News and information for residents of Ashefield, Mullingar, Ireland
Have you noticed the newly redrawn traffic markings in the estate yet? They are hard to miss and should alleviate a longstanding safety problem as they gradually disappeared over the last 20+ years. This issue was raised by Ashefield residents association with Ken Glynn who delivered on it for us. Many thanks to him for staying on it and seeing it through to a successful outcome.
Note: these are draft minutes and may be updated
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh (Treasurer/Secetary)
Mr. David Conroy (Committee Member)
Ms. Maria Colvert (Committee Member)
Residents – their attendance was recorded on a sign-in sheet
Also in Attendance:
Councillor Ruth Illingworth (Town Councillor)
Mr. Robert Troy T.D.
Mr. Jonathan Darcy (AES)
Meeting was opened by Ms. Margaret Kavanagh and all those in attendance were welcomed.
The role of the Residents Association was discussed by Ms. Margaret Kavanagh.
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh reminded those present that grass cutting currently carried out by the contractor only extends to the large green areas. It remains the responsibility of the residents to cut the strip of grass in front of their own house.
Mr. David Conroy proposed that the contribution per house be continued at the current rate of €30 per annum. This was agreed by all those present. However the possibility of using a raffle to raise funds in the future was discussed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh said that she had got a two quotes for the cutting of the grass and while the exact cost had not been agreed finally with the tendering parties it was expected that this would be approximately €1400. The large green area adjacent to the C-Link road was discussed and was felt this area needed remedial works. Mr Robert Troy T.D. undertook to write to the County Council and request that these works be carried out.
Ashefield resident and professional fitness instructor, Eamonn offered to hold a series of fitness classes using one of the green areas within the estate. It was proposed that any revenue generated would be contributed to the estate funds.
It was discussed that as some of the houses are rented there is an issue as to who has the responsibility for the upkeep. It was decided that the residents should forward the request to the landlord if they were unprepared to pay.
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh said that the apartment block in Ashefield did not have a management company. Therefore it was unclear as to who had responsibility for the upkeep of the area around the apartments.
The issue of litter in the laneways and the congregation of people in laneways was discussed. Councillor Ruth Illingworth stated that it was currently proposed to close off some of the laneways in neighbouring estate Abbeylands. However it was decided that this course of action would not be pursued. Other deterrent methods were proposed and discussed.
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh reminded residents that a lot of information regarding the estate and the residents association is currently available on the estate’s website.
http://165.227.235.101/
Ms. Margaret Kavanagh presented the financial statement for 2011 (see below).
Mr. David Conroy and Ms. Maria Colvert agreed to stay on in their current position. This was unopposed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh stated that she no longer wished to remain in the position of treasurer and asked if anyone was willing to go forward. Mr. Joe Gettings offered to take over this role.
He was accepted into this position unopposed. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh then handed over the folder containing the financial details of Ashefield Residents Association and undertook to assist in the smooth handover of the accounts to Mr. Joe Gettings. Ms. Margaret Kavanagh also presented Mr. Joe Gettings with the Associations Petty Cash which amounted to €120.
The meeting was then concluded.
| Date | Description | Credit | Debit | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance from 2009 | €1180.30 | *** | €1180.30 | |
| 07.05.10 | Community grant | €200 Credit Union | *** | €1380.30 |
| 28.05.10 | Grass cutting – J. McD | *** | €360 | €1020.30 |
| 01.06.10 | Contributions | €760 (Dave) | *** | €1780.30 |
| 25.06.10 | Contributions | €440 (Tom) | *** | €2220.30 |
| 02.07.10 | Grass cutting – J. McD | *** | €360 | €1860.30 |
| 16.07.10 | Contributions (Eddie) | €60 | *** | €1920.30 |
| 07.08.10 | Contributions (Maria) | €595 | *** | €2515.30 |
| 07.09.10 | Grass cutting | *** | €600 | €1915.30 |
| 10.11.10 | Grass cutting | *** | €360 | €1555.30 |
| December | Miscellaneous items – bin tags, etc. | *** | €100 cash (not in Credit Union) | |
| December | Late payment. | No.2 €30 | *** | €60 to be kept for misc. expenses |
Due to new Credit Union rules with regards to withdrawing cash, the present committee has decided to keep a certain amount of money in the kitty for miscellaneous expenses as it is not always convenient for members to get to the credit union.