SEDGEFIELD RATEPAYERS & VOTERS ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON Monday 2 March 2015
COUNCIL CHAMBERS FLAMINGO STREET, SEDGEFIELD AT 14H00
MINUTES
1.1 PRESENT: John McGregor (acting-chairman), Philip Hendrickse, Terry Cockcroft, Ed
Freeman, Mike Hofhuis, Maarten Taal, Rose Bilbrough, Lilith Seals.
1.2 APOLOGIES: Roy Phillips.
1.3 WELCOME: The Chairman welcomed all present.
Prior to the meeting 2 potential candidates for Exco member were interviewed:
1. Tony Stone – Aviemore Village, 082 854 2435
2. Steve Rheede – Author, Marketing specialist
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
The minutes of the previous Exco meeting held on 2 February were approved by Terry, and
seconded by Philip.
A correction was made: From Item 3: Missing from the list of Portfolio holders was:
Rose Bilbrough – Public relations and website.
3. Portfolio Reports
3.1 Finance: Ed
Subscriptions had been paid by Sandals (for the half-year) and Montage Village. Their
contact details still needed.
Bank balance: R8 192 and Cash: R1 784. Total: R9 976
3.2 Safety: Mike
Safety caravan: Held a meeting with Richard Meyer of the Knysna Municipality and
maintenance and licencing has now been sorted out. The caravan will be handed
over with a small ceremony this week, to be kept at the Police Station for use of
Sedgefield
“Whats App” group organised by SCIC collects information on crime statistics for
distribution to its members. Not any crime incidents reported to SCIC, and best
Stats from SAPS.
Meeting with SANRAL re speed signage. Speed signage seems to have changed on
entrances to Sedgefield. There seems no policy on this. Will be looked into when
Roy gets back.
Mike notified the meeting that he is too busy to attend the Exco monthly meetings if
held on the first Monday, so it was decided to hold the regular meetings on the third
(3rd) Monday of the month.
1 of 3
Safety on north side of the N2: No different to the rest of Sedgefield, but would like
to get Neighbourhood Watch going in that area. Suggested Tony Stone. Passed on
phone numbers to Mike to follow up.
3.3 Development and infrastructure: Maarten
Comments invited for approval of Middle Market. Apparently they have been
operating under temporary approval. We will send letter of no objection.
Rumour about re-zoning of Village Green. No truth in this. The Clinic has been re-
zoned Provincial.
Derelict house in Kallossi Street. Reported by neighbour – Maarten contacted
Councillor Hart who promised to report to Mike Roode of KM for attention
EIA had been conducted on the erosion on Charles te Water Street. These had been
done on several other sites, and now we will have to wait for any action on the
problem. We will opposed any “soft” solution.
Standard Bank closure: A response to our letter had been received. We have again
responded to that, declaring our strong objection to the closure. (Copy of this letter
to go in The Edge)
Rumour of new retirement village north of the N2. We have heard nothing but
Maarten will make enquiries (phone Councillor Hart).
Rumour of water leakage – 30% of water taken from the Karatara river not
accounted for. To be discussed at the Mayoral meeting.
Electrical Substation problem on the corner of Flamingo Street. Workers were busy
all of Sunday 1 March fixing this.
3.4 Disaster management: John
Many promises made at a meeting held in 2014 (September) with Richard Meyer
with regard to our Disaster Management Plan practice exercise and nothing has
happened.
Yellow jackets for officers also not forthcoming. Co-ordinators have to be updated
on a yearly basis. This has not been done. John to contact Richard Meyer to follow
Tree Committee: Meeting on next day – 3 March. Will report at next Exco meeting.
3.5 Sedgefield Initiative: Philip
Car Guards are now in different colour jackets: Because the by-law is in Draft form
nobody can take action against anyone posing as a Car guard. This has led to all
sorts of unsuitable people wearing jackets and posing as car guards. Mike? will write
a letter about the draft status of this by-law.[also for Mayoral meeting].
Letter about cleaning up has had effect (?)
Leases: Still no finality on this. At meeting a DA councillor abstained and the ANC
won the ballot and decided on a tender process. However, this decision was
overturned, and now this issue is on the agenda for the Council meeting at the end
of March.
