News

ONLY ABBREVIATED MINUTES WILL BE POSTED HERE, PLEASE SEE THE 'BLOG' FOR GENERAL UP TO DATE NEWS:

News following the AGM held on Monday 14th November 2011:

Door Entry Systems:

Approx one third of the development now has upgraded door entry systems. The new door entry system replaces the old keypad entry, with a security dongle for access. Completion of the whole development is planned by the end of 2012.

Additional Waste / Bin Stores:

The ongoing problem of the bin stores was again raised and the directors pointed out that approx 10% of our annual budget is now being wasted on having to pay a contractor to remove excess waste. Pure laziness appears to be the main problem with occupants simply not walking to one of the other bin stores to check if there is room in another bin. The Central store is the main issue. It was agreed that locks should NOT be fitted to the bin store doors when the new doors are fitted.

Windows and Roofline:

The directors pointed out that the external faces of the windows and roofline now need urgent attention. Given that the funds in the reserve account will not cover the cost of re-decoration, it was voted and agreed that the cost would be split between the owners and the management company. Details will be sent out to all owners early 2012 with the new service charge invoices. The work is potentially planned for spring/summer 2012.

It is considered that the windows will not last another heavy winter as they have not been decorated since the development was completed, almost 7 years ago..

AOB:

Several other issues were discussed, all minor points and we would urge owners to consult the copies of the minutes, which were posted out early December 2011..

News following the AGM held on Monday 25th October 2010:

Replacement Doors:

The door replacement programme is in production and a proposed installation date of Mid January 2011 has been agreed.

Door Entry Systems:

The voting at the AGM yielded the following results in terms of next major expenditure,
listed in order of priority:
Door Entry
Carpets
Windows
Bins
Fire Repairs
CCTV

We intend to upgrade the door entry systems at the same time as the door replacement programme. There will be approx 2 weeks of disruption while these major upgrades are implemented.

Gates:

The gates near blocks B and C are currently broken and we require a replacement mother board. This has been ordered. Lead time is approx 8 weeks.

The AGM was very positive and little other news needed to be reported..

News following the Committee Meeting on Monday 21st June 2010:

Replacement Doors:

It was discovered that planning permission is required before we can replace the doors. A local architect has been appointed to draw up plans and submit the application for us. Unfortunately, this will inevitably delay the process now whish is somewhat dissapointing. Updated news will be posted on the home page.

Door Entry Systems:

Faults are recognised with some of the door entry systems, but the current system is bespoke and now non-serviceable so this will be a major expense that we will look at during next years' expenditure.

Bin Stores:

Yet again the bin stores were discussed following the costly removal of further rubbish. The Directors will be discussing possible longer term solutions. Replacement doors/gates have been ordered for the 2 side stores. Lead time is approx 8 - 12 weeks.

Gates:

Both sets of gates have been repaired and are currently fully functional. Up to date remotes can be ordered by sending an email to admin@theconigre.com.

CCTV:

CCTV was discussed and quotes are to be obtained.

News following the AGM on Monday 8th March 2010:

Communal Door Replacement:

A lengthy conversation was held regarding the replacement of the communal doors. The ballot papers were submitted and the votes were counted. A majority vote was carried in favour of Option 1. A single one-off fee is to be collected from each owner, in order to carry out the replacement of the communal doorways to a more suitable, fit for purpose aluminium type. Owners will be given to the 31st April 2010 to make their payment. Court action will be taken against those who choose not to pay. This was discussed and agreed.

Gates:

Quotes had been received to repair the gates and the Directors were reviewing.

Door Entry System:

Quotes had been received to repair some of the non-operational entry systems. The directors are reviewing the quotes and will appoint a contractor as necessary.

Bin Stores:

The ongoing problem of the bin stores was highlighted and once again owners reminded to educate letting agents and/or tenants regarding the recycling facilities to be found locally and on the website. It was pointed out that in 9 months we had incurred in excess of £1000 additional contractors fees to have rubbish removed that could have been recycled or taken to the household refuse site on Canal Road. Pictures were distributed to highlight the severity of the problem. It was also pointed out that the British Heart Foundation offer a collection service of unwanted household furniture contact www.bhf.org.uk for details.

It was suggested that a replacement door is required for the bin store adjacent to Block A. This bin store would possibly also require a locking device, given the locality in relation to the new development being erected on the site of the old brewery next door. Directors to investigate.

Note:

A request was made to contact NHBC to enquire whether a legitimate claim could be made for the replacement of the doors. (This has now been done - no recourse with NHBC is possible. Call ref: 10/15189)

News following the Committee Meeting on 22nd February 2010:

Entrance Doors:

Quotes have been obtained for replacing the doors and a decision on how to proceed will be made at the AGM by way of a vote. Voting documents will be sent out ahead of the AGM.

Block G Door Handle:

It was agreed to replace the missing door handle on Block G entrance door.

Gutters:

It was agreed to instruct a contratcor to repair the broken downpipes and section of guttering leading to water pouring down the face of the rendering, specifically on the facet with Broad Street.

Bin Stores:

Quotes are being obtained to convert the central bin store to a bicycle store, with roof. The bins will be divided between the other 2 stores.

