Federation+-+Minutes+-+May+12+09


 * __ Report of HFRA AGM 12th May 2009 __**

** Present: ** Bruce Grove Residents Network, N17; Chesnuts Area RA, N17; Chestnuts Northside RA, N15; Clyde Area RA, N15; Fairfax Road RA, N8; Gardens RA, N4; Gladwell, Landrock, Cecile Pk RAG, N8; Hampton Ct Owners Assoc, N22; Hillfield St James RA, N10; Haslemere Rd RA, N8; Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association, N2; Reed Road and Devon Close T&RA, N17; Stroud Green RA, N4; Tower Gardens Residents Group, N17; Warner Estate RA, N8; Woodlands Pk RA, N15 A total of 144 local associations have now attended or sent their support since the Federation was set up in 2001. We have details of 169 local RAs, of which 125 are on our internal email list (to promote communication and co-ordination between meetings). The conclusion was that we have an effective borough-wide framework to create a strong and influential residents’ movement - there was enormous potential in the coming year if local groups get actively involved, if more individuals come forward to take on specific Federation responsibilities, and working groups on key issues can be developed. Report adopted. Some officers present gave brief reports on their activities over the previous year.
 * Apologies: ** Avenue Gardens RA, N22; Bowes Park Community Assoc, N11; Broadwater Farm RA, N17; CASCH RA, N6; Ferry Lane Action Group, N17; Fountain Area RA, N15; The Hawthorns RG, N8; Lea Court RA, N15; Methuen Park Assoc, N10; Noel Park North Area RA, N22; Passmore Edwards NW, N11; Roden Court TA, N6; Triangle Watch & Park Ave S. RG, N8; Tynemouth Area RA, N15; West Green RA, N22; Wood Vale RA, N10
 * 1. Annual Report ** Following some general remarks from the Chair, the Secretary introduced the draft Annual Report for 2008-9. Copies were distributed to delegates. It was another very busy and productive year in which the Federation continued to consolidate its activities and presence in the borough. It also continued to support existing RAs and successfully encouraged people wishing to start new ones. Some of the key issues of community concern taken up included planning and development matters, improvements to and protection of green open spaces, street scene and living streets, housing, local services, heritage & conservation and long-term social and environmental sustainability. It had been decided to meet bi-monthly, following monthly meetings since 2001. It was also hoped that more RAs would make use of the updated Federation website.

- we should consider holding one of our Residents Conferences, as we did annually some years ago, maybe on local planning issues, with breakout sessions on heritage / housing / green spaces / small family businesses / large sites / alternative plans / local facilities / sustainability. Catherine (RR&DCTRA), Geoff & Liz (WPRA), and Dave (CNRA) all agreed to be part of a planning working group. In the meantime a meeting would be convened regarding Local Development Framework consultation matters. - The Federation should be on the Better Places Partnership - Website could be modernised and do with more input from officers and others - Although we have appreciated having our meetings at the Sandlings RA community centre since 2001, the Federation should consider a change of venue to one slightly more accessible (ie on a main street), hoping this might attract new RAs.
 * 2. Discussion: ** There then followed an extensive discussion. This included:
 * 3. Treasurer’s Report ** This was distributed and adopted. The new treasurer had managed to get the accounts up to date. The Federation had had no grants or funding, apart from subscriptions/affiliations from local RAs, for the whole of 2008-9, and there were some invoices outstanding. Total assets £5.18p (31.3.09). It was agreed to seek more subs from RAs (£300 already received this year), plus apply for a grant from the E.London Grassroots Fund.
 * 4. Elections ** **The following officers were elected** (all nem con): //__Chair__//__:__ Joyce Rosser (Warner Estate RA, N8); //__Vice Chair__//__:__ //[Position vacant]//; //__Secretary:__// Dave Morris (Chestnuts Northside RA, N15); //__Membership Secretary:__// Liz Pine (Woodlands Park RA, N15); //__Treasurer__//__:__ Geoff Amabilino (Woodlands Park RA, N15); //__Assistant Secretary:__// Wendy Keenan (Fountain Area RA, N15); //__Account Signatories:__// Bob Maltz (GLC-RAG, N8), Lauritz Hansen Bay (Hampton Ct Homeowners, N10), Geoff Amabilino (WPRA, N15); Dave Morris (CNRA, N15). **The following are the current co-opted officers:** //__Licensing:__// Peter Thompson (Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association, N10); //__Older People:__// Lauritz Hansen Bay (Hampton Court Homeowners, N10); //__Heritage & Conservation:__// Joyce Rosser (Warner Estate RA, N8); //__Cycling:__// Adam Coffman (Fairfax Rd RA, N8); //__Living Streets:__// Chris Barker (Warner Estate RA, N8); //__Vulnerable groups:__// Sue Hessel (Haslemere Rd RA, N8); //__Waste Management:__// Pat Ayinde (Bruce Grove RN, N17) and Stephen Whittle (West Green RA, N15/22); //__Planning Issues__//__:__ Dave Morris (CNRA); //__Community Action editor:__// Dave Morris (CNRA); //__Social Housing:__// //[Position vacant]//; //__Young People:__// //[Position vacant]//;