AGM - 2009
CRAIGPARK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2009
HELD AT CRAIGHALL PRIMARY SCHOOL ON 13 MAY 2009
1 WELCOME
Peter Heritage, Acting Chairman, welcomed the residents to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance. The guest speaker, Bruce Whitfield was warmly welcomed as well as Senior Superintendent Nanda Moodley of the Parkview Police Precinct.
Peter Heritage, Acting Chairman, welcomed the residents to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance. The guest speaker, Bruce Whitfield was warmly welcomed as well as Senior Superintendent Nanda Moodley of the Parkview Police Precinct.
2 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Lee Whitfield, Kirstin Otten, Don and Denise Collie,
David Gleason, Mike and Biddy Evans, Leigh King, Brett and Angela Lewis, Sheay Harvey, Reon and Elsbeth Louw, Simon and Wendy Leppard and Anneliese Cianfanelli.
3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF 2008
The Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held on 8 May 2008 were approved in a motion proposed by Chris Taylor and seconded by Fran Haslam.
The Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held on 8 May 2008 were approved in a motion proposed by Chris Taylor and seconded by Fran Haslam.
4 GUEST SPEAKER
Bruce Whitfield, a Craighall Park resident and Financial Journalist, gave a very informative and amusing talk on “Dealing with the Credit Crunch” which was enjoyed by all present.
Security
Criminal activity continued during the past year. At the last AGM it was agreed to monitor the performance of ADT, who were providing extra patrol vehicles.
Criminal activity continued during the past year. At the last AGM it was agreed to monitor the performance of ADT, who were providing extra patrol vehicles.
As part of the CID process, several security companies were asked to present a proposal. After evaluation, it was decided to award protection of our public space to CSS Tactical. The Public Space Security (PSS) scheme was launched on 1 October 2008 with three patrol vehicles.
To date membership sits at 566 units and only another 34 members are needed to obtain an extra patrol vehicle. Special thanks were given to Simonne Mungle, Yvette Young, Amy Allan and Richard King. Eric Glover, CRA liaison with SAPS Parkview reservists, headed by Insp Bradley Wilson, was thanked for his work.
Another CRA initiative, due to an increase in “follow home crimes”, was the creation of a joint Shopping Centre Forum (see Chairman’s report for details). Thanks were given to CRA resident Adam Bunkell for co-ordinating this.
Domestic Watch. All residents were urged to send their employees to this education and empowerment program. Sue Harris was the current convener.
Town planning
Many sub-divisions have led to an increase in rezonings and building activity - at one stage there were 65 different construction sites in progress. Developments were closely monitored by the CRA’s town planning team to ensure strict adherence to the Regional Spatial Development Framework Plan (compiled by the CRA with the assistance of town planners and approved by Council in 2007). NOTED that the CRA may apply for amendments to the Plan and if any residents who had any recommendations were asked to contact the CRA.
Many sub-divisions have led to an increase in rezonings and building activity - at one stage there were 65 different construction sites in progress. Developments were closely monitored by the CRA’s town planning team to ensure strict adherence to the Regional Spatial Development Framework Plan (compiled by the CRA with the assistance of town planners and approved by Council in 2007). NOTED that the CRA may apply for amendments to the Plan and if any residents who had any recommendations were asked to contact the CRA.
Vacant and unfinished building sites were also constantly being given close attention.
Thanks went to Roly Meyer and Bianca de Roland Phillips.
Environment
Open areas such as the Delta Park attracted illegal dumping, vagrants and squatters who in turn created litter and posed health risks. Contact was maintained with City Parks, SAPS and SAPS reservists who arranged periodic raids to clear the area. Chris Taylor and Karen Hoffa were thanked for their work in this portfolio.
Open areas such as the Delta Park attracted illegal dumping, vagrants and squatters who in turn created litter and posed health risks. Contact was maintained with City Parks, SAPS and SAPS reservists who arranged periodic raids to clear the area. Chris Taylor and Karen Hoffa were thanked for their work in this portfolio.
Membership
NOTED that the annual subscription fee had remained unchanged for three years. All residents who had paid their 2009 dues were thanked. NOTED with concern that membership numbers had dropped from 326 (2007) to 298 (2008), a figure representing only approximately 20% of property owners.
NOTED that the annual subscription fee had remained unchanged for three years. All residents who had paid their 2009 dues were thanked. NOTED with concern that membership numbers had dropped from 326 (2007) to 298 (2008), a figure representing only approximately 20% of property owners.
