The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTERLink to >> CouncilAgenda20130820
Glen Waverley Uniting Church Property Committee
August 2013.
A productive pastoral care time was enjoyed at the beginning of the meeting.
19 Southdown Ave Manse
Repairs to the roof gullies have been completed. The manse is ready for occupancy; however there is no power and heating as these are tenant costs.
Careful Kitchen Crew
The oven was found to be faulty and has been repaired. The kitchen were found to be left in a less than satisfactory condition on more than one occasion, with bins full of putrid rubbish and benches not cleaned adequately. It must be recorded that property is of the view that this is NOT due to hirers, but due to our own groups. Property has asked the CKC to monitor specific users so that we can talk to them about these matters. Everyone is to be reminded that if you use the kitchen for any function, you are required to clean it and empty bins in accordance with the Food Safety program signed off by Church Council. This includes emptying bins even if they are only partly used.
Kitchen fridge
As previously reported funds have been donated to replace the kitchen fridge to enable better support for major events. Property and the Careful Kitchen Crew are discussing the needs with effected parties. Property has received a second request. As before, we have asked the initiators of the request to provide a level of guidance of what type and size of commercial unit is required so that the CKC and Property can determine the best outcome. This project may require changes to the kitchen layout. Backpack Vacuum: A new backpack vacuum has been purchase to replace one that caught fire. There are various opinions about the type of vacuum to be purchased however for the worship center, the backpack version is still the best. We understand some of the mature age volunteers find it difficult and so the new one is only 4.5 KG. Most “puppy dog” cleaners are not suitable for the large expanses of carpet and will burn out quickly when used. We are monitoring the situation
Carpet Room 1
Although approval to proceed with new carpet in Room 1 was given by Church Council last month, we are concerned that as the color cannot be matched throughout the complex long term and we are re-visiting this request to develop a long term, whole complex replacement process to ensure the best aesthetic outcome.
Emergency Services Testing
The annual ESS testing was performed in July during the school holidays as it requires all lighting to be turned off for 4 hours to enable emergency lights and battery exit signs to be timed, repaired or replaced. We found more than 50% of our exit lights have failed the 90 minutes tests and that we need additional units in the extension foyer. In addition we wish to replace the heater switches in the Hall with units that will enable users to turn the heaters off without going into the switchboard. The cost of this will be $3360 with labour by Rob McDougall. The treasurer supports the need to purchase these items however the current delegations require this to go to Church Council. Refer decision request below.
2014 Budget
Property is preparing the 2014 budget and requires any new requests or projects to be submitted by September 2013.
Solar Power
A second quote is being prepared and then a submission will be sent to Church Council via Finance Committee. The aim of the proposal will be to eliminate if possible the $12,000 pa electricity costs.
Smart Meter
Still to be installed.
Fist Aid Kits
Shanta Mohinadeen is to oversee the First Aid kits and the refill process. Property would like to record a note of thanks to Jan Clarke who initiated their purchase and has looked after them for many years. We currently have the main unit in the kitchen and two portable units used for off site activities.
Ambulance directions
There was an incident on Sunday and when the emergency service 000 number was rung, they had an incorrect address for the church. Something seems to have changed in their records as previous calls had no problems. Neil Leister is contacting the service to ensure the complex address is correct to avoid any future delays.
Pushbike and motorbike parking
Property is investigating opportunities to provide a dedicated push bike and motor bike space in the car park while reducing the concerns over the safety barrier at the foot of the extension entrance. The Office manager is being kept involved with this discussion.
Gas Heaters
All 3 gas heaters in rooms 1/2/3 have been serviced and repaired. These units no longer have parts available and we may have to replace them soon. Care of use is recommended.
Minor Repairs
Ongoing throughout the complex. However, turning lights and heating off will save large expenses.
Electrical expenditure
Over the last few weeks Property had to run an annual Emergency Services testing (ESS) as per Synod requirements and we have also reviewed the operation on the hall heaters as they were being either left on, or untrained persons were accessing the switchboard and turning off incorrect fuses. We do not want people accessing the switchboard for any reason.
To overcome both problems we have had RobMcDougall give us the cost of bringing our emergency services lighting [Exit lights] up to scratch. The exit lights are required to remain on for 90 minutes in the event of a power failure and during our test less than half met that requirement. Also, we do not have Exit lights in the extension foyer as required by law - not sure why it did not happen during construction, but we wish to rectify the matter now.
We also asked for a fix for the hall heaters, where Rob will replace the ON only switches in the hall, to switches that allow users to turn the heaters off when finished with the facility. They are the same type of switch used on the hall fans, but rated for the 1500watt heaters in the hall. This will also, hopefully, reduce our power bills of $12,000 p.a. (There is more to come on this matter in our investigation of solar power)
Attached is his invoice which is a VERY reasonable cost for the work that has to be done and certified by him. He quotes low on the hours to save us money.
We need your approval to spend $3K as I can only spend $500, and Finance can only approve up to $2,000 without talking to Church Council. The treasurer supports the work.
The ESS costs are to comply with emergency requirements and is mandatory. We could have tried to repair the Exit lights (again), but were advised that this will not ensure long life and they could still die, whereas the new LED lights will give us 10 years plus of useful life.
Decisions required from Church Council.
Property asks the following:
- Will Church Council approve $3360 to replace and repair emergency lighting and to replace the heater switches in the Hall with units that will enable users to turn the heaters off without going into the switchboard.
Warren Greenwood Property Chairman. – August 2013.