Attention Dog Owners

Are you a dog owner? Due to the number of dog fouling instances in the estate, which are public health hazards, and loose/unmuzzled dogs, we’d like to bring the following information from Westmeath County Council’s control of animals webpage to your attention.

Dog owners responsibilities:

  • A person in charge of a dog must clean up when the dog fouls in a public place. Owners who fail to do so are liable to an ‘on-the-spot’ of €150
  • Keep their dog/s under control in a public place.
  • Dogs must wear a collar and tag bearing the name and address of the owner.
  • Certain breeds of potentially dangerous dogs must be kept on a short strong leash and muzzled whenever they are in a public place.

Licensing:

If you have a dog over 4 months old, you must have a licence for it and the person to whom the licence is issued must be over 16 years of age.

A dog licence may be purchased online or at any Post Office.

If you do not have a licence for your dog, you are liable to a €30.00 on-the-spot fine.

Failure to pay this fine can lead to a prosecution with a maximum fine of €1,270.00 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment if convicted.

Breeds of dog to which certain regulations apply under the Control of Dogs Act:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Bulldog
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Dobermann Pinscher
  • English Bull Terrier
  • German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Japanese Akita
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog) and to every other strain or cross of every breed or type of dog described above.
Further information:

Link to Westmeath County Council’s control of dogs webpage

An Post’s dog licensing webpage

 

Annual collection of resident contributions and remedial works

The upkeep of the common areas in the estate is the responsibility of the residents. This includes grass cutting of common green areas,  replacement of house number street signs in the estate, repairs to estate walls that are not the responsibility of the council, and any other remedial works that may be necessary. These works were outlined in the recent AGM.

The grass cutting season has already started and the first part of the remedial work plan – replacement of house number street signs – is underway.

To help cover to the costs of these works, the residents association have been collecting €30 per household every year. 100% of these contributions go directly towards these works and the full accounts for the resident association are made public.

Volunteer residents from the association will be circulating around the estate in the coming weeks with a view to collecting a contribution of €30 per household. We do realise that times are hard and living costs are climbing but your valued support is being requested once again this year. The €30 contribution is approximately 60 cents per week, which is a modest sum considering the work it achieves. This request is being made to all residents; either renting their home or as owners.

 Sincere thanks to all the residents and community groups for their contributions and support.  We are sure that you will do your best to support us in our efforts to maintain  the estate that will all live in.

Minutes of the 2012 Ashefield Residents Association AGM

Ashefield Residents Association held their 2012 AGM on April 26th in The Newbury Hotel, Green Bridge, Mullingar.

1. Meeting Opening

The meeting was opened by Mr. Joe Gettings, Treasurer.

2. Accounts for 2011

The accounts for 2011 were presented by Treasurer Mr. Joe Gettings. (Full accounts available on www.ashefield.com.) These were unopposed and accepted.

3. Annual contribution for upkeep-of green areas

The residents contribution is currently €30 per house. It was pointed out that is the lowest in Mullingar. Other estate contributions range from €50 to €100. It was decided to leave the annual contribution at €30 per house.

4. Additional Remedial Works

The prospect of engaging in additional remedial works in the estate such as replacement of the house number street signs and repair to the estate walls near the Ashe Road entrance was discussed. As there is sufficient funds to complete the grass cutting for 2012, it was decided that these activities would be undertaken if estimated additional cost of this activity was collected in 2012.

5. New Constitution

The Treasurer, Joe Gettings presented a new constitution for discussion. However the quorum of 10 persons required to adopt the new constitution was not present. Therefore the discussion was suspended until a quorum could be convened. Full details of the constitution is available at www.ashefield.com.

6. Election of new committee

Mr Joe Gettings stepped down from the position as Treasurer. The election of the association officers for 2012 commenced.

  • Treasurer: Mr. John Scales went forward for this position. He was elected unopposed unanimously.
  •  Chairperson: Mr. Joe Gettings went forward for this position. He was elected unopposed unanimously
  • Secretary: No one was available for this position. A decision was made to try and co-opt a resident into this position

7. Closing of meeting

The meeting was then closed

Constitution

Don’t forget – our AGM will on Thursday, April 26 in the Newbury Hotel, Mullingar from 8pm. One of the agenda items will be a discussion and vote regarding the draft constitution for  Ashefield Residents’ Association. The draft is as follows:

1. Name of the Group

The name of our association will be: Ashefield Estate Residents’ Association. Ashefield Estate is located at Ashe Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Our website is www.ashefield.com
In this document, Ashefield Estate will be referred to as “our estate” and the website www.ashefield.com shall be referred to as ‘our website’.

