La Asociación de Gata Residencial

Minutes of the 28th committee meeting

On 27th June 2010

Store in Goblin´s Wood (Bosque Del Duende)

Those present

No Representative

New Venue DM welcomed the committee to the “new location”. RB queried that the move had not been discussed with the rest of the committee before the decision had been taken. It was stated that the principle of using the store for community purposes had been discussed at the previous meeting. Apologies were given for any misunderstanding caused. DM reported that the locks had been changed with the permission of the council so that the library could have its own space.

1.             Those present and apologies

The signing in form was circulated and apologies taken.

2.             Minutes of the previous meeting

These were taken as read, agreed and signed by the President and Secretary.

3.             Matters arising (Items not mentioned elsewhere in the meeting)

a.    Notice boards -  Pedreguer entrance: SM stated that Antonio Pons (AP) said that this has been approved but not given an indication of when this will happen.

 4.             Correspondence

SM recorded that she had circulated feedback from a number of members regarding the 10 day response policy. It was noted that ALL responses had been positive and particularly complimentary and appreciative about the work of the committee.

 5.             Treasurer´s report

SJ reported that funds had now been transferred to CAM bank and that there were now 3 possible signatories (President, Treasurer and Membership Secretary). CAM has agreed that there will be no fees for transferring into the account but members using this facility MUST pay any charges at their end. An initial test run appeared to incur charges but DM had checked this and was assured that the fee related to a proportion of the annual maintenance charge which all banks will levy. We will have saved at least 130€ per annum by changing banks. We have the facility to accept cheques but PB stated that cash is still the easiest method of payment.  He also stated that he has sent details to members regarding this form of payment. SJ reported that the balance is 9108.66€ largely from membership fees.

 6.             Membership report

PB reported that there are currently 204 fully paid up members of the association. 24 who have not yet renewed. PB went through the list of those who have not yet renewed. Several are people who have sold. Reps will chase the rest, where possible. However, it was agreed that this year´s cut-off date would be July 31st. After which time those not renewing would be taken off the list and should they wish to rejoin, they would have to pay the joining fee again. DM stated that he had written a “blunt” letter to members on M8 who had not yet renewed and several had now done so. CD reported that she has had some trouble contacting members on M6. BT stated that Spanish people had moved in on M10.

Action: SM to email the Spanish introduction letter to him.

 In the absence of APe, the committee ratified the one new member who has joined on M9.

 7.             Site Issues

a. Letters from the council – DM reported that letters regarding the reparations are now available for collection from the council. They are currently in valenciano. PS made a rough translation for the meeting and details included a legal history of the urbanisation and the fact that the tendering documents for the reparations have been agreed and are now being processed. It was stated that, even though the letter is in valenciano, it is in our interest to collect it. This is because the council have a legal duty to show they have tried to contact owners and it will delay progress if only a few are collected. Following a discussion it was agreed:

Action: PS will arrange to have the letter translated from valenciano into English at the association´s expense and this will be circulated to ONLY members.

Action: SM will contact the council and ask that the letter be translated from valenciano into castellano. This will be circulated to members for information only.

DM gave a formal vote of thanks to PS for all the time and effort she has put in on behalf of the members of La Asociación as her contribution had been invaluable.

 b. Reparations and the Aval – PS reported that she had asked for a copy of the contracts on behalf of the association but that it was a big document to translate. She had expressed concern to the council that the documents had been approved without reference to Gata Residencial owners.  She said that she had initial concerns regarding the costings in the project because they did not include IVA. However, having discussed her concerns with the council´s lawyers she was assured that original costings took this into account. In addition, COPISA has an open aval and will therefore be responsible for making reparation to the pavements and roads where they are damaged. Gas and Electricity systems throughout the urbanisation will be covered under the original aval.

c. Cedulas – There was a discussion regarding when these are likely to take place. PS reported that all technicians in the council are focussed on the reparation works. SJ stated that he was surprised at this because individuals have recently got notices and fines regarding licences even when they have not been inspected for the purposes of the cedula. It was stated that one member had been told that inspections would not begin again until 2011. However, PS pointed out that the council need money and would wish to resolve issues before the elections next year. DM stated that he was aware of rumours circulating that the urbanisation has now been accepted. This is not yet the case and he asked that members dispel any misconceptions.

d. Internet survey – PB reported that there had been 70 responses of which 6 stated no interest. The rest were almost ½ & ½ very interested or possibly interested.

