COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING HELD ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2013

An inquorate meeting of the Newport Harbour Commissioners was held at the offices of ABP, Alexandra Docks, Newport, on Wednesday, 11th Day of September 2013, at 09:30am.

PRESENT Mr C. P Crick (in the Chair) Messrs P.H.C Davies, G Jug and S Kopitsis.

APOLOGIES The following Commissioners have apologised for non-attendance:

Messrs C.W Dowds, J Neale and S.P Davison.

IN ATTENDANCE Captain M Chidlow (Harbour Master).

With the meeting being inquorate, it was agreed that a discussion of all the agenda issues should take place with a view to confirming provisional decisions made with other Commissioners as soon as possible.

MINUTES 2952. It was resolved on a motion by Mr P.H.C Davies, seconded by Mr G Jug, that the minutes of the last meeting of the Commissioners, which took place on 10 July 2013, (a copy of which had been sent to every Commissioner) be taken as read, received and adopted.

HARBOUR MASTER’S REPORT as prepared by ABP 2953. The Harbour Masters Report, as prepared by ABP, is attached.

The following further matters were noted:

a) The Harbour Master confirmed that the new West Usk Buoy was now in position and a replacement Number Five Buoy had now been purchased. The Harbour Master confirmed that the maintenance and replacement work had been undertaken very professionally and efficiently. It was confirmed that the navigational arrangements now in place are very good, robust and fit for purpose. b) The Harbour Master referred to a yacht race which had been arranged by the yachting club. As a result of a movement by a commercial vessel, the lock controller had requested for the commencement of the race to be slightly delayed. Pursuant to this, the Commodore took the decision to cancel the race. Although the Commodore now accepted the decision, it was agreed to write to Uskmouth Sailing Club referring to the Safety Management System Document of the Commissioners (disclosed on the website of the Commissioners) and recommending that in future the club inform the Harbour Master of intentions to race in advance (which did not occur on this occasion). c) The meeting discussed the private moorings on the . In particular, it was noted that many of these structures were now in a parlous state. ABP were able to control such moorings adjacent to their land but further up River there were several such moorings where ownership was unknown and remedial action was urgently required. Health and safety considerations were considered paramount. It was agreed to write to (Planning Department) to ascertain who owns the moorings and whether permission was in place to construct these pontoons etc. The Commissioner’s concern with respect to safety and any potential affect on navigation would be highlighted. A copy would be remitted to . d) The Harbour Master reported on the concerns of a pilot who had recently visited Bird Port. He had several concerns over the health and safety arrangements there including the use of one boatman for specific tasks. Although not the responsibility of the Commissioners, it was considered appropriate to inform Bird Port of the problems noted. Therefore, a letter would be written to Bird Port detailing the concerns. e) It was confirmed that the oil spill plan desktop exercise would go ahead on 20 November – various drafting amendments are still being raised by NRW, but the final document should be available for the training day. f) It was noted that the Trinity House annual light inspection had taken place in August. The requirement to replace the warning signs regarding the gas pipelines passing under the River Usk was raised. It was agreed that the Commissioners would write to the organisation responsible requesting that they update these boards as soon as possible.

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Minute 2408 - Byelaws This matter was again deferred pending guidance from the .

Minute 2631 – Dock Memorial Mr P.H.C Davies reported that he had attended the memorial service at St Mark’s Church, Newport on 1 September.

It was agreed unanimously that the Chairman’s out of pocket expenses in relation to erecting the memorial plaques should be reimbursed.

It was also agreed that a service should be arranged to dedicate the new plaques. Mr P.H.C Davies would invite the Bishop of Newport to attend. The Chairman would liaise with ABP, Newport to make the necessary arrangements.

Minute 2916(B) - Nominations of Commissioners from Newport City Council The Secretary explained that the Council had originally nominated two potential Commissioners – Messrs A Speight and D Meurig Thomas. Mr Speight had confirmed that he will be attending for interview on 9 October but unfortunately Mr Meurig Thomas was no now longer able to continue with the process. Accordingly, the Council had now put forward a second nominee, Councillor C. D Suller, the current . The Secretary had written to Councillor Suller and awaited a reply concerning his availability for interview.

Minute 2933 – Annual Audit by the Designated Person The formal report of the Designated Person will now be presented to the Board on 9 October.

Minute 2934 – Insurance The Secretary confirmed that the Chain of Office had now been insured. The Chain of Office was no longer held at Newport City Council.

It was agreed unanimously not to undertake a formal valuation of the Chain at this time.

MONTHLY ACCOUNTS 2954. The accounts for the current month were examined. It was agreed unanimously that the attached accounts amounting to £4,961.59 be paid. It was noted that the August expenditure had already been approved.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 2955. The statement of the Commissioner’s revenue was examined. They disclosed monthly bills of £8,058.35 compared to the budget of £7,000.00. Expenditure for the month totalled £4,961.59 compared to the budget figures of £6,900.00. Expenditure for the year to date totalled £77,465.52 compared to a budget of £76,097.00

INVESTMENTS 2956. It was confirmed that the amounts at present invested were as follows:

Monmouthshire Building Society £52,188.93 Nat West £10,943.53 Scottish Widows £52,815.76 Santander £25,034.25

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Severn Barrage 2957. The article noted in the local newspaper dated 9 September was noted. It appeared that the proposed Severn Barrage project was not going forward at the present time.

Joint Committee on Channel Dredging 2958. In view of the proposed agenda in October, it was agreed that the Joint Committee on Channel Dredging would now commence at 09.00am rather than 09.30am.

M4 Relief Road 2959. The proposals for the new were considered. It was agreed unanimously that a letter be written to the /ARUP reiterating our objections for the constructions of a bridge and, in particular, referring to the height thereof. Further, it was agreed that bullet points on the objections would be placed on the Newport Harbour Commissioner website (included in latest news).

Chairman: ______Date: ______