What Happened At Our AGM

Our Annual General Meeting was our chance to celebrate 2023 and plan for 2024. Here’s what happened

Present:

Committee members: Stephen Kearney, Terry Curtis, Chris Blake, Peter Hurst, Saleha Jaffer, Annalisa Premoli, Mimi Discher
6 other residents
Housing Association Staff: Richard Earwaker(MTVH, National Operations Director), S Khan (MTVH), Anthea Callum (SHG Resident Involvement Officer), Sarah Weller (SHG), Jan Nairn (NHG)
Resident Apologies: Jackie Crawford, Ed Crawford, Alex Hughes

Feedback from 2023

Annalisa Premoli (AP) outlined the plans for Huggins Corner. She gave the history of the site, a neglected scrubland, on the edge of a major road, and now it has been transformed by the work of residents who have received awards, from Lambeth Council, and grants from the 3 housing assoc.s, Near Neighbours, Brockwell Live Fund, Grow Back Greener & Changing Lives.

Terry Curtis(TC) gave the history of the Yellow Qube, which was still lying empty, and suggested we should re-activate the campaign to open it for the local youths. Cllr Saleha Jaffer(SJ) said Cllr Hashi had attended a general meeting with residents in September, where he had promised action by January, 2024, she had spoken with him recently, and the Council were working hard on the issues. But that we could write to him. (The minutes of the September general meeting say “Cllr Mohammad [Hashi] is happy to address another meeting of the residents association in late 2023 or early 2024 once the situation is clearer” )

MTVH Cyclical works: Mimi Discher (MD) She said MTVH had confirmed work had been done, but residents disputed quality. Were we getting value for money? Richard Earwaker(RE) responsible for reactive repairs at MTVH asked that he be sent details with pictures.

Rita Forrest(RF) 27 Sheppard House gave details of problems she had had Every time it rains there is a leak on the first landing of the communal area stairs there is always a puddle She had even sent them photos. She will contact TRA with details & copy in Cllr Jaffer.

Pedro Fenick Godolphin House said NHG had painted over mould. Jan Nairn(JN) said she had his email. NHG have a 2^nd phase of cyclical work next year, but she will meet with Pedro before.

NHG leaseholder issues NHG leaseholder issues Sophie said no reconciled accounts. Number of errors in accounts, reimbursements now refunded into leaseholder accounts, requests for information from NHG not answered and there was a lack of clarity about no of NHG leaseholders. JN said leaseholders have to request direct refunds, and she would provide the number of leaseholders. She can arrange for leaseholder representative to attend a special meeting”.

Cycle parking Chris Blake(CB) said NHG & Southern had provided for parking of cycles, but not MTVH so far. RE said he would look into that.

Treasurers reports TC gave the report on the TRA general account and AP talked about the gardening account. TC said we had requested grants from the 3 housing associations, but we were ok for the present. We had stopped paying bank charges by transferring accounts. Major expense was technology. AP outlined costs and grants for gardening projects Reports accepted.

Discussion on Lighting

Discussion led by Stephen Kearney(SK). He pointed out 3 basic options One was movement activated but buildings were often very dark. The second was to have lights on all night, and off by day, but some residents thought that too bright.

He said MTVH proposed default to 10% throughout the night, but movement activated to 60 or 80%. and stairwells lit all night. No time to resolve but consensus was that with consultation this seemed a good way forward.

Committee Elections
By this time it was 8.50pm. Meeting was due to close at 9pm and we had to vacate by 9.30. TC proposed proceed to elections, and proposed amendments to constitution to follow. Agreed.

SJ presided over election of Chair
SK proposed by TC and seconded by PH
CB nominated as secretary by SK and seconded by SJ
TC nominated as treasurer by CB & seconded by SK
All elections unopposed
Committee nominations: AP, PH, MD, and SJ

At this point Southern Housing reps. queried whether the TRA had done enough to bring on board new people, especially tenants. There was a general discussion with Southern Housing reps. suggesting block representatives had been useful on Lansdowne Green, where each month TRA had had an action plan to present to housing association. Several residents, including Cllr Jaffer, expressed their annoyance at the interruption during elections, and the elections continued.

Rita Forrest(RF) let her name go forward as a nominee to the committee, making 5 committee members without portfolio ( AP,PH,MD,SJ & RF), all elected unopposed.

Constitutional Amendments

TC proposed amending constitution to increase number of general meetings from 2 to 4, and to allow residents to attend committee meetings but not to be allowed to vote. (amendments requested by MTVH). CB proposed another amendment which effectively would have nullified MTVH proposals. Southern Housing rep queried MTVH proposed amendments and said residents who attended committee meetings should be able to vote.

By this point it was 9.25pm, and we had to vacate by 9.30. TC proposed that the meeting be closed and that therefore the proposed amendments could not be put. Agreed.

No Any Other Business

Meeting closed 9.28pm