Action: PB will liaise with SM regarding forwarding information to Solgata and the council.

e. Boilers – SM stated that following recent correspondence which had been circulated to reps, we were still awaiting the “dossier” which Termohalina has agreed to put together regarding the situation. DM reported that external advice had also been sought and he had been told that should the boilers require fans, as suggested, the cost would be nearer 100€ than the 500€ quoted to one member. It was stressed that where individuals had modified their house and created a problem, La Asociación could not intervene. Its role here has been to try to clarify the issue for members and establish general legal obligations. It was stated that there may be a need to review Termohalina´s members´ benefits entry in the future should the response be unsatisfactory.

f. State of roads & COPISA – JS reported gravel on Carrasques, BT reported oil on Pins and BM reported excessive dirt on Oliveres.

Action: SM to contact AP to ask him to see COPISA regarding these issues.

 8.             Social Issues

a. Party in the Park – See updated checklist sheets for details of agreements and arrangements. However, there was a substantive discussion regarding whether to allow individual BBQs and Paella and it was agreed that a decision needed to be made before ticket selling began in case this had an impact. It was accepted that several people had expressed a desire to bring their own equipment for this purpose. SB suggested that La Asociación run a BBQ on the night. However great concern was generally expressed regarding the following: i) People using any type of fire (BBQ or paella) during August. ii) The number of people who might want to do this and the number of people, in general, who would be at the event , iii) the fact that it is near to grassland unlike the town paella night which is on a concreted surface.

i) Tickets  - DM thanked PB for all his work on preparing the tickets. This represented an excellent reduction in costs. PB distributed to reps for sale.

ii) Bar – SM to contact volunteers to ask for someone to co-ordinate the bar.

Proposal: DM proposed that we do not allow BBQ, Paella and similar facilities. It was passed unanimously.

Action: However for future reference, SM to check with the council whether there are rules which forbid such “fires” during July and August in Gata.

b. Bring & Buy Rastro – GB brought this proposal on behalf of M13 community. After some discussion to clarify the position it was agreed that as this was for M13 funds, La Asociación´s only role could be to publicise the event to members.

 9.             Statutes

SM reported that a meeting had now been set up for July 31st when the statutes will be discussed by the sub-committee. She also reported that she had met with two members on M1C who had wished to meet in order to give an input. She reported that this meeting had proved very useful and formed the basis of previously circulated possible amendments.

 10.          AOB

a. Buying Items -

i) Generator – This item had been previously circulated for consideration. However, after people had expressed concern regarding its purchase, DM and SJ priced buying or hiring one, the latter being a better option, if needed. SB stated that he had done some research regarding the cleaning of graffiti. His information was that the paint could not be removed by power-washing. DM stated that it had never been the intention to try and remove paint from the door just to paint it but he was confident that the walls could be cleaned using a power-spray manner.

ii) Cool Boxes – DM reported that he had used his own on 3 occasions since becoming president. SB expressed strong disapproval of purchasing them as he felt the money was better conserved for possible future legal representation. DM proposed purchase of 2 boxes approximately 90€. It was agreed with 1 against. Action: DM

iii) BBQ – It was felt that this should be deferred to later meeting.

iv) Shelving for Duende store – DM proposed purchase. It was agreed unanimously. Action: DM.

b. The Marriott´s Donation – AW reported that the Marriotts had had a “sale” prior to leaving Gata Residencial and had donated the proceeds (50€) to La Asociación funds.

Action: It was agreed that SM send a letter of thanks to them.

11.          Date of the next meeting

8th August 2010

It was agreed to continue using the Duende venue for meetings.

President .......................................                             Secretary ......................................

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