MALDON HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS
Printable pdf: 9 March 2021 Minutes of Zoom Meeting
MINUTES – Tuesday, 9 March 2021, at 7.00 pm, Zoom Meeting
MINUTES OF MEETING – 9 March 2021
In view of the coronavirus lockdown rules, an online meeting via Zoom was designated.
PRESENT
Jim Dines (Chairman)
I Hiner (Vice Chairman)
G Courtney
P Ellum
K Lagan
D Patient
A Wiseman
N Harrisson (see note below)
N Harrisson had tried to attend but the Clerk was not successful in admitting her due to a problem with Zoom.
49 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from N Cardy, John Dines, M Gibson.
50 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTEREST
There were none, other than those declared during the meeting.
51 MINUTES – MEETING 8 December 2020
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 8 December 2020 were formally received. It was AGREED that the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 8 December 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.
52 MATTERS ARISING
There were none.
53 CLERK’S REPORT
Item 1. Insurance Renewal. This had been renewed with Winters; Commercial Combined £1528.80 (£1456.00 since 2018), Legal Expenses £124.31 (£106.95 last year).
Item 2. MMO will be running an online training session for the Implementation of its Marine Plan, Wednesday, 28 April 2021 at 1000 hrs. This is directed at how local councils should ensure their processes comply with the Marine Plan.
54 TREASURER’S REPORT
There has been no income or expenditure other than salary costs. The balance as at the meeting was £16,346.08.
a) Harbour Dues 2021 – 2022
This was discussed including consideration of the 2020 – 2021 Passenger Returns (Harbour Dues waived 2020 – 2021). It was AGREED that Harbour Dues rates would remain unchanged for 2021 – 2022.
D Patient stated that there should be careful consideration of income for the following year, 2022- 2023.
b) Annual Estimates
Stocks of lights and buoys etc were discussed. It was established that there was enough in stock to meet needs for 2021 – 2022. Other expenditure including the Clerk’s salary and Insurance were as expected. Maximum expenditure for the year was estimated to be no more than £4,000.
55 TO CONSIDER THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL GIBSON WHOSE PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT ENDED ON 15 FEBRUARY 2021
(This item had been postponed. There had been no meeting in January 2021 due to Covid restrictions.)
On being duly proposed and seconded, it was AGREED that Michael Gibson be re-appointed as a Commissioner.
56 BUOY REPORT
Inspection 26 February 2021
No 19 – Numeral 9 v poor; light cleaned; bottom weedy.
No 17 – Numeral 1 poor; top cleaned; bottom weedy. Projecting steel tube centre fitted, suitable for SL 15 “light flange” mounting (proposed).
No 16 – OK; cleaned top; bottom weedy.
No 15 – OK; light and top cleaned (old type); bottom weedy.
No 14 – OK; light and top cleaned (new type); bottom weedy.
No 13 – Dirty; top cleaned; very muddy; bottom weedy.
No 12 – Numeral 2 failing as previous reports; light cleaned (old type); weedy base. Plastic buoy projecting centre tube not fitted; oval adaptor screwed to top. Bottom weedy.
No 11 – OK; cleaned; (fibreglass buoy not suitable for fitting light); bottom weedy.
No 10 – OK; light cleaned; internal condensation not evident (new type); antifouling on waterline degrading; weedy base.
No 9 – OK; cleaned (fibreglass buoy not suitable for fitting light), weedy base.
Harbour Limit Port – OK; cleaned some bird fouling (old type); letter T degrading. New steel armature in stock ready for fitting. Outstanding poor lower mooring point. Stainless steel light flange fitted, drilled to suit new type light 6 mm when required.
Harbour Limit Starboard – OK; cleaned. Projecting steel centre tube fitted, suitable for SL15 light flange mounting (proposed). Weedy base.
Overview – All buoys in serviceable condition, though some improvements to anti bird fouling deterrents are required, particularly on N s 10 and 14.
Outstanding ground tackle, pennant checks and service remain a priority “when possible”. Some buoy numbers are degrading but remain serviceable at present – to be renewed when weather improves.
“Lock” yellow racing buoy has been anchored in a position approx 20 m to south of buoy which appears to be closer than previous years?
New stock lights – 3 x starboard and battery; 1 x port ex No 10.
Jim Dines would check the location of the “Lock” yellow buoy.
57 UPDATE FROM MALDON DISTRICT COUNCIL
The Quay would be closed 24 – 26 March 2021 for filming. There would be no boat movements during filming.
This was discussed. From 8 March 2021, people were permitted to go out on their boats but there would be low tide at the time of filming.
58 OFFICE OF NATIONAL STATISTICS REVIEW OF SECTOR CLASSIFICATION OF MINOR PORT TRUST PORTS
I Hiner reported that the information had been to hand and also available on the MHIC website. Post meeting note – ONS followed up and their draft information on MHIC was checked for accuracy.
59 BRADWELL B UPDATE
G Courtney would provide an update at a future meeting.
60 URGENT ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Item a) Jim Dines reported that web cam installation is under way.
Item b) Dredging – N Cardy and Jim Dines have discussed. 20 loads from opposite the Quay from the Visitors’ Berth down, and on the Promenade side from the scrubbing post down towards the Hard. This was last done 6 years ago. This was discussed and Jim Dines would confirm with N Cardy.
Item c) I Hiner reported that webcams on Burnham High Street are being linked in to the town’s website.
Item d) Grants – D Patient raised the possibility of MHIC eligibility for grants. K Lagan would raise with MDC.
The Chairman closed the meeting a 7.30 pm
APPROVED AT ON-LINE MEETING
Tuesday 27 April 2021
Chairman