Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were noted for Councillors Kyrle, Craig and Burgess.

All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

Councillor Rod Cooper declared an interest as a mooring holder and as a member of the RAF Yacht Club; Councillor Cartwright declared interests as a member of the Royal Yachting Association; Mr John Selby declared interests as a trustee of?Warsash?Sailing Club; a committee member of the Royal Yachting Association, of the River Hamble Combined Clubs and of the River Hamble Mooring Holders Association. Chairman councillor Lumby also noted his interest as a member of the Royal Southern Yacht club and berth holder at Hamble point.

To confirm the  Minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 March 2021

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

There were no deputations.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

There we no announcements.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising incidents and events in the Harbour and covering issues currently under consideration by the Marine Director.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

The Committee was informed of a rising trend of anti-social behaviour, including fighting, drug use, criminal damage and causing alarm to public. It was also noted that more people were jumping from the A27, railway  and M27 motorway bridges, putting themselves and others at risk. It was reported that the Marine Director’s office was working closely with Eastleigh Borough Council, local parish councils and local police forces, with a police forward base now stationed at Hamble Lifeboat station. 

It was also noted with regret that 2 cardiac-related fatalities had taken place on the River Hamble, and note was made of the need to ensure free and open access to jetties to ensure timely treatment. 

A question was raised if anti-social behaviour extended to on the water. In reply it was stated that it did, and that they worked closely with the Hampshire Police Marine Unit to resolve these incidents. 

A further question was raised regarding role of Police from outside Eastleigh such as Fareham. 

In reply it was noted that the office has good relations with both Fareham and Eastleigh Police forces.  It was discussed that a focus was put on trying to persuade and correct abusive behaviour, though police intervention had been swift when it was called in. 

In the light of these recent fatalities,s  clarification on the availability of defibrillators was asked for. 

In reply, it was stated that a defibrillator was maintained on site at the Harbour Office,   In the event of a casualty, ambulance services, HM Coast Guard Rescue Teams and Life Boats also possessed devices. 

A question was raised regarding a recent oil spill at Swanwick, and what was being done to stop them. In reply, it was detailed that plans were maintained by Marinas to address local spillages and that the Harbour Authority maintained its own organic capability and contract with a service provider.  Local Marinas also took their responsibilities very seriously.  It was noted that the River was vulnerable to pollution from various sources, among them fuel, bilge oil, the M27 bridge and outfalls from pipes and that the collective drive was to minimise these by sound planning.    

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the content of the report.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising recent environmental management of the Harbour

The Committee considered the report of Environment and Development Manager with an update on environmental matters.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the contents of this report.

To consider a renewal request for an application previously granted conditional Harbour Works Consent (HWC) but which has not been built within the 3 year timeframe conditioned as part of that Consent.

The Committee considered a renewal request for an application previously granted conditional Harbour Works Consent (HWC) but which has not been built within the 3 year timeframe conditioned as part of that Consent. 

It was noted that this request was “earnest, correct and necessary” thus it was appropriate to raise it for renewal as opposed to completely re-assessing it, thus wasting time and resources. 

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supported the recommendation to the River Hamble Harbour Board to approve renewal for a further 3 years of the Harbour Works Consent for the Replacement of River Wall at Swanwick Shore Road Car Park.

To consider a report of the Directors of Corporate Resources – Corporate Services and Culture, Communities and Business Services presenting the final accounts for the financial year 2020/21.

The Committee considered a report of the Directors of Corporate Resources – Corporate Services and Culture, Communities and Business Services presenting the final accounts for the financial year 2020/21.

Members noted a rise in numbers of jet skiers and it was acknowledged in addition to extra income that this had put extra demand on the Harbour services to police their use and ensure safety of both Jet ski users and other vessels. 

Members questioned high credit card charges for payments made collectively in respect of Mooring Fees for the Crown Estate  It was asked whether the bearing of these fees had been included in contractual fee discussions with the Crown Estate. It was explained that card charge fees related not only to the Crown Estate but also to Harbour Dues, Visitors’ and Launching Fees and Waiting List charges.  Two other sets of charges for payments were, as a result of the new Harbour Assist Harbour Management System, not being accrued.  The net increase in charges was deemed acceptable based on the benefits to office practices.  The terms of the Crown Estate Management Agreement contract were also discussed. 

RESOLVED: 

i. The report, the statutory accounts and management accounts were noted by the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and submitted to the River Hamble Harbour Board for approval.

 ii. The Committee noted that as of 31 March 2021 the General Reserve has a balance of £43,829 and notes that the General Reserve balance is currently expected to exceed the maximum balance set out in the reserves policy in 2022, requiring a decision to be taken at that time on how to treat the excess. 

iii. That the Committee supported the recommended changes to the 2021/22 budget.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services in respect of the rate of Harbour Dues for 2021/22

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services in respect of the rate of Harbour Dues for 2021/22

The current financial position was noted, as was a degree of uncertainty because of COVID 19 events and the potential associated impact on charges.  The 5% increase last year had followed periods where increases had not been made.  The importance for businesses in predictable increases for planning purposes was recognised.  A ‘smoothed’ increase path was recognised as being preferable to take into account uncertainty regarding costs, including pension related costs and safeguard the Marine Safety Management System.  It was noted that Harbour Dues remained competitive in the Solent context. 

Two questions were asked as to whether a 1% increase in Harbour Dues would be sufficient, given the uncertainties regarding inflation and its impact on costs, specifically fuel. The Marine Director informed the Committee of the relatively low expenditure, following rebate, on fuel and noted that the Annual Accounts were taken together with our Asset Review Paper when considering the Harbour Dues position.  The COVID outbreak had seen a reduction in visitors’ income but, because of prudent steps taken last year, seen a net increase in Revenue despite that of £43000.  That position, far stronger than last year, gave confidence that a lower prudent increase of 1% or around £5000 would be appropriate would be appropriate. 

 It was noted that, for a private mooring holders with a 10m vessel, a 1% increase in real terms represented a rise of  around£1.60. 

RESOLVED: 

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommends to the River Hamble Harbour Board the approval of an increase in Harbour Dues of 1% for 2021/22.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services anticipating future business items for the Committee and Harbour Board.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with regard to the future business items for the Management Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the content of the report.