Philip resigned from the Tourism Board because of health. However, he will stay on
in an advisory capacity for the next 3 months, and decide after that a course of
2 of 3
action. His input needed because the Tourism Bureau to become Naturally Knysna,
and self sufficient Company NOT FUNDED by the Knysna Municipality.
3.6 Public Relations and website: Rose
Bomber cam to take picture of the Exco to put in the next Edge. This to accompany
an article about recent activity
The Ratepayers Review to be printed shortly.
3.7 Ward 1 meeting: Lilith
Attended a Special Meeting to decide on the IDF allocation of funds for the budget.
This list of 8 items in order of priority was presented – these had been decided by
the committee, out of a choice of about 50 possibilities.
The regular Ward 1 meeting had been long and the same issues brought up – all
related to poverty.
Only was able to attend as an observer – the new appointment had not been ratified
by the Speaker.
3.8 Water Forum: Terry
Guest speaker has been arranged for the next meeting – this will be on the
Desalination plant. A discussion on the high pH of the Sedgefield water.
SANParks:
Sonia Taljaard to meet with the SR&VA Exco
Increase of boat fees: a closed meeting to discuss this
Oyster collection: no licences were issued on 1 March, so no legal oyster collection
possible, at this stage.
Lars Nyler counted boats around the estuary: 140 boats, of which a third were
unlicenced and derelict.
Island in the lagoon: debate on who is responsible for these: at high water –
SANParks, and low tide: Knysna Municipality. This to be brought up at Mayoral
meeting.
3.9 Smutsville/Sizemile: Levael
Unhappiness because Michael Blaauw got the contract for Asrto-turf on the new
Sports field. Apparently this job needs to be done by an expert. [Ask Councillor Hart
how he got this contract].
4. Mayoral Committee: Will make of list of items from these minutes to include on the
agenda. This meeting is due on 25 March 2015. We had hoped to have a Public meeting
before the Mayoral meeting, but not possible to arrange this in time available. Will wait for
. Other items:
Fire station used to attend to snake in houses. Now have been instructed not to do
this. Must find out who can deal with these situations.
Next meeting on 20 April 2015
3 of 3
MINUTES
1.1 PRESENT: John McGregor (acting-chairman), Philip Hendrickse, Terry Cockcroft, Ed
Freeman, Mike Hofhuis, Maarten Taal, Rose Bilbrough, Lilith Seals.
1.2 APOLOGIES: Roy Phillips.
1.3 WELCOME: The Chairman welcomed all present.
Prior to the meeting 2 potential candidates for Exco member were interviewed:
1. Tony Stone – Aviemore Village, 082 854 2435
2. Steve Rheede – Author, Marketing specialist
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
The minutes of the previous Exco meeting held on 2 February were approved by Terry, and
seconded by Philip.
A correction was made: From Item 3: Missing from the list of Portfolio holders was:
Rose Bilbrough – Public relations and website.
3. Portfolio Reports
3.1 Finance: Ed
Subscriptions had been paid by Sandals (for the half-year) and Montage Village. Their
contact details still needed.
Bank balance: R8 192 and Cash: R1 784. Total: R9 976
3.2 Safety: Mike
Safety caravan: Held a meeting with Richard Meyer of the Knysna Municipality and
maintenance and licencing has now been sorted out. The caravan will be handed
over with a small ceremony this week, to be kept at the Police Station for use of
Sedgefield
“Whats App” group organised by SCIC collects information on crime statistics for
distribution to its members. Not any crime incidents reported to SCIC, and best
Stats from SAPS.
Meeting with SANRAL re speed signage. Speed signage seems to have changed on
entrances to Sedgefield. There seems no policy on this. Will be looked into when
Roy gets back.
Mike notified the meeting that he is too busy to attend the Exco monthly meetings if
held on the first Monday, so it was decided to hold the regular meetings on the third
(3rd) Monday of the month.
1 of 3
Safety on north side of the N2: No different to the rest of Sedgefield, but would like
to get Neighbourhood Watch going in that area. Suggested Tony Stone. Passed on
phone numbers to Mike to follow up.
