Issue - meetings

To consider the forward budget for the Harbour Authority.

The Board considered the report presenting the 2022/23 outturn forecast as

at the end of September 2022 and the proposed 2023/24 forward budget.

As part of the discussion, it was confirmed that a business case had been presented to the Crown Estate to modify sections of the river with a variety of options including reducing piles, offering flexibility for larger boats to be moored to reduce the existing waiting list and/or to provide an option to moor smaller or larger boats. It was noted that this would be reported on in more detail at a future meeting.

Members discussed ways in which the AER reserves could be incorporated into making improvements for river users. A new weather station was one of the suggestions put forward and the Marine Director noted that this would be investigated. Furthermore, it was confirmed that a central webcam to enable viewing of the Harbour from the Harbour Authority website was due for installation shortly following liaison with Legal Services as appropriate. Members also noted the announcement of the $5million Solent Seascape Project which will aim to restore coastal habitats; it was noted that more information would follow but that the Harbour Authority were hoping to be involved in any Hamble-based project work.

RESOLVED:

      i.        That the projected outturn for the 2022/23 financial year is noted.

    ii.        That the proposed forward budget is approved.

   iii.        That the balances held within the reserves and the position on the reserve balances are noted.

   iv.        That the proposal to transfer any actual excess within the Revenue Reserve (RR) at year end to the Asset Enhancement Reserve (AER) be approved.

    v.        That the principle of transferring any actual excess within the Revenue Reserve (RR) at year end to the Asset Enhancement Reserve (AER) as the default position be approved.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out options for replacement of patrol boats.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding patrol boat replacement options.

Board members recognised the extensive work having gone in to produce the detail in the report. The expense of alternative technologies and existing uncertainty around the performance of electric engines was noted. Members agreed that the option to switch to an electric engine in the future was sensible.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the Board agrees to support to the River Hamble Harbour Board investment in 3 long-life replacement patrol vessels.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out options for replacement of patrol boats.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding patrol boat replacement options.

The Committee reviewed the options presented and raised some queries related to alternative fuels such as fossil free diesel. It was noted that the marine industry had not progressed in line with other industries in this regard and that options were expensive and alternative technologies were not fully proven. Members agreed to look to replace a diesel engine with an alternative option going forward, but not at the current time, and that planning for this was sensible.

It was confirmed that the preferred boat manufacturer had been selected for using a thicker, and therefore more durable, High Density Polyethylene than the direct competitor. It was also confirmed that the manufacturer did not offer a leasing option.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the Management Committee agrees to support to the River Hamble Harbour Board investment in 3 long-life replacement patrol vessels.

b)    That the Management Committee agrees that the Harbour Master should present options in commercial confidence and within the allocated budget to the Board for approval.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out options for replacement of patrol boats.