RERA Annual Reports
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RERA 2017 Annual Report
The RERA TEAM 2017
Ruth Mattison – Chairperson [email protected] Cell: 082 338 2777
Julia Aalbers – Vice Chair [email protected] Cell: 0734581666.
Ivan Becker – Treasurer [email protected] Cell: 0832899385
Kate Barker – Secretary [email protected] Cell: 084 600 6000
Janette Yates – REC representative [email protected] 021 273 8984
Jan Glazewski - Environmental Legal Advisor [email protected]
Angela Murphy – Non permanent resident’s liaison [email protected]
RERA Annual Report
The RERA AGM is an opportunity to get up to date information about what is happening in Rooiels, meet your fellow villagers and choose your representatives for the next year. We strongly appeal to all new and old members to become actively involved.
We have faced many challenges this year and RERA appreciates being able to work closely with REC, RESA and the REBC. As always collaboration and active citizenship within Rooiels is really helping our community to cope with the ongoing issues that need to be dealt with.
Of particular importance are 3 very current issues: fire, the slipway and Clarence Drive.
To ensure that you have the latest available information there will be report backs from Hilgard Muller on the findings from the fire investigation, John Biesman Simons on the future of the slipway and a representative from the Clarence Drive Action Group on the negotiations with local and provincial government.
Plans have been made for a more co-ordinated approach to the holiday season. No parking signs have been erected and red lines drawn at the approach to the slipway. There will be daily law enforcement to ensure that dogs are on a leash and the public behaves appropriately on the beach. Illegal parking will be monitored and spot fines issued. Full time Parks personnel will ensure that the toilets are clean and serviced.
Rooiels is part of Ward 10 and RERA represents the interests of Rooiels at monthly meetings. This is ably managed by Julia Aalbers our Ward 10 representative. (Ward 10 consists of Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and developing areas of Kleinmond - Overhills and Proteadorp). The capital plans approved for 2018/2019 did NOT include any capital allocation for roads in this area.
This means that any hope of paving Anenome Road will have to wait beyond this period. The community members on the Ward committee expressed their anger at this lack of investment in the area which has been an ongoing feature of the past 4 years. While senior public officials, including the Mayor, have visited the area to appraise themselves of the roads situation, we hold out little hope of a radical change in approach.
Normal maintenance of Rooiels gravel roads will continue. RERA, together with REC, has developed a very good relationship with the working Municipal Service staff who are faced with a lack of supervisory staff which makes our combined efforts to improve grading techniques very difficult. We are hoping to assist the Municipality next year with a programme of keeping drainage systems open and functioning in a new community-municipal collaborative effort. Please attend relevant AGM's to learn more about these efforts. (We have been notified that no more gravel is available at the moment 15.12.17)
At the Ward Committee meeting of 12 September, Mr Lakey, Municipal Manager, was tasked to submit documentation to Council about the management of the Rooiels slipway. This is a follow-up to the meeting of 13 June in which the Municipal Manager, Councillor and Ward Committee agreed to the broad management for the RE slipway which were presented by the RE Boat Club Executive. This matter is currently under revision and will be discussed at the RERA AGM.
Hilgard Muller has been officially appointed by RESA and RERA to head an investigation into the fire. This investigation will ultimately lead to lessons learned and a more effective plan to deal with future fires. We know that it was Rooiels locals that made a big difference in saving lives and homes. Thank you to all those involved!! This investigation was comprehensive and wide ranging. The recommendations will be discussed at the RERA AGM.
Following the fire we asked for donations to help victims of the fire. As always the community was generous in their support. The money is going towards a monthly supplement for Lorna and her sister Dawn until they can find a new home. They are still living in temporary accommodation and are looking for a permanent solution. Both she and her sister express their thanks to Rooiels.
Clarence Drive Action Group (CDAG – report prepared by Shelley Blake)
Intention
Over the past year many options have been investigated and tabled.
In late August 2017, some of members met with Mr Titus, senior superintendent of Overstrand Traffic. The following was the outcome of the meeting:
Only 1 speed camera is planned for Rooiels.
The District Public Prosecutor grants permission as to where a camera can be erected. In the case of Rooiels, unfortunately the “rules of a bend” apply - - a camera can only be erected on 80 meters of straight road. This will be a permanent fixture with night time capabilities. The commitment from the supplier/contractor is for the erection of this camera is mid November 2017.
There is priority focus by all presently on the challenges of Clarence Drive (Provincial and Municipal interaction),in particular the impact of motorcycles and heavy commercial vehicles on Clarence Drive.
