The meeting was opened with a minute’s silence for a serving member of staff, Amanda Coote, who had sadly passed away.

To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Barrand, Mills and O’Dwyer and External Advisor Barry Young.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 6 December 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 6 December 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Committee considered the item in Minute 139, and not included on the agenda, the Chairman being of the opinion that they were urgent by reason of special circumstances i.e. the matter having arisen since the agenda was prepared and it was unreasonable to delay a decision until the next meeting.

The Tor Bay Harbour Master informed Members of an incident that had occurred earlier in the day, whereby a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the turning circle at Brixham Harbour.  Early reports suggest the pedestrian had suffered minor injuries, however the incident highlights this mixed use area as being a pinch point.  Members wished the pedestrian involved a speedy recovery and noted that the Tor Bay Harbour Master would be giving consideration to measures, if any, that could raise awareness of the conflicting pressures on the turning circle.

To confirm the Work Programme for the Harbour Committee for 2022/2023.

The Committee considered a report which set out the Work Programme for 2022/2023.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master advised that there was a slight deviation from previous work programmes with the Tor Bay Harbour Asset Management Plan and Tor Bay Harbour Business Plan being deferred to September in order for a meeting of the Harbour Asset Working Party to be arranged.

Resolved:

That the Work Programme for the Harbour Committee for 2022/2023 be confirmed.

To receive a verbal update from the Harbour Master on Port Marine Safety Code matters.

(Note:  The Committee are both individually and collectively responsible in accordance with the Code.)

The Tor Bay Harbour Master provided a verbal update in respect of the Port Marine Safety Code and health and safety matters.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master raised concerns regarding the launching the Private Watercrafts and Jet Ski’s from beaches in contravention of By-laws, a situation that the Harbour and Beach Teams would be seeking to raise awareness of during the summer season.  Members noted the report and welcomed the Tor Bay Harbour Master’s intention to provide informal monthly updates.

To consider a report setting out the overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at February 2022 compared with approved budgets.

The Committee received the submitted report which set out the overall budgetary position for the Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at February 2022 compared with the overall approved budgets.

Resolved:

That the Committee noted:

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

2.         the revised projected level of the Harbour Reserve Fund as of February 2022;

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 £1,834.12.

To consider a report on the proposed changes to the Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy following an annual review for 2022/2023.

The Committee considered a report which set out minor changes to the Tor Bay Harbour Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy for 2022/2023.  The Harbour Master informed Members that the policy ensured a consistent, fair and equitable approach was applied to new, existing and potential facility users.

Resolved:

That the revised Tor Bay Harbour Operational Moorings and Facilities Policy 2022/2023 be approved.

To receive a report on a review of the delegated powers for the Tor Bay Harbour Master.

The Committee considered a report which provided details of the delegated powers to Tor Bay Harbour Master.

Resolved:

That having reviewed the powers delegated to the Tor Bay Harbour Master, the Harbour Committee finds no reason to propose changes to the Council for determination.

To note the minutes of the above Harbour Liaison Forums.

This item was deferred to the next meeting.