Oh the joys of living in the country...

• List of break ins in DV there may be others not reported, occupier usually out
• Do security walk around at random times or set pattern
• Procedure for reporting so a log can be kept by AEA, also list of long term lets over say 4 weeks with contact details if local agent.
• Most problems late afternoon and week ends – looks like someone who is watching most likely renting a property.
• Gates across halls or better across individual doors - set pattern and colour agreed at AGM
• Pre wired alarms we need specification for wiring to get quotes
• Procedure when alarms sound, recent fire alarms no action.
• Cameras? Some real and some false
• Broken barrier, security not stopping people coming in
• Safes not secured into concrete only into wood
• Alerting process for all owners not all have email, notice boards for each block.
• 2 groups reported as possible suspects 2 people mid 20’s in silver car and 4 Eastern European speaking/looking people who have been around for months
• How do we stop balcony to balcony access
• Front doors not a security door can be easily levered open – AEA have pictures
• Car park stairs left open (cleaners?)

• Reputation of DV, a bad place to purchase and a bad place to rent, anger of residents affected.
• Information about DV problems on Eye on Spain web site http://www.eyeonspain.com/Secure/Default.aspx
• Outsiders using pool and tennis courts
• Non payment of community fees

• People sold a community with:-

• Access to golf course
• Path down to Duquesa
• Tennis courts – more than one
• Plays areas for children
• Covered walk ways and water falls

The front barrier is owned and operated by the builders (it is not Ros y Falcon or the community’s barrier). Out of courtesy we have our garage remote keys encoded to operate the barrier as well. When the site is completed a proper electric gate will be constructed. 

Notice boards have been approved at the meeting RyF to pay AEA to install with builders help, and will be made and installed near to the 3 Basura locations. When the front gate is completed another notice board will be installed at the top of the site. Not everybody uses the pools so the Basura areas have been chosen. 

Security will be increased to cover additional hours and this will be covered by the existing budget. A camera survey will be completed to access what installation points can be used to cover the site in a cost effective way. Cost estimates can then be obtained. Senor Caballero will discuss the thefts with the Manilva Local Police.

 AEA will most likely have an office near the site entrance.

Debtors, they have been written letters and will be taken to court and pay with interest. Notices are on the bottom of any staircase with debtor in that escalera. Personal note I think all owners should be photographed and their image posted so that people know who they are when they continue not to pay. AGM issue?

We discussed allowing an iron gate across individual front doors to be added by owners, this gate will sit in the recess and so almost out of site, at the AGM which may in Feb. 2008 a style and cover will be agreed. I have one estimate at about 400 euros plus 120 to fit, I think this price can be improved.

A walkway near the tennis court towards Duquesa may not be possible, but would be lookedat near the completion of the site. The town hall planning are strict on this area.The area near here and across the valley to the Coto Real site is rural land and a path 10 metres or so either side of the river must be left clear for flood drainage. If you have ever been in the area when we have a serious storm you will understand this. 

He told me play areas were not in the plan, and was surprised it was in the brochure. I intend to send him a copy of the brochure to this and other missing items.

I know that when people write to him in English he aways replies in Spanish, but I actually found Gerardo's atitude to be helpful during the meeting.

I write to him Spanish now and find I always get a quick and courtious response in Spanish !!! This is fine because its helping my Spanish.

Jeff,

When we met on Friday at the Dolphin bar I might have mentioned the gates and quotes I have been requesting. I now have a design and a photograph of what can be provided at a very reasonable price. I have discussed this with Gerrardo , and as I don't want to go ahead without his permission for the reasons we have discussed, I will be submitting the photos for his approval.

Many thanks indeed for the meeting update. It's great to know we have fellow owners attending  while we are unavailable overseas, and we will help wherever we can when we are over.

Regarding the staircase / door security gates, one block in phase 1 or 2 has installed a lovely Spanish style wrought iron gate at the top of their staircase and it looks really nice with plants & flowers surrounding. More of a feature than a security device!

Perhaps we should consider something similar?

 Hope we can get a good balance with security / appearance of the property.

Thanks again

It may look nice but if its been done without approval it may have to be taken down as its a change to the external appearance . That's why there is an intent to discuss and set a single standard at the AGM for the whole site.

Horizontal Act community rules state .......Section 7.1

Jeff is quite correct regarding the notices, we have one which was recently put up whilst we were staying in DV and it categorically states that owners must not do anything to alter the external appearance of the apartments.

However, I do agree that if we can get a bulk order resulting in a discount ,that would seem very favourable to all owners.

Thanks Jeff for the breakdown of the meeting with Gerardo.

Regards M

I saw the gate in question and I don't know why it has been put up as they have forgotten that the lift still goes to that floor!  Not very secure as the lift entrance/exit is between the gate and the front door! 

Also, someone in our block keeps leaving the garage door open too. (I know who it probably is!)  This is very annoying as we have already had thefts fom our garage and I can't understand why people don't want to keep their car secure.  Everytime we came in and went out one or all of the many doors to the stairs were open!  We already have signs up so any more suggestions to stop these people doing this would be welcome.

Hi Daniela,

Thanks for your note.

We thought the same as you, but at least it's limiting access from the car park  which should be locked,  however, if you say that people are leaving the car park gate open then that's a concern!

When we were there last month for the first time we were surprised how deserted the place was, and we walked around at day and night without being stopped. I hope more residents move in when Phase 3 is complete. Any idea how many more units are to be sold?

We currently live in Singapore with full time security on the gate and car passes and never any issues. We visited another Duquesa complex down the road when we were over which had similar security standards, so I hope it's just the newness of DV while building is still happening.

We won't be able to get over again until Spring so any progress updates you may have would be great to hear.

Thanks, Gail

Ann,

Thanks for your appreciation, but JC1, PMillson and others need to be recognised for the time and effort they have put in as well as helping me. I am in the fortunate position of being retired and having experience of running a community for 4 years so it makes it a little easier to do these things and its helping my Spanish.

I have to say It does make it worthwhile when you receive the thanks.