Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Mark Bostock, Mary Bonar, Matt Collins, Janet Wels and Philip Sharples. The Committee welcomed Dr Gianetta Corley and Martin Day as the new representatives for Mountjoy and Gilbert Houses.  Residents thanked the retiring representatives (Patric Morley and Francis Pugh) for their past contributions to the Committee.

Members congratulated Randall Anderson on his appointment to the City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council and noted his resignation as Chairman of the RCC.

It was proposed by Mr Anderson, Seconded by Mr Tomlinson and agreed unanimously that Tim Macer be appointed as Chairman.  In accordance with the City of London’s Standing Order (30), Mr Anderson agreed to serve as Deputy Chairman for the following year. 

To consider a discussion document from the Town Clerk

The Town Clerk presented a discussion document, introducing the possibility of a more structured question and answer session at RCC meetings.   The proposal before members was typical of the procedures in place in most local authorities, for meetings attended by members of the public.  The Town Clerk stressed that the document was a suggestion for members and invited their comments.

In summarising the benefits, the Town Clerk suggested that, by submitting written questions in advance, the responses given at the meetings would be complete.  Some Members might feel more comfortable in participating in the meetings if they are able to prepare and submit questions in advanced.  By taking the written questions on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, it could be argued that the process would be fairer and more democratic.  Members noted that the agenda items in respect of ‘questions relating to the work of the committee’ and ‘items of urgent business’ would remain.

Members made the following comments and agreed to take the proposal forward on the following basis:

1.     A deadline date for submitting questions might be unreasonable, given that representatives would wish to consult with their House Groups.  However, Members noted that it is desirable to submit questions as soon as possible, particularly those of a complex/technical nature.

2.     The suggested procedure was quite formal and rigid, as it was typical of local authority council and cabinet meetings, which are decision making bodies.  The RCC should be flexible; to retain its spirit of consultation and debate.  If the Terms of Reference were to be changed, enforcing ‘points of order’ could stifle debate. 

3.     There shouldn’t be a limit imposed on the number of written questions but each question should relate to a single issue, with a supplementary question permitted.  The Chairman and Town

To discuss the operation of the RCC over the previous 12 months

To discuss paper prepared by the Barbican Estate Office

RESIDENTS’ CONSULTATION COMMITTEE

2013/14

ANNUAL REVIEW UPDATE

1. Communication – what improvements could be made to the way the BEO communicates with residents, for example, newsletter, notice boards, emails (to RCC/BA Chairs, House Group Chairs, House Group representatives), website (new COL website is due to be launched in the summer), reception? What do you think of the new email broadcast service?

1. More than one channel of communication is important; residents find the website particularly convenient.  New COL website launched in July 2012 & communicated via newsletter

COMMENTS FROM AGM 15 APRIL 2013

Minutes of the Barbican Occupiers User Group and Working Parties should be available on the web site with clear links.

Search engines could be more efficient, particularly for questions and answers.

2. When the City’s website is updated this year, could there be a clearer link to the BEO and various representatives. Link is: services – Housing & Council  Tax – Barbican Estate & link to Residents Representation & Consultation 

COMMENTS FROM AGM 15 APRIL 2013

Could the URL appear at the bottom of emails for those residents who have signed up for alerts.

The good practice on the Planning site was noted; ie offering other areas of interest similar to Amazon.

3. There is low awareness of the differences between the BA and RCC – residents suggested an annual letter from the Chairman, setting out the scope and differences.  Could this also appear on the website? There is a link to Residents Representation, Consultation & Committee Papers – Barbican Association information – section on the difference between BA/RCC

Publicise the election of the new Chairman – (15 April 2013)

4. Could the link to RCC/BRC public papers be clearer?  Particularly the most recent set of minutes from the RCC, which appear on the BRC agenda.   Could residents also receive these via email, once they have

Members thanked Randall Anderson for his excellent Chairmanship over the past 4 years and paid tribute to his commitment and high attendance at many of the Estate’s working groups.  Members felt that Mr Anderson’s efforts had a major impact on the committee’s efficiency and transparency and were pleased that he would be continuing as Deputy Chairman

Please note that today’s meeting is the RCC’s Annual General Meeting.  The next regular meeting, linked to the Barbican Residential Committee, will be held on 12 March 2012