Dated 2nd October 2005
The Residents’ Association welcomes everyone’s contribution. If you have a problem, suggestion or news please contact a Committee member. They are: Jim Hurson (flat 6) Shirley Batten-Smith (flat 7) Syd Hall (flat 9) and Paul Ryzman (flat 11).
Also on the committee are the Directors of Langwood Residents Association Ltd who are:
Tony Batten-Smith (flat 7) Alan Goodridge (flat 21) and Stephanie Beardsworth (flat 22).
Our Managing Agent is Dennis Brooke of Qualitas telephone: 01923 211331
The following items were considered at the latest meeting.
Budget 2006
A draft of the budget for next year was presented to the meeting. A final decision will be made at the next meeting. If you have any comments on it you should make them known as soon as possible.
The unexpectedly high cost of replacing the gutters has exhausted all our maintenance reserves and we have nothing to carry into the New Year. This means that it is vital that shareholders pay the maintenance charge promptly.
The budget will keep the maintenance charge at the present level of £90 per flat per month (£1080 pa) in 2006.
The basic expenditure is as follows. Accounting £1050; internal cleaning £1600; window cleaning £800; electricity £400; gardening £3300; general repairs £1200; gutter cleaning £250; insurance £2760; directors insurance £250; agent fees £2095; sundries £200; tree maintenance £500; water £55.
In addition to the basic items there is provision for the second gate and associated railings (£980) and flowerbed renovation (£360). There is also provision to begin collecting money towards car park surfacing (£2960), future redecoration costs (£2960) and water main repairs (£330). Building a reserve fund in this way not only spreads the costs of major items but also provides a fund for use in emergencies and a float to carry us from one year to the next.
The £90 monthly charge includes the ground rent (£30 pa) although in line with new government regulations it will be the subject of a separate notice in future and Dennis will write to about that in due course.
As you can see there is little scope for any unplanned expenditure so if you feel that anything has been missed you need to say so now.
Gutters
The decision to go with the cheaper option of cherry pickers as an alternative to scaffolding seems to have paid off. Although there was some disruption and inconvenience it was minimal. There was some collateral damage to the lawns and paths but the cost of making good was in the contract and it has been completed.
The forbearance and patience of all residents was very much appreciated.
Car Security
Recently a car was stolen from Langwood. It had been left with the keys in it but it shows that potential thieves are constantly on the prowl and we need to be vigilant. Never leave an unattended car unlocked for even a short time and never leave valuables in your car.
Door Security
The latest quote has confirmed that the price of a radio-based system on one door in each block is £5000. (4 doors would cost £1800 more). Further research is being done.
Survey
Door security is one of several items on which you are invited to offer your opinion in our survey. The survey is to be sent out shortly.
Next Meeting: Sunday, 6th November 2005 at 10.30.
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