation and therefore it was possible to hold discussions.

(b)             Safety of Aberdyfi Quay

Following a recent accident on the quay, the intention not to use the area as a parking space was highlighted but as a loading and unloading site only. The wish was not to allow vehicles to park on the quay in order to avoid collisions with pedestrians. 

To note that the next meeting will be held on 3rd March 2020

It was noted that officially the date of the next meeting was 3rd March 2020.  However, a request to try for another date was accepted in order to receive an update on the quay work tender.  A request was made for the Democratic Services Officer to discuss the proposal with the Maritime Service.