Minutes from the Annual General Meeting of Digbeth Residents Association (DRA) and Neighbourhood Watch on

Monday 10th February 2014 at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant.

1. Roll Call and Apologies

Present: Lisa Zdravkovic, Barry Hodrien, Gail Maynes, Gillian Lawrence, Richard Trengrouse, Lucy Cattel, Phil Burrows, Trevor Cobden, Ben McNeill, Rosie Pocklington, Joe Holyoak, David Barnes, Elisabeth Hewitt, David Whittall, Tony Fox, Bal Chohan, Manjit Panesar, Pamela Pinski. Apologies: Mike Hopkins, Phil Bates, Kirsty Lee-Pattinson, Gabriela Butler. 2. Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the 2013 AGM were proposed by John Gordon, seconded by Lisa Zdravkovic, and accepted as an accurate record of the meeting. 3. Reports from office bearers on the previous year’s business

The Chairperson and Secretary gave reports on their activity from the past year, touching upon many successes including our Peaky Tours, the opening of Eastside City Park, and our continued partnership activity with the Digbeth police (particularly around the Protect Yourself workshops initiative). DRA’s work surrounding HS2, including responses to the consultation and submissions to the Public Bills Committee, was also commended, along with DRA’s continuing commitment to a cleaner, safer and friendlier Digbeth. 4. Constitution a. Discussion of any proposed revisions to Constitution

After a discussion, only one revision was made to the constitution, replacing any mentions of “audited” with “independently assessed” as per best practice. b. Adoption of Constitution

The voting members present at the meeting voted to adopt the new Constitution. 5. Committee Election a. Chairperson

John Gordon was nominated for the role of Chairperson, seconded by Pamela Pinski, and voted into this position. b. Treasurer

David Barnes was nominated for the role of Treasurer, seconded by Elisabeth Hewitt, and voted into this position. c. Secretary

Pamela Pinski was nominated for the role of Secretary, seconded by Richard Trengrouse, and voted into this position. Ordinary Meeting 7. Matters arising

None.

8. Police Report and Neighbourhood Watch News

Progress reports were given on the plan for shisha lounges in Digbeth, including a future meeting dedicated to this subject (June 2014). John Gordon also announced that he is due to join the Birmingham Community Safety and Crime Board in March 2014, representing all of Birmingham and not just Digbeth. Although this could represent a potential conflict in interest, John remains happy lead on local policing issues in his role as Chairperson of DRA. 9. Any other business a. Community Fibre/CFL Business

Representatives from CFL Business announced that they have moved into premises in Digbeth at The Arch on Floodgate Street. They are looking forward to becoming more engaged in the Digbeth community, and have already been in further discussions with Birmingham City Council. Further information about the voucher scheme to support businesses with installing fibre optic broadband will be circulated soon. b. St Patrick's Day Festival

DRA would be again walking in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and welcomed all neighbours and supporters to join their group. 10. Date and Time of Next Meetings

The next committee meeting will be held on Monday 10th March 2014 at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant, High Street Digbeth. The next open meeting will be held on Monday 14th April 2014 at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant, High Street Digbeth.