3.3 Development and infrastructure: Maarten
Comments invited for approval of Middle Market. Apparently they have been
operating under temporary approval. We will send letter of no objection.
Rumour about re-zoning of Village Green. No truth in this. The Clinic has been re-
zoned Provincial.
Derelict house in Kallossi Street. Reported by neighbour – Maarten contacted
Councillor Hart who promised to report to Mike Roode of KM for attention
EIA had been conducted on the erosion on Charles te Water Street. These had been
done on several other sites, and now we will have to wait for any action on the
problem. We will opposed any “soft” solution.
Standard Bank closure: A response to our letter had been received. We have again
responded to that, declaring our strong objection to the closure. (Copy of this letter
to go in The Edge)
Rumour of new retirement village north of the N2. We have heard nothing but
Maarten will make enquiries (phone Councillor Hart).
Rumour of water leakage – 30% of water taken from the Karatara river not
accounted for. To be discussed at the Mayoral meeting.
Electrical Substation problem on the corner of Flamingo Street. Workers were busy
all of Sunday 1 March fixing this.
3.4 Disaster management: John
Many promises made at a meeting held in 2014 (September) with Richard Meyer
with regard to our Disaster Management Plan practice exercise and nothing has
happened.
Yellow jackets for officers also not forthcoming. Co-ordinators have to be updated
on a yearly basis. This has not been done. John to contact Richard Meyer to follow
Tree Committee: Meeting on next day – 3 March. Will report at next Exco meeting.
3.5 Sedgefield Initiative: Philip
Car Guards are now in different colour jackets: Because the by-law is in Draft form
nobody can take action against anyone posing as a Car guard. This has led to all
sorts of unsuitable people wearing jackets and posing as car guards. Mike? will write
a letter about the draft status of this by-law.[also for Mayoral meeting].
Letter about cleaning up has had effect (?)
Leases: Still no finality on this. At meeting a DA councillor abstained and the ANC
won the ballot and decided on a tender process. However, this decision was
overturned, and now this issue is on the agenda for the Council meeting at the end
of March.
Philip resigned from the Tourism Board because of health. However, he will stay on
in an advisory capacity for the next 3 months, and decide after that a course of
2 of 3
action. His input needed because the Tourism Bureau to become Naturally Knysna,
and self sufficient Company NOT FUNDED by the Knysna Municipality.
3.6 Public Relations and website: Rose
Bomber cam to take picture of the Exco to put in the next Edge. This to accompany
an article about recent activity
The Ratepayers Review to be printed shortly.
3.7 Ward 1 meeting: Lilith
Attended a Special Meeting to decide on the IDF allocation of funds for the budget.
This list of 8 items in order of priority was presented – these had been decided by
the committee, out of a choice of about 50 possibilities.
The regular Ward 1 meeting had been long and the same issues brought up – all
related to poverty.
Only was able to attend as an observer – the new appointment had not been ratified
by the Speaker.
3.8 Water Forum: Terry
Guest speaker has been arranged for the next meeting – this will be on the
Desalination plant. A discussion on the high pH of the Sedgefield water.
SANParks:
Sonia Taljaard to meet with the SR&VA Exco
Increase of boat fees: a closed meeting to discuss this
Oyster collection: no licences were issued on 1 March, so no legal oyster collection
possible, at this stage.
Lars Nyler counted boats around the estuary: 140 boats, of which a third were
unlicenced and derelict.
Island in the lagoon: debate on who is responsible for these: at high water –
SANParks, and low tide: Knysna Municipality. This to be brought up at Mayoral
meeting.
3.9 Smutsville/Sizemile: Levael
Unhappiness because Michael Blaauw got the contract for Asrto-turf on the new
Sports field. Apparently this job needs to be done by an expert. [Ask Councillor Hart
how he got this contract].
4. Mayoral Committee: Will make of list of items from these minutes to include on the
agenda. This meeting is due on 25 March 2015. We had hoped to have a Public meeting
before the Mayoral meeting, but not possible to arrange this in time available. Will wait for
. Other items:
Fire station used to attend to snake in houses. Now have been instructed not to do
this. Must find out who can deal with these situations.
Next meeting on 20 April 2015
3 of 3