1.

Stefan opened the meeting and took telephone numbers of committee members. He has met with Ana Rosa Maeso (Administrator) who will provide us with Tax and Bank Account numbers, and all members of the committee will need to go provide signatures to the Bank. Only two persons may withdraw or make transfers from the account.

2.

The pool areas were discussed at length. Two companies have quoted for maintenance of the pools and clearing of rubbish from the surrounding areas, and from communal areas. One quote is for Euros 1,123.89 per month (totaling Euros 13,486.68 per annum plus IVA). The other, from the company currently maintaining these areas, is for Euros 13,526.04 per annum, plus IVA, broken down as follows:

December to June Euros 1,033.72 per month )

July to September Euros 1,380.00 per month ) plus IVA

October & November Euros 1,075.00 per month )

It was agreed to go with the quote from the current maintenance company, and Stefan will call them to confirm. As soon as the ‘Pool Rules’ boards are in place, the Pools can then be opened.

Two swipe cards per household will be issued to gain access to the pool areas and these will show house numbers only (not names). The programmable swipe machines on the gates will cost Euros 3,375 to install and Euros 600 per year to programme/maintain but the first 6 months programme/maintenance will be free. The machines will be programmed to exclude house numbers where the community fee has not been paid.

No animals will be allowed into the pool areas. It is Spanish Law that anyone taking their dog(s) into pool areas and allowing them to foul the areas/pools, will be responsible for the cost of cleaning the area and for draining, cleaning and replacing the water in the pool(s).

There is a 10 year guarantee on each pool, and a 1 year guarantee on each pump.

With regard to heating one pool, it was suggested that we wait until all houses are released before taking a decision on this as it will be very expensive and everyone should pay towards it. It would involve a one-off payment for installation, and must be covered during the winter - possibility of solar heating?

3.

The builder has promised to arrange for a total clean-up, following which everyone must be vigilant and tell anyone seen dumping rubbish not to do it. Rubbish skip and more bins are required in the water tower area - Stefan to arrange.

4.

Designated ‘green zones’ do not belong to Dream Hills. They are under the control of Orihuela Council who must provide a park, etc.. If we decide to take these areas on ourselves, we can request authorisation to provide a third pool (expensive!), a sports area, children’s play area, etc. If we decide to do this and get our request in before the end of the month, ie: prior to the election, it is possible that we will get agreement.

A ‘dog-walking’ area, with bins, was suggested, also a ‘secure’ play area for children, tennis/bowls/BBQ area, and the builder will be asked to fence the urbanisation boundary.

If he refuses, the community will have to arrange/pay for this to be done. The community fees will obviously increase if we follow this route.

Benches/sun umbrellas/planters to be sourced.

The water tower does not belong to the builder but Stefan will ask if the area around it can be landscaped and the wall painted. He will also ask the Council if the old river bed can be planted with trees.

5.

The Administrator’s fee for this year is Euros 14,775.00 (Euros 2.85 per month for each of the 450 houses currently released). This fee should reduce after the first year.

6.

Committee members agreed to establish which householders on their particular phase are permanent residents, so that the letters/bank forms for the community fees can be handed out personally, whilst the non-residents will receive their letters/forms via the post.

7.

We are not allowed to gate or obstruct entrance/exit to the roads. They must be kept clear in case of emergencies. However, we can have chains across with ‘Residents Only’ plaques, and the pedestrian walkway areas will have planters to stop vehicles using them.

8.

Sliding glass doors have been ordered for the post boxes but these will not be lockable as the postmen will not take responsibility for holding keys. Two additional, larger boxes will be provided for commercial mail/flyers. Residents can then help themselves to what they want from them.

9.

Stefan will speak to the City Hall regarding the absence of speed bumps/pedestrian crossings at the top end of the estate. Maintenance of side roads is the responsibility of the community. Also, at the moment the builder is allowed to cut the electricity supply to the street lights (but not the ones on the main road) as he is still paying for it. Once our community fees are in, the responsibility for the side roads lighting will be ours.

10.

Owners personal problems, ie: with neighbours, animals, noise, etc., must be dealt with direct as far as possible.

11.

We have no control over the commercial centre; however, the buildings can only be two storey and each unit is responsible for disposal of it’s rubbish. The community bins are not for commercial use.

12.

It was agreed that Stefan should not pay community fees, to help cover the cost of petrol, telephone, stationery, etc..