A meeting was held with a private road engineer on 4 August 2017. While the meeting was useful, the outcome was that we really do have limited options in terms of a solution. Herewith a brief summary:
In terms of our suggestion of traffic islands, circles, pedestrian crossings, four way stops and traffic lights we were advised that with any such structure, street lighting would be required.
In conclusion
Thank you to those who have renewed their RERA membership. This allows us to contribute to special local projects and emergencies. Any queries about finance can be directed to our Treasurer Ivan Becker. A full financial report will be given at the RERA AGM.
We hope that you will join us on 21 December at 17h30 at 131 Ocean View Drive. Newcomers are especially welcome.
THE RERA TEAM
Ruth Mattison – Chairperson [email protected] Cell: 082 338 2777
Julia Aalbers – Vice Chair [email protected] Cell: 0734581666.
Ivan Becker – Treasurer [email protected] Cell: 0832899385
Kate Barker – Secretary [email protected] Cell: 084 600 6000
Janette Yates – REC representative [email protected] 021 273 8984
Jan Glazewski - Environmental Legal Advisor [email protected]
Angela Murphy – Non permanent resident’s liaison [email protected]
RERA Annual Report
The RERA AGM is an opportunity to get up to date information about what is happening in Rooiels, meet your fellow villagers and choose your representatives for the next year. We strongly appeal to all new and old members to become actively involved.
We have faced many challenges this year and RERA appreciates being able to work closely with REC, RESA and the REBC. As always collaboration and active citizenship within Rooiels is really helping our community to cope with the ongoing issues that need to be dealt with.
Of particular importance are 3 very current issues: fire, the slipway and Clarence Drive.
To ensure that you have the latest available information there will be report backs from Hilgard Muller on the findings from the fire investigation, John Biesman Simons on the future of the slipway and a representative from the Clarence Drive Action Group on the negotiations with local and provincial government.
Plans have been made for a more co-ordinated approach to the holiday season. No parking signs have been erected and red lines drawn at the approach to the slipway. There will be daily law enforcement to ensure that dogs are on a leash and the public behaves appropriately on the beach. Illegal parking will be monitored and spot fines issued. Full time Parks personnel will ensure that the toilets are clean and serviced.
Rooiels is part of Ward 10 and RERA represents the interests of Rooiels at monthly meetings. This is ably managed by Julia Aalbers our Ward 10 representative. (Ward 10 consists of Rooiels, Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and developing areas of Kleinmond - Overhills and Proteadorp). The capital plans approved for 2018/2019 did NOT include any capital allocation for roads in this area.
This means that any hope of paving Anenome Road will have to wait beyond this period. The community members on the Ward committee expressed their anger at this lack of investment in the area which has been an ongoing feature of the past 4 years. While senior public officials, including the Mayor, have visited the area to appraise themselves of the roads situation, we hold out little hope of a radical change in approach.
Normal maintenance of Rooiels gravel roads will continue. RERA, together with REC, has developed a very good relationship with the working Municipal Service staff who are faced with a lack of supervisory staff which makes our combined efforts to improve grading techniques very difficult. We are hoping to assist the Municipality next year with a programme of keeping drainage systems open and functioning in a new community-municipal collaborative effort. Please attend relevant AGM's to learn more about these efforts. (We have been notified that no more gravel is available at the moment 15.12.17)
At the Ward Committee meeting of 12 September, Mr Lakey, Municipal Manager, was tasked to submit documentation to Council about the management of the Rooiels slipway. This is a follow-up to the meeting of 13 June in which the Municipal Manager, Councillor and Ward Committee agreed to the broad management for the RE slipway which were presented by the RE Boat Club Executive. This matter is currently under revision and will be discussed at the RERA AGM.
Hilgard Muller has been officially appointed by RESA and RERA to head an investigation into the fire. This investigation will ultimately lead to lessons learned and a more effective plan to deal with future fires. We know that it was Rooiels locals that made a big difference in saving lives and homes. Thank you to all those involved!! This investigation was comprehensive and wide ranging. The recommendations will be discussed at the RERA AGM.
Following the fire we asked for donations to help victims of the fire. As always the community was generous in their support. The money is going towards a monthly supplement for Lorna and her sister Dawn until they can find a new home. They are still living in temporary accommodation and are looking for a permanent solution. Both she and her sister express their thanks to Rooiels.
Clarence Drive Action Group (CDAG – report prepared by Shelley Blake)
Intention
- To identify Rooiels Clarence Drive issues
- To Strategize and seek actions to address the problems
- To explore how to best use the formal channels of REC, RERA, Website, KBRC, Ward Committee and Local and Provincial Government.
