Agenda item

a)    To submit a report by the Senior Harbours Officer

 

b)    To submit a report by the Harbourmaster

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

 

In response to a minute of the previous meeting that it was necessary to seek the views of users regarding why mooring owners were leaving, it was noted that it was difficult to find one statistic for the reduction in use.  It was added that the situation was similar 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.

 

Staffing Matters

 

It was reported that it had been resolved to extend the employment period of Barmouth's Harbour Assistant until the end of December 2019 to ensure support for the Harbour master and provide a continuation of the Service across the County.  It was added that the intention was to designate the post as permanent.

 

Financial Matters

 

The harbour budget was presented to highlight the current financial situation up to the end of September 2019. An overspend of £11,807 was estimated. It was highlighted that it was proposed to increase daily launching fees from £10 to £15.

 

In response to a question regarding expenditure on 'equipment and furniture' it was expressed that the expenditure was not wasteful, that everything regarding maintenance, equipment and hand tools were included in this budget.  It was added that the equipment's life expectancy was not long due to harsh conditions.  It was also asked if the budget was set correctly and suitable for the outcomes.  It was suggested that the Councillors on the Committee should offer input to set the budget. .

 

 

 

Observations arising from the discussion

·         How did the increase in fees compare with other authorities?

·         Despite the increase in fees, it was not always possible to launch - this depended on the tide and the specific launch site. 

·         That an increase of 50% was quite a step.

The increase would affect all harbour users and these were not the people who needed to be targeted e.g. jet ski users

·         Users needed to be encouraged and prompted to purchase an annual permit which gave more value for money.

 

In response to the observations, the Assistant Head of the Economy and Community Department noted that as a result of the reduction in income it was not possible to increase the budget.  He added that there was a need to promote and encourage more use and raising the income would ensure the continuation of the service.

              

(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:

·         A substantial investment had been made to upgrade the navigational buoys in the channel

·         An operational and maintenance work plan had been identified for the Winter

·         Good feedback had been received regarding the safety signage (provided jointly with the RNLI)

·         A request that members report back on any problem /matter regarding the channel to the Harbour master who will be more than willing to investigate the matter.

 

In response to a question regarding how accurate were the navigational marks, it was reported that the channel was fine and in a further response to a comment that a 'bar' of sand had formed near the access to the channel, it was reported that because of the presence of the current buoys and the navigational information provided by the harbour master there was no requirement for an additional buoy.

 

In response to a question regarding noticeboards on Fairbourne beach, it was reported that these were ready to be erected.

 

In response to a question regarding installing a slipway on the beach in Fairbourne to ensure access to the beach, the Assistant Head of the Economy and Community Department noted that it was necessary to consider a solution and suitable design for the request.  He noted that the old slipway did not extend onto the beach to create access and was moved as it was in a poor condition and had deteriorated significantly.  It was added that it would also be necessary to consider the cost of the scheme.  It was proposed to work with the community to try and seek a solution and to establish a team in Fairbourne to discuss ideas with Gwynedd Consultancy.  The Local Councillor noted that a new slipway would be a gesture of goodwill and the community would be willing to try and raise money for the venture.  It was suggested that FLAG should be included in the discussions.

 

In the context of the safety signage a method of protecting the signs was suggested by covering them as they suffered damage when they were moved.   

 

RESOLVED to accept the reports.