Link 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

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.

Will Church Council (or executive) please approve this expenditure and allow myself and the treasurer to determine the best place from which to get the funds.

Thank you WarrenGreenwood Property Chair.