Agenda for Harbour Committee on Monday, 15 June 2026, 5.30 pm

An apology was
received from Councillor Fox.

To confirm as a
correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on
30 March 2026.

The Minutes of the
meeting of the Harbour Committee meeting held on 30 March 2026 were
confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Deputy Harbour
Master presented the report as published, noting specific incidents
which were public-facing.  It was noted that the Harbour Master is
investigating the possibility of achieving Custom Clearance
facilities at Brixham Harbour.  Members
questioned the delay to the cill gate
repairs, and sought to ensure that the
timing of the eventual repair would minimise disruption over the
summer months.  It was confirmed that
the necessary parts have been procured and that the repairs would
be undertaken when the timing is optimal.  It was noted that the ANPR was now fully
operational, and the Deputy Harbour Master outlined the next steps
to automating the entire system.

The Deputy Director of
Finance presented the report as published, noting variances between
outturn and projections in a number of areas.  Members noted specific variances in fish tolls,
largely offset by overspends and priority repairs.  Members considered bad debt provision, and noted that short-term debts have
decreased.  However, older debts remain
significant and may require writing off.  Members discussed conservancy and dredging costs,
noting they have been deferred multiple times.  A reduction in slipway income was discussed,
noting that this was largely due to reduced staffing.  Members queried specific costs in relation to
conservancy, reserve contributions and Marina income. 

Members discussed the
latest position with the appointment of external advisers, and
discussed the benefits of engaging further external
advisers.  Members discussed the
potential methods of recruitment, responsibility for selection and
the wider benefits of increasing the knowledge base of the
committee.

Resolved
(unanimously)

That the Harbour
Committee endorse the proposal to recruit up to 2 external advisers
to provide specialist maritime knowledge.

The Deputy Harbour
Masters discussed the potential opportunity to install Jet Ski pods
on the vacant pontoon,noting the benefits of having registered jet
ski users.  It was noted that the
proposal was to install premium facilities on these pods, which
would be reflected in increased lease costs.  The final configuration was not yet fully
developed, but it is believed that the costs could be recouped in
under two years of usage.

Resolved
(unanimously)

         
that the Harbour Committee endorse the development of plans to
install jetski pods on the vacant pontoon.

Members discussed
recent outreach events discussing the development with the
public.  It was noted that the planning
application for this is due to be submitted soon, with the proposed
construction to last through 2027. 
Members discussed the progress of vacating current occupants, the
engagement of ecologists to oversee the work and changes to the
final design as a result of
discrepancies with South West Water pipe
locations.  Members discussed the tight
timeline, potential nuisance during construction, and the routing
of Heavy Goods Vehicles around the wider area during
construction.

As Responsible Person,
James Hannon discussed the most recent PMSC audit undertaken
following a gap analysis in March 2026. 
Mr Hannon noted significant improvements, stating that the new
procedures had achieved a measurable and consistent approach to
marine safety, and that minor observations had been immediately
rectified and fully resolved.  Members
expressed their sincere thanks to the Deputy Harbour Masters for
this achievement.  Mr Hannon explained
that the next audit was due in March 2027, and discussed the
ongoing contact between the Committee, the Responsible Person and
operational staff.