Community Affairs
A centrally located notice board (or two) was a priority, to provide information in addition to the monthly electronic CRA newsletter and the periodic Crier, eg forthcoming activities, events, security updates and awareness and special achievements.
A centrally located notice board (or two) was a priority, to provide information in addition to the monthly electronic CRA newsletter and the periodic Crier, eg forthcoming activities, events, security updates and awareness and special achievements.
Communication
This busy portfolio is handled by Wendy McAllister who was greatly thanked for her efforts. The portfolio endeavoured to create awareness among residents of trends, threats and inform about what is happening in the area, thereby assisting the community to deal more effectively with issues. New software was purchased and the website and monthly newsletter revamped.
NOTED ongoing efforts to obtain e-mail/cell phones for as many residents as possible since electronic communication was the most efficient means of communication (although the hardcopy Crier will still be continued). NOTED also that this portfolio urgently needed assistance.
This busy portfolio is handled by Wendy McAllister who was greatly thanked for her efforts. The portfolio endeavoured to create awareness among residents of trends, threats and inform about what is happening in the area, thereby assisting the community to deal more effectively with issues. New software was purchased and the website and monthly newsletter revamped.
NOTED ongoing efforts to obtain e-mail/cell phones for as many residents as possible since electronic communication was the most efficient means of communication (although the hardcopy Crier will still be continued). NOTED also that this portfolio urgently needed assistance.
Traffic
Peter Heritage spent time cultivating contacts within the Council. A major success was the installation of speed humps in Alexandra Avenue. Repairs to potholes and trenches, however, remained problematic. However, for the first time this matter was acknowledged by the current MMC for Transportation and a delegation from the JRA was received to view the situation and a promise to rectify the matters received. Maintenance was dependent on residents alerting the Council of problem areas via the Call Centre or, preferably, the JRA hotline e-mail.
Peter Heritage spent time cultivating contacts within the Council. A major success was the installation of speed humps in Alexandra Avenue. Repairs to potholes and trenches, however, remained problematic. However, for the first time this matter was acknowledged by the current MMC for Transportation and a delegation from the JRA was received to view the situation and a promise to rectify the matters received. Maintenance was dependent on residents alerting the Council of problem areas via the Call Centre or, preferably, the JRA hotline e-mail.
With regard to the “Rea Vaya” Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, it would appear that while we would not be directly affected, a knock-on effect was possible. The CRA was closely monitoring developments.
CID/Civic Affairs
The City Improvement District (CID) was put on hold last year when the City imposed a moratorium on the establishment of any new residential CID’s while re-evaluating the process. In March we were informed that recommendations included increasing the required acceptance level from 51% to 75%. Objections to this and constructive suggestions have been submitted to the Executive Director, Town Planning and Urban Management. The Council expects to finalise procedures in June this year.
The City Improvement District (CID) was put on hold last year when the City imposed a moratorium on the establishment of any new residential CID’s while re-evaluating the process. In March we were informed that recommendations included increasing the required acceptance level from 51% to 75%. Objections to this and constructive suggestions have been submitted to the Executive Director, Town Planning and Urban Management. The Council expects to finalise procedures in June this year.
Paulette Malcolm was thanked for heading up the CID steering committee.
Other thanks
NOTED that our Ward Councillor, Ian Ollis, had vacated his post as he was now an MP. Recorded the appreciation of the CRA and thanked him for his work in our Ward and support for our Association.
NOTED that our Ward Councillor, Ian Ollis, had vacated his post as he was now an MP. Recorded the appreciation of the CRA and thanked him for his work in our Ward and support for our Association.
6 PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income – Subscriptions collected down by 10% but thanked the approximately 300 residents who had subscribed to date.
Community Security Scheme contributions had almost doubled. No advertising income was received. Interest earned was up by 44%.
Community Security Scheme contributions had almost doubled. No advertising income was received. Interest earned was up by 44%.
Expenses – bank charges up by 47%. CRA made donations towards an organic vegetable/worm cultivation project at REEA and towards petrol for the police reservists. The largest operating expenses for the year were R27 000,00 for the COJ database and related expenses for the CID project. Due to public meetings in respect of the Community Security Scheme and City Improvement District the costs for refreshments, advertising, printing and venue hire went up. Internet expenditure was up by 70% due to the upgrade to CRM software, although monthly costs have been reduced.
The CRA had a R13 500,00 surplus at the end of the year, down from R40 000.00 in 2007. There was R233 000.00 in the various bank accounts as at 31 December 2008. Jasper Management is administering the debit order run for the PSS scheme: Benji Changfoot was thanked for her efficient management of this.
