TRIF Minutes 19 Sept. 2010

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=30 BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" width="100%" style=" border-left: 1px solid #3366CC;" BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Tulbagh Info Information</B></div> <div> TRIF Minutes 19 Sept. 2010</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="120" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0099CC HEIGHT= 15 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="local_news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tulbagh News Page 2"><U>Back to Local News</U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>MINUTES OF TRIF COMMITTEE  MEETING</U></B></div> <div> <B><U>19 SEPTEMBER 2010 AT 19H00 @ 5 MARK  STREET,  TULBAGH </U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>PRESENT</U></B>:  John Veschini, Dieter Haumann, Theo Lombard, Norman Collins, Wendy Upcott </div> <div> <B><U>APOLOGIES</U></B><B>:</B> Christo & Ann Myburgh, Tiaan Fredericks, Billy du Toit</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>WELCOME</U></B><B>: </B>The chairman, John Veschini, welcomed all present and said that it was a quorum.   JV noted that Gaynor Saayman had resigned due to pressure of other commitments.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:</U></B> These had been circulated via e-mail.  Proposed as a true reflection of the meeting by TL and seconded by NC.   </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>MATTERS ARISING:</U></B>  </div> <div> JV, TL & BdT had attended a meeting with the municipal manager and various officials to discuss TRIF's list of issues (minutes of last-mentioned not yet available although requested).  The issues raised had however subsequently been made into a PowerPoint presentation by the municipality highlighting the issues against the IDP Plan.  JV commented that generally the spirit was excellent - the attitude of the municipality appears to be more conciliatory, there is a measure of respect and a willingness to engage with TRIF.  On conclusion attendees felt encouraged and positive; open communication had taken place.  JV added that there is now visible action in our town - the water mains have been marked, trees planted, roads fixed, etc. - so effort is going into Tulbagh.</div> <bR> <div> Obviously the major issues are the roads and the water situation - scheduled civils work must be shown on the municipality's programme.</div> <div> Electricity meters - charges for particularly small business felt to be unfair; likewise charges for sewerage/refuse should be equitable according to volume.  NURSA is investigating in respect of the charge for the Electrical Meters. David Nasson said the reason is to punish heavy usage to reduce individual carbon footprints as was the case with residential electricity charges.  A differential scale for commercial was suggested, with the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Century Gothic" >st</FONT> 1000 units of electricity considered normal usage.  Some councillors said that the issue was not discussed and that it was a Mayco decision, but in fact it appears on their June/July committee minutes. Obviously some councillors don't read their minutes?</div> <div> BdT tackled the issue of the water courses - assurances were given and it is true that there have been fewer pipe breakages and interruptions of service.</div> <div> Problems with garden refuse removal were apparently related to transport which has now been solved.</div> <div> It is encouraging that private developers are paying attention to addressStreetVan Der Stel Street.  A considerable amount had been spent on paving the east side although FNB had not yet responded.</div> <div> Others on the west side are not observing the principle of pedestrians being able to walk freely & encroaching on boundaries.  The municipality is considering a full pavement over the drain but it will reduce parking.  Town planner said that people generally disregard by-laws - JV suggested summonsing for infringement and disciplining the community accordingly.  There should be no illegal action without penalty.</div> <div> Poor road markings and excessive loading zones are still a problem - it is felt that any property with a back entrance should take delivery there.  An island in the middle of addressStreetVd Stel Street is not possible, but marking should be in evidence.  Narrowing and speed bumps are not practical and will elicit objections.  Road markings have been scheduled for October.</div> <div> JV suggested that if Province could tar the 4kms of Road between Del-Monte and placeCityMontpellier the farmers would use that road and it would take the pressure off addressStreetVan der Stel Street. This could be undertaken when they continue with their program between Hermon and Michell's pass scheduled for 2011.  Since Province owns addressStreetVan der Stel Street he also suggested a phased take-over by the Municipality with maintenance agreement to run over 5 years and therefore will not have to ask the Province for any permission for how we wish to structure our parking.