• We have commenced the construction of the Massage Parlours, Gymnasium as well as the extension of the Dining Room. The existing Shopping area is being redesigned to be the extended Dining Area as it would not be commercially viable to run a shopping complex.
• Two Guest Rooms are nearing completion and is expected to be operational by 18 June 2007
• We will be connecting the First Floor of The Retreat with the First Floor of Medical Centre so that one can make use of the Ramp to the First Floor of the Medical Centre and go to the First Floor of the Retreat.
• We are also going to commence the work on the Meditation Room shortly
• Work on the Mess Staff Quarters has commenced
• Additional Solar Lights have been commissioned in Santhosham
• The landscaping of the park has been completed. We have also made a walker’s lane with sand bed.
• The Arch at the entrance of Santhosham is nearing completion and is expected to be completed within a week or so
• Catering Charges: The rationale for increasing the catering charges was explained. We had received suggestions varying from increasing the rates to Rs 3500 per month to no increase at all. While those present generally agreed that the loss had to be made up due to increase in cost of various items, it was suggested that a monitoring system on the computer be developed so that we can know the effect of fluctuations in rates on daily basis. Accepting the suggestion, Colonel Sridharan said that we shall monitor the data for three months and will have periodic meeting once in a quarter so that correction to charges can be made based on the data available. This was accepted by all present. Hereafter, the meeting with the residents will be held once in a quarter and the next meeting will be held in Sep 2007
• Colonel Sridharan said that the cost of catering can only come down if more diners eat in The Retreat on regular basis. As of now from the statistics available, the average diners per day are only about 8 and that unless this figure improves, cost will remain high
• To a suggestion that eating be made compulsory, it was pointed out that such compulsions cannot be made now as we had not imposed such a rule with the investors of Santhosham and Santhosham as has been done in Shenbhagam Estates.
• The management did not want to increase the monthly Maintenance cost as it was found to be manageable as of now.
• To a point that Casual Diners are being charged Rs 10 over the existing rates for dinner and that the increase should not be more than Rs 5, it was agreed to by the Management. Dinner for Casual diners will cost Rs 30 only. The revised rate for Casual and Regular Diners will be put up on the notice board.
• The revised rates applicable with effect from 01 May 2007 will be as follows:

• To another suggestion, it was agreed to provide space for the Washer man for ironing. We intend providing him proper space beneath the Ramp which is under construction. To a suggestion that a Laundromat be provided, the residents present did not feel it as a necessity and therefore the suggestion was dropped
• To a suggestion for having a barber shop, the residents present felt that because of the numbers being low, no barber may come forward to set up a shop.

Water:

• The system of water supply was explained. It was also brought to notice of all present that the quantum of Siruvani water that is being made available is not enough. We are also getting bore well water from the Panchayat but we do not have any information on the hardness of this water.
• Some of the residents complained that the hardness in the borewell water is causing pitting and that we need to soften the water for use.
• The Management will examine the entire issue of water supply and revert to the residents (this has since been done. Please refer to our e mail of 30 May 2007)
• It has also been decided to increase the capacity of storage of water from the present one lac ltrs of water so that should we get additional water from the Panchayat sources, we will be able to stock up the water and also cater to the requirements of Santhosham residents
• Some of the residents wanted demonstration by home RO Systems like Kent. This will be arranged by GM (Services)

Transport Facility:

• We have modified the Maruti Van for use by residents as well as to fix a stretcher in case of emergency. The vehicle is awaiting certification by the RTO and will be put to use shortly. We have worked out the rates and this will be put up in the Notice Board. While the use of the vehicle by the residents for travel did not pose any problem, pick and drop at Station and Airport will be costly as we would need to recover the cost of return journey unlike Call Taxi.
• Colonel Sridharan requested all present to make maximum use of this Van as other wise it would not be cost effective to pay the driver salary as well as take care of its maintenance cost.
• Once Shenbhagam Estates also becomes operational, we intend buying an A/C Mini bus and operate shuttle service to the city for our residents.

Library:

• It was brought out that the Library is not being used and the books are not catalogued as yet. Colonel Sridharan said that he was not able to find a suitable person to catalogue the books. However, we will evolve a system and do the needful soon. He also requested all to donate more books for the library.
• As for the issue of books, it was decided that books can be issued during lunch time between 1 and 1:30 PM by the Assistant Manager and for this, until we have proper system, we will issue the books by recording details on a register.
• Some of the residents desired more Tamil magazines as well as Reader’s Digest be made available. It was decided to subscribe to Readers’ Digest, Harmony as well as Tamil Magazines like Snehidhi, Mangayar Malar, Tuglak, Avai Viketan etc. Besides Economic Times would also be made available though the receipt of the same may be delayed by one day since it has to be arranged from the city.

