He reserved extensive information for Annual Report of the Committee for Domestic Property of Kythira and Antikythira the president Evangelos Venardos. The accountability took place at a special meeting (based on Presidential Decree 272/85) on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in the Kythira Municipal Council chamber «Artemios Kalligeros.».
Starting the briefing, Mr. Venardos stated that The main purpose of this administration was to upgrade the role of Domestic Property.. He stated that the administration's work could have been even more successful if it had not been for the intervention of pandemic. Initially, it attacked public services such as Forestry Office stating that it had not responded promptly to requests concerning important cases submitted by the Commission. As a result of this negligence on the part of the services, the Commission brought proceedings against the officials responsible.
Encroachments
The president continued to provide updates on the issues of encroachment: «Domestic Property is a very advantageous institution that protected Kythira from encroachment.». He added that «There are still cases of violations that are being dealt with by the courts.». And he complained that «Public services often err by accepting affidavits from citizens who falsely declare property rights.».
Building owned by a local resident in Gythio
Regarding the building on the coast of Gythio, which belongs to the Domestic Property, he stated that «Its repair was completed during the term of the current administration.». This is a request that has been on the Commission's agenda for several years.
Fuel Prices in Kythira
He had a surprise in store for the issue of fuel in Kythira, as it is probably the first time that it has become known that there were actions taken by the Commission on this issue, and it is surprising that the initiative came from the Commission and not from the municipality. He said: «We have initiated a process for fuel. I can't understand because fuel in Kythira is 30 cents more expensive from the price of Naples. I have made this an issue since the first day I took office.. We contacted Attica On the subject of fuel, if the Commission is concerned about the property of Kythira, why is it not concerned about the wallets of the residents here? The Region responds that the gas stations are not profiteering. But is that the issue?; How, then, can the above price from Neapolis be justified?, when «Porfyrosa» has announced that it is taking €4,000 for transportation, with counterparts 5 minutes/liter. So how can the others be justified? 25 minutes more from Naples? They say they sent it to the Ministry of Development to check on the merchants. Six months have passed, and they haven't done anything. But I won't let them get away with it.».
For Myrtidia
Regarding the Holy Shrine of Myrtidia, Mr. Venardos stated: «When we took over, we encountered serious problems: We repaired the cells which was not in good condition. We put the ramp for people with disabilities. There was no security at the Monastery of Myrtidia. There was a risk that everything would be stolen: the valuables, the icon of the Virgin Mary.. We put security systems. Now we do the fire safety. There was no fire safety. Everything was rusted.
Domestic revenue and projects
Mr. Venardos said the following about revenue: «The Commission's total revenue last year was approximately €250,000 in 2022, with a balance of €640,000.». While noting: «We have many projects in progress.». He then referred in detail to a series of projects and interventions by the Commission.
For Pagari
After question by Municipal Councilor Nikos Magoulas On the subject of the altar of the Holy Shrine of Myrtidia, the president announced that only for the year 2022 there was revenue €100.000. He did not respond regarding previous years, but promised to issue a detailed announcement. The intervention of the member of the Board of Directors of the Domestic Property Committee made an impression on the body. George Megalokonomou with regard to reduced revenues from the Holy Shrine of Myrtidia according to previous years. The mayor, feeling the need to intervene, stated that he had a personal opinion and justified the reduced revenue. as a result of the economic crisis of previous years.
Critical question from Souyiannis regarding the ownership of Echonorio
Ο Deputy Mayor Charalambos Souyiannis among other things, he asked the committee chairman about the issue of ownership of domestic property: «I don't know if it's clear from the institutional framework... what lies between Echonios Property and the Municipality. That is, according to the law, the Municipality is the owner of the property. Echonios manages it. You have asked the Municipality and other property owners to request your approval when they carry out work on roads for networks, etc. As the Local Property Committee, when you carry out work on buildings or other situations, shouldn't you, by analogy, ask the Municipality for approval?’
Η critical question by Mr. Souyannis is indeed interesting, because it raises additional questions about the how in the same administrative region, namely the Municipality of Kythira, two local government bodies appear to be interfering, without making it clear who does what, where, why, and how. Can Engorios carry out public works and interventions, and indeed without prior approval from the Municipality of Kythira?; And if the technical programs of the two local authorities conflict in terms of implementation, e.g. in road works, which one takes precedence?; Is it possible for the administrator to draw up a policy that does not meet with the owner's approval?;
On this issue, the following intervened Mr. Charhalakis who raised the need there should be a memorandum between the two bodies that will resolve any administrative and legal misunderstandings. While Mr. Venardos pointed out another fact and argued that «The ownership issue will be resolved by the decision of the Supreme Court. And there will be no conflict with the municipality. Whatever we say, the decision will be made in two to three months.».
Since he did not receive a satisfactory response from Mr. Venardo, Mr. Souyannis replied: «You are very good at asking other departments for your approval every time they want to intervene. The Commission should not do anything similar. every time you decide to do a project on something that theoretically belongs to the municipality; That was a question. And I ask, what is the difference between the lighthouse and any other property on Kythira that is owned by the municipality?; You should not have to go through a process of consulting with the municipality and requesting formal approval.; I don't think there will be any objection, just as you always give us your permission whenever we ask for it.
The accountability report was completed, highlighting several issues that concern the two local authorities, and it is of particular interest to the citizens of Kythira and Antikythira to watch it in the video provided, given that the domestic property of the two islands belongs to the citizens themselves and not to the Greek State.
