AGM NOTICE AND MINOR UPDATES

 Under construction and reconstruction

The picture above is just for interest.  It is the view from above of our building under construction back in 1964.  Today, our reconstruction feels a bit like déjà vu, which is the feeling that a new situation is a repeat of a past experience, even though you know it isn't. But the outcome is the same, a beautiful and iconic apartment building.

Annual General Meeting

This is to be held at the James Cook Chancellor on Monday, December 8, starting 5.30pm.  We hope to see a big turnout.  Ken Beard, our chairman, will give an update of the year so far, elections will be held for a couple of new directors, and the financial report will also be delivered.

A somewhat chaotic start to the week

Damien reported sick with Covid, poor fellow, so is waiting out the isolation time, and Brigid has been felled by coughing and general malaise -- not Covid, thankfully, but unpleasant all the same.  We all wish them a speedy recovery to full health.

Lobby

You will all have noticed a lot of work going on in the way of tearing down stuff, carried out by an extremely apologetic carpenter.  Well, we all know he can't avoid making rather a lot of noise. This is part of the fire safety upgrade. If there was a petrol leak or any kind of explosion in the garage that backs onto the trolley room, it could be dire -- or so the fire people say.

It also means a necessary installment of a mimic fire panel close to the lobby entrance.  The new "real" fire panel is located in the basement, so can't be seen from the street.  According to the code the fire trucks must be able to assess the situation from outside the building, which is why a mimic fire panel has to be set up. The existing fire panel, which is in a glass enclosure by the foyer door, will be removed, and the area fixed to look good.

The problem is where to put the mimic panel. It should be protected from the weather by something fireproof, as well as being readily visible from outside. There are three options.  One is on the wall where the evacuation board is now.  Another is where the fire panel is now. The third is outside, on the carport block wall.

Both of the first two would be sheltered from the weather, but the place where the current fire panel is set would not be readily visible. The third, on the carport wall, is not desirable, as it is open to weather, and could be damaged by a passing vehicle.

Siting it by the evacuation board, above the seat where people perch while waiting for a taxi, is by far the most preferable. Not only is it sheltered by the concrete canopy, but it can -- at a pinch -- be seen from the street.  To make it even easier, it will probably be fitted with a blue strobe light.  

Below is a sketch showing the options, with the fire panels coloured orange.