Insurance:

Insurance will be moved to a new provider, having secured a reduction in the premium of over 50%!!

Gates:

The position with the gates is now a little clearer having met several contractors. Quotes are being obtained to replace/upgrade the motors as necessary.

News following the Committee Meeting on 19th October 2009:

Entrance Doors:

We recognise the doors require attention and quotes are being obtained to replace the doors in their entirety. This will be a 'block by block' process and we would look to commence this circa Spring 2010.

Bins/Refuse:

The bin situation is slowly improving, although continuous additional costs are being incurred for the removal of waste that is being dumped in the bin stores - primarily when change of ownership or tenant occurs. WE MUST RECYCLE.

Fire Alarm:

We have instructed a local firm to carry out a fire alarm service twice a year. This will apply to each block.

No further news to report on other issues raised in previous meetings at this stage, funds are still low and we are waiting primarily for this financial year to end (March 2010) so we know where we stand financially, following the dismissal of CEM.

News following the AGM on 20th July 2009:

Directors:

The current board of Directors were re-voted in by the members.

Murrell Management:

The new management company is Murrell Management and they can be emailed on admin@theconigre.com with any issues relating to the development.

Gates:

The long term plan for the gates is to have the original contractor carry out the necessary repairs, following several cheap repairs carried out by CEM's own contractors. We are currently waiting for the arrears to be cleared so that we have some operating funds.

Carpets:

The replacement of the carpets has been postponed until next year, for financial reasons.

Gardens:

We have signed a new contract with the gardener, who started at the beginning of August. It will take several visits to bring the gardens back to A1.

Bin Stores:

Following removal of the build up of rubbish by a private contractor, we are now hopefully in the position whereby the bin stores are back to an acceptable standard. Murrell Management will be keeping a close eye on this.

Pest Control:

The contract with the council has been re-instated as at August 1st.

Lease Conditions:

May we remind ALL owners - to ensure the terms of the lease are portrayed to existing and prospective tenants. Any clean up operations will only result in increased maintenance charges.

IMPORTANT NEWS UPDATE:

County Estate Management are no longer acting as our managaing agents due to years of poor service and performance. The directors have appointed a new agent and details will be provided in due course.

Presently, we are waiting for CEM to 'hand over' all details regarding the account and this is currently with solicitors as they are dragging their heels. The AGM will be called as soon as CEM have provided the accounts information which the solicitor has requested.

During this transition, we would ask for your patience. If you do have an issue that needs resolving, please contact the directors at admin@theconigre.com

News following the Committee Meeting on 8th December 2008:

Decorating:

The work for decorating the canopies above the main entrances to each block has been approved and this work will be carried out between 5th - 17th January 2009. (This has now been completed)

Carpets:

The work for replacing the carpets has been approved. This work will commence in the Spring, following some minor decoration repair work in some of the communal hallways.

Gates:

Our contractor will be carrying out a service of the gates (which we will also be carrying out on a regular basis from now on) and will advise on a long term fix, to ensure the gates remain closed. Can I remind those who require additional keyfobs, or reminders of the gate codes to contact admin@theconigre.com

Velux - Block G:

The roof velux's in block G where constantly in the open position and we have determined that they require new motors for the rain sensors to close them automatically. We are in the process of obtaining quotes.

Gas Covers:

The broken and/or damaged gas covers have been replaced. PLEASE DO NOT STAND OR ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO STAND on the gas covers - they break very easily and are expensive to replace.

News following the Committee Meeting on 13th October 2008:

Decorating:

We are gathering final quotes with a view to repainting the white canopies above the communal doorways as they are looking a little tired.

Carpets:

We are still awaiting final quotes and this will be high on the agenda for next year. We are keen to have the carpets replaced as the current carpets that Newland installed are sub standard and extremely dirty.

Gates:

This ongoing issue is causing some debate. We are contacting Newland homes to see if we have any recourse with them. The directors do not want to keep throwing repair money at the gates and a long term solution needs to be found.

Incidentals:

Several incidental issues have come to light such as the roof velux in block G constantly being open, some vent damage around block B/C and the locks are still unsatisfactory. CEM are treating these as urgent as some of them have been outstanding for some time.

News following the Committee Meeting on 7th July 2008:

Carpets:

Additional quotes have been requested on a like-for-like basis based on suitable commercial carpets. These quotes will be submitted and discussed at the next meeting.

Gates:

Whilst the gates have been repaired, it seems that certain individuals are bent on continuing to force the gates open. This renders them in a permanent open state and means we continually have to call out contractors to assess. Directors are considering a maintenance contract and will discuss at the next meeting.

Door Locks:

The door locks have been repaired but we are not entirely happy. The directors will be meeting with the contractor within the next few weeks to rectify. CEM will be writing to all owners and tenants to remind them of the door and gate codes.

Drains:

Several issues with the drains have been reported over the past few weeks and it would appear that an underlying fault has been discovered. CEM are taking recourse with Newland homes to recover inspection and any subsequent repair costs. if you experience any problems with your drains, please contact CEM immediately.

Incidentals:

We currently have work orders out to replace all the brown gas covers that reside on the outskirts of the car park. IF YOU SEE ANYBODY STANDING ON OR ABUSING THESE COVERS, PLEASE REPORT IT.