Agenda and minutes

The Chair intimated that Councillors Bruce Marshall, Dick Walsh, Michael Breslin, and Roddy McCuish who were not members of the Harbour Board, had notified her that they wished, in terms of Standing Order 22.1, to speak and vote on item 5 of the agenda.  She confirmed that she did not regard the issue as being a particular issue affecting the Members’ ward as envisaged in the Standing Order, however invited them to participate in discussions generally.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Alex McNaughton and Councillor Iain MacDonald.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on 13 August 2015

The Minutes of the Harbour Board of 13 August 2015 were approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Chris Fisher - Fisher Associates

The Board considered a presentation shown by Chris Fisher of Fisher Associates detailing updates and options for the New Statutory Harbour Authority for Oban Harbour.

Decision

The Board;

·         Noted the presentation and thanked Chris Fisher for raising awareness and providing the Board with a clearer understanding of issues in relation to a  Single Harbour Authority for Oban; and

·         Requested officers to bring a more detailed report with recommendations to the Board as soon as possible noting the potential need of a Special Meeting if required.

(Reference: Presentation by Chris Fisher – Fisher Associates dated January 2016, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Board considered a report providing details of a further review to be carried out in early 2016 relating to fees and charges for piers and harbours which also recommended that an asset survey is carried out to identify any future cost pressures.  It also set out proposals to hold a series of workshops in all four areas to allow Members to consider current levels of charging, likely changes in the future, along with any potential effects in each area.

The Board was further advised that the overall review process would reflect the basic principles of operation of Council ports, whilst ensuring that their importance to the wider economic wellbeing of communities is sustained.

It was confirmed that the levels of charges for any services are ultimately a matter that is reserved to Council. 

The report also identified potential increases in fees and charges as identified through the Service Choices process.

Decision

The Board noted the content of the report and endorsed the approach outlined within the report including the proposed increases and reduced subsidies which would continue for consideration as part of the overall Service Choices process.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated December 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

The Board noted that in August 2015 a report was submitted explaining that Argyll and Bute Council had appointed Marine and Risk Consultants Ltd (Marico Marine) to provide an independent “Designated Person” service, as described in the Port Marine Safety Code, on a three year contract which will expire on 31 December 2017. The Board considered a report which followed on from  this subject.

The Marine Operations Manager indicated that the next audit to be carried out by the Designated Person would take place in Campbeltown, not Dunoon as detailed in the report.

Decision

The Harbour Board noted the content of the report and steps identified in section 5.4 and 5.5.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated December 2015, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Customer Services

The Board considered a report updating Members on key considerations arising from the Harbour Board Development Day on 4 September 2015, to review the forward agenda and to agree a programme of meetings for 2016/2017.

Decision

The Harbour Board:-

a)    Noted the feedback from the Development Day;

b)    Noted the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services would arrange training for those who had been unable to attend the Development Day;

c)    Reviewed the Forward Plan and agreed that this will be a future standing item on the agenda; and

d)    Agreed the dates for future meetings to be:

Thursday 7^th April 2016

Thursday 11^th August 2016

Thursday 10^th November 2016

Thursday 19^th January 2017

Thursday 6^th April 20017

(Reference: Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 21 December 2015, submitted)