Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Mark Cooper and Tonia Craig. Councillor Bruce Tennent was in attendance as the substitute member.

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 the circumstances described in 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 whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 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 Non-Pecuniary interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 2 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.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 March 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

There were no deputations.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

There were 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.

Members noted the incidents of theft which had recently occurred from moored boats between Swanwick and Crableck and that the Harbour Authority was liaising with Hampshire Constabulary and encouraging any such incidents to be reported.

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 the Director of Culture, Communities

and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

Members noted that Economy, Transport and Environment (ETE) had prepared a draft response to the Government consultation on the Draft National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy which had launched on 9 May 2019 and that the Harbour Authority was liaising with ETE officers to provide any relevant input.

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 setting out an application for Harbour Works Consent.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out an application for Harbour Works Consent.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommends to the

River Hamble Harbour Board to approve Harbour Works Consent for the

proposal set out in paragraph 4 of this report and subject to the following

conditions:

a)    The proposal is to be built in accordance with the details, plans and

method set out in paragraph 5.

b)    The applicant should ensure that only coatings and treatments that are

suitable for use in the marine environment are used in accordance with

best environmental practice. All reasonable precautions will be

undertaken to ensure no pollutants enter the waterbody.

c)    The applicant should ensure that all equipment, temporary structures,

waste and/or debris associated with the licensed activities is removed

upon completion of the licensed activities.

d)    The development must be completed within 3 years from the date of the approval granted by the Harbour Board.

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 2018/19.

The Committee considered the report of the Directors of Corporate Services – Corporate Resources and Culture, Communities and Business Services outlining the final accounts for 2018/19.

Members of the Committee were grateful to the officers for presenting a comprehensive finance report. In response to Members’ questions, it was heard that:

• Under section 25 of the report, the increased expenditure figure since the position reported to the Committee at the December meeting was largely due to the payment to the Crown Estate for turnover rent covering the last three financial years, but this should not be repeated going forward.
• Staffing costs were the most significant area of expenditure but that it was important to ensure appropriate levels of staffing to enable the duties of the Harbour Authority in maintaining navigational safety to be carried out effectively.
• It was anticipated, due to changes in staffing circumstances, that the higher than average levels of overtime logged for 2018/19 was not a trend that would continue for future years.

The Committee discussed the potential to enhance the existing marketing campaign for the River to encourage more visitors and generate more revenue from visitor income. It was noted, as part of the discussion, that increased visitor numbers may also require additional Harbour facilities to be developed with significant capital outlay and ongoing maintenance costs.

RESOLVED:

a)    That this report, the statutory accounts and management accounts be noted by the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and submitted to the River Hamble Harbour Board for approval.

b)    That the Committee notes the level of the General Reserve as at 31 March 2019 of £16,170, and that the balance remains below the level of no more than 10% of the gross revenue budget, as set out in the reserves policy.

c)    That the Committee notes that without any changes to the budget for 2019/20, the expectation is that the General Reserve will reduce to £2,170 at the end of 2019/20.

d)    That the Committee notes the potential pressures on the 2019/20 budget based on the final position for the 2018/19 financial year.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services in respect of the rate of Harbour Dues for 2020.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services in setting the annual rate of Harbour Dues.

In making their recommendation, the Committee reviewed the historical pattern for setting Harbour Dues over the previous 10 years and noted that the current level of Harbour Dues was 7% lower than in 2009.

Members heard that the demand for moorings on the River continued to be extremely high.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommends to the

River Hamble Harbour Board the approval of an increase in Harbour Dues of

5% for 2019.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services giving an update on the proceedings of the 2019 Annual Forum.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services detailing the proceedings of the Annual Forum.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the report.

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 Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the report.