RIVERMEAD RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Committee Meeting 19:30
2007-01-15, Monday at Flat 141
Present:
Christine
Girolomini [CMG] (Chair)
Tim
McCormick [TM]
Irene
Dunstan [ID]
Peter Walsh
[PW]
John Turner
[JHT]
Chris
Fraser [CF]
Marie
Wilkins [MW]
Apologies for absence: Jean
Minshull, Sally Gatherall
Correspondence: [CMG]
A letter from Mr. Mott of Freshwater
1.
Car parking: They agree that something must be
done to address the issue. MW pointed out that the problem causes almost daily
arguments, citing an example. CMG
reminded us that this is also an opportunty for RRA to get revenue, if we can
get the arrangements right. After a
general discussion it was agreed that all possibilities must be considered
including installing barriers and better use of the underground garage
space. CMG proposed that a system should
be implemented as soon as possible, providing one primary pass per flat, with a
distinct pass for visitors and in view of the shortage of space, no flat
automatically entitled to a second pass.
Proposal carried.
2.
Works: Management Consultants are to be
appointed for the project, in addition to Mr Beale's role. It was agreed that we need to ask what the
cost to us will be.
3.
Balconies: several letters have been
received objecting to having to pay for this.
4.
Forwarded copy of a letter from Mr. J. Nichols
(132). Three pages of general complaints
about Freshwater. It suggests that
"many residents have expressed agreement with Mr Nichols' opinions" Mr. Mott has asked if there was such
agreement. No committee members can
recall such agreement. Freshwater's
reply to Mr Nichols was also noted.
Other
Business:
1.
Cost and benefit of Major Works: ID
encouraged us to remember that this cost is really an investment; our service
charge is less than that of many similar local premises. CMG suggested that committee (and other
residents) could ask local estate agents for valuation figures, both as the
flats are now and as they are envisaged to be when works are complete
(cladding, balconies). Unanimous agreement
that balcony appearance is of great importance as a valuation factor.
2.
Site Damage: MW said we need to press for
repairs to the front wall opposite
3.
Floodwall: CMG: there is already graffiti on
the new wall before it is even commissioned.
4.
Leases: CF pointed out concern about the
cost and difficulty of renewing leases.
There is a website giving good advice: JHT to investigate and report to
next meeting.
5.
Site: MW asked if Freshwater could be
pressed on one-way road markings and also moving plant-tubs to improve parking.
6.
Access: ID: a neighbour has asked about
access to the new loodwall gate for wheelchair users. There is no special wheelchair acces planned,
for cost reasons.
7.
Membership: ID noted that more members ave
been recuited, but not accurately documented.
CMG suggested thaat the cleaners could help by pointing out when new
residents move in. We should write a
“Welcome to Rivermead” booklet. JHT undertook to work on this. Also a newsletter would be a good idea.
Next
Meeting: Scheduled for Monday, March 5th 19:30 in flat
108 [JHT]