Chairmans report 2010

 

Welcome to residents, Ward 90 Councillor Gordon Mackay, who is also our guest speaker, members of the media and executive members of the Blairgowrie Community Association.

 

Your committee has worked hard over the past year – thank you to everyone. We’re sorry to report that Karen Hoffa and Peter Heritage have resigned from the executive but we are indeed grateful for their contribution. As Peter was also deputy chairman, on your behalf the executive wishes to present Peter with a small token of appreciation.  

I have asked those members of the executive who are here this evening to present their reports.

 

The Membership portfolio is still vacant and needs to be filled urgently. W e need to look at a more efficient way of recruiting new members as increased membership is vital. I urge everyone here today to be pro-active and recruit neighbours and friends in the area.  The CRA estimates that there are over 2000 property owners in the area – barely 300 have paid subs to date for 2010.

 

We are also consulting with other Residents’ Associations to consider a different funding model for paying subscriptions. This might include a possible package with security companies. .

 

In turn, the CRA must spend money wisely for the benefit of residents, their property values and for the area as a whole.

 

Ryan Roseveare reported that the Public Security Scheme – PSS – had conclusively reduced crime in our area. The CRA security team constantly monitored the performance of CSS Tactical. For instance, PSS vehicles must always have 2 people in the vehicle and are not allowed to leave the areas of Craighall Park and Craighall. Any infringement should be reported to the CRA team. A new service agreement with CSS was being drafted. 

 

The patrol vehicles are constantly tracked by satellite. CSS also provides a response car and an unmarked vehicle.  The Account Manager at CSS was available 24/7.

 

The installation of cameras remained an objective. A camera sponsored by CSS is about to be installed at Spar to monitor that road junction.

 

All crimes, no matter how small, must be reported. SAPS was very good at following up on serious incidents.

 

Monthly meetings were also held with ADT and crime stats also obtained from them. From the combined stats information, it was noted that currently incidents peaked on Wednesdays around 09:00 and between 14:00 – 17:00. In addition, a comprehensive database including vacant sites, building sites and people on the sites was being compiled.

 

Getting more sign-ups to the PSS scheme remained a priority, especially for the immediate goal to get a fourth patrol vehicle. In addition, a database including vacant sites, building sites and people on the sites was being compiled.

 

Noted with regret that Col [Snr Superintendant] Moodley from SAPS Parkview was not present but thanked CSS and ADT for their presence.

 

CRA members were welcome to contact Ryan if they experienced any security-related problems.

 

Roly Meyer wryly commented that the CRA town planning team was kept busy by developments which tested the limits, such as 14 Portland where plans for a small hotel were mooted. A plethora of B & B applications had been dealt with, and such applicants advised that they must comply with guidelines. The time was coming when legal action would be required to ensure compliance with the CRA’s Precinct Plan: the team would welcome input from any resident with knowledge of, in particular, property law.

 

Communication with Council’s site inspectors and town planners remained problematic. 

 

Roly and Bianca de Roland-Phillips advised residents to communicate with neighbours when building was to be undertaken. CRA members would be assisted wherever possible.  

 

Chris Taylor noted the role played by Sandra Dewes in improving the Jan Smuts/Buckingham Avenues corner. Caxton had sponsored the construction while Colourful Splendor Nursery had supplied the plants. Appropriate signage was still to be completed.

 

Karen Hoffa had initially taken responsibility for unkempt pavements and had delivered letters to offenders. 

 

There was ongoing liaison with City Parks to maintain and mow the river area.

 

The team had put forward a proposal entitled “Celebrate Life Park” and given a presentation to City Parks. The concept was to enhance a small part of Delta Park by planting trees and possibly creating pathways. Stakeholders and Park users were being consulted, a necessary process.

 

Paulette Malcolm defined hers as a supporting role to encourage everyone to take pride in their suburbs. As she is also a Ward Committee member (she holds the Environmental Health portfolio) she has extended opportunities to meet officials and network on behalf of the CRA and Ward 90.

 

Peter Heritage was again thanked for all his hard work. He had built up contacts and relationships with JRA officials. Every month he had submitted a comprehensive list to the appropriate officials on the state of our infrastructure.

 

It was reported by Wendy McAllister that activities over the year had included:

Compilation of monthly newsletters - emailed to some 1400 people, with extra special notices and alerts sent out when necessary. Any responses to the newsletter were responded to or directed to the relevant party/parties.

Two editions of the Crier, the CRA’s hard copy newsletter, were produced. Thanked Dieter Knonieczny of Remax Reality for great assistance with distribution.

The CRA web site remained an important information source and was updated as much as possible. Residents were welcome to submit or suggest content.

Keeping CRA records up-to-date and following up billing problems and incorrect street addresses.

·         Media communication with relevant publications, eg Rosebank Killarney Gazette

·         Closer contact with shopping centres in the area

·         Exchanges with neighbouring Residents’ Associations were increasing.

On behalf of Sue Harris, the Chairman noted that several clean-ups of public spaces had been arranged in 2009. There had been a successful event for residents in Hamilton and Marlborough Avenues. More were planned but this portfolio was in urgent need of additional support.

 

This portfolio also co-ordinated Domestic Watch meetings, held on the last Friday of every month at the Wesleyan Church in Craighall Park. Attendees were educated and empowered to play a role in making our suburbs safer.

 

Ralf Degni reported that he had liaised with McDonalds who were now doing their bit by cleaning up and clearing bins. ADT had increased their signage. MTech and Park & Auction had sponsored a CRA sign and Craighall Primary had agreed to a CRA sign on their board.  NOTED that it was essential to get more businesses involved. 

 

CRA Treasurer Kendall Rattey reported that on the Income side:

 

On the expenses side:

 

PSS Scheme contributions – these were previously shown as income and the payment as expenses. The accounting for this has been changed to a loan account.

 

The CRA had ended the year with a larger surplus than had been the case in 2009. 

 

Local resident Dick Harris of Harris, Dowden Fontaine was thanked for auditing the accounts once again.

The Chairman concluded by saying that an active and effective Residents’ Association had a vital role to play in the well being of our area.