Monday 14th June 2010

I do apologise to the readers of this blog for the lack of information over the past week.
It has been a week of very interesting ups and downs.
The exciting news that the project has been approved by the Diocesan Planning Committee, was tempered by the letter which duly arrived from Arnie Glasspoole outlining the 'concerns' the Planning Committee have about the project.
It was interesting that, when Bill and Carol met with the Bishop, the Bishop brushed off the concerns as minor and easily resolved.

Anyway, in the spirit of transparency, here is the content of the letter -

1. Has the long-standing parishioner confirmed his/her commitment in writing to underwrite the minimum amount of R434 689.00 required to complete the initial project budget?

2. Please could you clarify what is termed “Loan to the Diocese called in for the building fund”. The Diocesan Secretary’s records show that an amount similar to that quoted under “Funds available” is invested with the Diocese and that this came in the main from an anonymous donation in 1998 “for the needy which was to be administered by the Churchwardens”. Such funds may only be released on a motivated application to the Diocesan Trustees.


3. How has the parish been able to arrange “free” submission fees with the Municipality? Has this being received in writing? The concern here being that this may result in an additional cost should the Municipality backtrack on a verbal undertaking.

The Committee expressed real concern about undertaking the project on the “owner builder” basis based on the magnitude of the project. The concerns here were centred on:

• whether there will be adequate project supervision on a voluntary basis and whether a Project Supervisor should be appointed to ensure efficient building progress?
• Do the various estimates adequately allow for or take into account the effects of inflation and any major unforeseen costs as the project develops?

Arnie's letter ends -
"The Committee fully realises the urgency with which the parish wishes to action this project and therefore asks that you give these concerns your urgent attention."

We will work on this points this week and submit our answers.