La Asociación de Gata Residencial

Minutes of the 31st committee meeting

On 14th November 2010

Store in Goblin´s Wood (Bosque Del Duende)

Those present

No Representative

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)

1. Chairs: DM had researched various options and circulated information about a plastic and metal stacking chair for 7€ which was on sale. It was agreed to purchase 20.  Action: DM to buy.
2. Meeting about Padron and Elections: SM had contacted Luis Crespo to clarify some issues and reported that people only need to indicate their intention to vote once. Subsequently, they should be in the system. She reminded members that there is a meeting in the Social Centre on November 17th at 6:00pm arranged by the Diputación de Alicante regarding this matter.
3. Termohalina:  DM stated that in spite of promises in previous meetings, Termohalina had not appeared to have heeded feedback from La Asociación. AW reported two examples a) They had given her a new quote but it was not significantly reduced and b) They declared a boiler on M4 as defunct and subsequently it was repaired by another Alicante company at a reasonable cost. DM had received a proposal from RQBS (Javea) which appeared to be a much better deal for members giving them an 18% discount on regular prices. It was noted that this company has no specific endorsement but the disclaimer on the site would be sufficient. It was agreed to retain the Termohalina entry so that members could have this option but also:

Action: DM & SM will liaise re: an additional entry on the Members’ discount site for RQBS.

4. Letter to Spanish: PS reported that she had contacted some Spanish owners who would be interested in joining but that they would only do this in January when they would pay for the whole year. BM reported that he was in the same position. PS said that some prospective Spanish Owners were unable to locate the Spanish section. SM replied that this is located in the Member´s only section. PB said that there was a translating tool available to give a rough translation on the rest of the site.

4.         Correspondence

SM reported that she had received an invitation to the Association regarding the Band of Gata de Gorgos and their 140th anniversary which is to be celebrated with an exhibition in the Plaça Nova and a concert at 12:00 today.

5.         Treasurer´s report

In SJ´s absence, DM  reported that the current financial state is as the previous meeting.

6.         Membership report

PB stated that there are currently a total of 224 full and 2 associate members. He stated that currently he was attempting to reconcile membership and circulation lists but had experienced some problems. Some members had reported they were not receiving regular communications. PB asked that reps or members contact him if they become aware of any problem. NP stated that he had received feedback from some members who complained that there was too much communication from La Asociación. In discussions the following points arose:

a. GONG is a discussion group open to all owners and Google Groups are only for members.

b. Members can elect not to receive emails from GONG or Google groups but can manually log on.

c. PB has already asked members to delete redundant parts of messages and to consider whether it is appropriate to reply to the whole group or just an individual.    

PS queried how individuals without email are kept in contact. PB stated that this is the role of the rep but that in fact, there were very few. DM stated that La Asociación is continually trying to develop better communications and would encourage people to use the Google groups. However, we are aware of issues and are trying to address them.

7.         La Asociación: The Way Forward

SM had previously circulated a questionnaire for reps´ consideration which formed the basis of discussion. Issues addressed included expectations, problems of practical support, the balance of focus for La Asociación. There was overwhelming agreement that La Asociación should continue because of its key role with the council. However, it was recognised that its continuance was dependent upon people being prepared to stand for key positions. Several members expressed the view that La Association and its officers were doing a valuable and valued job. To that end DM, SM, PS and PB stated that, in spite of previous statements and due to continuing issues with the council, they would be prepared to stand again subject to voting procedures currently in place. As a result of lengthy discussions the following were agreed :

a. The Focus of the work of La Asociación: The main focus will be as a pressure group and conduit for two-way communications with the council.

b. Social and site events: There would be no expectation that these would be run. However, anyone wishing to run an event through and on behalf of La Asociación, would be given support and advice in the form of a representative on any sub-committee.

c. Reparations Subcommittee: La Asociación will, as previously agreed, provide representation on a Council subcommittee. AD will be paid to attend and provide translation for La Asociación. There will be a roster of all reps to attend, in rotation, and DM will attend the first meeting. In addition, RB will approach a Spanish member on M18, who has great experience of Gata Residencial and Jubesa, with a view to her attending these meetings.

d. Administrative support: SM and AD will liaise to identify where translation support can be given for minutes and other documents and provide the Committee with an estimated annual cost for these professional services. SM will identify aspects of her work that could be shared with others.

e. Insurance cover for public liability: This needs to be investigated again in light of the fact that the council now “tacitly” owns the site. Previously, cover could not be obtained because no-one officially owned the site. PS has a contact who may be able to help.

8. Site Issues

a. Follow-up from meeting with AP and Mayoress: PS said that she had attempted to clarify some issues with the council. She stated that she had asked when owners would be absolved of any financial obligation should there be a shortfall in the aval. Whilst she did not obtain a definitive answer she reported that, due in some part to work already done by La Asociación, owners were in a better position now than previously. PS stressed the following positives: a) There is a separate aval for Vertice and Copisa and they are financially responsible for the reparation of their areas of the urbanisation b) The council has signed papers transferring the development to them from Jubesa, c) Owners have established the right to live on Gata Residencial because we have utilities and the council have received money for issuing licences. All these factors indicate that the council have already “adopted” the urbanisation albeit “tacitly”. This diminishes its legal case regarding the owners´financial liability for completing the urbanisation. PS stated that the 15 year guarantee and insurance policy to cover such works was a key bonus for both council and owners. She expressed some concerns if there should be any change in council members following the May elections but stressed the importance of La Asociación. She said that without constant pressure the Council could use the Regional Bulletin to publish decisions and actions without direct communication to the owners. In which case it would have complied with its legal obligations but we would be less well-informed. NP stated that it was an important opportunity to market La Asociación to prospective new members.

b. Adjudication of contract award November 18th at the Town Hall: It was agreed that PS, DM and SM would attend the meeting and report back to members. Other committee members were encouraged to attend. PS will check the time.

c. Theft of Cables: RB expressed concern at the reported theft of cables on the site. However, after a brief discussion it was agreed that little could be done except that any suspicions of theft should be reported to the police.

d. Lights: It was queried whether all this work has now been completed.

9.         Social Issues

There were none.

10.         Statutes

DM thanked PB for his work on producing the checklist of members as a shared document which had proved invaluable for reps to check. DM stressed the need to obtain 60% of the membership in agreement otherwise the meeting would need to be cancelled and rescheduled. It was noted that M4, M11, M12A and 12B had very few responses. AW confirmed that she had now received responses from her members and she would be completing the form shortly. In the case of M11, it was anticipated that this would be dealt with shortly by SJ. However, reps were asked if they had any connections with people on 12A and 12B in order to encourage them to either delegate their vote or indicate that they will be attending the meeting. SM stated that there had been a query from M19 as to whether proposals could be put forward at the meeting. JS will clarify whether this is related to the statutes or another proposal. In the case of the former, SM stated that as the statutes had been previously published for several months and proxy mandates had been issued on that basis, it was not anticipated that any changes would be accepted at the meeting. In addition, the EGM could only deal with matters related to the statutes. DM confirmed that refreshments would be available and that the meeting would deal with amendments article by article. However, he did not anticipate that it would be long.

11.        AOB

There was none.

12.          Date of the next meeting

16th January 2010 at 9:30am

SB stated that Monroe´s Carvery had offered their premises for our committee meeting on the proviso that the premises were vacated by 12:00. It was agreed to meet there at the next meeting. Action: SM will liaise with them and confirm arrangements.

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

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