To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ellery, External Advisors Mr Blazeby, Mr Stewart and Mr Ellis.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 February 2019.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 5 February 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider a report that seeks the approval of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Asset Management Plan.

Members considered a report that set out the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Asset Management Plan.  Members were informed that the Asset Management Plan is the means by which the Harbour Committee meets its obligations to provide strategic direction for those assets within the harbour estate.

Resolved:

That subject to the inclusion of Brixham Breakwater and Mooring Chains being listed as an asset for in-year review, the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Asset Management Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved.

To consider a report that seeks approval of the Tor Bay Harbour Business Plan for 2019/20.

Members considered a report that sought approval of the Tor Bay Harbour Business Plan for 2019/20.  The Interim Director of Place informed Members that the business plan was based upon the approved budget and would help ensure the harbour’s continued success.

Resolved:

That subject to the SWOT Analysis including ‘changing fishing patterns and unpredictable fish tolls’ as a threat, the Tor Bay Harbour Business Plan for 2019/20 as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved.

(Note 1:  Councillor Haddock declared a non-pecuniary interest as his land is used as a transfer station linked to mussel farming.)

To consider a report that seeks to approve the Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy.

To consider a report that seeks approval of changes to the Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy.  The Interim Director of Place informed Members that the policy ensures a consistent, fair and equitable approach is applied to new, existing and potential facility users.

Resolved:

That the Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy version 14 be adopted subject to the ‘Torquay Town Dock and Inner Dock Pontoons Priority’ in Appendix 2 being amended to read ‘…waiting lists are closed when 20 30 names are registered…’.

To consider the report on the above.

The Committee considered a report that sought approval to earmark £25,000 of the Harbour Reserve to progress the detailed business case for the proposed Brixham Harbour improvement scheme.

Resolved:

That the Tor Bay Harbour Master be authorised to exercise his delegated powers and allocate £25,000 of Harbour Reserves for the purposes of developing a detailed business case for the Brixham Harbour Improvement Scheme.

To consider a report that proposes to extend the metered ‘pay as you use’ system to include provision of water.

Members considered a report that proposed to extend the metered ‘pay as you use’ system which is currently employed to supply electricity to also include the provision of water.

Resolved:

i)       That the Harbour Committee supports the allocation of £110,000 from Harbour Reserves to undertake capital works to extend the MeterMACS system to introduce water metering at Brixham Harbour; and

ii)      That the Council be recommended to vary the Council’s Capital Plan in support of this decision.

To note a report that updates members with income and expenditure projections for 2018/19.

The Harbour Committee noted a report that provided an update on income and expenditure projections in 2018/19.  The report identified the overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at the end of February 2019 to enable appropriate action to contain expenditure and maintain reserves at sufficient levels.

To consider a report that seeks approval of the Enforcement and Prosecution Policy.

The Committee considered a report that set out the Harbour Enforcement and Prosecution Policy.  The policy was first published in 2004 and periodically reviewed thereafter, such a policy enhances the Council’s reputation for transparency and accountability in respect of its delivery of its harbour authority function.

Resolved:

That the Enforcement and Prosecution Policy as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved.

To note the report.

Members noted the risk register in particular the addition of Brexit and Climate Change.

To note the Tor Bay Accident/Incident List.

Members noted the report that set out the accident/incidents recorded across Tor Bay Harbour and harbour estate.  The Interim Director of Place informed the Committee, as the Duty Holders, of a dangerous incident that had been recorded and placed on YouTube.  He advised that a full investigation was underway and the Committee would be kept informed of subsequent action.

To consider the Harbour Committee Work Programme for 2019/2020 as set out in the submitted report.

The report was noted.

To note the minutes of the above Harbour Liaison Forums.

The Minutes of the Torquay/Paignton and Brixham Harbour Liaison Forum were noted.