Agenda and minutes

There were no Apologies for Absence intimated.

There were no Declarations of Interest intimated.

Minutes of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on Thursday 7 September 2017.

The Minutes of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board as held on Thursday 7 September 2017 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report providing Members with detail of the proposed increase in Piers and Harbours fees and charges was considered by the Board.  The Board noted that the Marine Operations Manager will clarify the increased figures in the appendix to the report direct to Members.

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board considered a motion that was put forward by the Chair and seconded by the Vice Chair.

Decision

The Harbour Board;

a)            welcomed the outcome of the fees and charges review which introduces a fee structure that will ensure that the anticipated income will cover the running costs of the council owned ports and harbours;

b)            instructed Officers to explore further options that may increase the likelihood that bidders for the Dunoon to Gourock ferry service are able to offer a passenger and vehicle service;

c)            agreed that the fees and charges are kept under review to ensure fees and charges remain appropriate in light of any changes to ferry services or other uses of the Council’s harbours;

d)            recommended to Council that when setting fees and charges for 2018/19 that the Council approves;

i)              the increase in fees and charges, over and above any inflationary increase, by 3% to generate sufficient income to develop the Council’s marine infrastructure; and

ii)             the variation of charges as outlined in section 5.1 of the report; and

e)            noted that this decision will be in-step with the decision agreed at the August 2016 Harbour Board meeting to set charges that meet both the asset sustainability costs and future improvement costs associated with piers and harbours which the Council has a responsibility for.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services dated 21 December 2017, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

Members considered a report highlighting that the 39 piers and harbours, which Argyll and Bute Council has a responsibility for,  are covered by multiple harbour orders which are often extremely antiquated or operate on the basis of historic custom and practice. The report proposed to promote a single harbour order to cover all the Council’s marine assets.

Decision

Members agreed to instruct the Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services to persue the promotion of a single harbour order for all of Argyll and Bute Council’s 39 piers, harbours and slips.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services dated 21 December 2017, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report providing Members with an update on ongoing schemes currently being addressed within the Council’s Marine Asset Management Plan, was before the Committee for information.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board noted the report.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services dated 19 December 2017, submitted)

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Workplan as at January 2018 was before the Committee for information.

Decision

The Board noted the content of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Workplan.

(Reference:  The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Workplan dated January 2018, submitted)

A report providing an update on the work being carried out by the Oban Harbour Management Group (OHMG) explaining possible options for the future management of the waters of Oban Bay was considered by the Board. The Marine Operations Manager highlighted to Members that the reasons for seeking a single harbour authority for Oban Bay are safety driven.

The Board resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and public for the following appendices of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 9 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Decision

Members approved the progression of Option 4 (as outlined in the report) on the basis that further investigation is carried out regarding the protection of the Council’s interests, with particular regard to the harbour area at the North Pier.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services dated December 2017, submitted)

E1       Paragraph 9  Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.