Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were noted from David Jobson.

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.

Chris Moody declared personal interests as a member of Warsash Sailing Club and as Chairman of Hamble River Boatyard and Marina Operators Association.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 March 2021

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 March 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.

No deputations were received at this meeting.

To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman had no announcements to make at this meeting.

To receive the draft minutes of the meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 24 June 2021.

The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 24 June 2021.

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

It was noted that since the last meeting the six monthly audit of the Marine Safety Management System had taken place and the designated person had confirmed continued compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code.

It was discussed that anti-social behaviour around the river was a current issue. The Harbour Master had been working with partner organisations on this issue and would be meeting with the police in early August to discuss the situation. Councillor House reported that there was a good relationship with the current police representative regarding issues on the River. 

Board Members commented on the content of the report. Chris Moody noted that jet skis were being used a lot on the River. The Harbour Master indicated that he had done a safety briefing recently to highlight issues like this, including boats speeding and paddle boarders. 

Nikki Hiorns queried the two fatalities noted in the report. The Harbour Master reported that these were heart attacks and that this was not unusual numbers for the time period. An arrangement was established for casualties to be brought to Warsash so that emergency services could get to them quickly.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board 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 Board considered a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services providing an update on environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between March and April 2021.

Regarding the oyster restoration project it was reported that two areas had been identified for reintroducing oysters in the Hamble. Contractors were due to lay the base material over the summer, probably in September. Monitoring of this work would focus on making sure the depth of the river wasn’t impacted too much. 

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board note the content of the report.

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

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

Chris Moody commented that there were issues with people tying up tenders where they shouldn’t be. The Chairman responded that there was an arrangement to remove these via the Borough Council. 

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board 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 2020/21.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources  and the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services presenting the final accounts of the Harbour Authority for the financial year ending 31 March 2021.

It was noted that the Authority had ended the year with a £44,000 surplus which would be added to reserves. This amount was slightly lower than previously budgeted. 

This year a new payment method had been offered for payment of harbour dues. The new payment system had a higher fee but was more efficient and was getting in more payments. 

There was a £16,000 under spend in the staffing budget as an impact of the covid-19 pandemic. The allowance built in for a pay increase wasn’t needed.  This was the first year of income for dry docks and this was in line with anticipated costs. 

It was expected the Authority would be holding £70,000 in reserves by April 2022. There was a cap on reserves compared to the overall budget so some would need to be spent or moved elsewhere before that. Some of this may need to be allocated towards the pension gap in future. 

Chris Moody asked about the status of the life raft station. The Harbour Master reported that the facilities there had been closed during the pandemic but it was planned to bring them back. There were leasing arrangements between organisations and there was a need to be clear on who was responsible for certain duties e.g. legionella flushing.  

RESOLVED: 

i. The report, the statutory accounts and management accounts were approved by the River Hamble Harbour Board.

 ii. The board 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 Board approved 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 Board considered a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services in respect of the rate of Harbour Dues for 2021/22.

It was noted that the previous proposal for a 5% increase in harbour dues had been deemed too much, so it was now proposed to increase by 1% year on year instead as this was more gradual. 

RESOLVED: 

That the River Hamble Harbour Board approves 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 Board 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.

It was noted that a boat trip  for Members of the Management Committee and Board was planned for 10 September 2021. 

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board notes the content of the report.