Westleigh Maintenance Company AGM 27 November 2008

Held at Flat 14, starting at 7.00 pm

Present: Edward and Ingrid Kempster, Julie Culshaw, Victor and Pat Powell, Edith Pickles, Mary Greenhalgh, Vera Sissons, Gerry Clarke, Heather Pollitt, Roy Johnson

Apologies: John and Sylvia Sillars, Martin Albu, Jerry Lunt, Reg and Lavinia Marsden, Colin and Irene Rodger,

1. Accounts

The accounts were accepted and approved.


2. Appointment of Directors

The existing directors were re-appointed. These are: Roy Johnson (Chair), Heather Pollitt (Secretary) Gerry Clarke (Treasurer) Edward Kempster (Project Manager).

3. Any other business

i. The gardens

A number of requests were made for changes to the maintenance of the gardens. The meeting was reminded that all requests for changes or improvements should be submitted in writing on the form provided by the secretary.

ii. Rise in the maintenance charge

The treasurer reminded the meeting that the existing maintenance charge was so low that the company had no surplus to deal with emergencies or improvements. Following discussion, the meeting agreed to give the directors a mandate to agree on a reasonable increase in the charge. The increase would come into effect in April 2009.

iii. Appointment of managing agents

The directors explained to the meeting that a number of factors meant that the tasks they faced in running the company efficiently were becoming excessively burdensome. There were also new requirements of insurance and health and safety legislation which left the directors with legal responsibilities from which they needed protection.

The meeting agreed that the best solution to these issues was to appoint a professional managing agency which would take over these tasks and act in accordance with the directors' instructions. The meeting unanimously approved a motion to give the directors a mandate to reach a decision about the employment of a professional management agency.

iv. Extended flue on the roof

One of the flats in Block One had fitted an extended flue pipe to the roof without permission. It was agreed that the secretary write to the owners of flats 2, 5, and 8 requesting that the flue be removed and replaced with one the same size as the others. Failure to do so would result in the work being done and the owner charged with the cost.

The meeting closed at 8.00 pm

Westleigh dented!

This was the result of a high speed police car chase on Monday 01 October 2007 at 23.45. Amazingly, the driver of the vehicle being pursued survived to escape - though his car didn't.

Annual General Meeting — 8 March 2007

Present: Roy Johnson, Heather Pollitt, Edward Kempster, Ingrid Kempster, Victor Powell, Gerry Clarke, Edith Pickles, Vera Sisson.

Apologies: Lavinia Marsden, Colin Rodger, Graham Gell, Reg Marsden, Martin Albu

1. Accounts

These were accepted, with the observation that Reg Marsden and Graham Gell should be removed from the list of Directors. It was also agreed that a copy of the gardening specification should be made generally available.

2. Appointment of Directors

The recent appointment of Gerry Clarke as new treasurer was approved, and the existing directors were re-appointed. These are: Roy Johnson (Chair), Heather Pollitt (Secretary) Gerry Clarke (Treasurer) Edward Kempster (Project Manager). Vera Sisson agreed to be a standby director.

3. Venue for next AGM

It was agreed that the venue for the AGM should rotate. The next meeting in 2008 will be held in Flat 10.

4. Any Other Business

Window Cleaning. The current system of cleaning with long brushes using clear water was deemed unsatisfactory. HP to discuss the matter with the window cleaners.

Lighting. HP to contact GG regarding repair of faulty lights in Block One. RJ to replace lamps in Block Three.

Manhole Cover(s): GC to contact builders regarding replacement of manhole covers in rear car park.

Steps to Block Three: HP and GC to contact builders to obtain quotes for repairs to faulty steps.

Car Park Marking: EK to obtain paint and brushes for do-it-ourselves repainting of car park markings.

Disputes: It was agreed that where disputes occur between individuals at Westleigh, resolution should be sought in the first place between the people concerned. Only if complaints arise from a number of individuals should the directors intervene. However, where resolution of problems and or complaints could not be achieved, the directors were willing to arbitrate.

Painting & Roof Matters

We are pleased to announce that the painting of the exterior of Westleigh - including the garages - will start on or around Monday 19th June 2006.

Due notice has been given to all owners and residents, so that garage doors can be left open on the relevant days and times.

Queries may be addressed to any of the directors.

Meanwhile, Frank Walsh of Profelt has been contact following discussions on the Letter from Carmen Smith representing Mr Hira (Flat 9) in his complaint about a leaking roof in his newly converted attic. Mr Walsh will look into it. If he can see an obvious point of leakage in the roof over Hira's flat, he has been instructed to go ahead and repair it.

In addition he will look at the seals on the gutters at the front and rear of the block containing flats 3, 6 and 9. If the cost exceeds £250 he is to contact Eddie Kempster for a further discussion. Once the repair to the roof over Flat 9 is completed, a claim can be made for redecoration of any damage to the bathroom from Westleigh insurers. Westleigh Maintenance Co. Ltd, will then have fulfilled its obligations.

Recycling

Following the recycling bin saga, we are now confronted by a second problem. What to do when the bins get full? The household refuse and waste paper bins have been emptied regularly - but not the tell-tale green glass bin. This houses all those empty bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape and Gevrey-Chambertin which are the favourite tipples of so many Westleigh folk. Well, yesterday I solved the problem by a little direct citizen action. Even though the local council keeps its contact details buried almost unreachably deep on its web site, I dug them out, sent one email, and hey presto! the bins were emptied the next day.

Apparently they are under orders to respond within twenty-four hours. So if it happens again, go to our list of services where you will find the phone number (0161 474 4747) and the email address (streetscene@stockport.gov.uk)

Green Recycling

The recent recycling bin crisis has been resolved, and we now have more opportunities to make a contribution to the green cause. The five bins have been divided between the two bin houses, which should solve both the visual and the noise problems. It's up to us now to use them. Please remember to flatten any cardboard boxes, and note that these should go in the large skips, not the green bins.

Replacement Windows Policy

The contract for the UPVC windows has been finalised and signed by both Westleigh Maintenance Company and Alexander Windows Ltd.

Any further orders for replacement windows from owners who refused to participate in the initial order will now be priced at the full domestic rate, since any advantages attributed to our commercial order will no longer apply.

Notice to Westleigh owners who are not participating in the current project. As you have decided not to participate in this exercise, Westleigh Maintenance Co. Ltd. are legally obliged to inform you of the following facts and requirements in accordance with the lease and covenants thereto:

1. All owners are solely responsible for the up-keep and maintenance of all window frames and the glazing of all windows in their apartments. This excludes communal windows which remain the responsibility of all owners via Westleigh Maintenance Company.
2. Bearing this in mind, all future repairs, painting, replacement of rotten woodwork, faulty or failed double-glazing panes will be at your total expense. All such work shall conform to the general appearance and colour of the exterior of Westleigh as a whole, and must be of the highest standard and in compliance with Westleigh Maintenance Co. requirements.
3. Should you at some future date decide to change to UPVC windows these shall conform to the standards as set by the newly installed windows in the majority of the complex. In other words UPVC windows shall be of the same or equivalent quality and exact same design as those under current installation (as from 1 September 2005)
4. Regarding rotten window frames, faulty or failed glazing units (refer to points 1 & 2 above), Westleigh Maintenance Co. Ltd., will be carrying out an inspection in the near future. Westleigh Maintenance Co. shall inform the affected owners formally in writing and all failed glazing units shall be immediately replaced at your total expense.

Finally, when the solicitors of any future buyer of your property write to Westleigh Maintenance Co. Ltd asking for written clarification of any outstanding liabilities, the above information will be conveyed to them including the estimated costs of such outstanding works.