Agenda item

a.  Departmental Report;

At the invitation of the Chairman, the Town Clerk provided an overview of the report. Members were advised of the number of man-hours utilised in carrying out health and safety checks at the pontoon and were given an update on the pontoon berths, noting that one large berth remains vacant.

To address delays in letting the berth, it was proposed that individuals on the waiting list be given 24 hours’ notice of berth availability, with a further 48 hours allowed for those wishing to view the berth. If no response is received within this timeframe, it was proposed that the berth be offered to the next applicant on the waiting list.

It was further proposed that, following the Town Council’s approval of the precept (fees and charges), existing berth holders and those on the waiting list be contacted in January to confirm their commitment for the forthcoming year. Members were advised that a small deposit would be requested at that stage to show their commitment.

Members clarified that visiting boats may use the pontoon free of charge for up to 30 minutes, but without shore access. Boat users wishing to leave the pontoon must pay a fee to obtain the access code.

The Town Clerk also proposed the sale of the Town Council’s woodchipper, which is in need of costly repairs, and the implementation of the resolution agreed by the Town Council in 2024 to hire a woodchipper as and when required.

Following a unanimous vote (12 in favour, 0 against, 0 abstentions), it was proposed by Councillor Bickford, seconded by Councillor B Samuels and RESOLVED to;

1.    Delegate authority to the Town Clerk to ensure that appropriate visual health and safety inspections are carried out at the pontoon within budget code 6522 pontoon maintenance cost (as referenced in minute 12/26/27).

2.    Delegate authority to the Town Clerk to grant access to the pontoon for organisations hosting events within the town (including, but not limited to, the Regatta, Caradon Gig Club, and the National Waterski Race), while working collaboratively and constructively with the ferry operator to ensure safe and uninterrupted operation.

3.    Delegate authority to the Town Clerk to proceed with the sale of the Town Council woodchipper to Vincent Tractors at a cost of £1,365.03, to implement the resolution agreed by the Town Council in 2024.

4.    Approve the proposed approach of renting out pontoon berths on an annual basis as contained in the above preamble.

5.    Delegate authority to the Town Clerk to advertise the availability of any vacant berths on social media if these cannot be filled by applicants on the waiting list.

b.  Grounds Maintenance Works;

It was RESOLVED to note.

c.   Work Request Log;

It was RESOLVED to note.

d.  Vandalism and Anti-Social Behaviour Report;

It was RESOLVED to note.

e.  Statutory and Mandatory Building Asset Checks.

It was RESOLVED to note.