Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Mark Bostock, Fiona Lean, Mary Bonar and Gareth Moore.  Fiona Lean was represented by Christopher Punter

To agree the Minutes of the Barbican Residents Consultation  Committee held on 10 September 2012

There were no declarations.

To agree the Minutes of the Residents’ Consultation Committee held on 10 September 2012

The Minutes of the Residents’ Consultation Committee of 10 September were approved as a correct record.

Matters arising:

·         The soil removal and survey of Beech Gardens would pioneer future works; ie Ben Jonson Highwalk (and the other side).  The water system at the east end of Ben Jonson would remain disconnected until a solution had been found. 

·         The holes which has been left following the erection of the cinema hoardings would be repaired, with no impact on service charges.

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For information

This report updated Members on issues raised by the Residents’ Consultation Committee and the Barbican Residential Committee at their meetings in September 2012.  During consideration of the report the following items were raised:

Beech Street

The Barbican Association (BA) had been consulted in respect of the Silk Street Junction and asked for a co-ordinated approach. 

Podium Tiles

Residents were pleased with the repairs to the podium tiles but asked for any missing small white tiles on stair edges to be replaced.  This had particular health and safety implications for partially sighted residents.

Bicycle and Baggage Stores

Officers advised that there were free spaces for more baggage stores; ideas were being explored and would be reported back in the next update report.  The bicycle stores, which were subject to TfL funding, would proceed regardless and residents would be updated in the next report.

Parking Bays

Residents noted that works would commence in January 2013.

Concrete Works (subject to a separate report on this agenda)

The Chairman of the Barbican Association (BA) suggested setting up a Residents Consultation Committee (RCC) Working Party. This would be discussed outside the meeting by the Chairmen of the RCC/BA and the Housing and Technical Services Director.  Residents were advised that repairs to the low rise blocks would be done by abseillers, with no further need for scaffolding. 

TV Network

Residents noted that Concerro would be sent draft KPI’s by 27 November, the Licence would be sent to VFM next week and negotiated by the end of the year.  Officers advised that the specification was being developed and would be rolled out block by block (2 systems at a time).  Marketing would start shortly and residents would be able to choose from the commercial offerings. 

Structure Chart

Residents were given assurance as to the transparency and

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For information

This report updated Members on the review of the estate wide implementation for Service Level Agreements for the quarter July to September 2012. 

Insurance

In response to a question from the BA Chairman, officers advised that the 25% premium, to cover administrative costs associated with insurance claims, is not recharged by the Chamberlain.  Given its complexities, residents asked if the Estate Office could arrange a short meeting for residents, with Chamberlains, to discuss the City’s insurance arrangements.

Water Penetration

Officers agreed to investigate a problem with the overflow system at Bunyan Court. 

RECEIVED

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For information

This report advised Members of sales and lettings approved by officers since the last meeting. Approval had been given under delegated authority and in accordance with Standing Orders.  The report also provided information on the surrender of tenancies received and the number of flat sales to date. 

RECEIVED

Report of the Chamberlain and the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For information

This report contained the annual submission of the revenue and capital budgets overseen by the Barbican Residential Committee, prepared within the resources allocated to the Director.  In response to a question about the concrete repairs contingency, officers confirmed that the majority would be for the towers.  As the nature of local government accounting is very different to the traditional style, Members asked for more narratives on future reports. 

RECEIVED

Residents noted that, in September 2011, the BRC had approved a waiver of Standing Order 53 (3) and Standing Order 52 (8) obviating the need for tenders and permitting the variation of the existing Lift Maintenance Services Contract for a period of 11 months.  Residents complimented officers on seeking best value. 

RECEIVED

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services

For information

At 8.25 pm, Members agreed to suspend Standing Order to conclude the business on the Agenda.

This report followed the resolution of the Court of Common Council on 19 April 2012, requesting the BRC to consider the question raised by the Ward of Cripplegate Within and Without, that the City, as Landlord, should not charge the cost of the work of the concrete investigation and repairs to the three Barbican towers to the long leaseholders.  The report provided a background as to why work was necessary and evaluated whether the work could be considered to be the making good of a structural defect in the original construction.

The Chairmen of the BA and RCC had written to the Chairman of the BRC seeking an urgent meeting about charging leaseholders and the impact on asset management in the future.  In this letter, the Chairmen had asked the BRC Chairman to consider deferring further consideration of the report until after the meeting had taken place.  Residents were aware of some earlier reports dating back to 1986 and 1991.  The Housing and Technical Services Director assured residents of full transparency and, if relevant, these reports would be provided as appendices when the final report was taken to the RCC and BRC. 

Residents noted that a more recent fault, concerning rust appearing through the temporary repairs to balconies on Cromwell and Shakespeare Towers, had been discussed with the City Surveyor and residents would be advised on the outcome of further investigations. 

RECEIVED

There were no questions

There were no items of urgent business.