The CRA had a R13 500,00 surplus at the end of the year, down from R40 000.00 in 2007. There was R233 000.00 in the various bank accounts as at 31 December 2008. Jasper Management is administering the debit order run for the PSS scheme: Benji Changfoot was thanked for her efficient management of this.
Dick Harris of Harris, Dowden Fontaine was thanked for auditing the accounts.
The Chairman expressed special thanks to Kendall Rattey for keeping an eye on the finances.
7. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE/OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2009/2010
NOTED vacancies in the following portfolios: Chairperson, Security and Communication. The following members were available for re-election: Roly Meyer, Bianca de Roland Phillips, Wendy McAllister, Paulette Malcolm, Chris Taylor, Peter Heritage, Kendall Rattey, Liz McConnell, Karen Hoffa, Sheay Harvey and Sue Harris. The gathered forum proposed and seconded their re-election.
Hugh Page volunteered to be available to help with the Town planning Portfolio. Wendy McAllister mentioned that assistance was needed in the Communications portfolio, not to manage but to undertake certain tasks which would take approximately 2 hours a week.
8 QUESTIONS:
1 How many sign-ups for PSS? +- 540, with another 30/40 to complete phase 1 with four vehicles. 300 more for cameras. Had more support than with the previous security system.
NOTED that the CSS panic button promotion for Home 911 would initially be offered only to PSS subscribers.
NOTED that the CSS panic button promotion for Home 911 would initially be offered only to PSS subscribers.
There would be more street promotions for the PSS scheme. Suggested that any further questions for CSS Tactical would be answered by their personnel present at the meeting.
2 Do the CSS black patrol vehicles also respond to armed response? Yes. NOTED that the CSS vehicles did not leave Craighall and Craighall Park, unlike other security companies which had vehicles deployed over a number of suburbs.
3 Is there any rivalry between CSS and ADT? – No and there is no duplication. The two work well together although not formally. A resident commented that the service from ADT had increased significantly since the introduction of CSS.
4 Senior Superintendant Moodley responded to the crime rate in the area. He stated that the crime rate was down. The figures he gave related only to Craighall and Craighall Park.
May 2007 to 2008 April 2009
Businesses 14 burglaries 14
House break-ins* increased by 31%
Robberies (businesses and homes) decreased by 17%
Hijacking 10 14
House Robberies* decrease
Motor Vehicles decrease
*Note: the term ‘break-in’ was used when premises were unoccupied. A ‘robbery’ was an incident where the premises were occupied, whatever the means used to subdue the occupants.
The streets most affected were corner Alexandra/ Waterfall & Jan Smuts Avenues, corner of Jan Smuts and Buckingham Avenues and Hamilton Avenue. There had been a spate recently of house break-ins in Lancaster and Rutland Avenues. Most incidents occurred between 07.15 am to 12.00 (house break-ins) and between midnight -04.00. Incident levels increased noticeably during the week:
Mondays - 23,
Tuesdays – 36
Wednesdays – 36
Thursdays – 44
Fridays – 45
Saturdays - 70
Sundays - 44.
There were 65 to 70 construction sites in the suburbs, resulting in an increase of some 3 500 people in the area who did not live here but knew what people’s routines were.
Sup Moodley confirmed that ADT, Chubbs and CSS all liaised with SAPS Parkview.
He urged all residents to continue to take care and be alert. He also strongly recommended that residents keep a panic button in their bathroom as robbers often locked people up in that room.
Sup Moodley confirmed that ADT, Chubbs and CSS all liaised with SAPS Parkview.
He urged all residents to continue to take care and be alert. He also strongly recommended that residents keep a panic button in their bathroom as robbers often locked people up in that room.
5 How will we be affected by 2010 Soccer? The only noticeable effect is an increase in B & B applications.
6 Complaints to Council – Residents advised to log a call to the Call Centre and obtain a reference number. If nothing was done, then the CRA should be contacted: we would do our best to escalate the problem.
Re noise complaints – the Council contact was Eddie Page at the Department for Noise Control. He needed to be contacted during working hours and the Council would send someone out when the noise again occurred, irrespective of the time.
Re noise complaints – the Council contact was Eddie Page at the Department for Noise Control. He needed to be contacted during working hours and the Council would send someone out when the noise again occurred, irrespective of the time.
CLOSE OF MEETING
The acting Chairperson thanked everyone for coming to the AGM.
