Those present: Garry Turnbull (joint chair), Roger Blantern, Jeremy Beer, Anne Brown, Sara Leon (joint chair), Chris Van Duuren (treasurer) and Tim Sutton (secretary).
1. APOLOGIES of absence were received from Graham Lane, Pelle Kraft, Elizabeth Owen, Barney Mayhew and Shields Russell.
2. PREVIOUS MINUTES, no minutes were taken at the last meeting held on 8 December 2004 although Shields Russell has made informal notes which he will raise as an agenda point at the next JAG meeting.
3. RE-ELECTION: It was noted that the re-election of JAG committee had not taken place at the 2004 AGM. The following positions were proposed and seconded:
Joint Chair - Garry Turnbull and Sara Leon
Treasurer - Chris Van Duuren*
Secretary - Tim Sutton
*Chris made it known that she is willing to relinquish her role as treasurer if another candidate volunteers.
4. TREASURERS REPORT: Chris reported that there was £507.00 in the current and £2,511.00 in the business deposit account (plus some cheques that were still waiting to be deposited).
5. 'NO PARKING' SIGNS: Tim Sutton had received a quote of £203.22 (including VAT and delivery) for nine, 400mm x 300mm, road sign standard (e.g. graffiti washable), ‘No Parking’ signs from stocksigns.co.uk. After discussion, it was decided that the wording should read ‘NO UNAUTHORISED PARKING”, black writing on white background with a black boarder. Tim agreed to confirm prices and order the signs.
6. STREET LIGHTING: Members were informed that Elizabeth Owen is checking with the relevant council department regarding the re-painting and fitting of stronger light bulbs to the carriage-way lamps and will report back at the next JAG meeting.
Also discussed was an email from Jackie Meldrum regarding a recent anonymous enquiry regarding a
modern lamp post in the carriage-way outside 9 Helix Gardens. It would appear that a request to have this
replaced with a ‘heritage style’ post, which would match the other posts in the carriage-ways, has been turned
down by the council. JAG members wondered how this may affect future council decisions on the carriage-way lamp posts. Exactly what are the council responsible for? Is it only maintenance or are they also responsible
for replacing them? And if so, does the conservation status of the street restrict them to heritage style lamps? The email certainly seemed to throw up more questions than answers so Tim agreed to investigate further.
7. DERELICT SITE 85 BRIXTON HILL: Members examined copies of plans supplied my Mr Ansari for his proposed redevelopment of 85 Brixton Hill at the western end of Josephine Avenue. It was agreed that the main, four storey part of the building was much improved over the original plans and definitely benefited by the inclusion of bay windows to the front. Generally it was thought it was much more in keeping with the adjoining terrace. However, members were concerned about the addition of a second floor to the rear coach house building. It was agreed that JAG should write to the council and Mr Ansari to say that we agreed in principle to the main building but objected to the second floor of the coach house.
8. TULSE HILL ARRESTS -PC Jeff Turner, our local ward officer, has informed the group that during a ‘clean up’ operation several of the drug dealers operating on Tulse Hill Parade have now been arrested. The results have been a dramatic reduction of drugs related activity in the area. The police are also working in partnership with local shop keepers to try and maintain this improved situation.
9. BINS: Chris reported that Lambeth, after many requests, have finally installed a waste bin on the pavement of Brixton Water Lane at the eastern end of the Avenue.
10. STREET NOTICE BOARD: Tim is waiting from a reply from Jackie Meldrum, local ward councillor, asking if the group can be exempt from council fees regarding planning permission for the board. Jeremy pointed out that Brockwell Park had recently installed new notice boards and agreed to find out where they were sourced.
11. URBAN ART: Tim's suggestion of an online gallery was accepted by the other members.
12. OTHER MATTERS:
a) Graffiti - Jeremy informed the group that he would be asking the council for another graffiti clean-up.
b) 2 Josephine Avenue - Chris and Sara told the group that the garden of number 2 Josephine Avenue had become very littered and they would be asking the occupiers if they could tidy it up for them.
c) Parking Club - Jackie Meldrum has emailed the group of a successful ‘Car Club’ which operates from Romala Road. Members considered that Josephine Avenue would be an ideal location for a similar scheme and that we should investigate further.
d) AGM Minutes - Tim apologised for the late write-up of the November AGM minutes. It was decided that it would good idea to also supply copies to all residents.
e) Contact List - It was noted that the ‘contact list’ had become very out of date. Tim agreed to update it by contacting all residents who had attended past meetings.
13. TO DO LIST:
Tim Sutton Purchase ‘No Unauthorised Parking’ signs.
Email Jackie Meldrum regarding street lighting and Car Club.
Print copies of AGM minutes for all residents.
Update contact list.
Write to Mr Ansari.
Elizabeth Owen Contact Mr Raj Bami to enquire about repainting of lampposts.
Garry Turnbull Obtain drawing of side elevation complete 85 Brixton Hill site.
Jeremy Beer Investigate source of Brockwell Park notice boards. Graffiti clean-up.
Chris Van Duuren Arrange clean up of 2 Josephine Avenue garden.
Investigate Lambeth’s plans for emptying new bin.
Sara Leon Arrange clean up of 2 Josephine Avenue garden.
Graham Lane Arrange distribution of AGM minutes to all residents.
18. THE NEXT JAG MEETING will be held on:
Wednesday 9th February, 2005 at 1 Appache Road at 8.00pm prompt!
SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS will be held on Tuesday 8th March, Wednesday 13th April, Tuesday 10th May, Wednesday 8th June, Tuesday 12th July, Wednesday 10th August, Tuesday 13th September, Wednesday 12th October, Tuesday 8th November and Wednesday 14th December.
Meeting closed at 9.50pm.