Recently we have had to deal with several blocked drains, in virtually every case the cause has been people putting nappy wipes, face wipes, kitchen wipes, etc down their toilets.
The problem with these items is that they are virtually indestructible, and certainly not biodegradable. Mi Sol drains are not great at the best of times, but these wipes form into balls and literally block everything, and have to be removed by hand or by suction machine.
I am asking all Owners to find other ways to dispose of these items, and put only normal toilet paper down the toilet.
Each time we have to call a company in to clear these drains it costs Euro 180 . 00 weekdays and Euro 270 . 00 Saturday and Sunday. For some reason it usually seems to be weekends when Owners report these problems of blocked drains.
I will be putting forward a proposal that if we have to clear drains blocked by wipes, and we can determine which plot they come from, which we usually can, then that Owner will be charged the cost of clearing the drain.
All Owners who let their property to family and friends, especially with young children, might be wise to leave a prominent note to their guests not to put other than toilet paper into the drainage system.
Investigations are under way with a view to purchasing our own drain clearing machinery.
I would like to thank owners Mr Tony Evans and Mr Ray Hanrahan for their kind assistence in dealing with some of the recent blockages.
Friday 29 February 2008
Saturday 23 February 2008
Caterpillars
As reported in the newsletter produced by Mo Taunton, this is the time of year when the Processional Caterpillars are active.
They develop in silky like nests in Pine trees, after which they come down the trees in a procession, hence the name.
They are highly dangerous, often fatal to animals. The hairs of the Caterpillar being the dangerous part. Killing the Caterpillars does not solve the problem, they must be burnt, the only form of treatment allowed.
Do not under any circumstances touch them or pick them up with bare hands, or breathe in the spores from the hairs.
Committee member Mrs Ann Impey informed me on Wednesday morning she had seen a procession of these caterpillars some 2 metres long. I immediately called in contractors who have inspected every pine tree and destroyed every nest they located, in the approved manner by burning them.
They develop in silky like nests in Pine trees, after which they come down the trees in a procession, hence the name.
They are highly dangerous, often fatal to animals. The hairs of the Caterpillar being the dangerous part. Killing the Caterpillars does not solve the problem, they must be burnt, the only form of treatment allowed.
Do not under any circumstances touch them or pick them up with bare hands, or breathe in the spores from the hairs.
Committee member Mrs Ann Impey informed me on Wednesday morning she had seen a procession of these caterpillars some 2 metres long. I immediately called in contractors who have inspected every pine tree and destroyed every nest they located, in the approved manner by burning them.
Two Steps Forward-One Step Back
Those of you "into" Line dancing will know that Two Steps Forward- One Step Back is the name of a famous old dance, it also aptly describes the financial situation on Mi Sol over the last few months.
Just when we are getting on our feet, a debt from the past comes back to haunt us.
This time it is the good old Social Security again, on Wednesday APYME called the Department of Social Security, and during the conversation they were informed that Mi Sol Bank Account was to be Embargoed for the sum of Euro 8000 (Eight Thousand) in the next few days. This was a bolt from the blue, I had no idea this was in the pipeline. Even the Administrator gasped at the news.
I later spoke to someone in authority at the Department responsible for collecting payments from Employers, and was told this debt relates to Social Security payments which should have been made in 2006/2007 for a Gardener employed in the name of Mi Sol Park.
The original amount due was in the order of Euro 1270, but with sanctions being added over time for non payment, the figure is now Euro 8000.
There is the possibility that it may not be our account which is embargoed, unfortunately because the process is so far advanced I have no way of finding out whether the Official Banco Popular account or the unofficial Cambank account as operated by Paco and his supporters is going to be affected. All we can do is wait and see.
The collection process has been handed over from the Social Security to the Banco España, the Spanish equivalent of the Bank of England. They have sent an enquiry to every bank in Spain to find the Bank account details of Mi Sol Park. I understand that the money will be taken from the first account details they receive.
The point here is that Social Security do not care who is responsible for employing the Gardener, they just want the money, and come what may, they will get it. If neither Bank account has enough money to pay, they will then embargo an individual Owner of the Community, this could be ANY Owner they happen to choose!!!
The good news is this should be the last of the debts being claimed by the Department of Social Security.
This post demonstrates clearly why I prefer to use contractors to carry out work on Mi Sol rather than have people employed by the Community.
Just when we are getting on our feet, a debt from the past comes back to haunt us.
This time it is the good old Social Security again, on Wednesday APYME called the Department of Social Security, and during the conversation they were informed that Mi Sol Bank Account was to be Embargoed for the sum of Euro 8000 (Eight Thousand) in the next few days. This was a bolt from the blue, I had no idea this was in the pipeline. Even the Administrator gasped at the news.