2. Aims and objectives of our group:

The association seeks to represent and to promote the interests of all the residents living on our estate. Ashefield Residents’ Association will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error on our website or any publications produced by the Association.
Our website may contain links from our website to pages maintained by other organisations. These are provided purely for your convenience. They do not imply that Ashefield Residents’ Association endorses or supports those organisations, the information on their pages, or their products or services in any way.

No responsibility is assumed by Ashefield Estate Residents’ Association for the contents of their pages or for the actions of individual members of the association.

3. Membership of our association:

The members of this association are all residents who live on our estate. Any member of the association can stand for election to the committee. The committee shall be composed of three officers: a chairperson, a secretary, a treasurer and shall be elected every year at the annual general meeting (AGM).
In the event of a person leaving our estate or resigning from the committee, the remaining Committee shall co – opt another member to fill the position. A committee member shall not hold the same office for longer than four consecutive years.

All members of the association are welcome to any public events and meetings organized by the association. At events and meetings, members are expected to behave in a reasonable manner. The chairperson or event organizer will have the authority to exclude from a meeting or event anyone whose language or behavior is offensive.

4. Banking procedure:

The residents association has a credit union account into which all monies received shall be lodged. The committee can raise money on behalf of the association as they see fit, as long as they spend it in line with the aims and objectives of the association. The association should keep receipts for all money paid out. The treasurer will ensure that all accounts are presented once a year.

5. Equal Opportunities Statement:

We encourage people from different backgrounds and different experiences to be part of our association. This is why we strive to make our residents’ association a place where everyone can feel welcome and safe. We will challenge any remarks or behavior that cause offence and makes some people feel unwelcome.
We will do our best to overcome any obstacles to people giving their view or getting involved in our association.

6. How we will make sure we are democratic:

Once per year (no later than after 16 months) we will hold an AGM. This is where the committee will be elected by majority vote. Nominations in advance or from the floor will be accepted only if the person nominated is present at the AGM or has put in writing that they wish to stand for election. A quorum of 10 persons will be required at the AGM in order for it to proceed.

7. What happens at our Annual General Meeting?

• The minutes of the previous AGM will be presented and approved.
• The existing committee will present a report of the association’s activities.
• The existing treasurer will present the accounts for the year.
• The existing committee will stand down.
• The committee for the next year will be elected.

If nobody is willing to stand, the committee will decide whether to start procedures to close the association down. Alternatively, the committee can continue in office to try and redevelop the association for up to six months. At this time the committee may decide to continue until such time as new committee is elected or formally dissolve the association.

8. How will everybody know what has been decided

• We will keep minutes of all meetings of the association.
• We will note down what has been agreed or decided and who is responsible for any jobs involved in that decision.
• The minutes will be presented to the next meeting and have to be approved.
• Any member of the association has the right to read the minutes of any public or committee meeting.

9. Responsibilities of the officers

9.1. Our chairperson will:
• Usually chair all meetings.
• Ensure that all present can contribute without interruption and intimidation. Prepare the agenda with the secretary and ensure that agenda items are resolved.
9.2. Our secretary will:
• Deal with all correspondence,
• Keep minutes and records.
• Keep all members informed.
• Prepare the agenda with the chairperson.
9.3. The Treasurer will:
• Keep up to date records of all financial transactions.
• Ensure that all legitimate expenses, (e.g. grass cutting, maintenance of common areas) incurred by Ashefield Residents’ Association are paid promptly.
• Make regular financial reports and prepare the accounts for inspection.
• Present the accounts at the AGM.
9.4. Members of our committee will:
• Work as part of a team and have the right to represent the association on outside bodies.

Annual General Meeting – Ashefield Residents Association

Ashefield Residents Association will hold their annual general meeting on Thursday 26 April, 2012 in The Newbury Hotel, Green Bridge, Mullingar at 8pm

Contributions from all residents in the estate are most welcome. The current list of items for discussion are:

  • Presentation of the 2011 accounts
  • Maintenance and remedial work plans for the coming year
  • Election of the new committee for 2012
  • Any other business

 

Notice regarding this meeting is being distributed to all houses in the estate.

Dear Resident,

Thanks for your support in 2011 and we hope that you will be as supportive in the coming year.

This is your residents association and your opinion and voice counts. The main agenda items as listed are not the only topics that may be address in the forthcoming AGM.  We invite suggestions for anything that you feel needs to be included in the agenda and any ideas that you might have to help improve the estate for all residents.

