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

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Independent Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended for this meeting by including Councillor Morey instead of Councillor Ellery.

To confirm as correct records the Minutes of the meetings of this Committee held on 21 September 2020, 21 December 2020 and 22 March 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 21 September, 21 December 2020 and 22 March 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

To note the attached Terms of Reference.

Members noted the Terms of Reference of the Harbour Committee.

To appoint two External Advisors to the Harbour Asset Review Working Party.

Members were asked to receive nominations for the External Advisor positions on the Harbour Asset Review Working Party.

Resolved:

That Mr Mark Day be appointed to the Harbour Asset Review Working Party, that nominations for the remaining External Advisor position be considered at the Harbour Committee on 27 September 2021.

To appoint two External Advisors to the Harbour Budget Review Working Party.

This item was deferred until the Harbour Committee on 27 September 2021.

To appoint an external advisor to the Pilotage Review Working Party.

Members received nominations for the External Advisor position on the Pilotage Review Working Party.

Resolved:

That Mr Mark Day be appointed as the External Advisor on the Pilotage Review Working Party.

To note a report that provides Members with the details of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority final expenditure and income figures against budget targets for 2020/21.

The Harbour Committee considered a report that provided Members with the details of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority final expenditure and income figures against budget targets for 2020/21.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master informed Members that like many the Covid-19 Pandemic had impacted the Harbour Authority finances.  Covid-19 grants had supported the Harbour Authority however the Harbour Reserve Fund level was now exceptionally low.

Resolved:

i)             That the final outturn as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be noted;

ii)            That the Harbour Master’s use of delegated powers to waive certain harbour charges during 2020/21 which amounts to £12,841.77 be noted; and

iii)           That the Chairwoman of the Harbour Committee write to the Leader of the Council to state that the Harbour Reserve Fund is significantly below the required level.

To receive the latest budget monitoring report for 2021/22.

Members considered a report that provided an update on the overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at May 2021 compared against the budget approved on 21st December 2020.

Resolved:

That the Harbour Committee noted:

i)             The intended outturn projections and adjustments to the Reserve Funds as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

ii)            The low level of the harbour reserves in 2021;

iii)           The Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority’s use of delegated powers to make decisions in relation to the harbour budget;

iv)           The Harbour Master’s use of delegated powers to waive certain harbour charges which to date amounts to £1,042.06.

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

The Harbour Committee noted the submitted report that updated Members on Port Marine Safety Code issues and Health and Safety matters that had arisen between 4 March 2021 and 10 June 2021.

To agree that the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Operational Moorings & Facilities Policy Version 17 be replaced by the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Operational Moorings & Facilities Policy Version 16 (as circulated) and that the Director of Place to work with the heritage boat owners to agree a new and additional operational protocol for the mooring of Heritage vessels in Brixham Harbour.

The Harbour Committee considered a recommendation which proposed an amendment to the current Operational Moorings Policy.  The Director of Place informed Members that representatives of the Harbour Committee and representative of the Heritage fleet met on 3 June 2021 and agreed that the Operational Moorings Policy would be amended to the previously agreed version.  Members were advised that the Heritage fleet representatives were concerned that the existing Operational Moorings Policy did not adequately meet their unique operating requirements.  The outcome of the meeting was to revert to a previously agreed version of the Operational Moorings Policy and to consider how the Town Pontoon can be used by recognised local heritage vessels.

Resolved:

That the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy version 17 be replaced by the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy version 16 (as circulated with the Committee reports) and that the Director of Place to work with the heritage boat owners to agree a new and additional operational protocol for the mooring of heritage vessels in Brixham Harbour.

The Harbour Master informed Members of the process that would be undertaken to recruit a new External Advisor, advising that the position would be advertised.

The Chairwoman informed the Committee that this was the last meeting for Mr Parnell, as the Tor Bay Harbour Master as he has resigned from his post.  The Chairwoman thanked Mr Parnell for his service and support and wished him well for the future.