1st March 2017

Minutes of the Garrison Residents' Committee Meeting of the 1st March 2017

Held at Hinguar School

Present.

• ChrisCoomber. Chair
• Phil Coombs.      Treasurer
• Pamela Deakin.   Secretary
• Cliff Marshall.      
• Daniel Puddick
• Simon Wright
• Jason Britchford
• Peter Farrington
• Helen Parkes
• Richard Spence.  SGMCL
• Robert Fowler.     F & S
• Michael Stiers.     F & S

1.     Minutes of the 11th January 2017, previously distributed, were agreed.

2.   Committee Members’ Areas of Focus Phil Coombs & Helen Parkes agreed to attend Coastal Community Team (“CCT”) meetings as representatives as required.

Action: Pam Deakin to supply background information. Pam to contact newly-elected committee members who have not yet attended to confirm their status

3.    Anti-Social Behaviour  Richard Spence advised that Sergeant Tracey Butt is taking over as Community Liaison Officer, joined by Tristan Adams & Dave Gardner. It was reported that bikers had been a nuisance & that the police need to be able to identify youths

Action Video records to be taken by residents if possible

4.   Parking Possible parking action, to avoid transfer of problems, was discussed, to be taken on the Garrison in response to introduction of Permit Parking on the High Street.  It was felt that parking is a very emotive subject, & it was not entirely clear whether the main cause is commuter traffic, the wet-suit outlet or residents’ parking. Consultation with residents is needed.

ActionFowler & Spencely are obtaining updated quotes from parking organisations

5.   Update of S106 Cliff Marshall has been told informally that the Council is likely to accept the work done on the sea wall: the original S106 specification was not specific enough to form a firm base for disputing the contractors’ work, especially considering the elapsed time. Further updates are awaited.

6.   F&S Report

1.     Budget Approval and Issuing of Payment Requests – Following circulation of the proposed 2017 budget to the GRA and discussions with Chris Coomber, the same was submitted to the SGMCL Directors for sign off.  On the basis of the budget, demands were issued, the majority being hand delivered on or around the 20th February.  Of the 501 requests issued we have received payment of around half. A reminder will be issued in 14 days’ time.  Once again by issuing the explanation along with the budget we have received relatively few queries, and those we have received have all been addressed.

2.     Parking Covenants

We are from time to time asked about enforcement of the parking covenants on the Garrison and I have raised this with Jo Massey, both of SGMCL and more relevantly here of Avant Homes, and her view is that the covenant could be enforced or, simply parking restrictions introduced, but such would have to be at the residents’ cost.  She did confirm before any alteration to the existing covenants were considered the proposals would require consultation with the leasehold and freehold owners.  She did mention such a consultation had been undertaken some years ago but the idea had received very little support.

3.     Landscaping – The Care Group continue to provide the services and we are due to undertake a site walk around with their MD later this month.  If there are any particular areas of concern or observations the GRA would wish to make then please let us know.

4.     Street Furniture – As reported last month, we are finalising a schedule of works and obtaining quotations for the repainting of the streetlamps, bollards and other items of street furniture on the unadopted areas of the Garrison with a view to having the work done in 2017/2018.  The process has been delayed whilst we spoke with the developer and supplier of the lamp columns regarding recommended paint finishes and replacement costs should such be necessary.  We are presently awaiting final advice from DULUX as to the suitability of their products before finalising the specification and submitting to tender.  Once we have a better idea of the costs a decision can be made as to whether the work is undertaken this year, or perhaps phased as a longer term project over several years.  We will also look at whether the cost of the project is funded from sinking funds held or is the subject of an additional charge to owners.

5.     5–16 Parade Walk Water Ingress Issues – The final works have been completed to ensure the possible sources of water ingress have been addressed.  A quotation has been obtained for the required internals redecoration and submitted to insurers for approval.

6.     Gravel Pathways in the Horseshoe Crescent – Following the last committee meeting the GRA agreed to the suggested way forwards to address the remaining sections of gravel replenishment along Horseshoe Crescent.  Namely that the Care Group be instructed to provide loose laid shingle over the existing surface.  We approached the developer regarding the quoted cost of these works, £1,020.00 plus VAT, and are pleased to advise they have agreed to meet this cost in full.  We have therefore instructed The Care Group to proceed with the works and are awaiting confirmation of the start date. 

7.     Sewerage Pumping Station – Warrior Square Road – As reported at the last meeting the station in question serves 19 properties in the Warrior Square Road/Chapel Road area and is currently maintained by the SGMCL at the expense of those residents.  We are waiting on Anglian water to confirm adoption of the station, at which time we will be able to bring the existing maintenance arrangements to an end and relieve those residents who benefit from the station of the cost of its upkeep.

8.     Block Redecorations – The following works are being progressed:

a.     Horseshoe Crescent/Chapel Road blocks: Internal redecoration: The initial s20 Notice of intent has been served on the leaseholders and no significant observations have been received. That being the case the specification has been finalised and has gone out to a number of local contractors for tender.

b.     Willow Court - Internal Redecoration: The S20 second stage notice has been served, requests for payment issued and all 12 leaseholders have paid their contribution to these works.  Classic Décor have therefore been instructed to undertake these works and the start date is due to be the 10th April 2017

c.     Horseshoe Crescent Maisonettes - External Redecoration:  Although the initial tender exercise was undertaken in 2016, we were unhappy with the costs being quoted.  We have therefore retendered and secured a far more competitive quotation.  Second stage notices are being prepared to issue to the leaseholders.

d.     Magazine Mews - Internal & External Redecoration:  We are planning to undertake these works during the latter part of this year and will shortly be issuing the s20 Notice of Intent to leaseholders.

e.     Gunners House – We are inclined to defer the internal redecoration a further 12 months, however have arranged the pressure washing of the pre-finished render and concrete external sections of the property to improve the appearance of the building.

9.     Storm Doris – The recent strong winds caused some roof damage to the roof of Willow Court.  We have had roofers carry out some initial repairs and have submitted a further quotation for full repair to the building insurers and are awaiting the go-ahead. 

7.   AOB Five Neighbourhood Watch signs have been ordered for display in Brigadier Way and horseshoe Close

An artist is to paint a view of the Clock Tower

New signatories are required for the GRA bank account

Action Phil Coombe to organize new mandates.

Phil will organize the Summer Fete. £300 is required

Action Committee members to submit ideas for fund raising at the next Committee meeting

Chapel grounds. The untidy state of the Chapel Grounds was discussed.

Action Pam Deakin to contact SET to ask for remedial action.

Date of Next Meeting Provisionally Wednesday May 3rd 2017