Members had an Informal Briefing from the Senior Development Surveyor at the Torbay Development Agency as an update on the Torquay Waterside Regeneration proposals to develop the Marina Developments Limited (MDL) Marina Car Park, The Pavilion and Cary Green as outlined in (Minute 524) Mayoral Decision dated 1 February 2012.

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 Conservative Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended for this meeting by including Councillor Addis instead of Councillor Richards.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hytche, McPhail, and Mr Buckpitt, Mr Jennings and Mayor Oliver.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 June 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 3 June 2013 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

To approve the recommendation for appointment of an External Advisor by the Harbour Appointments Sub-Committee and verbal update for a further appointment in December 2013.

The Committee were advised that following an application and interview process, the Harbour Appointments Sub-Committee had met on 19 July 2013 and were pleased to recommend the appointment of Paul Lloyd for the vacant position, previously held by Elaine Hayes, as External Harbour Advisor. 

Members were further advised that the Harbour Appointments Sub-Committee had met on 10 September 2013 and short-listed from five applicants for a replacement External Harbour Advisor for Mr Gordon Jennings whose term comes to an end in December 2013 with four being selected for interview on 2 October 2013.

The Chairman acknowledged the years of service given to Tor Bay Harbours and the Harbour Committee by Mr Jennings.

Councillor Faulkner (J) read a note from Mr Jennings, who was unable to attend his final meeting, thanking Members for their hard work and offering his services to the Committee in the future.

Resolved:

That Paul Lloyd be appointed as an External Harbour Advisor for a period of four years from 23 September 2013.

To note the minutes of the above Harbour Liaison Forums.

The Committee noted the minutes of the Torquay and Paignton Harbour Liaison Forum meeting on the 10 September 2013 and the Brixham Harbour Liaison Forum meeting on the 11 September 2013.

To review the Harbour Authority Business Risk Register.

The Committee noted the submitted report which provided them with details of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Business Risk Register for 2013/14.

To receive recommendations from the Harbour Asset Review Working Party.

The Committee noted the report from the Harbour Asset Review Working Party which met on 23 August 2013.

No assets were identified as being surplus to the requirements of the Harbour Authority but Members were advised that the public toilets at Beacon Quay, New Pier Brixham and Paignton harbour, would be transferred into the harbour estate from 1 October 2014.

To consider the quarterly Budget Monitoring Report.

The Committee noted a report on the Budget Monitoring which provided members with the overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at the end of August 2013.

To monitor the Performance of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Business Unit (SPAR.Net).

The Committee noted a report outlining the performance of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority Business Unit.

To consider the results of the Annual Harbour Users Survey.

The Executive Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority introduced the results of the 2013 Tor Bay Harbour User Survey, which had been sent out to boat owners who use the facilities in Tor Bay Harbour.  There were 119 responses.

The Committee noted the overall positive response to the survey, but felt that it would be important to further encourage responses from the wider users of the Harbour and going forward discussed how this might be possible.

Members also noted the majority of respondents were aged between 65 – 74 years old and most people who completed the survey did not have a disability.