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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dart and External Advisor Mr Day.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 September 2019.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 24 September 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

At the request of the Chairwoman, the Tor Bay Harbour Master provided updates in relation to minutes 70, 71 and 74.

To consider a report that seeks the upgrade of Brixham Harbour’s CCTV system.

The Committee considered a report that sought authorisation to upgrade Brixham Harbour’s CCTV system to address concerns raised by the Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency officers during recent inspections. 

The Tor Bay Harbour Master informed Members that the Council has an ongoing CCTV replacement project, having engaged with the lead project officer an appropriate cost-effective engineering solution for Brixham Harbour has been established.  The benefits of joining the Council’s CCTV replacement project were set out in the submitted report.

Resolved:

That the Director of Place be recommended to approve up to £86,000 expenditure from the Harbour Revenue Reserve for the replacement of Brixham Harbour’s CCTV system.

To consider a report that seeks authorisation to undertake infrastructure improvements.

Members considered a report that sought authorisation to undertake a number of necessary infrastructure improvements in order to deliver health, safety and environmental improvements.

The Tor Bay Harbour Master informed Members that a number of the improvements detailed in the report had been delayed due to the moratorium on spending implemented during the last few years, however these improvements were now essential in order to ensure the safety of users and operation of the Harbours.

Resolved:

That the Director of Place be recommended to approve the allocation of £165,000 from Harbour Revenue Reserves to implement necessary Health and Safety related infrastructure improvements.

To note the submitted report.

The Harbour Committee noted a report that detailed the annual Port Marine Safety Code (the code) compliance audit.  The code is not mandatory and does not create any new legal duties, however the code represents good practice as recognised by a wide range of industry stakeholders and a failure to adhere to good practice may be indicative of a harbour authority being in breach of certain legal duties.

Members noted that the Devon Audit Partnership, the appointed ‘Designated Person’ had provided the opinion that Tor Bay Harbour Authority was compliant with the requirements of the code.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master drew Members attention to the action plan in particular recommendation 1.6.2 and 1.6.6, actions that were ‘not agreed’ by the Tor Bay Harbour Master.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master provided Members a full explanation on the reasons for not agreeing with the two recommendations.

To note a report that provides Members with projections of income and expenditure for the year 2019/20 compared with approved budgets.

Members noted a report that provided details of projections of income and expenditure for the year 2019/20 compared with approved budgets.  The report identified the overall budgetary position as at the end of November 2019 to enable appropriate action to contain expenditure and maintain reserves at appropriate levels.

The Tor Bay Harbour Master highlighted to Members that the level of Harbour Reserve would close the financial year considerably lower than at the start of the financial year.

To review and approve the updated Tor Bay Harbour Authority – Edge Protection Policy.

Members considered the Edge Protection Policy which had undergone an annual review.  Members felt the reference to consumption of alcohol needed to be strengthened given the vibrant night time economy in very close proximity of the Harbour estate.

Resolved:

That subject to consumption of alcohol being referenced, the Edge Protection Policy be approved.

For Members to note the latest accident statistics for the Harbour Authority’s operational area.

The Tor Bay Harbour Master provided a verbal update on the incidents and accidents that had occurred since September 2019.

To note the minutes of the above Harbour Liaison Forums.

Members noted the Torquay and Paignton Liaison Forum Minutes.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master advised that the last Brixham Liaison Forum was a tour of Brixham Harbour rather than a formal meeting.