Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from David Graves, Fiona Lean and Francis Pugh (who was represented by Gianetta Corley).

There were no declarations.

To agree the Minutes of the Barbican Residential Committee held on 26 November 2012

The Minutes of the Barbican Residential Committee of 26 November 2012 were agreed.

Matters Arising

Residents noted that, as requested at the last meeting, a representative from the City Surveyor’s Department was present.

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

This report updated Members on the issues raised by the Residents’ Consultation Committee and the Barbican Residential Committee at their meetings in November/ December 2012.

Baggage and Bicycle Stores

A resident suggested that, as Andrewes Car Park had a lot of vacant spaces, it might be a suitable venue for baggage stores.  Members were advised that officers had looked at waiting lists and demand before submitting a proposal to the City’s Corporate Projects Board.  This had subsequently been approved and would be presented to the Projects Sub Committee on 12 February 2013.  Members noted that, whilst Andrewes Car Park had not been included this time, demand and waiting lists would be reviewed after a year. The RCC would receive an update on baggage storage at their next meeting, following the Projects Sub Committee on 12 February.  The Chairman welcomed this as it would be helpful for residents to understand why particular locations had been chosen.

In respect of bicycle lockers, Members noted that as the payback for this project would be more than 5 years, it fell outside the City’s criteria.  Therefore, alternative funding streams and methods of bicycle storage were being investigated.  Members noted that Transport for London had recently agreed to fund security hoops, which would be installed shortly. 

Insurance Meeting with Chamberlain’s Department

Dates in February have been proposed, subject to confirmation.

Street lighting near Breton House

Residents felt this was extremely bright and asked if it could be dimmed as it flooded some bedrooms.  The Estate Office Manager advised that his team met regularly with officers from the Built Environment and Highways and would investigate.

Seating – Ben Jonson and Gilbert House

Some residents felt that the light coloured timber on the street furniture on Ben Jonson walkway had been a poor choice.  The residents of

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

This report updated Members on the review of the Estate wide implementation of Service level Agreements for the quarter October to December 2012 and included comments from the House Officers, the Resident Working Party and an on-going action plan for each of the five Service Level Agreements.

RECEIVED

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

This report updated Members of the sales and lettings approved by officers, under delegated authority, since the last meeting.

RECEIVED

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

This report, which was for a decision by the Barbican Residential Committee of 11 February 2103, sought to extend the current charging policy for car parking on the Estate for another year from 24 June 2013, leading to an increase in fees of 2.6%. 

The Barbican Residential Committee of 12 December 2011 resolved that the fees for car parking would be subject to an RPI increase for the following year only and that the next annual review would include a detailed report and analysis of research into local demand, utilisation, comparisons and income generation. 

RECEIVED

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

Members noted that the Barbican Estate Office had been looking at efficiencies in delivering the temporary car parking service.  This report, which was for decision by the Barbican Residential Committee of 11 February 2013, proposed that an Automated Payment System (credit and debit card payment using text, touch tone, internal and mobile web technology) be introduced in the car parks.  The system was intended to provide additional customer benefits and was not intended to replace the current ticketing/invoicing system. 

In response to questions, residents were assured that new system had been fully endorsed by the City of London’s Audit Department. The service would be accessible from basic mobile phones (not just smartphones) and a number of vehicles could be registered with each application. The system would be reviewed after a year, along with the parking charges policy. 

Members generally welcomed this new initiative, which offered simplicity and achieved savings. However, one member raised concerns that the new method appeared to discriminate against residents who did not or could not use mobile telephony (e.g. older residents or those with disabilities).

RECEIVED

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

This report, for decision by the Barbican Residential Committee of 11 February 2013, sought approval to the final apportionment of costs between qualifying Leaseholders and the City of London Corporation (the City) in relation to the roof repairs at Bryer, Bunyan and John Trundle Courts.

The House Group representatives present welcomed the report and commended the work of Rob Barker, Jane Smith and Mike Saunders.

RECEIVED

There were none

There were no items.