December 2020

MALDON HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS

Printable pdf:  8 December 2020 Minutes

MINUTES – Thursday, 8 December 2020, at 7.00 pm, Maldon Little Ship Club
MINUTES OF MEETING – 8 December 2020
PRESENT
:
Jim Dines (Chairman)
I Hiner (Vice Chairman)
N Cardy
G Courtney
P Ellum
N Harrisson
K Lagan

37               APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from John Dines, M Gibson, D Patient, A Wiseman.

38               WELCOME CLLR KEVIN LAGAN
The Chairman welcomed Cllr Kevin Lagan.  K Lagan confirmed that his tenure as Maldon District Councillor representative was the expected three years.

39               DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTEREST
There were none, other than those declared during the meeting.

40               MINUTES – EMAIL MEETING 20 October 2020
The Minutes of the Email Ordinary Meeting held on 20 October 2020 were formally received.  It was AGREED that the Minutes of the Ordinary Email Meeting held on 20 October 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

41               MINUTES – MEETING 12 August 2020
The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 12 August 2020 were formally received.  Further to the provisional approval at the email meeting of 20 October, it was AGREED that the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 12 August 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

42               MATTERS ARISING
There were none.

43               CLERK’S REPORT
Item 1.      Cllr Kevin Lagan had been appointed as the MDC representative for the Commission.
Item 2.      An MHIC Annual Newsletter, in lieu of an Annual Public Meeting, had been sent out to the MHIC Contacts List.  (Minute 25)
Item 3.      Passenger Returns had been sent out requesting passenger numbers for the year to enable Commissioners to monitor the impact of the Covid regulations on passenger charters.  The letter reiterates that Harbour Dues are waived for 2020.  (Minute 23)
Item 4.      The River Bailiff had provided an update (email 1 December 2020) relating to PWCs and leisure-based traffic on the Blackwater following the end of Lockdown 1.  (Minute 34)

44               TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer reported a current balance of £16,795.75.

45               TO CONSIDER THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF JOHN DINES WHOSE PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT ENDS ON 17 DECEMBER 2020
On being duly proposed and seconded, it was AGREED that John Dines be re-appointed as a Commissioner.

46               BUOY REPORT
N Harrisson stated that there was an abandoned shopping trolley up stream next to Buoy 17 which would need clearing.
I Hiner carried out a check afloat on 5 December 2020.
Nos 19, 15, 14, 11; light cleaned, OK.
Nos 17, 16, 13; OK.
No 12 light cleaned, digit 2 in poor condition (as previously noted).
No 10 light cleaned, buoy cleaned (top).
Harbour Limit Port light cleaned, letter T poor (as previously noted).
Harbour Limit Starboard cleaned, OK.
As previously reported, all buoys required lifting and weed/fouling removed.  Ground tackle and pennants required inspection.  No 12 required new digit 2.
Buoys 17, 13, 11 and Harbour Limit Starboard do not have green lights.
Briefly-used starboard buoy lights had been donated by Heritage Marine, received with thanks.  To be fitted to Harbour Limit Starboard and No 17.
Light spares – 1 x red, 1 x green.

47               PWCS AND LEISURE CRAFT – UPDATE FROM THE RIVER BAILIFF
The River Bailiff’s update (Minute 43 above) was discussed, including PWCs, leisure craft and behaviour in the area.  Problems were identified including numbers of craft/people, locations of launching, and registration of PWCs.  The registration of PWCs and their re-registration when sold was discussed.  The use of slipways by non-club members, coverage of MDC bye-laws and the need for clubs to police their slipways was considered.  Discussion identified the need for liaison with the River Bailiff and the Marine Police in monitoring and control of the growing numbers of inexperienced leisure users, plus education and training with respect to PWCs and navigation in the Harbour.  Possible involvement of the RYA in any educational initiatives was mentioned.
A meeting with the Marine Police was suggested for the near future.

48               URGENT ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Item a)       Crane base sign – I Hiner had this ready for installation.
Item b)       Dredging – N Cardy reported that there was still a small amount to do.  Some would be from the gravel by Sadd’s Wharf and some would be from the bight on the blocks side.  Another 22 loads were due.  Northey Island is the main disposal site.
Item c)       MDC Liaison – During the lockdowns/social distancing the River Bailiff and Matt Wilson Countryside and Coast Manager MDC had been invited to contribute items, questions and updates to the MHIC meeting agendas.
Item d)       Bradwell Power Station – contacted Jim Dines re use of sea freight.  He had given a positive response and offered help.  The Power Station development was discussed.
Item e)       Webcams – These will be turned on now that the MLSC was open.  Setting up the live feed was discussed.  K Lagan would identify relevant MDC IT staff.
Item f)        Commercial traffic – This was discussed.  There had been an approach in the recent past regarding shipping of roadstone.
Item g)       Skill sets for new Commissioners were discussed, including environmentalist and buoy maintenance.  There was still one possible vacancy for a Commissioner.
Item h)       Heritage Harbour Status – This is ongoing.
Item i)        Future non-face-to-face meetings – The use of Zoom was suggested.

The Chairman closed the meeting 8.15 pm.