Archived decisions

Contact: David Evans tel 01489 576387 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides a note of the proceedings of the River Hamble Harbour Authority Annual Forum held on 25^th March 2008.

2. Recommendation

2.1 That the note of proceedings attached at Appendix be noted.

3. Background

3.1 The River Hamble Annual Forum was held on 25^th March 2008 at Victory Hall, Warsash. A 'Record of Proceedings' is attached as an Appendix.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 This report covers the full range of services and facilities of the Harbour Authority, all of which have been subject to equalities impact assessments.

APPENDIX

RIVER HAMBLE HARBOUR AUTHORITY

ANNUAL FORUM

25^th March 2008

Note of proceedings

1. Introduction and welcome - The Chairman of the Management Committee, Cllr Ray Ellis, welcomed everyone to the second Annual Forum and explained the plan for the evening.

2. Annual Report. The Marine Director (MD) presented his Annual Report (now published on the Harbour Authority website).

3. Update on the port of Southampton. Captain Steven Young, Deputy Port Director, ABP Southampton, gave a talk on the port of Southampton and future development plans.

4. Formal contributions from the floor: Nil

5. Questions and Answers.

a. Tony Blewett - WSC/HEP asked Captain Young about the draft of vessels using the Port of Southampton after completion of the proposed dredging works. Capt Young explained that the current maximum of 14.5 metres was unlikely to increase significantly, but that the dredge would increase the window either side of HW when such deep draft vessels could enter and leave the port, and pass safely in the main channel.


b. John Mitchell - RHMHA/RAFYC asked why there are currently so few boats displaying HD stickers, with particular reference to who they pay and who is responsible for checking? The Harbour Master explained the system for distributing Harbour dues stickers to different categories of mooring and to dry-sailed vessels. He also explained that checks are carried out by the Patrol, but that it is relatively early in the season so some vessels have yet to affix their sticker.

c. John Mitchell - asked whether the 20% administration fee for those marinas/boatyards which administer Harbour Dues for dry-sailed vessels had been formally approved by the Harbour Board and, if so, at which meeting. The MD promised a written answer which has now been sent.


d. Peter Middleton - RAFYC/RHMHA asked why the Harbour Authority does not maintain a data base of all boat owners on the River, as was the case in other harbours. He also mentioned that all boats, including RIBS, should display a name for ease of identification, and that the Harbour Master should issue a General Direction to that effect. The MD responded by explaining some of the practical difficulties of maintaining such a database. Subsequent to the Forum, the matter is being investigated further. He added that the introduction of a General Direction to require that all RIBs should carry a name would be an inappropriate use of the power.

e. David Wightman - WSC raised concerns about the lobster pots stacked on the foreshore outside WSC. The MD explained that neither the Crown Estate nor the Harbour Authority owned the land in question and therefore had no jurisdiction.

f. Roger Whiffen - raised concerns about trailer parking in the Warsash area. Cllr Swanbrow (FBC Exec Member responsible for parking) undertook to investigate further. Don Alexander (RYA, Management Committee) commented that occupying two parking spaces when one family goes sailing is hardly fair on others. There was much discussion about the grass area around the Passage Lane car park, and why Fareham Borough Council would not let this be used for trailers. Jeremy Ouvery (WSC) commented that Passage Lane car park is already over-full on many occasions.

g. Colin Brookes - RHMHA/WSC raised concerns about the various reserves and his impression that decisions about how they should be spent were taken `in camera' by the Board. The MD responded by explaining the reserves in detail and the reasons for discussions being held `in camera' (so that the anticipated budget allowed for individual projects could not be used to corrupt any future tendering process). All decisions on actual expenditure are taken by the Board in public, after carrying out a full cost-benefit analysis where appropriate.

h. Tony Blewett - WSC/HEP asked if it would be possible to install a wave-break pontoon to protect the Visitors Pontoon from southerly gales, to be paid for from the Asset Enhancement Fund. The MD invited Mr Blewett to visit the Harbour Office to explain in more detail exactly what he had in mind. The Harbour Master raised the possibility of joint funding with Warsash Sailing Club if they were likely to gain any benefit from such a structure.


i. Jeremy Clark - RHMHA asked what had been done to publicise the Annual Forum and whether the poor attendance was attributable to poor advertising. Suggestions for improving advertising included more use of notice boards, letters to mooring holders and greater use of email distribution. The MD explained that the Forum had been advertised on the Harbour Authority website and in the Harbour Office since the New Year and that posters had been sent to all stakeholder groups well in advance. Steps will be taken to ensure that adverts are distributed more widely next year.

j. Colin Harvey - MDL Berth Holders Association asked for better contact between marina customers and the Harbour Authority, but did not say how this might be achieved. Suggestions to this end would be welcomed by the Harbour Authority.


k. Graham Brown - Sea Sure/WSC asked to be included on the email distribution list.


l. Peter Middleton - RHMHA/RAFYC argued that there is still not enough consultation and that deputations are not an appropriate means for stakeholders to express their views to the Management Committee and Harbour Board. He encouraged the Harbour Authority to think seriously about the form which future consultation takes. The means by which the Harbour Authority consults with stakeholders is reviewed regularly and several improvements have been made over recent years.


m. Philip Gage - WSC asked where fishermen are supposed to park their white vans when using the slipway or out fishing. It was suggested that the fishermen could be given an exemption to park for more than 4 hours in the Shore Road car park. Others (including Don Alexander) indicated that they would prefer the fishermen to leave the car park free for cars and did not see a problem with them using the slipway as long as they did not block access. The Harbour Master agreed to talk to the fishermen and has subsequently done so, asking them to ensure that their vans are not parked so as to block the public slipway.

n. Phil Clifford - WSC asked about the latest state of CCTV system. The MD explained that two out of the three cameras were working well and provided a valuable tool for managing the River. The third (at Swanwick bend) had power supply problems and was not currently working. A solution is under investigation.

o. Jon Spencer - WSC commented that it was a pity that the format and environment of the Annual Forum encourages negativity when, in his experience, the River Hamble was very well managed.

6. The Chairman conducted the ballot for tender spaces on the Warsash and Hamble Jetties and closed the meeting by thanking everyone for attending.