AGM 27TH NOVEMBER 2017

/

GARRISON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD ON 27TH NOVEMBER 2017 AT HINGUAR SCHOOL  AT 7.30 P.M.

Present

  • Chris Coomber  Hon. Chairman
  • Pamela Deakin  Hon. Secretary
  • Phil Coombe      Hon. Treasurer
  • Daniel Puddick
  • Peter Farrington
  • Richard Spence   Prospective SGMCL Director

1. Apologies

  •    Nick Ward
  •    Andrew Armstrong (written report submitted)
  •    Jackie Smith
  •    Mike Riley
  •    Cliff Marshall
  •    Sandra Ling
  •    Charlotte Brant
  •    Michael Deakin

Chris Coomber opened the meeting by welcoming guests; Councillors Roger Hadley and Anne Chalk; Acting Sergeant David Gardiner from Southend Police Force; Robert Fowler of Fowler and Spenceley.

Chris Coomber noted that although all Garrison owners are B members of SGMCL no reply had been received to our invitation from the present directors (from Avant Homes) either to attend or furnish us with a report.

2. Minutes of the 2016 AGM . The minutes of the 2016 AGM were adopted as correct by Richard Spence and seconded by Phil Coombe.

3. No matters arising.

4. Chairman's Report. Chris Coomber reported that  for conditions to be raised  to meet  residents expectations the SGMCL will need to be a formal body in order to operate effectively.

The S106 handover is still not agreed, although the only remaining contentious issue is the repair to the sea wall which  has no relevance to the Garrison site, only to Southend Council and Avant Homes. Chris is investigating what further actions could be taken to try to get Avant Homes to complete the handover to the SGMCL irrespective of the status of the sea wall.

5. Treasurer's Report. Phil Coombe presented the Treasurers report. The GRA has £306. 06 in the account at HSBC. After some difficulties with HSBC, Phil is moving the account to Santander.  It was  requested that residents make voluntary  donations to the fund to meet future expenses.

6. An update on Private Security within the Garrison. This topic has proved to be controversial. Phil Coombe has carried out a survey between several security firms, the conclusion being that they can t really be of any help as legally they have virtually no powers. It was decided not to proceed further with the proposal to appoint  private security on the Garrison.

7. Election of the Chairperson, Officers and Committee Members. Jonathan Hunnibal  agreed to stand as a Committee member, he was proposed  by Richard Spence , seconded by John  Dowell and duly  elected, Larry Irwin also agreed to stand. In the absence of any further volunteers to stand as officers, the serving officers and committee  agreed to remain for a further year and were duly elected.

8. Garrison Policing Report from Acting Sergeant David Gardiner.

Acting Sergeant David Gardiner reported that there have been significant reductions in the police teams;

Police are now controlled from a central point in Chelmsford where calls are prioritised; no attendance may be instructed;

After extensive discussion regarding anti social behaviour, he explained that there are some successes in dealing with culprits. The most effective way is to gather evidence and log all incidents with the police.

Regarding the problem of boy racers on New Barge Pier Road, he noted that wherever possible drivers are prosecuted but gathering real evidence is difficult.

Changes to the road configuration he agreed might be helpful.

The Councillors present agreed to assist requests for upgrading of restrictions in (Council adopted)  New Barge Pier Road. The GRA to pursue this course.

9. Report from Managing Agents, Fowler and Spenceley.

Fowler & Spenceley continue to carry out weekly inspections to identify repairs needed and maintenance priorities

The following matters have been dealt with during the year:

The sewerage pumping station in Warrior Square Road has been transferred to the responsibility of Anglian Water.

Internal decoration to Willow Court has been completed. External washing of Gunners House. Tenders specified and awarded for communal areas in Horseshoe Crescent and internal and external areas of Magazine Mews.

Work continues with landscapers to maintain the standard of communal gardens.

Flow line to carry out gully clearance on Unadopted roads.

Gathered information regarding the cost and viability of LED lighting in the street lights; discussions held with Southend Council regarding planning permission.

Car Parking consultation was completed with 27.5% response overall. No preferred solution emerged clearly. Since the consultation the restrictions in the High Street have been reduced, and at present it is felt that no further action should be taken.  However, the situation will be monitored.

Door colours around the Garrison: there is no specific covenant that specifies the colour that doors are to be painted. Southend planning department, which deals with conservation areas, has given guidelines that military colours  such as Holly Bush (military green) or grey are suitable, bright colours should be avoided. We are advised that lawful development certificates must be obtained for listed properties.

A.O.B.

Sea Wall . Consultation results are to be considered by council cabinet in January with a view to starting work in  March to reinstall groins etc to protect the sea wall.

Specific problems were highlighted regarding damage to the perimeter wall by the rifle shed; various hedging by Outlook Apartments; careless siting of skips and general untidiness of contractors. These were noted.

Councillor Hadley drew attention to copies of proposed plans for houses next to Sainsburys: it is expected that planning permission will be sought early in 2018.

The Chairman thanked all participants and attendees and noted the written report from Andrew Armstrong, Gunners Park Ranger.

The meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.