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Agenda item

To submit a written report by the Maritime and Country Parks Officer.

Minutes:

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer guided members through the report and the following main points were highlighted:

·         That there had been a reduction in the number of annual moorings compared with 2014, which reflected the broader economy;

·         In terms of the Marine Safety Code, the Senior Harbours Officer would review it before it would be audited by the appointed independent authority, namely Caernarfon Harbour. It was noted that the Code provided guidance and gave the public assurance that the safety of users was important to the Council;

·         That observations from members on the contents of the Code were appreciated;

·         That the service was eager to develop Performance Indicators in relation to the management of the harbours and that initial ideas or suggestions were invited from members;

·         Reference was made to the sickness absence of a staff member and it was noted that Harbour Assistants were covering in an attempt to ensure a service for users for seven days a week; 

·         That there had been a delay in terms of moving the material dredged in the Harbour as confirmation of financial support was awaited from the Welsh Government. It was noted that it was hoped that the work would be completed before the end of March 2016; 

·         Consideration was being given to earmarking £50,000 annually to undertake dredging work in the Harbour Mouth and it was hoped that the work would be carried out next year, at the same time as when the material dredged in the Harbour would be moved;

·         Details were given on the 2014-15 accounts of the Harbour and Hafan;

·         It was intended to increase the fees of Hafan for the 2015-16 financial year in line with inflation and to freeze the fees of the Outer Harbour so as to encourage individuals to take a mooring;

·         That there were concerns in terms of safety and the costs of maintaining the equipment of the harbour boat and that options were being assessed in relation to its replacement;

·         After receiving concerns about the quality of the red diesel provided in the Harbour from the Pwllheli Maritime Traders Association, it was noted that enquiries had been made at the other Harbour Committees and confirmation had been received that they were happy with the quality of the red diesel. It was added that the situation would continue to be monitored; 

·         Work would be undertaken to reduce the bund and define the public footpath near Plas Heli and a security fence would be erected. Consultation was undertaken with the Council's Paths Officer and he had supported the proposal;

·         Payment options for Harbour users had been assessed and a Standing Order was favoured rather than a Direct Debit. It was noted that consideration would be given to the option of paying a Standing Order over a period of 12 months rather than over 7 months if a contract was signed by mid-February.

 

The Maritime and Country Parks Officer drew attention to the maximum speed zone buoys on South Beach and he asked members for their views on removing them. Members noted that they should be retained to ensure the safety of users.

 

Members' views were also sought on amending the maximum speed zone in the Glandon beach area in order to facilitate recreational activities. Members noted that there was a need to be careful in terms of the safety of users and that consideration should be given to the creation of fixed swim zones.

 

RESOLVED that the Maritime and Country Parks Officer undertakes research in terms of the options of amending the maximum speed zone in the Glandon beach area and to report on the matter at the next meeting. 

 

The Pwllheli Harbour Manager provided details on the maintenance work programme and members were asked to inform the service of any other required works. 

 

Members’ views were sought in terms of moving the moorings of the outer harbour from area 5 to 6 to area 7 in light of the fact that the area had closed up considerably and due to the maintenance costs involved.  It was noted that moving the moorings would widen the channel.

 

The representative from Pwllheli Marina Berth Holders’ Association noted that members should be given time to discuss the matter with their respective organisations.

 

RESOLVED that individual organisations contact the Maritime Service before 31 December 2015 to voice their opinions before the plan is progressed.

 

During the meeting, the officers responded as follows to the members’ observations:

·         In terms of deposits accumulating in the Harbour entrance, it was noted that a bank formed outside the entrance and that the situation would be assessed as the deposits could move subject to the weather;

·         That a small number of individuals found it difficult to access the Harbour;

·         In response to a member’s observation that the security lights of Blue Water Marine could blind individuals when they sought to enter the Harbour, the representative of Pwllheli Maritime Traders Association was asked to convey the message to the company and submit observations at the next meeting;

·         That higher costs in connection with gas and electricity at Hafan would be investigated;

·         That a column would be added to the budgetary reports so as to include the previous year’s figures in the future;

·         That consideration would be given to drawing up special offer packages in an attempt to attract more individuals.

 

An update was provided on the events held at Plas Heli since its opening from the representative of Pwllheli Sailing Club, namely:

·         Optimist European Championships,

·         Optimist UK Championship,

·         29er UK Championship,

·         29er World Championships,

·         Fireball World Championships,

·         IRC Welsh National Championships.

 

The Pwllheli Sailing Club representative and his staff were thanked and congratulated for their work and on the success of the events.

 

The Senior Economy and Community Manager reported that after submitting observations made by members at the workshop where the draft Dredging Strategy was considered to ARUP Associates, that impact assessment work had now been prepared.  It was noted that discussions continued with Natural Resources Wales and that consideration would be given to establishing harbour authority rights to avoid having to complete application forms for individual rights.

 

It was added that a meeting would be held with ARUP Associates next week and that the final report would be circulated to the members of the Consultative Committee.

Supporting documents: