WESTSIDE ONE RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION - MEETING SUMMARY 24 FEBRUARY 2005

Redecoration and repairs. KingsOak maintenance team will visit Friday 25 Feb 05 to start the programme of repair works in front entrance and make good sub-contractors damage on 13th floor.

Repair work agreed by York Laurent. The following repairs were discussed and York Laurent agreed to arrange work: The bin store coving slabs were to be re-fixed. The UG level shutter controller was to be relocated so it would not be damaged further. The pneumatic arm on 13th floor was to be repaired.

Resident's 10 minute parking facility. It was hoped the matter of a 10 minute parking facility for tenants was to be brought up as an agenda item at the next meeting of the Birmingham Association of Neighbourhood Forum. However, it was recognised resident parking was an enormous problem for the city and was probably outside the Forum's remit. Nonetheless, it was hoped that Birmingham Parking Enforcement Department (David Wenman) would continue the policy of enforcing no parking in Lower Severn Street and Beak Street. The Crosby/Taylor Woodrow sites and the Crosby Planning Consultant (Mr John Jowitt) have also been informed of the difficulty in parking.

Annual accounts; submission of yearly audit. It was agreed that York Laurent was to distribute audited accounts for previous FY (Jan-Dec 04) by 30 Apr 05. Mr Paul Stanford Technical Director agreed KingsOak would also write to York Laurent outlining the requirement for audited accounts to be distributed to all Leaseholders and copy his letter to Residents' Association.

Landing Signs. Landing signs displaying apartment numbers and floor levels are to be replaced. (On May 04 York Laurent promised to find a contractor able to source similar product. York Laurent reminded again 13 Oct and Nov 04). It was agreed that York Laurent were to have the landing signs secured to the wall by 31 Mar 05.

Concierge Desk to be repaired and front entrance to be made more inviting. KingsOak agreed the repair of this work in Summer 03. In May 04 the Residents' meeting requested York Laurent to hasten refurbishment. Since then it has been discussed at two site meetings but still no repair or refurbishment to report. Further to Managing Director's last visit to Westside KingsOak had agreed to jointly fund the re-equipping of front entrance. The precise cost unknown, but it is understood that some funds may be available from insurance claim (stolen sofa and plants). A mood board, supplied by interior design company 'Inside Right Ltd' for the design of the front entrance interior was presented to the residents at the meeting for their consideration. The design concept and styling was generally well accepted

The KingsOak maintenance team are to repair the ground floor limestone flooring on 25 Feb 05. (Secretary's note: There had been an improvement but not all the tile holes had been filled; it is hoped the workmen will complete the work on their next visit.)

NPower Electricity and meter readings. The harmonisation of NPass electricity meter numbers and NPower invoicing account numbers has been a problem. York Laurent & KingsOak were informed of the problem 5 Nov 03. York Laurent advised of the problem again 20 May and 13 Oct 04 and requested to liaise with KingsOak. A letter was written to KingsOak Chairman on 1 Nov 04 asking for rectification and ownership of problem. It can now be reported that NPower (Stoke-on-Trent) Meter Confliction Department has managed to resolve most of the discrepancies. It is hoped that full rectification of the problem will be achieved by end of Mar 05. The Association has requested a letter from NPower to confirm all the work finished.

The Concierge. The duties and working hours of the concierge remain inconsistent with the terms and responsibilities of the Leasehold agreement. On 13 Oct 04 the Association discussed York Laurent employing Concierge directly. It can be reported that with effect 5 Mar 05 the Concierge is to be directly employed by York Laurent. York Laurent confirmed that contractual duties and the Concierge's responsibilities are to be set out in Terms Of Reference to be drawn up prior to his start. There are considerable financial savings and cost benefits in employing the Concierge directly rather than through a security agency who take their commission fee out.

Window Cleaning. It was proposed that York Laurent produce a yearly timetable of window cleaning in advance. It was agreed, where possible, to publish the date of cleaning well in advance.

NCP Car parking. The lease for NCP parking expires 31 Mar 05. New discounted leases were being arranged with Mr Paul Barnes, NCP Area Manager. It is hoped David Barrington or Jason Goh will receive better details on the availability and discounted rates on or around 18 Mar 05. Leaseholders/owners/tenants are referred to the circulated letter dated 11 Feb 05 explaining the situation. The cut off date for expressing interest in joining a discounted, group rate is 18 Mar 05.

The meeting discussed the Albany NCP and the untidy state of the top floor. It was reported by one resident that he had received compensation from KingsOak in respect to the damage to his vehicle whilst it had been parked in the secure area. Another resident said his solicitor had written to KingsOak asking for compensation because he had been unable to use the secure designated area of the car park as entitled. (Secretary's note: Since the meeting (24 Feb 05) another Leaseholder has reported to the Association similar concerns and has requested help as to how he should be reimbursed for the considerable damage caused to his vehicle.)

The meeting decided that in respect to loss of car parking amenities or actual damage to vehicles, as each circumstance was slightly different, it was best for individuals to contact KingsOak especially if compensation was sought. In the meantime, it was felt a letter written from the Association to KingsOak, settings out the collective concerns of all residents entitled to use the car park, should be done as soon as possible.

Parking in Upper and Lower parking levels. Yellow and white lines are to be repainted so as to clearly designate car parking spaces. It was agreed that York Laurent was to have the lines painted by 31 Mar 05.

Crosby Orion Phase I and II developments. A meeting between Crosby's Planning Consultant, (Jowitt Associates) and the Association took place 24 Feb 05. This followed 2 ongoing planning applications for building consent by Crosby in respect to both phases of Orion.

The meeting discussed the need for Crosby to embrace Westside's perimeter pavement into their Orion Phase II development. There was a responsibility for contractors to tidy streets and remove rubbish. The problem with daylight shadowing, encroachment of privacy and parking (both at the time of construction and occupation) was discussed. The envisaged extra traffic caused by Orion's residents, their visitors and traffic generated by commercial units was also discussed.

The following agreements were achieved (subject to approval from Crosby Special Projects Managing Director): more and better consultation on early contractor starts on site & parking, consultation with Crosby on construction work & site access, consultation on environmental issues (noise and dirt pollution) from both Birmingham Planning Office and Crosby. It was felt that Westside residents ought to be informed of all Phase I and II timescales, to have consultation on CCTV, traffic and street car parking.

It was agreed that Jowitt Associates would discuss the above with Crosby Directors and then make contact with the Association with any proposals.

Westside One Residents' Association. A draft constitution for the Westside One Residents Association was presented for early consideration. It was proposed York Laurent circulate the draft to all leaseholders and that an AGM be called to consider the adoption of the constitution and for setting the minimum number for a quorum.

Any other business

Edwards Nightclub. The meeting discussed noise levels and patrons leaving Edwards Nightclub. It was agreed the late night noise levels from public leaving the nightclub at the weekends were generally unacceptable. Residents with apartments overlooking the club premises reported late night chanting when patrons left in groups; this was aggravating and distressing to residents. It was proposed that a letter from the residents be written to the Manager of the club alerting him of the concern and asking if there was anything that could be done to reduce the noise through the small hours. The letter was to be set out to suggest helpful ways rather than Westside blindly objecting to all noise and any 24 hr licensing proposal. It was hoped that Westside could work in a partnership forum with Edward's management, the doormen and Environmental Health officials in trying to reach a solution. If the matter could not be resolved and if it was felt the reputation of Westside was being adversely effected then a different approach might need to be considered.

Westside One Residents' Association Website. It was announced the Association was to get a website. The site would serve as a focal point for the Association and provide information on demand to residents, management agents and external bodies. (Secretary's note: The website is now in operation and can be found at http://westsideone.blogspot.com. The site is in the public domain and there is no administrative or user charge - it is completely free).

The meeting closed in the absence of any other business.

David Barrington

Westside One Residents' Association