Annual General Meeting – Focus on False Bay

The STCA AGM will take place in the Simon’s Town Town Hall on Wednesday 22 February, 2012, at 19h30.  Regrettably R Adm Louw has been called to Pretoria and is unable to make our guest presentation. However, we are delighted that Gregg Oelofse, Head of Environmental Policy and Strategy in the City of Cape Town, is able to share his vision for an integrated management plan for False Bay. Currently both the Bay and its coastline are managed piecemeal, by a variety of authorities and departments, with little or no coordinated vision for managing, enhancing and protecting this valuable asset which we currently take for granted. Please make every effort to attend, and encourage your neighbours to come too.

Public Baboon Information Meeting.

There will be a public information meeting on Baboon Management on the Peninsula at 18h30 for 19h00 on Thursday 23 February at The Range in Tokai. All are welcome.

Internationally recognized primatologist and baboon expert, Professor Shirley Strum, will present a talk entitled:  “The good, the bad, and the smart”: what makes baboons so difficult to manage? Strum’s talk will include lessons learnt from raiding baboons in Kenya. She will bring an expert, outsider’s perspective on current management challenges of the Peninsula baboon population. A panel comprising representatives of the Baboon Conservation Authorities, the Baboon Liaison Group and the Baboon Research Unit (UCT) will then enter into a discussion with the public on their respective roles in current and future management of the Peninsula baboons. Topics covered will be the latest research, increasing public awareness and how best to reduce conflict between baboons and the residents of Cape Town living adjacent to baboon home ranges.

ATM crime

There has been an increase in (mainly) tourists being targeted by ATM crime in Simon’s Town. We urge all to be extra vigilant when using our ATMs. The various scams all involve the criminals being in the vicinity, and they do not necessarily even have to take your card from you to skim it. Do not use an ATM if there is anyone nearby, and never let another person touch your card. Cash can be withdrawn from your card within minutes of someone else managing to skim it. Encourage visitors to use an ATM inside a shop.

Parking issues

Residents will have noticed the problem with parking in Cole Point and vicinity. Currently the Department of Public Works is resurfacing the Navy’s parking area at Cole Point and so Naval staff are parking in the Town. Despite desperate appeals, there seems to be nothing we can do about it, but Law Enforcement is ticketing those who park illegally on pavements and blocking bus turning etc. The resurfacing of the Navy’s car park is due to be finished by mid-March, when the Navy Festival takes place (16 – 18 March).

Museum Talk

Boet Dommisse will present the Willis Memorial Lecture on “The Dutch Legacy”, an in depth look on the Dutch influence on Simon’s Town at the Simon’s Town Museum, 17h30 for 18h00, on 29 February 2012. R20 per person includes a glass of wine or fruit juice. Queries to Yvonne at 021 786 4404 or Audrey at 021 786 1805.

Upcoming Events in Simon’s Town

We are encouraging all to enjoy and participate in the many activities and events that take place in and through Simon’s Town and are constructing a Calendar of Activities to display in a prominent place and on www.simonstown.com.

Community Police Forum Boot Sale

The CPF raises funds through holding Boot Sales at the Phoenix Hall, Glencairn, but currently lacks items for sale. Please if you have anything you do not want/need, or are clearing out cupboards and garages, please see what you can contribute. Contact person: Roy Burnie 021 786 1806.

World Environment Day at Glencairn

The Fish Hoek High School will be bringing 110 fifteen and sixteen year old learners to Glencairn on Thursday 1 March for Environment Day. GEESE and both the Rotary and Gordon’s camps will be involved, and volunteers to assist are welcome. Please contact GEESE at 021 6400.

The Marine Oil Site

We understand that the plans for the development of the Marine Oil Site are to go before the City’s SPELLUM committee shortly. The proposal still includes some 750 dwelling units and commercial space on the Main Road.  Our concerns about the excessive number of units and the overload on infrastructure (especially with the concurrent Dido Valley development – another 800 units) remain. Cllr Liell-Cock is going to motivate that the SPELLUM committee undertake a site visit before reaching any decisions. Should the City approve the development, there is an appeal process which we will follow.

