Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect a Chair.

Councillor Dewi Owen was elected as Chair of Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative  Committee for the year 2021/22.

Councillor Dewi Owen was elected as Chair of Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative  Committee for the year 2021/22.

To elect a Vice-Chair.

Councillor Anne Lloyd Jones was elected as Vice-chair of Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee for the year 2021/22.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received by Councillor Gareth Thomas (Cabinet Member for Economy), Llŷr B Jones (Assistant Head of Economy and Community).

To receive any declarations of personal interest.

          None to note

To consider any items which are urgent matters in the opinion of the Chairman.

None to note

The Chairman will propose that the minutes of the meeting of this committee, held on 12th November  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 discuss the report of the Senior Harbours Officer.

To accept the contents of the report and to note the observations.

To accept the contents of the report and to note the observations.

An update was given on Harbour Management Matters by the Senior Harbours Officer emphasising that the pandemic had affected the figures of every harbour in Gwynedd.  This was supported by the Chairman.

He proceeded to update Committee members on the following points: 

-        The annual moorings were reported upon and the reduction seen in 2020, namely, that there had been 47 boats on annual moorings compared to 68 in 2019. It was presumed that many vessel holders had decided not to utilise their vessels during this period.

-        It was reported on the number of registered boats and personal watercraft and it was  noted that there had been an increase in the number of personal watercraft.

-       Reference was made to the report and it was stated that all the relevant statistics were noted within, and questions on these were welcomed. 

The Port Marine Safety Code was discussed and members were asked to inform the Service if they had any observations regarding this. The situation regarding harbour staff was discussed and they were thanked for their work during the lockdown period. It was noted that they had continued to work throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety of the public and the harbour.

In relation to the situation regarding the Covid-19 regulations, it was noted that signage had been erected to assist with compliance and to ensure that staff remain safe.

The Assistant Harbourmaster was welcomed and his appointment was now a permanent contract. It was noted that his contribution had been key in supporting the Harbourmaster during this difficult period.  Along with this appointment, the Senior Harbours Officer noted that it was proposed to appoint two seasonal beach officers as it was anticipated that there would be a great deal of visitors this summer.

In relation to financial matters, it was noted that the current figures were not currently available from the finance unit; however, assurance was given that these would be available to members soon.  An update was given on the financial situation and it was noted there had been a major impact on the income gained as a result of the lower number of boats and it was anticipated that uncertainty regarding travel would also impact income this year. It was added and noted that Council members had supported and had reduced the income targets to take into consideration the maritime industry's challenges.

The Harbourmaster and the Harbours Assistant were thanked for the work last year during a very busy period, although it had been a short season.  The importance of their posts was reiterated in relation to the safe management of the harbours and beaches.

During the discussion, the following observations were raised;

-        All harbour staff were thanked for their work by the Members.

-        It was added that the area had experienced a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To discuss the Harbourmasters report.

To accept the contents of the report and to note the observations.

To accept the contents of the report and to note the observations.

The report was presented by the Harbourmaster and he noted the main points on the action points as follows:  

-        It was noted that staff had worked throughout the pandemic period and had been extremely busy.  It was added that challenges had arisen in ensuring that everyone understood the dangers of the Estuary. 

-        A great deal of work had been undertaken to secure people's safety by ensuring social distancing and signage were erected, it was added that the department had provided appropriate materials in terms of PPE to staff.

-        An offer was made to distribute a digital version of the harbour chart to see the AEC locations once there is a final version.

-        An overview was given of the various maintenance work that had taken place over the period. 

-        It was noted that there was a joint working partnership with Outward Bound and they also ran a project.

-        In relation to Canolfan Dyfi, it was noted that there were no changes, however, minor alterations had been made in the centre in order to meet with the requirements.

-        It was noted that the Department was awaiting news about relaxing the restrictions as there were applications from PWC Gwynedd, Jetski Club etc. regarding staging events.

During the discussion the following observations were made:

-        The Harbourmaster was thanked for all his work.

-        It was asked if there was a sand removal scheme this year.

-        A member added that not much sand had accumulated this year as the wind had moved it back, he continued to emphasise the importance of the quay wall as it had been damaged.

-        Thanks were extended for the plans on the slipway as launching from Church Bay had been frustrating.

-        It was asked what were the plans to treat the wall near the old lifeboat slipway as there was a prominent crack to be seen. 

-        It was asked if there were any plans to clear the promenade and the car park soon.

-        The attention of the officers was drawn to the poor condition of the railings between the car park and the promenade, it was asked if this was a matter for the harbour or another department.

In response, the Harbourmaster noted the following:

-        That there were currently no plans to remove sand as it was not a priority, however, the situation would be reviewed if it worsens. It was added that finance had gone to protect the quay wall and there was a lack of funding.

-        He added that the river was moving and sand was moving – as had occurred in the past.

-        It was noted that the YGC department managed the quay renovation work on the Council's behalf and the condition continued to be monitored. He added that this had gone out to tender once more.

-        Regarding the crack in the wall,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To consider any other matters to be discussed in the committee.

Condolences were extended on the recent loss of Brian Bates who had been a loyal member of the committee and had contributed significantly, and always offered his views and expertise.  He had worked with the coastguard service for many years and his local contribution had been significant.  He was a character who would be greatly missed as well as his maritime service to the community of Aberdyfi. 

To note the date of the next meeting of the Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee.

The 2nd November had been earmarked by the Democratic Services Committee. The date would be circulated to the members once the calendar had been confirmed.