26th April 2022
/GARRISON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION
COMMITTEE MEETING.
Held on 26th April 2022 at 7.30pm
Zoom Meeting (following Covid-19 Rules)
Present
Chris Coomber Hon. Chairman
Pamela Deakin Hon. Secretary
Phil Coombe Hon. Treasurer
Peter Farrington
Pam Dewey
Michael Stiers
Jason Britchford
Robert Fowler
Cliff Marshall
Apologies
Apologies were received from Daniel Puddick and Jonathan Hunnibal
Minutes of Meeting on 21st February 2022
The minutes of the 21st February were agreed and accepted.
Cart & Wagon Shed
The lease has been signed. The premises are due to open in May.
The establishment will include two rooms for hire. The kitchen has basic requirements in situ: finishing will be completed by lessees. Presentation of the Archive is expected to be a very slow process.
Closing time will be 8pm.
The Committee raised concerns about the awarding of the contract to run the café, and management of activities within and in the outside area. Specific questions should be sent to Chris, who will liaise with Brian Sandford.
Update on S 106 handover
The handover is almost complete. Fowler and Spenceley is awaiting response to 2 financial questions. It is anticipated that the changeover will take place when estate charges are due. Fowler and Spenceley will contact all residents by letter regarding completion.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The community event will take place from 2-5pm on Friday 3rd June 2022.
Pam Dewey has liaised with Old Southendian cricket club, A bouncy castle, for children up to 11 years old, will cost £85. £145 is set aside, and various donations have been offered. While GRA has £550 available funds, it is intended that the event will be zero cost to GRA. Pam is investigating presence of a coffee van, ice cream van and St John’s Ambulance services.
Further advertising is required.
6 Report from Fowler & Spenceley
Tree works are completed. The storm damage has been repaired.
Go ahead has now been given for decoration of 4 blocks in Horseshoe Crescent. A new set of quotes is being sought for locations where lessees have queried the level of expense
Fowler and Spenceley will circulate details to the residents.
Ten bollards have been replaced in Hospital Road. A delivery van broke one as the work was finished.
A walkabout with the landscapers has reviewed the estate, to identify areas that require more attention.
It is hoped that Estate Charges will be circulated this week. Cliff asked whether estate charges should be increased slightly, to avoid large increases and to build a Sinking Fund. Robert noted that the Sinking Fund amount is believed to be appropriate for identifiable needs.
General maintenance continues.
Any Other Business
.
Pam Dewey drew attention to the increased parking on verges in Boundary Way, which is damaging the grass. This is forbidden by a byelaw. Pam will contact Southend BC. It was suggested that Nick Ward should be contacted (if he is re-elected).
Parking / Safety issues have arisen in Chapel Road, apparently caused by Drill Hall employees. Robert will arrange a further survey to identify whether commuters or employees are parking. Previously, Southend BC has refused to enforce covenants placed on the Drill Hall because they are deemed to be “not serious enough”.
Peter noted that 12 teenagers have damaged a tree alongside the cricket pitch.
Richard asked if anyone had information about Belway Homes. No information was known.
The new houses by the Chapel are completed. A Planning Application has been submitted for 72 houses on the Campfield Road carpark that backs on to the Garrison.
Phil Coombe highlighted car parking on Horseshoe Crescent, which is becoming a problem. Fowler and Spenceley will send a note to residents.
Phil will move away from the Garrison soon: a new Treasurer will be needed. Chris thanked him for his support over the past years and wished him well for the future.
The meeting closed at 8.45 pm
Thanks to Phil for hosting the meeting
Next Meeting will be a Zoom meeting on 23rd May at 7.30pm.