The Special Rating Area Concept

Simon’s Town, along with many other areas, is increasingly aware of the limitations of the services provided by the City of Cape Town. Some 23 areas in the Cape Town Metropole have voted to augment these services by establishing a “Special Rating Area” (SRA).  The Simon’s Town Civic Association, STADCO, and the Simon’s Town Business Association, all at the forefront of residents’ and business’ complaints and concerns, have increasingly been wondering if this might not be the way for Simon’s Town to go.

Local authorities are obliged by the Constitution to provide all residents with certain basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation, waste removal, etc. – up to an “equitable” standard. For communities that wish to enjoy services of a higher level, an SRA provides them with the option of paying for these additional services. Such services are decided upon by the community, and could include additional public safety measures, cleansing services, maintenance of infrastructure, upgrading the environment, social services, etc.

At the AGM we will be handing out an information sheet on Frequently Asked Questions around a Special Rating Area. We are suggesting that people start thinking about this, and whether it might be a way to address issues of concern to our community. An SRA can only be introduced if the concerned property owners vote in favour of it. The STCA believes that we all need more facts so as to make an informed decision, should this seem the way to go.

Safety and Security

Our Police Station continues to be drastically understaffed, often resulting in an inability to respond rapidly to calls. The CPF, Business Association and STCA are making urgent appeals to provide extra staff. The Simon’s Town precinct is the largest in the Cape Town metro. Despite this, we have received rave reviews on the service delivered from a Glencairn resident who called out the Simon’s Town SAPS at 4h15 one morning.

Membership

STCA Membership fees for 2012 are due as of 1 January.  Details of payment methods are at the end of this newsletter.  At the AGM last year it was agreed that the membership fee would increase in 2012 from R50 per household to R80. This will come into effect from 1 March 2012 (so payments made on or before the AGM can still be at the old rate!).

Reporting issues to the City

Issues needing the City’s attention can be reported directly to the Sub-council Manager, either by email to desiree.mentor@capetown.gov.za, fax 021- 782 1185, or by dropping off a note at the Sub-council offices at Fish Hoek. Please keep Desiree Mentor informed of progress / or lack of progress so that she can follow-up if necessary.  Each report should contain the Date (of submitting the request); the Category (Roads, Waste Management, Parks, Water supply, Graffiti, etc); a Detailed description of the problem (this must include the exact location – eg not just a street name, but opposite which house number, or which end of a beach), and provide the name and contact details of the person submitting the request.

Emergency numbers:

• Simon’s Town Police:  021 786-8646 or 8647
• Fish Hoek Emergency Control Centre:  021 782 0333, 782-0444
• Metro Police (Law Enforcement): 021 784 2033
• Fire and Emergency: 107 from Telkom phones, 112 from cell phones
• Roads, potholes and stormwater: 0860 103 054 (24 Hours)
• Water/Sewage Emergencies: 0860 103 054 (24 hours)
• · To report people tossing burning cigarette butts into vegetation: 021 424 7715
• · Cable theft, toll free 24/7 hotline: 0800 222 771.
• To report people feeding baboons: 021 957-5937or 959-5900
• Baboon emergencies: 071 588-6540 (all hours).
• Metrorail complaints: 0800 65 64 63
• Navy Ops room (for all issues concerning the Navy) 021 787 3818 (all hours).

Queries and complaints can also be logged at the City’s Call Centre: Tel: 0860103089 or

SMS 31363 (no more than 160 characters) or email: ContactUS@capetown.gov.za

STCA membership fees (R80 per annum per household) became due on 1 January 2012.  Please pay membership fees (cash) at the STADCO parking office on Jubilee Square during office hours, or by internet banking. (We are trying to avoid use of cheques if at all possible – the bank is now charging exorbitantly for cheques.)