- To investigate viable speed calming measures.
Over the past year many options have been investigated and tabled.
In late August 2017, some of members met with Mr Titus, senior superintendent of Overstrand Traffic. The following was the outcome of the meeting:
Only 1 speed camera is planned for Rooiels.
The District Public Prosecutor grants permission as to where a camera can be erected. In the case of Rooiels, unfortunately the “rules of a bend” apply - - a camera can only be erected on 80 meters of straight road. This will be a permanent fixture with night time capabilities. The commitment from the supplier/contractor is for the erection of this camera is mid November 2017.
There is priority focus by all presently on the challenges of Clarence Drive (Provincial and Municipal interaction),in particular the impact of motorcycles and heavy commercial vehicles on Clarence Drive.
A meeting was held with a private road engineer on 4 August 2017. While the meeting was useful, the outcome was that we really do have limited options in terms of a solution. Herewith a brief summary:
In terms of our suggestion of traffic islands, circles, pedestrian crossings, four way stops and traffic lights we were advised that with any such structure, street lighting would be required.
- Flashing lights at each approach would be a viable option. We are however aware of light pollution concerns.
- It was confirmed that speed bumps on provincial trunk and main roads are not permitted. Rumble strips can be considered however the noise factor would need to be assessed.
- Side walks with barrier kerbs are not possible as there appears to be inadequate space within the road reserve.
- Large signs at each approach to the horse shoe bend – it was noted that Provincial Roads Department is very strict in approving any signs that are not standard and are not included in the SARTSM (South Afican Roads Traffic and Signs Manual).
In conclusion
Thank you to those who have renewed their RERA membership. This allows us to contribute to special local projects and emergencies. Any queries about finance can be directed to our Treasurer Ivan Becker. A full financial report will be given at the RERA AGM.
We hope that you will join us on 21 December at 17h30 at 131 Ocean View Drive. Newcomers are especially welcome.
THE RERA TEAM
2016 Annual Report
This year has been busy and challenging and has seen many successes. The RERA Committee dealt with a wide variety of issues but the real stars were community members who volunteered their time and money. Also notable was the high level of collaboration between the Rooiels organisations - RERA, REC, RESA and the Boat Club. In addition RERA liaised with other villages in the area and attended many meetings affecting Ward 10 and the Kogelberg Biosphere.
It was a year of action. As problems arose this community talked about solutions and then put them in place. Concerns about security, poaching, road safety, building infringements, environmental protection, improved communication and information sharing have all led to citizen participation. This has resulted in a stronger, more resilient village. We can all be proud to belong here.
Our new website is an essential component of our success as a community. The details of meetings held and actions taken are available on the RERA page on the Rooiels website which is updated regularly.
The following report is a brief overview of RERA activities in 2016. Committee members will be glad to answer any questions homeowners have.
Secretary’s Report: Estelle Raymond
RERA had 95 paid-up members during 2016.
The RERA Exco met 9 times during the year and Minutes can be found on the website. All Rooielsers are welcome to attend Exco meetings, which are normally held on the first Saturday of each month after the hack.
Two well-attended social evenings were organised with the help of members of the Rooiels community. One was at the home of LeeAnn and Ivan Becker and the other at the home of Jenny Stark and Koos Smit.
Numerous electronic newsletters were sent out by John Charalambous and Kay Leresche (website) in an attempt to promote the greater sharing of information among Rooielsers.
The Breeze: Estelle Raymond
Our official newsletter the Breeze/Bries was published in November 2016. This was co-ordinated between RERA and REC, but the responsibility for articles, proof-reading and arrangements for layout, printing and distribution were shared among various Rooielsers - thank you for truly making it a community effort. Thank you also to the Rooiels Boat Club and the Rooiels Conservancy which each contribute a third of the costs, bringing the financial burden for each organisation to a sustainable amount of around R3000 per organisation. This year the costs are down from 2015 and 2014.
To save on mailing costs your copy of the Breeze is waiting to be collected at the Rooiels shop.
Amalgamation of REC and RERA: Anuta Sholtz
A working group met under the guidance of Wessie van der Westhuizen to investigate the correlation between aims and visions of both organisations with a view to determining the viability of an amalgamation.
No hindrances were identified and during 2016 REC operated as a sub-committee of RERA, cutting out duplication of actions and responsibilities and leading to greater cooperation. Two delegates from REC attended each RERA meeting.
We recommend an amendment to the RERA constitution to the effect that two seats be reserved for the REC Convener and sub-convener.
A full report was given at the REC AGM.
