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 Hill instead of Councillor O’Dywer.

The Committee considered the items in Minutes 127 and not included on the agenda, the Chairwoman being of the opinion that they were urgent by reason of special circumstances i.e. the matters having arisen since the agenda was prepared and it was unreasonable to delay a decision until the next meeting.

To consider a report on the above.

The Director of Place presented the submitted report which gave an overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as of August 2021 compared against the budget approved on 21 December 2020.  It was noted that the report gave an oversight and actions to contain expenditure to maintain the harbour reserve fund at an appropriate level.  Members also noted:

1.         the amended outturn projections and adjustments to the Reserve Fund as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

2.         the low level of the harbour Reserve Fund in 2021;

3.         the Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority’s use of delegated powers to make decisions in relation to the harbour budget; and

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

To consider a report on the above.

Members considered and noted the submitted report which provided the latest information and statistics on the Tor Bay Harbour Authority risks and performance.  Members requested the statistics and impact score for the following topics to be reviewed:

1.         Financial sustainability;

2.         Climate Change; and

3.         Health and Safety

To consider a report on the above.

The Director of Place presented the submitted report which provided information for urgent and essential pontoon replacement and repair works to the Torquay Town Dock.  Members noted that if the work was approved the project works would commence in winter 2021/22.  The Committee noted when the pontoons were initially installed in 2007 and their current deterioration.  It was also noted that improvements to the pontoons would provide fair justification for an increase in Town Dock charges.  The Director of Place outlined the associated borrowing to fund the improvement works and the financial implications for the Harbour Authority.

Resolved:

1.         that Council be recommended that borrowing is approved up to £1.2m for the Torquay Town Dock infrastructure improvements, as set out in the submitted report, and that the Harbour budget will meet the additional borrowing costs (expected to be £115,500 per annum) from increased revenue commencing in 2024/25; and

2.         that the Torquay Town Dock Infrastructure Improvements Project be added to the Council’s Capital Programme.

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

Members noted the submitted report which set out the accident/incidents recorded across Tor Bay Harbour and harbour estate between January and August 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 28 June 2021 were confirmed as a correct and signed by the Chairwoman.

The Director of Place provided Members with a verbal update on the pilotage contract and the provision of a new provider for this service.