For internet banking :  BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS:

Bank: Standard Bank,                                                 Branch: Fish Hoek

Branch code: 036009                                                   Account number: 073815209

Account name: Simons Town Civic Association          (Market link savings account)

Please say “Subs, your name, tel. number” as the sender.  Please also notify the STCA that you have paid.

New members must give the STCA contact details so as to be put onto the Newsletter mailing list.

Please encourage neighbours and friends to join the STCA

STCA Web Page: http://southerncrossroads.info/ggvnw/

The Baboon Liaison Group invites you to attend a talk by international primatologist and baboon expert Professor Strum.

Please try and attend, it will be well worthwhile. If you have any queries please call Lorraine Holloway on Cell 083 208 5089.

Talk topic: What is the future of the Peninsula baboons?
Date: Thursday 23^rd February 2012
Time: 6:30 for 7pm
Venue: The Range, Tokai

Internationally recognized primatologist and baboon expert, Professor Shirley Strum, will present a talk entitled “The good, the bad, and the smart”: what makes baboons so difficult to manage?

Strum’s talk will include lessons learned from raiding baboons in Kenya. She will bring an expert, outsider’s perspective on current management challenges of the Peninsula baboon population.

A panel comprising representatives of the Baboon Conservation Authorities, the Baboon Liaison Group and the Baboon Research Unit (UCT) will then enter into a discussion with the public on their respective roles in current and future management of the Peninsula baboons. Topics covered will be the latest research, increasing public awareness and how best to reduce conflict between baboons and the residents of Cape Town living adjacent to baboon home ranges.

Baboon Reporting Hotline:  071 588 6540

Click on the following  Link to find information on dealing with baboons

Baboon Dos and Don’ts

There will be 3 categories:

18 – 25 yrs

26 – 35 yrs

36 yrs +

Drop you poem off in the red box at any one of the following shops in Simonstown:

Craftart & Gallery

Nostalgia

Paddlers

TK Hair Salon

Remember to put you name, address, telephone number and age on your entry.

Closing date is 10 February 2012.

The judges’ decision is final.
Circluated on behalf of the Simon’s Town Business Association

Simon’s Town Town Hall

22 February 2012 at 19h30

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Apologies

1. Approval of Previous Minutes

1. Chairman’s Report

4.      Ward Councillor’s Report

5.      Introduction to the Special Rating Area concept

6.      “Securing the Future of False Bay”, Gregg Oelofse / Dr Elinor Yeld,

City of Cape Town.

7.      Treasurer’s Report and appointment of Honorary Accounting          Officer for 2012

8.      Approval of Amendments to the Constitution

9.      Discussion

10.    Election of Committee Members

11.    Any other matters

12.    Closure

Tea will be served after the meeting.

Donations go to the Girl Guides Association.

Resolution to alter the Constitution of the Simon’s Town Civic Association (STCA)

Note: The constitution was last amended at the AGM held on 18 February 2009.

The Executive Committee proposes the following changes to the ‘constitution’:

Clause 3.2       Existing – ‘Simon’s Town’ shall be the area encompassed by the former Simon’s Town Municipality.

Proposed – ‘Simon’s Town shall be the area encompassing the former Simon’s Town Municipality (including Da Gama Park and Red Hill), Glencairn and the area to the South along the M4 to Smitswinkel Bay.

Reason: To correctly record the extended area of STCA coverage

Clause 4.1.4    Existing – To monitor, on behalf of ratepayers and residents, all municipal expenditure for Ward 69, as far as this feasible.

Proposed – To monitor, on behalf of ratepayers & residents, all municipal expenditure for Ward 61, as far as this is feasible.

Reason: To record the correct ward number, which changed prior to the May 2011 Municipal elections.

The following constitution changes have been recommended by the Department of Social Development to comply with section 12 of the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Act. This is in response to our failed application to register this association as an NPO:

Clause 9.7       Existing – A General Meeting shall have the power to alter the Constitution and no amendment thereof shall be made except at a General Meeting after due notice of fourteen (14) days has been given.

