Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

All Members were present and no apologies were noted.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

David Jobson declared personal interests as a member of both the RAF and Royal Southern Yacht Clubs, as a midstream mooring holder and a member of the Royal Yachting Association.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman announced that, for personal reasons, Chris Moody had stepped down from his Marine Industry representative role on the Board with immediate effect. The Chairman set out many of Chris’ accomplishments and achievements and the contribution he had given, not only as a Board member, but as a member of the River Hamble community for many years. Members joined the Chairman in registering their sincere gratitude to Chris and noted how much he would be missed. The Chairman noted that the vacant role would be recruited to over the coming months.

The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 16 June 2023.

The Board considered the report regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:

·         The Marine Director would liaise with sailing clubs to ensure that relevant updates and messages were cascaded to all club members.

·         Work was ongoing with the Crown Estate to ease pressure on mooring waiting lists and future modifications which the CE intended to implement to achieve this.

·         Antisocial behaviour remained an issue and that work with the Hampshire Constabulary continued with a view to tackling this. The Marine Director noted that the Harbour Authority alone had no powers of enforcement and encouraged river users to report incidents to the Harbour Office or directly to the Constabulary wherever possible.

RESOLVED:

That the Board:

i)             Agrees to place the Annual Forum into abeyance.

ii)            Supports the remainder of the report.

The Board considered the report with an update on environmental matters.

With regards to the Solent Oyster Restoration project, it was confirmed that the Blue Marine Foundation would monitor the site for at least a five year period. The Environment and Development Manager agreed to seek further detail on specific monitoring plans and report back to the Board.

RESOLVED:

That the Board note and support the report.

The Board considered the report presenting the final accounts of the

Harbour Authority for the year ended 31 March 2023 and the forecast outturn

and proposed revised budget for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Members heard that the outturn position for the year ended 31 March 2023 was a £15,208 improvement on the budgeted position, mainly as a result of increased visitor income, miscellaneous income and interest, partly offset by smaller increased costs against various expenditure budgets. Furthermore, the forecast outturn for the year ending 31 March 2024 was a £32,000 surplus on revenue activities, £14,000 lower than the forward budget. Members noted that this would not be sufficient to meet the £42,000 annual contribution to the Asset Replacement Reserve in full, and therefore a £10,000 draw from the Revenue Reserve had been projected.

RESOLVED:

      i.        That the report, the statutory accounts and management accounts for 2022/23 be approved by the River Hamble Harbour Board.

    ii.        That the Board approves the proposal to retain the revenue surplus for the 2022/23 financial year in the Revenue Reserve to offset the expected draw required from the Revenue Reserve in the 2023/24 financial year.

   iii.        That the Board notes the forecast outturn for the 2023/24 financial year and approves the recommended changes to the 2023/24 budget.

The Board considered the report setting the annual rate of Harbour Dues.

RESOLVED:

That the Board agrees an increase in Harbour Dues of 3% for 2023/24.

The Board considered the report with regard to the future business items for the Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the Board notes the report.