</div> <div> TL said that R 930K had been budgeted for water reticulation and work scheduled to start in September but no evidence of commencement yet.  Where roadworks are taking place, hazard tape should be used.</div> <div> TL added that R 1,7m had been budgeted for upgrading the sewer works - must see that it is spent.  JV will ask for minutes and programme so it may be monitored.</div> <div> 33% of Tulbagh's 29km of roads will be redone - certain streets are on the plan for the current fiscal year, TRIF must ensure that these are in fact attended to.</div> <div> Housing - <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Century Gothic" ><B> </B></FONT>Some houses had been built but others standing over.  Township planning in progress for rezoning to the south / east of Tulbagh for approximately 220 additional low-cost housing erven. </div> <div> Unsanitary conditions regarding inadequate toilet facilities - some of last mentioned had even been padlocked by some and usage denied to others.</div> <div> Electricity losses were down 10% this year.</div> <bR> <div> GenerallyJV felt that good progress had been made and TRIF is better off working with the municipality if it performs rather than on our own.  There was an agreement to meet in November again.  It is about getting the job done and value for rates and taxes paid.  TL said we must press for minutes of the session and then follow up on all promises and due-by dates.  JV agreed to keep up the pressure.  </div> <bR> <div> JV offered further feedback on municipal affairs as follows:</div> <div> A more equitable zoning process is underway.  Spaza shops are proliferating in Chris Hani and Witzenville - although understood that people must make a living and it is easier access for consumers, an area should be demarcated and a project launched to accommodate, mentor and foster viability.  Possible site identified which could be a commercial and training node.  </div> <div> Relationship with country-regionplaceBelgium seems to be healthy - a lot of workshops are being held and training proceeding apace.  Many consultants seem to be involved. </div> <div> In terms of politics the mayor is fighting a court case now on appeal.  </div> <div> The highly-paid secretary has been kept on though there have been other administrative changes.  Post may become redundant - TRIF will be pleased, as it is financed with ratepayer's money.</div> <div> Local government elections are coming up. Ward councillors need to demonstrate they are performing the jobs they were elected to do.  NC commented that TRIF must pursue issues and hold the municipality to the promises they make.  Whitewashing not to be tolerated and faults must be exposed.</div> <div> Our town dam is full and the bulk water supply has been approved; being closely monitored but generally it is being well managed which bodes well for development.</div> <div> It is understood that the golf course has been approved, which is generally felt to be positive.  There may be a low-cost housing component - JV will follow up.  </div> <div> Development of Digby has also been approved.</div> <div> A meeting will be called with Paulo de Olivera re: proposed retirement village development north of Tulbagh - JV believes in engaging.</div> <div> placePlaceNameKliprivier PlaceTypePark - general feeling should be alienated, council will take a decision this month.  TL stated that the money from its sale should be ploughed back into Tulbagh.</div> <div> Eskom power line - another heritage assessment was commissioned and the 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Century Gothic" >nd</FONT> power line's routing is unclear.  JV will follow up with municipality and attend next workshop - insisting upon seeing visuals of the proposed pylons.  DH mentioned that Blue Cranes are also protected in terms of heritage.</div> <bR> <div> JV mentioned that committee members should continue with efforts to recruit more members from the community.  He expressed the hope that this would become easier as TRIF is shown to be achieving positive results.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>NEXT MEETING:</U></B>  To be advised, prior to next meeting with municipality in November.  JV asked members to remain vigilant and let our DA councillor know if anything needed reporting or follow-up.   TL said must go public on progress as a result of TRIF pressure and encourage positivity.  </div> <bR> <div> The meeting closed with thanks to Chair for his considerable efforts to improve Tulbagh on behalf of ratepayers.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Chairperson</div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" width=28 style=" border-top: 1px solid #0066CC; border-left: 1px solid #0066CC;border-right: 1px solid #0066CC; border-bottom: 1px solid #0066CC;" BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>