Maid Service:

• One of the residents stated that the working of the maids needs to improve. While many of the ladies agreed that the present set of maids did do their work much better than the previous set, there is scope for improvement.
• Colonel Sridharan said that this would be looked into. We have since decided to send the maids with a note book and the residents are requested to fill in the columns in the book and also write down if they have any complaints. We have also introduced incentive pay based on monthly grades awarded by the residents to the maids. The additional expenses will be borne from the maintenance fund that is being subscribed now.
• Residents were also reminded that it is very difficult to get good helpers for our villas and as such we need to have patience and understanding while dealing with Service staff. If we abuse them or shout at them and treat them badly, they will leave us and it is not easy to find replacements. While we need not accept poor service some tact in handling the staff with compassion would help all of us in the Service industry.

Cross Ventilation:

• It was brought out that the present windows do not allow sufficient cross ventilation and also the hot air gets trapped on the top resulting in higher temperatures inside the villas. We have since examined this problem and will be finding a solution soon for making use of the Dormer windows already provided by adding a small exhaust fan as well as making suitable fabrication to the existing Dormer windows.
• The problem is only during the summer months and with the onset of Monsoons, this problem would be much less. The breeze level for the past three months in Coimbatore has been much less as compared to previous years, thanks to the climate change that we are witnessing.

Power Supply:

• There has been problem with the electricity supply. Due to non availability of dedicated Transformer and use of large number of A/Cs, tripping takes place at odd times. It is difficult to fine the TNEB Lineman every time and this causes lots of inconveniences. Our support staff also finds it difficult to trace the Lineman, especially on holidays as he switches off his mobile.
• Colonel Sridharan said that the authorities have been approached with the problem and they will be providing us with a Transformer shortly. Delays in Government departments are well known. WE cannot take harsh steps against them also as we need their help and assistance for our comforts.
• Colonel Sridharan requested those present to minimize the use of A/Cs in each villa and also not to switch on all the A/Cs in the villas at the same time. With the onset of Monsoons, this problem should get resolved soon.

ID Card: To a valid point raised, it was agreed to make ID Card for the residents which will carry all information about them and which can be used in case of medical and other emergencies. All residents are requested to kindly hand over two “Pin–size” photographs to the Manager of Santhosham at the earliest. We will also be sending a Performa for details which may be sent to us at the earliest for preparation of the ID Cards. GM (Services) to coordinate along with GM (Administration)

Anniversary of the Retreat:

• 3 June is the First Anniversary of the opening of The Retreat. On specific requests from the residents, it was decided to celebrate the event on 18 June as we can coincide the event with the opening of the Guest Rooms.
• Covai Property Centre will make arrangements and all the residents will be the guests of our Company. We request all of you, especially those who are not living in Santhosham to kindly make it convenient to attend the dinner. Those who have booked their villas in Santhosham are also welcome. Please let our GM (Services) Mr Mohan Nair (Mobile +99449-51107) know about your attendance or send us an e mail at covaiprop@vsnl.net to enable us to make necessary arrangements.

Conclusion:

Colonel Sridharan reiterated that Santhosham, Santhosham and Shenbhagam Estates have been created on a Life Style Concept. Our Team is emotionally more attached with the residents of all these projects than our other projects, since we realize that we need to do lot of service to make the lives of residents in these three comfort and retirement home projects comfortable. Differences will always be there in any community style living. Yet, it should be our endeavour to resolve our differences instead of taking issues to heart and making life uncomfortable for all of us.

While we are at the service of our residents, we do expect cooperation in understanding our problems. Give us the brickbat when we deserve. But a word of appreciation once in a while will spur us to serve you better.

Please do let us know your problems or suggestions. We shall find solutions in a spirit of give and take. Let us enjoy what life has to offer and in so doing our team will not be found wanting.

Our efforts to provide you with better living are never ending. We thank you for your support and cooperation and for the harmonious living which has translated itself into a feeling of belonging to one big family. On our part we shall continue to improve our efficiency since we do believe that there is always room for improvement.

With best regards

Yours sincerely

Colonel (Retd) A Sridharan, VSM
Managing Director