Dog Bylaws: Julia Aalbers
The by-law has been around for almost 50 years. In all that time it has been against the law to walk our dogs in public places without a leash and not under our control. The latest by-law provides for the following:
Public access to Slipway: Julia Aalbers
RERA has appealed to the responsible Minister and requested a meeting to ensure that any public access to the slipway remains within the current confines and is managed by the RE Boat Club. We await an appointment to meet with him. A precedent for extremely limited access has been established with the Betty's Bay slipway which is a restricted slipway. The Overstrand Municipality and Councillor Krige (Ward 10) is fully aware of our approach to the Minister and is keen that this matter be resolved.
We are trying a two pronged approach to prevent a public slipway in a Nature Reserve area. Estelle, Frank and Julia (RERA) are engaging at provincial level while Janette (REC) and Piet Uys (Boat Club) are looking at the current agreement at a local level with the Ward 10 Committee. This requires collaboration with many stakeholders. The matter is of ongoing concern and will be monitored closely.
Community Policing Forum: Frank Raymond
RERA is a member of the Community Policing Forum and Frank Raymond attended all 3 meetings of the Forum held during 2016. Thank you also to Pierre Kruger and Ernest Thompson who co-attended. We requested high level intervention and support for the Kleinmond Police Station and proposed that a satellite police station be created at Bettys Bay. We asked that armed robberies be investigated by specialist police officials. We requested the crime statistics and details on how many vacancies existed at Kleinmond Police Station, but were unable to obtain this information save for the fact that we were informed that 60% of SAPS vacancies have not been filled in the Western Cape. The new chairperson of the Forum is Wendy Tawse, a very committed person.
Clarence Drive Action Group Update
A meeting was held of Rooielsers to discuss and address the growing concerns about speeding and safety on Rooiels Clarence Drive. The purpose of the meeting was :
“Rooiels Clarence Drive” is the portion of the R44 from the 60km/h sign on the hill on the Pringle Bay side of Rooiels to the end of the first parking area after the bridge going up the hill towards Gordon’s Bay. We consider this portion of Clarence Drive as part and parcel of the Rooiels Village. It is important to note that Clarence Drive does not bypass Rooiels (this is a mistaken perception) but Rooiels Clarence Drive serves as the main road of our village, with homes in Rooiels situated on both sides of it.
Rooiels Clarence Drive issues can be grouped under Pedestrian and Worker Safety, Threats to Fauna, Cracks in the support of the Rooiels bridge, Security, Tourism/Scenic Drive. A working group has been formed and more details are available on the Rooiels website.
Other issues that are ongoing include the upkeep of public bins, film shoot policy, plot clearing, access to building plans and the monitoring of water quality.
In conclusion, RERA has worked hard this year. It is increasingly obvious that an effective Ratepayers Association is essential if we are to survive and thrive in an increasingly turbulent environment. Please support this organization by becoming a member and participating in community affairs to protect your interests.
Thank you to all of those who have contributed their time, skills and resources over this past year.
Ruth Mattison
Chairman on behalf of the RERA team 2016
It was a year of action. As problems arose this community talked about solutions and then put them in place. Concerns about security, poaching, road safety, building infringements, environmental protection, improved communication and information sharing have all led to citizen participation. This has resulted in a stronger, more resilient village. We can all be proud to belong here.
Our new website is an essential component of our success as a community. The details of meetings held and actions taken are available on the RERA page on the Rooiels website which is updated regularly.
The following report is a brief overview of RERA activities in 2016. Committee members will be glad to answer any questions homeowners have.
Secretary’s Report: Estelle Raymond
RERA had 95 paid-up members during 2016.
The RERA Exco met 9 times during the year and Minutes can be found on the website. All Rooielsers are welcome to attend Exco meetings, which are normally held on the first Saturday of each month after the hack.
Two well-attended social evenings were organised with the help of members of the Rooiels community. One was at the home of LeeAnn and Ivan Becker and the other at the home of Jenny Stark and Koos Smit.
Numerous electronic newsletters were sent out by John Charalambous and Kay Leresche (website) in an attempt to promote the greater sharing of information among Rooielsers.
The Breeze: Estelle Raymond
Our official newsletter the Breeze/Bries was published in November 2016. This was co-ordinated between RERA and REC, but the responsibility for articles, proof-reading and arrangements for layout, printing and distribution were shared among various Rooielsers - thank you for truly making it a community effort. Thank you also to the Rooiels Boat Club and the Rooiels Conservancy which each contribute a third of the costs, bringing the financial burden for each organisation to a sustainable amount of around R3000 per organisation. This year the costs are down from 2015 and 2014.