I later spoke to someone in authority at the Department responsible for collecting payments from Employers, and was told this debt relates to Social Security payments which should have been made in 2006/2007 for a Gardener employed in the name of Mi Sol Park.
The original amount due was in the order of Euro 1270, but with sanctions being added over time for non payment, the figure is now Euro 8000.
There is the possibility that it may not be our account which is embargoed, unfortunately because the process is so far advanced I have no way of finding out whether the Official Banco Popular account or the unofficial Cambank account as operated by Paco and his supporters is going to be affected. All we can do is wait and see.
The collection process has been handed over from the Social Security to the Banco España, the Spanish equivalent of the Bank of England. They have sent an enquiry to every bank in Spain to find the Bank account details of Mi Sol Park. I understand that the money will be taken from the first account details they receive.
The point here is that Social Security do not care who is responsible for employing the Gardener, they just want the money, and come what may, they will get it. If neither Bank account has enough money to pay, they will then embargo an individual Owner of the Community, this could be ANY Owner they happen to choose!!!
The good news is this should be the last of the debts being claimed by the Department of Social Security.
This post demonstrates clearly why I prefer to use contractors to carry out work on Mi Sol rather than have people employed by the Community.
Newsletter 2
Here is the second Mi Sol Newsletter produced by Owner Mrs Mo Taunton.
I would remind you that any Owner can have this excellent newsletter posted to them, the cost being added to their bill.
I would remind you that any Owner can have this excellent newsletter posted to them, the cost being added to their bill.
Friday 22 February 2008
Arson Update
The insurance company have given permission to remove the debris from the Bar.
I am pleased to report that at least 11 volunteers have been working all day to clear the Bar, and that tomorrow the toilets will be given a thorough clean.
The Bar will open again on Sunday afternoon at 2 pm, with restocked drink supplies being served on the terrace. Entertainment will be available, and the fun quiz will take place in the evening as planned. This is a magnificent achievement by all concerned.
At the moment I am not sure when the rebuilding of the Serving area will begin, and I expect the seating area will have to be redecorated, this will be done by contractors employed by the insurance company.
Interestingly, only the day before the fire, the Committee discussed whether to close the Bar and terminate the Contract with Mr Morans. This is because Mr Morans made a written agreement with the Community to pay Euro 750 into Banco Popular every month to cover his rent, water and electricity charges. He has failed to make any payment, and gone on holiday to Thailand not expecting to return until April.
After speaking to Kevin the stand in Barman, it would seem Mr Morans is more concerned with being on holiday than returning to rescue his business.
We are lucky to have Kevin, who could just have walked away from this situation, but instead has taken the initiative to re-open the Bar. Both he, and Committee member Lynne Jimemez who also works in the Bar, have indicated to me that they will take the Euro 750 per month from the profits and pay it into Banco Popular instead of paying it into the account of Mr Morans.
I am pleased to report that at least 11 volunteers have been working all day to clear the Bar, and that tomorrow the toilets will be given a thorough clean.
The Bar will open again on Sunday afternoon at 2 pm, with restocked drink supplies being served on the terrace. Entertainment will be available, and the fun quiz will take place in the evening as planned. This is a magnificent achievement by all concerned.
At the moment I am not sure when the rebuilding of the Serving area will begin, and I expect the seating area will have to be redecorated, this will be done by contractors employed by the insurance company.
Interestingly, only the day before the fire, the Committee discussed whether to close the Bar and terminate the Contract with Mr Morans. This is because Mr Morans made a written agreement with the Community to pay Euro 750 into Banco Popular every month to cover his rent, water and electricity charges. He has failed to make any payment, and gone on holiday to Thailand not expecting to return until April.
After speaking to Kevin the stand in Barman, it would seem Mr Morans is more concerned with being on holiday than returning to rescue his business.
We are lucky to have Kevin, who could just have walked away from this situation, but instead has taken the initiative to re-open the Bar. Both he, and Committee member Lynne Jimemez who also works in the Bar, have indicated to me that they will take the Euro 750 per month from the profits and pay it into Banco Popular instead of paying it into the account of Mr Morans.
Swimming Pool
Also discussed at this weeks Committee meeting, was the rebuilding of the swimming pool.
I was pleased to inform the meeting that I have negotiated a draft agreement with the contractors to pay them by instalments as follows.
