Agenda item

Members received the comprehensive report circulated in the reports pack.

The Chairman provided a verbal review of the report, noting that the Services Meeting approved removing the pontoon for inspection and repairs at the previous meeting held in February under Health and Safety.

The Town Clerk has been coordinating with the boatyard, insurers, and surveyors regarding the assessment of the Pontoon for storm damage and maintenance work.

Members received a quotation to fix the storm damage with the insurers confirming to pay only some of this cost, because they consider that some of the damage is caused by a lack of maintenance. 

Members received further quotes to put the pontoon back together and into the water. 

The insurers have confirmed they will pay 50% of the cost to take it out of the water and take it apart and another 50% to put it back together and into the water. 

Two further quotes for works which are not essential, but described as desirable, to help with the longevity of the life of the pontoon were also received.

The desirable works proposed included stripping the pontoon back to bare metal and recoating it with paint and replating metal works. An additional quote to descale the five piles which hold the pontoon system in place and recoat with plating was also received.

The work on the piles would not be undertaken until the pontoon is back in the water so there may be a short period of time when the pontoon is closed.

Members discussed the work and agreed that as the pontoon is already out of the water it is an opportune time to maintain the pontoon to a high standard.

Members were reminded that a Tenancy at Will was signed with Cornwall Council by the Town Council to maintain the pontoon in a fit state.

Members consider the pontoon as an extremely important asset to the Town Council and the town, especially regarding the public ferry service. A lot of work went into the connectivity project which included the ferry service, and all felt it should continue.

The Town Clerk advised members that Voyager Marine are looking to put the pontoon back into the water week commencing 19 May and to have the public ferry service running by end of May. Members have been offered a visit to the boatyard to view the work being carried out.

The Town Clerk reminded Members that an agreement has still to be reached with The Duchy concerning the Fundus.  This will come back to the Services Committee at a future meeting.

The Town Clerk went through the finance to be sure Members were fully aware of the associated cost involved.

Councillor Brady requested a recorded vote:

Following a recorded vote, it was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the report;

2.  To appoint Voyager Marine to undertake storm damage and maintenance work to the pontoon and the piles and reinstate it to the Tamar at a cost of £109,170.21 plus VAT.

3.  To accept the insurance settlement offer of £13,913.13 towards storm damage repairs and 50% contribution towards the cost of lifting and reinstating the pontoon;

4.  To RECOMMEND to Full Council to approve a virement of £109,170.21 to budget code 6584 EMF Pontoon Maintenance;

5.  Members recognise the Services Committee is a full-standing committee and with confidence of this evening’s recommendation, request the Town Council to proceed immediately with the appointment to avoid potential holding fees at the boatyard and delay in opening the pontoon to regain income.