Proposed –A General Meeting shall have the power to alter the Constitution, provided that any resolution to make the change shall be agreed upon and passed by not less than a two thirds majority of the members attending the General Meeting, which shall be properly constituted.

A written notice shall be circulated to all members at least 14 days prior to the meeting at which such changes to the constitution will be proposed. Such notice must clearly indicate the proposed changes to be voted upon.

Clause 16        Existing – All property acquired by the Association shall vest in the Association and any person ceasing to be a member shall forfeit all rights, title and interest therein.

Proposed – Members or office bearers of the association do not have any rights over the assets of the association and the executive may not, under any circumstances, transfer assets to its members or office bearers. Any payments to members or office bearers must have the prior approval of the executive and be a fair and reasonable amount in consideration of work performed.

*********

–
Lesley Shackleton
STCA

Hi, on Friday 3 February by accident we left our garage door open the whole night.  At about 2 in the morning I heard a vehicle stop outside the driveway (fortunately we have a electric gate).  I woke up (not aware that the garage door was open) switched on the lights.  That must have made them move but they came to the back of the house and on the main Glen Road.  The second time I heard them stop I woke my husband. Unfortunately we did not see them or the vehicle but only in the morning did we realise the garage door was open.

This is not the first time at about 2-3 in the morning that we see a vehicle passing stopping in front of all the garages.  We have reported to the police on one occasion.

68 Glen Road, Glencairn.

PLEASE HELP REDUCE THE FIRE RISK IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

The City of Cape Town welcomes participation by South Peninsula communities in the fight against Aliens.

Make your own neighbourhood safe, by reporting any plots in your area that are overgrown or infested with invasive alien plants and send it in to the council at the following address – John.Mathyse@capetown.gov.za with a copy to Gerard.Langenhoven@capetown.gov.za

The Council will then write to the landowners requesting that they clear their land of invasive aliens and take further action as necessary.

Ctr CLICK on the following link to visit  the Cape of Fire website to find more information about the risks of runaway fires in our area and ways to make your home safer.

CAPE of FIRE

There are photos and descriptions of the Alien Species that pose the biggest threat on our website on the “Know Your Aliens Pages”.

Cape of Fire http://www.southerncrossroads.info/capeoffire/

Please note that there was a house break-in in Welcome Glen, Glenavon Close on Thursday, 29^th January 2012.  The owner returned home late afternoon, early evening to find that the French doors had been forced open.

The Police were informed.  Please be aware of this incident!  Break-ins in Welcome Glen usually occur on the edge of the village, Glenavon is right in the centre of the village.

Also, red City Golf parked at entrance to Welcome Glen, corner Glenhurst Rd and Glen Road.

Please be alert and report ANY, REALLY, ANY suspicious incident directly to ST Police on 021 786 8946 or 47.

Kind regards,

Aliet

Aliet Pelt

Chairperson, SAPS Sector 1 Sub-Forum

Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, Welcome Glen

T |  0217810028

C |  0723473117

F |  0866189783

Dear neighbours,

Here are a couple of pictures of the dog found in Woodway and also seen in Bato Street. If you are or know the owner of the dog, please contact Jane on the number below. He is actually staying with her now.

Many thanks,

Louise

Dear neighbour,

FYI – I think I saw the same dog in Bato Street, Glencairn Heights, yesterday morning.

With warm regards,

Louise

Disclaimer: On behalf of the GGVNW Google Group, I merely forward security related emails from the community. I do not necessarily agree with the content of these messages, but do not edit any of the text, even if this may be deemed to be not totally politically correct, and I have no intention to do so in future. I do however ask people when emailing the GGVNW to keep other people’s feelings in mind and be careful with statements that could be construed as discriminatory and/or impertinent.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Real Deal Magazine <real.deal@mweb.co.za>
Date: Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 5:05 PM
Subject: LOST DOG
To: dewaal.louise@googlemail.com

There is a medium sized black and white dog short haired with a brown collar seems to be lost in Wood Way has been in the road for about 2 hrs. Just ran off from 7 Wood Way.

Jane