Minutes:
MS advised the committee that he had attended a Mud Group meeting with CH prior to the committee meeting. They were still trying to develop a financial package based on the WID working effectively and that they needed to look at possible funding for a capital dredge. MS was looking to collaborate with MD on that.
SdRM read out an update from CH on marina matters.
SdRM had spoken with SY for an update from the Charter Boatmen and he had confirmed that the last spring bank holiday neither chartered boatmen were booked for any trips and had lost money and there was a concern on the hours they needed to work to enable them to take bookings. She raised concern that the report on the harbour made it sound that the mud was not a problem and gave a recent example of a boat getting stuck in the mud when it had visited Watchet due to the confusion with the light system and the lack of response when they had tried to radio the marina for advice before their approach to the harbour. SdRM expressed the urgency required for the dredging and raised concern that if the WID did not arrive soon, possible litigation action could take place.
MD confirmed that anyone who radioed the marina, were told to enter with caution.
SdRM and LW both raised concern on the marina gate and the previous repair works that were carried out.
MS raised concern that a finance plan needed to be put together as the marina was originally a regeneration project but now needed money spent and the arrival of the WID.
SdRM wanted reassurance that once the WID arrived, it would not be sent off to other areas for months at a time.
JB queried what the time scales for the works were once the WID arrived. MD advised that the crane had arrived on site to assist with the installation of the WID. Once the WID arrived, he anticipated that the final works would take 7-10 days to complete.
JB queried whether there was a maintenance plan in place for the WID. MD yes there would be scheduled maintenance for the WID along with the other equipment at the marina. He anticipated that over approximately 12 tides, the WID could bring the mud level down by 1-1.5 metres. He believed that the WID would work well.
MS advised that the WID would not work on compacted mud and that was why a capital dredge was still required.
PM highlighted that once the WID was working, they needed to record the effectiveness and keep a record of the figures which would help with the maintenance schedule.
MS queried what would happen with the gate. MD advised that they could leave the gate partially open whilst the mud was being cleared out.
MS expressed concern for the chartered boat owners and the town of Watchet and wanted to take a report to SWT Full Council. He hoped that the local traders would make comments to feed into the report and he had approached the Onion Collective about help with possible funding, but care was needed at this time, so those talks had been put on hold.
Action: once the WID was in place, figures would be recorded on its effectiveness. MS would report back to the Harbour Board.