Ashefield has a website, e-mail address, Twitter account, and a Facebook page to help you keep up with to date and to contact us.

We encourage you to use these to stay in touch with both the residents association and residents. The committee comprises all unpaid volunteers – your neighbours, who are willing to spare some time.

Your contribution is very important. It falls back on us as a community to maintain and improve the common areas in the estate.

We realise that time is precious so therefore we appreciate all and any help you can give. This can involve calling on Tesco to collect abandoned shopping trolleys or picking up litter in your area.

We encourage you to contact us with your ideas, suggestions, and hope you can turn up to the AGM to meet other residents, give your opinion, and get involved.

 

Joe Gettings/Keith Nolan

Treasurer Ashefield Residents Association/website administrator

 
Ashefield

 

 

Ashefield Accounts 2011

Details of the 2011 bank account transactions and balance summary for Ashefield Residents Association are as follows:

Date  Lodged By Source Purpose Withdrawn Lodged
17-May-11 J.Gettings  2011 Collection     €170.00
      J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) €180.00  
21-May-11 J.Gettings  2011 Collection     €235.00
31-May-11 Credit Union  2011 Grant     €200.00
10-Jun-11 D.Conroy  2011 Collection     €350.00
14-Jun-11 J.Gettings  2011 Collection     €60.00
17-Jun-11 D.Conroy  2011 Collection     €197.50
01-Jul-11 M.Colvert  2011 Collection     €380.00
06-Jul-11     J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) €270.00  
22-Jul-11 J.Gettings  2011 Collection     €50.00
30-Jul-11 D. Conroy  2011 Collection     €80.00
19-Aug-11 W,meath CC W,meath CC     €300.00
07-Sep-11     J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) €360.00  
05-Oct-11     J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) €360.00  
14-Dec-11   C.U. dividend     €10.18
14-Dec-11     Affil Fee C.U. €0.90  
14-Dec-11     Donation C.U. €1.00  
30-Dec-11     J.Mc Donald (Grass cutting) €90.00  
           
Summary
    Total Collected & Lodged to Credit Union 2011 €2,032.68
           
    Credit Union Balance Brought Forward from 2010 €1,564.91
           
    Petty Cash Forward from 2010 €120.00
           
    Total Funds Collected 2011+ Brought Forward From
2010 
€3,717.59
           
    Total Withdrawn from Credit Union in 2011 €1,261.90
           
    Petty Cash Spent 2011 €46.00
           
           
    Credit Union Balance  €2,335.69
           
    Petty Cash Balance €74.00
           
           
           
                                  Overall Balance €2,409.69

Mulleady’s Ltd. taking over Wallace Recycling’s service in the estate

You may have received a note through the letter box regarding a change in bin collection service. As from Monday, 19th March, 2012, Mulleady’s Waste Management will be taking over the wheelie bin collection service in Ashefield from Wallace Recycling Ltd. They will use the same collection day (Wednesday).

Their paper tags will be available in the same outlets and for the same price as Wallace Recycling. They will accept any remaining Wallace Recycling tags until Saturday 31st March, 2012. After this date, all bins must have Mulleady’s Waste Management tags on them.

They also provide an electronic tag system and more information about this is available from them at www.mulleadygroup.com/waste

Free electrical & battery recycling event

Westmeath Co. Co. has issued a notice regarding a free electrical and battery recycling event on Friday, 2nd March, 2012. The drop-off point will be the Tesco carpark.  They’ll accept any household electrical item with a plug or battery e.g. IT equipment, large and small domestic appliances, home entertainment appliances, and all bulbs and batteries. Staff will be on-hand to help with unloading. No commercial waste will be accepted.

If you bring 5 or more items, you could be in with a chance to win a HP laptop – the draw will take place on the day at 4pm.

Reporting street lighting problems

Westmeath County Council contracted Electric Skyline Limited to maintain the public lighting. So far, they have fixed lighting problems in the estate within 24 hours of when they were reported. To report a street light fault, a report form is available at http://www.electricskyline.ie/report-fault.html . When reporting a problem, include the following information

  • The number on the pole
  • The street or estate e.g. Ashefield
  • The location of the light (for example, outside house number 23)
  • Your name and contact number

Wallace Recycling change their bin collection schedule

Wallace Recycling recently moved to fortnightly refuse/recycling collections.  This means they won’t collect green (refuse) and blue (recycling) on the same week anymore.  Their updated calendar can be found here

According to their website:

General rubbish collected only on weeks in white. Day of collection has not changed. Recycle bin collected only on weeks marked blue. Day of collection has not changed. For further information contact 044 9347177