Agenda and minutes

To note any changes in membership of the Committee made in accordance with Part 4B paragraph 5 of the Constitution.

Apologies received from Cllr Bacon. Cllr Jones-Evans to substitute for Cllr Bacon.

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2022.

RESOLVED:

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2022 be approved.

To invite Members to declare any interest they might have in the matters on the agenda.

Cllr Jones-Evans declared she was local member of Newport Harbour.

Questions may be asked without notice but to guarantee a full reply at the meeting, a question must be put including the name and address of the questioner by delivery in writing or by electronic mail to Democratic Services at democratic.services@iow.gov.uk, no later than two clear working days before the start of the meeting. Therefore the deadline for written questions will be Friday, 6 January 2023.

None received.

The Finance Report for Newport Harbour was presented to the Committee where it was stated that it showed a slight underspend, and that the figures mirrored a similar picture to the previous report.

The forecast was under budget mainly due to leasing income. Leasing income was deemed good, though there was slight disappointment around the Folly berths which were commented on as being not as attractive as they were, though it was hoped that this might change later in the season.

It was stated that having a surplus in the current financial climate was a good thing.

Questions were asked if it was necessary to review the off-street parking which came in under budget, and it was agreed to report back on this issue after further investigations had been made.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Finance Report of Newport Harbour be noted.

THAT the off-street parking income and permit income allocation be further investigated.

The Finance Report of Ventnor Harbour was deemed as a much simpler due to the smaller budget. There had been a slight overspend on contracted services, coupled with the financial effects of losing of some of the fishermen berthing income. There were now only 2 fisherman and 3 leisure users in the Harbour.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Finance Report of Ventnor Harbour be noted

The Senior Harbour Master presented a report covering operational information and actions at Newport Harbour.

Visitor numbers had now dropped off due to the time of year, which was expected. An updated safety management system had been introduced which was showing huge benefits to the harbour’s processes and procedures.

The electric meters had been updated to current costs (£0.35 per unit).

It was stated that 5 swinging mooring boats had to be recovered, some due to the Harbour’s issues, some due to boat owners. The trot lines were due to be replaced which would have a positive effect.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Report of the Senior Harbour Master be noted.

David Foster presented the major findings of the Newport Harbour PMSC Audit where he reported that the majority of items listed in previous reports had been completed.

In May 2022, the Harbour Revision Order attributed new powers to the Harbour.

The Harbour was looking clean and tidy and much smarter. Meetings were held properly and there were now 4 duty Harbour Masters, which meant that the Senior Harbour Master was able to get on with the more important tasks.

The Harbour Users Group was running well and the Marine Safety Management Plan which outlined a list of tasks to be completed in the next 3 years, would be presented at the next meeting of the Harbour Committee in March.

The Navigation Risk Assessment had been completed and it was recommended to carry an annual review ofthis.

The Safety Management System was also now in place which gave the team concrete base to build on. Should an incident occur there were now proper procedures and recommendations in place, including those in the event of an oil spill.

Staff training was going well.

It was highlighted to keep abreast of any changes in length to Blade Runner as this might require action to be taken on liability and insurance issues.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Newport PMSC Audit be noted

David Foster presented the PMSC Audit for Ventnor Harbour which was not in such a favourable state as Newport Harbour.

There had been no Risk Assessment carried out and nor was there a Marine Safety Management Plan in place.

It was stated, however, that the legislation was excellent regarding the Harbour, which meant that the foundation was in place to be built upon.

It had been envisaged that the plans would be developed and managed by the Isle of Wight Council, but this had since changed. A new contractor is to be appointed to manage the Harbour.  As most of the Ventnor Harbour ‘Get Well Plan’ had not yet been carried out, talks would be starting up with the new contractor and the Council, in order that this be addressed

RESOLVED:

THAT the PMSC Audit for Ventnor Harbour be noted.

THAT the Ventnor Harbour Get Well Plan be addressed, and progress marked against listed items.

To receive a verbal update on the management contract.

It was stated to the committee that the management contract for Ventnor Harbour had been awarded from April 2023. Two tenders had been received.

The chosen contractor would be starting on 1^st April 2023, and the Council was working a handover process over the next 2 months.

The contract was for 5 years and it was deemed important that regular meetings with the new contractor needed to be in place, as well as the monthly calls with David Forster, so that a timeline could be put in place regarding the issues of the Ventnor Harbour ‘Get Well Plan’.

To guarantee a reply to a question, a question  must be submitted in writing or by electronic mail to democratic.services@iow.gov.uk no later than 2.00 pm on Monday, 9 January 2023. A question may be asked at the meeting without prior notice but in these circumstances there is no guarantee that a full reply will be given at the meeting.

A question was raised about organising a tour of the Newport Harbour Estate and it was thought that later on in the Spring 2023 would be a good time to do this.