Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Llŷr Beaumont Jones, (Assistant Head - Economy and Community⁠ Department).

To receive any declarations of personal interest.

There were no declarations of personal interest.

To receive and confirm the minutes of a meeting of the Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee held on the 12^th October 2023, be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 17 October 2023, as a true record.

To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer.

To note and accept the report.

The reports were presented by the Maritime Services Manager and the Senior Harbours Officer.  Attention was drawn to the following main points:

It was ensured that the Harbourmaster and his assistant would survey afon Dyfi prior to the busy Easter period to determine the most suitable location to lay harbour moorings. 

It was confirmed that customers wishing to have a mooring in the harbour or register their boats for the upcoming season were expected to complete the online form promptly via Cyngor Gwynedd's website. It was explained that mooring holders needed to contact the Harbourmaster to confirm their mooring location in the harbour. 

It was stressed that the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) continued to be rigorously followed to improve safety for all who use or work in the port marine environment. ⁠⁠

The Assistant Harbourmaster, Mr Oliver Simmons, was thanked for his committed work in the harbour. It was noted that he had now left his post to set up a new company. Best wishes were expressed to him and the company in the future. It was clarified that candidates were currently being interviewed to fill the vacancy and it was hoped that a qualified individual would take up the role at the start of the busy summer season. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

It was elaborated that a new permanent post had been advertised to assist the Harbourmaster and his assistant with their work. It was explained that the job title was Meirionnydd Beaches Officer and was based in Barmouth harbour to work along the coastal beaches between Barmouth and Aberdyfi. It was noted that it was hoped that the officer would take up the post before the Easter period. It was confirmed that this appointment was in addition to the seasonal beach staff appointed to work at Aberdyfi and Tywyn beaches for the summer period on an annual basis. Members were updated that it was hoped that seasonal staff members would start work from the end of May onwards.

It was acknowledged that there was no update to be shared on performance indicators as there had been little change over the winter months. It was confirmed that the information would be included in the next Committee meeting.

Members were guided through the harbour's financial performance for the current financial year, following the November 2023 review. Attention was drawn to several points within the following headings:  ⁠

·       Employees - It was explained that an underspend of £7,963 was anticipated in this area due to Mr Simmons' resignation. ⁠

·       Property - It was noted that expenditure had been made in this area in accordance with the allocated budget. It was explained that it covered several duties such as grounds maintenance as well as benches. It was also clarified that it included reimbursement for some payments such as memorial benches. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

·       Transportation - It was reported that this heading gave more details regarding fuel to use the harbour boat - and maintenance costs had not been included in the figures. It was confirmed that there was an estimated underspend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To note that the next meeting of the Aberdyfi Harbour Consultative Committee will be held on 17^th October 2024 (subject to confirmation by the Full Council).

⁠It was confirmed that the next meeting would be held on 15 October 2024.