Attendees:

4.1

Unaudited accounts for 2006: The un-audited accounts for 2006 were noted.

4.2

Transfers to reserves: It was agreed to allocate a £5,000 reserve each for both gardening and general maintenance for 2007.

4.3

Outstanding debts: FH reported that only 28 of 199 owners had not paid the first half-year’s instalment on the maintenance charge for 2007. Reminders would be sent out in due course.

5.1

Damage to the lawn by the Crescent:  A cherry-picker used to repair some windows and a leaking down-pipe has damaged the lawn by The Crescent.  FH reported that this had now been re-seeded. 

5.2

The Wrens: FH reported that Cluttons had taken over the management of the three flats in January 2007.  Scrutiny of the finances had thrown up some irregularities. There had been no buildings decoration since 1998.  No accounts had been prepared for 2005 and 2006.  It was agreed that the lessees owing money should be told that their debts should be paid. Cluttons had paid the outstanding insurance cover in full.

5.3

Aristotle Court: FH reported that accounts had not been produced for 2005 and 2006. FH informed the Board that the freehold value of both Aristotle Court and 50-54 Balliol Court (The Wrens) should be included in the Company’s statutory accounts, and that Cluttons had qualified surveyors who could undertake a valuation if required.  The Title Deeds of the properties would be examined before a decision is made.

5.4

Quotation for planting bed by new bike racks, 34-36 Plater Drive: The University Parks had submitted a quote (for £777+VAT) and replanting plan. This was agreed.

5.5

Additional bike racks: The Board agreed quotations for the placing of four bike racks in Merrivale Square (at the western end) and two at the entrance to the first car park on Rutherway (by the notice-board). These were £830 and £410 respectively, excluding the cost of the bike racks. FH would now arrange for the purchase of the racks and their installation.

5.6

Benches in Merrivale Square: The Board agreed to remove the broken bench in Merrivale Square and provide three additional benches, bringing the total to four.

5.7

Graffiti: FH reported that the Council would charge £60 a square metre for removing graffiti if it was a corporate request, though this may be free of charge if reported by individual residents.

5.8

Cracked and sinking paving slabs: It was noted that, after 10 years, some of the paving slabs on the estate were cracked and sinking. It was agreed to ask a contractor to undertake a survey with costs.

5.9

Gas monitoring: It was agreed to review the position after the receipt of the next report, to consider whether further regular checks are necessary, and to consider Giffords’ further recommendations.

5.10

Emergency access: The Board noted that the emergency access at the north end of Plater Drive had been clearly marked.

5.11

Merton Court gate: MA reported that the recent modification to the mechanism was working and that the newly in-built capacity to adjust the gate as the temperature changed should negate the need for further work on the gate.

5.12

Parking survey: GW and FH reported that Bill Preston had completed the first stage of his work, namely a survey of parking on Waterside. This would be checked by individual Directors. His recommendations for control of parking would follow shortly.

5.13

Berkeley Homes land transfer: FH reported that BH had written to say that the Management Company now formally owned a piece of land to the north of Walton Well Road. In the interests of clarity, it was agreed to ask BH for a plan.

5.14

Service charge query: An owner had written to question why she should have to pay the full maintenance fee when, for example, she didn’t use the bike racks or didn’t wish to pay for any work relating to the gas vents. The Board reaffirmed that the fee applied equally to all households regardless of their particular use of the Waterside facilities.

5.15

Restrictive covenant queries: The Board agreed the action taken by the chairman in respect of restrictive covenants affecting three properties on Waterside.

5.16

Churchill Court windows: It was noted that repair work and repainting is likely to take place this summer.

5.17

6-10 The Crescent: It was noted that no formal application to the Board seeking consideration of an application to install Velux windows on the front roof elevation had been received from the householders. Legal advice had been sought on whether, as a matter of principle, the Management Company was within its rights to use the restrictive covenants to refuse permission for building work even when planning permission from the City Council had been granted. The legal advice stated that the Management Company had that right.

5.18

20mph signs: FH reported that she was still in discussion with the County Council about the placing of 20mph signs on Rutherway. FH was asked to investigate other options if the County Council refuses to install such signs.

5.19

Rutherway gutter cleaning: SS reported that, whilst the City Council had responded to FH’s request to clear the tree debris from the gutters along Rutherway, they had not completed this task satisfactorily. FH would get back to them.