CRAIGPARK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD ON 21st June 2006
at Craighall Primary School
- WELCOME
John Turpin, chairman of the Association, welcomed the residents to the meeting. He also welcomed the speakers, Peter Bruce, editor of the Business Day, and Senior Superintendent Nanda Moodley of the Parkview Police Precinct. Greetings were also extended to Director Jenny Naidoo, who is in charge of area police, Councillor Ian Ollis, Richard Dancer, chairman of the CPF in the Parkview precinct and Kate Henry of the Rosebank Gazette.
- APOLOGIES
Apologies were noted.
- APPROVAL OF 2005 MINUTES
The minutes of the previous annual general meeting, held on 25 May 2005, were approved and seconded.
- CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
John Turpin presented his report to the meeting.
He began by stating that he had exceeded his term as chairman by two years in terms of the constitution and appealed to the residents to aid in finding a suitable replacement. He indicated his willingness to assist with the “handing over of the reins” and to continue as chairman for the next six months, however in a “delegatory” role.
John welcomed the new members of the committee who, amongst other areas, had taken on responsibilities in the security, town-planning and traffic portfolios.
He once again re-iterated that little improvement has been shown in the way City authorities support the concept of residents’ associations.
Full report available.
Security
Despite the sterling efforts of Superintendent Moodley and the Parkview police, the level of crime and the people affected by it, is unacceptable. John then introduced the new proposed security initiative.
The CRA would continue to contribute in terms of residents carrying out forays in their own cars, regular attendance at police and CPF meetings, providing (financial) support to the police when required, and issuing tips to residents on what to do to avoid criminal activity and what to do in the event of it already having taken place.
Discussions had taken place with the major security companies (ADT and SAS) in the area and an appeal was made to residents to support the improved security umbrella on offer by the two companies. Various costs and proposals made by the two companies were discussed:
· ADT proposed introducing additional vehicles in both Craighall and Craighall Park as well as additional security huts and bicycle patrols. This would however require finance which was calculated at about R177 per month if 500 out of 1,600 homes contributed to the scheme.
· SAS proposed adding a dedicated vehicle to Craighall Park (they already have one in Craighall) with the only cost being if armed response was required until such time as a penetration of 200 homes was achieved. Thereafter a second vehicle could be considered.
One of the main components was the Parkview police, ADT and SAS have agreed to cooperate with each other and to have monthly meetings.
The Domestic Watch programme has come to a standstill and an appeal was made for someone to take over this portfolio.
Town Planning and Development
The questionnaire which had been sent to residents in 2005 had come back indicating that residents were in favour of minimum stand sizes of 1,000m2 in Craighall Park and 2,000m2 in Craighall. In order to uphold these preferences, various legal actions have been taken.
Environment
The spruit that runs through the two suburbs is improving and more use is being made of it. There are two new members of the committee who are helping out with environmental issues.
Membership
Membership is strong but could be better. It is felt that the value obtained by the members far outweighs the nominal contribution which is asked for.
Communications
John believed that the CRA was communicating more effectively with residents through our website, the quarterly Crier and monthly electronic newsletters, in addition to on-going liaison with the media, particularly the community newspaper, the Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
Community Affairs
There are 40 additional voluntary workers in the form of the street representatives in the two suburbs. An appeal was made to anyone who is able to assist in being a street representative.
Traffic
There is a new member who is in charge of the traffic portfolio and who has made inroads into ensuring that road lines have been painted and street lights repaired.
Finance
It was noted that the Association is in a healthy financial position albeit that there are significant commitments predominantly in terms of security and town-planning.
Before closing off, John thanked people who contributed to the Association during the year on a pro-bono basis such as Michael Delahunt, the auditor and Dick Welch who does our printing. He also thanked the executive and the members and those members of the executive who have had to step down.
An appeal was made for residents to assist in the areas of secretarial, and, once again for a replacement chairman.
(Note: the full report is on the website: www.cra.org.za/chairman_report2006.htm)
- PETER BRUCE, EDITOR OF THE BUSINESS DAY
The chairman introduced Peter Bruce who addressed the members on the role of organisations such as the CRA in local government. He also painted an optimistic picture of his views of the ever-changing political climate of South Africa.
- SUPERINTENDENT NANDA MOODLEY OF THE PARKVIEW POLICE STATION
Superintendent Moodley reported on his views of crime in the precinct and on what steps he has taken to overcome crime in the area.
- TREASURER’S REPORT
The treasurer reported on the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005. It was noted that the Association is in a good financial position and that the financial statements had been signed by the auditor, Michael Delahunt CA(SA).
It was also noted that the substantial cash balances had been built up in order to deal with commitments such as those to be taken up with the town planning project currently being undertaken.
In order to gain status as a non-profit organisation, certain amendments were made to the constitution, namely the insertion of clauses stating that the organisation does not cease to exist when its membership or office-bearers change and that its existence and identity are distinct from those of its members and office-bearers. These amendments to the constitution were ratified and seconded.
- ELECTION OF COMMITTEE AND OFFICE BEARERS – 2006/2007
The portfolio listing of the executive committee was tabled and all members of the executive who indicated their availability were re-elected for the forthcoming year.
9. QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
Various questions were raised on town-planning issues and, in particular, the level of crime in the suburb. It was concluded that the security initiatives already initiated should be continued and that additional security measures in our suburbs should be implemented as soon as possible.
The annual general meeting was then adjourned.