Euro 10,000 at commencement, followed by two payments of Euro 5000 during and at the end of the work. This will be followed by 12 monthly payments of Euro 1,500, making up the grand total of Euro 38,000. This is for a completely new pool built inside the old one, and re-vamping of the children's pool. The structure of the new pool will carry a 10 year guarantee against defects.
A condition of this agreement will be giving the company a contract of 12 months to maintain the pool at a cost of Euro 500 per month. Under the new swimming pool regulations, we are required to have the pool water professionally maintained and tested.
A legal contract will have to be drawn up, and signed at the Notario.
If all goes to plan, the pool will open in the middle of July, this is because time is needed for the various elements of the construction to harden correctly, under the terms of the guarantee.
Once opened the pool will be available for use by Owners all year round if they so wish, not just the three Summer months as has been the case until now.
The Committee voted unanimously to accept this agreement and I will be making the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.
I was pleased to inform the meeting that I have negotiated a draft agreement with the contractors to pay them by instalments as follows.
Euro 10,000 at commencement, followed by two payments of Euro 5000 during and at the end of the work. This will be followed by 12 monthly payments of Euro 1,500, making up the grand total of Euro 38,000. This is for a completely new pool built inside the old one, and re-vamping of the children's pool. The structure of the new pool will carry a 10 year guarantee against defects.
A condition of this agreement will be giving the company a contract of 12 months to maintain the pool at a cost of Euro 500 per month. Under the new swimming pool regulations, we are required to have the pool water professionally maintained and tested.
A legal contract will have to be drawn up, and signed at the Notario.
If all goes to plan, the pool will open in the middle of July, this is because time is needed for the various elements of the construction to harden correctly, under the terms of the guarantee.
Once opened the pool will be available for use by Owners all year round if they so wish, not just the three Summer months as has been the case until now.
The Committee voted unanimously to accept this agreement and I will be making the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.
Gardening
At the committee meeting held on Tuesday 19th February, many interesting items were discussed. The first concerns the Gardening situation on Mi Sol, or rather , the lack of it.
It has been agreed to employ a company to completely, weed, strim, apply weed killer, and give a full clean up of the Park. The cost will be Euro 4500. Work will begin on Monday 25 th February and is expected to take up to eight weeks to complete.
Depending on the quality of this work, we hope to negotiate a long term contract to keep Mi Sol always looking smart and well kept.
It has been agreed to employ a company to completely, weed, strim, apply weed killer, and give a full clean up of the Park. The cost will be Euro 4500. Work will begin on Monday 25 th February and is expected to take up to eight weeks to complete.
Depending on the quality of this work, we hope to negotiate a long term contract to keep Mi Sol always looking smart and well kept.
Thursday 21 February 2008
Arson
At about 4.30 this morning a patrol of the Guardia Civil noticed smoke and flames coming from Mi Sol Bar, and called the Fire Brigade, who in due course extinguished the fire.
It would appear, from information available, that someone gained access to the Bar Terrace by use of a key, as the chain and lock were found undamaged on the Terrace. Entry to the Bar appears to have been by lifting one of the steel window shutters. A cash till which had contained only small change was found smashed on the terrace, nothing else seems to have been taken. A fire was then started near the coffee machine in the Bar serving area.
The Bar serving area, including the electrical wiring, appears almost totally destroyed, the Bar seating area has smoke and water damage.
The Bar is closed until further notice, likely to be at least several weeks.
The Guardia Civil, and the Insurance company have begun their enquiries into who might have perpetrated this crime.
As is normal when something like this happens, much speculation and rumour abounds about who did it and why. We shall have to await the reports from the Police and the Insurance Company.
Not only have the Community been deprived of their social facilities, but of course several people have also lost their jobs because of this. Not least the very fine Chef who has been providing excellent food over the past months.
The Bar tenant, Mr Morans, is away in Thailand for about three months, and so far no one has managed to contact him.
More about the Bar in a later post.
It would appear, from information available, that someone gained access to the Bar Terrace by use of a key, as the chain and lock were found undamaged on the Terrace. Entry to the Bar appears to have been by lifting one of the steel window shutters. A cash till which had contained only small change was found smashed on the terrace, nothing else seems to have been taken. A fire was then started near the coffee machine in the Bar serving area.
The Bar serving area, including the electrical wiring, appears almost totally destroyed, the Bar seating area has smoke and water damage.
The Bar is closed until further notice, likely to be at least several weeks.
The Guardia Civil, and the Insurance company have begun their enquiries into who might have perpetrated this crime.
As is normal when something like this happens, much speculation and rumour abounds about who did it and why. We shall have to await the reports from the Police and the Insurance Company.
