Decision details

Agreed

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1)  the amendment of the constitution to setup a politically balanced Harbour Board (Council Committee) comprising of six elected Members and six externally appointed members;

(2)  the Terms of Reference for the Harbour Board as follows:

(a)  To maintain strategic oversight and direction of all aspects of the Harbour operation, including marine safety;

(b)  To be responsible for the development of policies, plans, systems and procedure for safe navigation;

(c)  To ensure that all assessments and reviews are undertaken as required to maintain and improve marine safety;

(d)  to ensure that the harbour authority sees and adopts appropriate powers for the effective enforcement of their regulations, and for the setting of dues at a level which adequately funds the discharge of all their duties;

(e)  To appoint a Designated Person to provide independent assurance directly to the Duty Holder that the Marine Safety management system is working effectively; and

(f)   To investigate the potential for applying for a Harbour Revision Order to empower the Council to take enforcement action on issues such as dangerous use of jet skis through Special Directions and to oversee a review of the Bye-Laws covering the Estuary; and

(3)  the expenditure of £25,000 on a Harbour Patrol vessel following the contributions from East Devon District Council (£15,000) and Exmouth Town Council (£10,000).

Reason for Decision:

As set out in the report.