To save on mailing costs your copy of the Breeze is waiting to be collected at the Rooiels shop.
Amalgamation of REC and RERA: Anuta Sholtz
A working group met under the guidance of Wessie van der Westhuizen to investigate the correlation between aims and visions of both organisations with a view to determining the viability of an amalgamation.
No hindrances were identified and during 2016 REC operated as a sub-committee of RERA, cutting out duplication of actions and responsibilities and leading to greater cooperation. Two delegates from REC attended each RERA meeting.
We recommend an amendment to the RERA constitution to the effect that two seats be reserved for the REC Convener and sub-convener.
A full report was given at the REC AGM.
Dog Bylaws: Julia Aalbers
The by-law has been around for almost 50 years. In all that time it has been against the law to walk our dogs in public places without a leash and not under our control. The latest by-law provides for the following:
- We can only keep two dogs per property.
- We may not keep dangerous dogs, or those that create an unreasonable disturbance to the neighbourhood.
- We may not allow our dogs to be in public places unless on a leash and under control.
- Dogs are not allowed on identified swimming beaches between 08h00 and 18h00. The blue poles at the eastern and western boundaries of our beach area indicate the extent of the identified swimming beach. Outside of that time dogs must be leashed and under control when on the beach.
- Dog poo must be bagged and removed.
- We may not neglect our dogs or scare them with fireworks.
- Dogs may not scare other animals or wildlife – NO chasing of baboons, dassies, sea birds or francolins!
Public access to Slipway: Julia Aalbers
RERA has appealed to the responsible Minister and requested a meeting to ensure that any public access to the slipway remains within the current confines and is managed by the RE Boat Club. We await an appointment to meet with him. A precedent for extremely limited access has been established with the Betty's Bay slipway which is a restricted slipway. The Overstrand Municipality and Councillor Krige (Ward 10) is fully aware of our approach to the Minister and is keen that this matter be resolved.
We are trying a two pronged approach to prevent a public slipway in a Nature Reserve area. Estelle, Frank and Julia (RERA) are engaging at provincial level while Janette (REC) and Piet Uys (Boat Club) are looking at the current agreement at a local level with the Ward 10 Committee. This requires collaboration with many stakeholders. The matter is of ongoing concern and will be monitored closely.
Community Policing Forum: Frank Raymond
RERA is a member of the Community Policing Forum and Frank Raymond attended all 3 meetings of the Forum held during 2016. Thank you also to Pierre Kruger and Ernest Thompson who co-attended. We requested high level intervention and support for the Kleinmond Police Station and proposed that a satellite police station be created at Bettys Bay. We asked that armed robberies be investigated by specialist police officials. We requested the crime statistics and details on how many vacancies existed at Kleinmond Police Station, but were unable to obtain this information save for the fact that we were informed that 60% of SAPS vacancies have not been filled in the Western Cape. The new chairperson of the Forum is Wendy Tawse, a very committed person.
Clarence Drive Action Group Update
A meeting was held of Rooielsers to discuss and address the growing concerns about speeding and safety on Rooiels Clarence Drive. The purpose of the meeting was :
- To identify Rooiels Clarence Drive issues
- To formulate a strategy and actions to address problems
- How to best use the formal channels of REC, RERA, Website, KBRC, Ward Committee and Local and Provincial Government.
“Rooiels Clarence Drive” is the portion of the R44 from the 60km/h sign on the hill on the Pringle Bay side of Rooiels to the end of the first parking area after the bridge going up the hill towards Gordon’s Bay. We consider this portion of Clarence Drive as part and parcel of the Rooiels Village. It is important to note that Clarence Drive does not bypass Rooiels (this is a mistaken perception) but Rooiels Clarence Drive serves as the main road of our village, with homes in Rooiels situated on both sides of it.
Rooiels Clarence Drive issues can be grouped under Pedestrian and Worker Safety, Threats to Fauna, Cracks in the support of the Rooiels bridge, Security, Tourism/Scenic Drive. A working group has been formed and more details are available on the Rooiels website.
Other issues that are ongoing include the upkeep of public bins, film shoot policy, plot clearing, access to building plans and the monitoring of water quality.
In conclusion, RERA has worked hard this year. It is increasingly obvious that an effective Ratepayers Association is essential if we are to survive and thrive in an increasingly turbulent environment. Please support this organization by becoming a member and participating in community affairs to protect your interests.
Thank you to all of those who have contributed their time, skills and resources over this past year.
Ruth Mattison
Chairman on behalf of the RERA team 2016