Not only have the Community been deprived of their social facilities, but of course several people have also lost their jobs because of this. Not least the very fine Chef who has been providing excellent food over the past months.
The Bar tenant, Mr Morans, is away in Thailand for about three months, and so far no one has managed to contact him.
More about the Bar in a later post.
Sunday 17 February 2008
Dis-enchanted
There seem to be some Owners who are not satisfied with the new Administration, comments such as " nothing has been done" or " this Committee are not doing anything" seem to be doing the rounds. These Owners would do well to remember that it was not an easy task to keep Mi Sol "afloat" throughout the months of October, November, and December 2007, not only keeping the Park going, but paying off debts left by the previous Administration. Debts which are STILL coming to light even now. The previous Bank statements bear this out.
Attached is a report which shows how much money has been spent from 1st October 2007 to the 7th of February 2008, which amounts to Euro 44775 . 18. Apart from Euro 3000 for legal bills left by the former Administration, this is the very bare minimum it took to keep Mi Sol running during a four month period.
Also attached is the latest statement from Banco Popular, which shows a much healthier situation thanks to the many Owners who paid their bills on time. It has been very frustrating not having any money to do the things we all want to improve the Park, but we have made a start with the tree pruning.........Watch this space for further developments.
Attached is a report which shows how much money has been spent from 1st October 2007 to the 7th of February 2008, which amounts to Euro 44775 . 18. Apart from Euro 3000 for legal bills left by the former Administration, this is the very bare minimum it took to keep Mi Sol running during a four month period.
Also attached is the latest statement from Banco Popular, which shows a much healthier situation thanks to the many Owners who paid their bills on time. It has been very frustrating not having any money to do the things we all want to improve the Park, but we have made a start with the tree pruning.........Watch this space for further developments.
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Painting Continues
I am pleased to say that the issues surrounding the Mi Sol wall painting and the Police have been resolved. The Police have returned the the paint, previously confiscated, to the Artists and work has continued. A photo of the latest section of wall to be painted is attached.
Sunday 3 February 2008
Happy Birthday ( Belated)
It is now a year and a day since this Web Log was unleashed on an unsuspecting world.
This is the 234 th post, during that time there have been comments about many of the subjects, I would like to hear even more of them. I hope it has been useful and informative for all readers, you may not always agree with what I say, but always I try to be accurate and truthful.
Some Owners have asked why there is no humour in these posts ( there is some actually of my own particular brand !!). As you know there is a Newsletter now produced by Owner Mrs Mo Taunton, this is entirely her own work, and I will leave it to her to do the comedy bits !! I am considering starting a new web site specifically to post her newsletter so readers of these posts may also have access to it.
Finally, thank you all very much for taking time to read these posts, and passing them on to other Owners who do not have the internet available.
This is the 234 th post, during that time there have been comments about many of the subjects, I would like to hear even more of them. I hope it has been useful and informative for all readers, you may not always agree with what I say, but always I try to be accurate and truthful.
Some Owners have asked why there is no humour in these posts ( there is some actually of my own particular brand !!). As you know there is a Newsletter now produced by Owner Mrs Mo Taunton, this is entirely her own work, and I will leave it to her to do the comedy bits !! I am considering starting a new web site specifically to post her newsletter so readers of these posts may also have access to it.
Finally, thank you all very much for taking time to read these posts, and passing them on to other Owners who do not have the internet available.
No Exscuse
Attached is the latest Electricity bill from Iberdrola, you will note it is addressed to me, not the Community, this is because as explained in a previous post, Mi Sol Electricity account is in my sole name.
Also attached the latest bank statement from Banco Popular, this clearly shows the payment for the bill mentioned above of Euro 5631 . 88. The Eagle eyed amongst you will notice the Bank have paid 10 Centimos too much !!!
Whatever the grievances , whether real or imagined, of Paco and his few supporters, the fact is they are still trying to gain payments from people for water and electricity bills. They still have made no effort to hand these payments over to Banco Popular, which means the rest of the Community are still paying the charges on behalf of these Owners.
The position of Paco and his supporters is completely untenable, there are simply no excuses for their actions.
Also attached the latest bank statement from Banco Popular, this clearly shows the payment for the bill mentioned above of Euro 5631 . 88. The Eagle eyed amongst you will notice the Bank have paid 10 Centimos too much !!!
Whatever the grievances , whether real or imagined, of Paco and his few supporters, the fact is they are still trying to gain payments from people for water and electricity bills. They still have made no effort to hand these payments over to Banco Popular, which means the rest of the Community are still paying the charges on behalf of these Owners.
The position of Paco and his supporters is completely untenable, there are simply no excuses for their actions.
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