ST MARTINS RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday 6th July 2017
at 7pm in Ye Olde Custom House, Watergate Street.
Present:
Martin Large, Jackie Read, Viv Gregg, Anne & Wilf Platt, Jenny Baker, Frank Baker, Paul Watson, Bob Capes, Yvonne & Vic Jordan, Jennifer Blaney, Lesley & Gary Duckers, Alan Edge, Steve McMahon (Acting Chair) and, for item 1 only, Nicola Howarth of First Port.
Apologies:
Martin Perry (Chair); Howard Walshaw (Brennus Rep); Eli & Lawrie Geller, Fay & Len Bell.
1. First Port Matters
a) First Port Signage:
Further to previous suggestions for updating signage around St.Martins to reflect Peverel‘s renaming as First Port, Nicola Howarth informed the meeting that she had received recent requests for ‘No Parking In Front of Garages’ signs.
She undertook to submit new designs to the Committee for their consideration.
b) Front Door Colours:
Nicola confirmed CWAC’s Duty Planning Officer’s advice that they would take into consideration the overall look of the development and whether a change in colour would be within keeping. She advised that each application is considered individually so this advice is purely a guide on how they would consider them. Although the lease was silent on this matter, all doors currently have the same colour and permission for a change of colour was unlikely.
c) Double Glazing Replacement:
Again Nicola confirmed that the Duty officer had advised that if owners made an application for permission to install double glazing, provided it was like for like, and wouldn’t cause a detriment to other residents or the surrounding area, and was also within keeping, then it would likely be given approval – but she did emphasise that this was purely a guide and each application would be considered individually.
d) Copper Cladding:
After some discussion, Nicola confirmed that the surveyor’s advice was to leave them as they are.
e) Accounts and Reserve Planning:
As mentioned at the 2016 AGM, First Port had consulted with the Committee during the autumn. Following an extensive exchange of information and a joint meeting, the following position was achieved:
a) the levels of contribution to reserves proposed for 2016/7 were based on a sustainable, phased strategy for ensuring that all major, non-annually recurring works might be completed as required;
b) this strategy was agreed with the committee (our meeting on Nov. 22);
c) all elements were costed using the best available estimates based upon previous experience and making due allowance for inflation; and
d) in the case of the most significant element, external redecorations, costings were for the first time apportioned between the various schedules using a report prepared by independent surveyors (Gleeds).
In addition to these matters, First Port also pointed out that ground-leases were due to be reviewed during 2019. The SMRA expected to be involved throughout the consultation process.
Similarly, the Committee had recently responded to an invitation to submit questions and comments on the draft 2015/6 out-turn accounts in May 2017.
Despite the significant concerns of some members, Nicola explained that First Port’s 15% management fee was enshrined in contract.
f) Parking:
Members took the opportunity to share ideas to address this growing problem, which was particularly acute in the courtyards with communal space in front of garages. Various factors contributed, including: owners letting without making clear the restrictions; reducing provision in the city-centre and increasing demand. It was acknowledged that both these latter two factors were likely to be exacerbated by proposals to develop Northgate, Hunter Street and Linenhall. Existing and planned measures to deal with the problem included the displaying of new notices and the caretaker delivering notices by hand.
Future ideas for consideration might include the employment of fines, wheel-clampers and the erection of more barriers, e.g. in The Yonne. Cycle racks were suggested, possibly in three locations outside entrances to apartment-blocks, and
Nicola undertook to present detailed proposals in due course.
g) Members’ Additional Question - Insurance Claims & Storm Doris:
Nicola confirmed that all recent claims had fallen beneath the excess limit of £600 and therefore no claims had been necessary.
h) Members’ Additional Question – Strip of Land Along South Side of Sens Close:
Whilst ownership of this strip of land was unclear to First Port, members were assured that ownership had in fact been retained by the original developers as a form of ‘ransom strip’ in connection with possible future developments to the south of Sens Close. It was agreed that it should continue to be maintained for the amenity of St.Martins but tree-replacement was not necessary.
At this point, Nicola was thanked for her attendance and participation and left the meeting.
2. Minutes of 2016 AGM (23 June 2016): Agreed.
3. Matters Arising: none other than those items already on the agenda.
4. Gardening Sub-Committee:
A report was presented by Anne Platt, Vic Jordan and Wilf Platt. After some discussion of various details, it was unanimously agreed to record the appreciation and gratitude of all present for the excellent work done by the sub-committee.
5. Treasurer’s Report:
Alan Edge submitted his annual report, which showed an out-turn balance of £377.50. The possible need for a small membership-fee to be reintroduced in the future was recognised, especially in the light of any re-evaluation connected with the review of the lease in 2019. It was agreed to revisit this question in 2018. The meeting recorded its gratitude and appreciation for the Treasurer’s work and accepted the report, which was signed by the acting Chair.
6. Local Planning Issues:
The SMRA had registered its interest for consultation purposes with regard to several locally planned developments:
Hunter Street & Linenhall – Despite CWAC’s objections and SMRA’s registered concerns, developers have received planning permission to construct large blocks of student-accommodation on both these sites. Dates for the start of work come and go.
Northgate – with the completion of Storyhouse, the granting of planning permission and reported agreement in principle by key financial stakeholders we await further news.
Chester Race Course – The SMRA hadsuccessfully collaborated with other local residents’ associations, e.g. 1761 and White Friars, to assist the CRC in its community liaison. In addition to enabling channels of communication around the planning of events on the Roodee (along with the associated noise and disturbance), together, we have been able monitor and hold to account both the CRC and CWAC in their somewhat shambolic management of necessary planning permissions for commercial incursion on the public space within the race-course itself and the extended use of Linenhall as a car-park. The Committee recorded its gratitude to Jennifer Blaney for her very effective networking on our behalf.
Chester City Centre Air Quality Management Area – The SMRA hadregistered its general support for and interest in CWAC’s plans to monitor and improve air quality. In addition, Len Bell had approached CWAC and Queen’s School regarding cars idling their engines in Sens Close . The (friendly but ineffective) reply from the Headmistress of Queen’s was read out to the meeting. The Committee recorded its gratitude to Len for his diligence on behalf of us all.
7. Election of Officers 2017/8:
a) Chair – Martin Perry re-elected (sorry Martin!),
Secretary – Steve McMahon re-elected,
Treasurer – Alan Edge re-elected, Yonne Rep – Wilf Platt re-elected,
Sens Close Rep – Martin Large re-elected,
Brennus Place Rep – Howard Walshaw (although no nominations were received at the meeting, Howard very kindly offered to continue); b) Volunteers for Gardening Committee - Lesley Duckers & Paul Watson to help with the practical sessions.
All officers and committee members during 2016/7 were thanked for their work and a special record of gratitude and appreciation was made for the substantial support given over the years by Howard Walshaw who was retiring as Brennus Place Rep.
8. Membership Matters:
a) Bereavement: Two members had passed away during the year and the meeting remembered them in silence: Maureen Thompson and Mr.Abbott, both of Sens Close.
b) Welcoming New Members and Sharing Ideas: the only addition to be proposed was a reference to the fact that it was not allowed to park commercial vehicles on site. The work of Anne & Wilf Platt and Steve McMahon in putting this circular together and disseminating it was acknowledged.