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MINUTES OF THE THIRD MEETING

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Created on Saturday, 05 May 2012 07:59

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MINUTES OF THE THIRD MEETING OF THE WESTDENE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY, 24 APRIL, 2012 AT 31 MOTOR STREET, WESTDENE

 

Present:              Jonathan Alty (JA) – Deputy Chairman

                              Frikkie Botes (FB) – Open spaces and parks portfolio

                              Lori Coogan (LC) – Open spaces and parks portfolio

                              Peter Horn (PH) – Chairman

                              Jean Knight (JK) – Secretary

                              Mark Napier (MN) – Crime portfolio

                              Melinda Swift (MS) – Communication and Street Committees portfolio

                              Jack Weil (JW) – Communes portfolio (items 1 – 4b)

 

Apologies:          Andre Erasmus (AE) – Municipality and bylaws portfolio

                              Clint Hill (CH)                                  

Melanie Horn (MH)

                              Carol MacDonald (CM)

 

 

In attendance:  Councillor Katja Naumann (KN) - Ward 69

                              Paul Howes (PH)

 

1             ADOPTION OF AGENDA

The agenda was agreed subject to the addition of Recycling and Tiggy Park under item 9 and Councillor Issues under AOB.

 

2             ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Subject to the date of the minutes shown in item 2 being amended to 19 November 2011, it was proposed by JW and seconded by JA that the minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2012 be agreed. The minutes were accordingly signed by the Chairman.

 

3             MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES

Other than items already on the agenda, there were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

 

4             REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS

(a)          Communes - Status Report re Communes and Illegal Land Use around the University of Johannesburg as of 03/2012, previously circulated.

JW advised that a major reason for the high number of student drop outs at UJ was poor accommodation and commitment was required to enforce the City of Johannesburg and the University of Johannesburg’s commune policies regarding regulating communes and shutting down illegal communes and/or those that did not comply with the conditions of consent. It was noted that student disciplinary regulations were in place for reporting bad student behaviour and JA advised that UJ would take appropriate disciplinary action on matters reported to them by local residents. However, concern was expressed regarding the lack of effective action taken by the police when called to deal with complaints of unacceptable levels of disturbance to residents caused by commune occupants, in particular that they failed to take names of the alleged perpetrators present at the time of call out.  This issue was currently being addressed by JA.

 

KN provided information regarding action being taken regarding the implementation and policing of the Commune Policy including the various ways in which the enforcement of the Policy can be effected. It was noted that commune owners were required to apply for consent use and that not more than 20% of properties in the area could be given consent for occupation by communes. KN also provided information on actions being taken by UJ and further proposals being considered to ensure appropriate standards of student accommodation and the protection and safety of students.

 

Reference was made to the database of communes that had been established and discussion ensued on the importance for residents to report communes they were, or became, aware of, as well as residents reporting case numbers to the WRA when they opened a case of complaint about communes with the police. This would enable the database to be updated with, as yet, unknown communes as well as enable complaints to be registered on the database, thus providing a monitoring system of problem communes/students for investigation by SAPS and/or UJ in terms of the commune and off-campus accommodation policies.

 

Due to the effectiveness of the key stakeholder Commune Forum in addressing the blockages reported at the previous WRA meeting, it was confirmed that the actions agreed at the previous meeting had not been considered necessary and had therefore not been implemented.

 

Arising from the discussion on the Status Report it was agreed that:

·        To enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the system of monitoring communes KN would work through the WRA with the communication channel between residents and the database being via JW and JA.

·        To create greater awareness amongst residents of the system in place and the communication channel, impetus be given to increasing resident membership of the WRA.

·        The above actions to be led by JW and JA with Committee Members and KN supporting increasing WRA membership.

 

(b)         Crime – ADT Security Proposal for Westdene dated 15 February 2012, previously circulated

KN advised that the Westdene Sector Crime Forum and the Sophiatown Sector Crime Forum had not been amalgamated and confirmed that Westdene was entitled to maintain its own Forum. It was noted that the Brigadier at Sophiatown Police HQ had produced Standing Instructions for police officers when dealing with complaints such as noise complaints and that a Security (Safety) Plan was being produced for consideration by the Brigadier of Sophiatown. MN noted that Westdene had a different crime profile to Sophiatown and in view of this and the non-amalgamation of the two sector forums, it was agreed that:

·        MN submit the Standing Instructions to PH for inclusion on the WRA website.

·        MN continue to formalise the separately constituted Westdene Safety Association (WSA) to be proactive locally and associated to the WRA.

·        The ADT proposal be considered by MN and members of the WSA, in conjunction with the formulation of a Security Plan for Westdene.

·        MN to circulate the draft Security Plan to WRA Committee Members in time for consideration at the next WRA meeting.

·        The above actions to be led by MN.

 

(c)          Open spaces and parks

(i) Westdene Dam

FB reported the increase in rubbish dumping, including building rubble, at the Westdene Dam and surrounds and the lack of action being taken despite the perpetrators being reported. It was also noted that residents were raising concerns regarding pathways at the dam “being strewn with black bags full of rotten garbage.” KN advised that Pikitup were the body to manage illegal dumping but their funding situation made effective action unlikely. JA advised that two companies had been approached regarding sponsorship for fencing the dam area. However, they had indicated they would require some kind of reciprocal arrangement. KN cautioned that fencing the dam would require Municipal approval and advertising was unlikely to be approved. Members reflected on past efforts to clean up the Dam and surrounds and develop it into a recreational area where various controlled outdoor activities could take place. It was considered that the establishment of a specific Committee was necessary to deal with the various issues and develop proposals for the improvement of the area.

 

(ii) The Koppies

LC reported interest being shown by a company in supporting protection of the West Koppies. Some initial proposals had been produced. LC was aware of the several organisations already involved in protection of the Koppies and the various considerations that would need to be taken into account, as discussed at the previous meeting and reconfirmed by KN. However, the ideas being put forward, such as solar powered access control, could possibly encompass all the necessary issues surrounding existing approved Koppie users/activities. In this regard it was noted that parking facilities for the Faith activities at the Koppies had been raised as an issue in the past due to the congestion which occurred at the Beyers Naude Koppie entrance during Faith gatherings. MN advised that there were considerable concerns regarding access to the West Koppies by criminals and a joint operation was being undertaken with relevant stakeholders to ascertain what is actually happening on some areas of the Koppies and by whom.  

 

Following discussion on the above issues it was agreed that:

·        PH contact all residents on the WRA database with a view to setting up a Westdene Dam sub-Committee and JK include in Newsletter.

·        MN liaise with LC regarding the actions being taken to look into the crime issues related to the West Koppies with a view to LC and the Company interested in supporting protection of the Koppies making an inspection.

·        LC circulate to WRA Committee Members the proposals prepared by the above Company for further consideration at the next meeting.

·        The above actions to be taken by PH, JK, MN and LC as indicated

 

5.           WESTDENE SOCIAL MATTERS

MH had advised that although she could not be present at the meeting she would circulate a report on social and business issues. JK provided feedback on the Displaced People Workshop held on the 29 February 2012. It was reported that the establishment of a day/night shelter with a voucher system for users and training facilities was being established by the Ferndale Residents Association. In addition it was planned to establish a Jo’burg Action for Street People (JASP) umbrella organisation as a lobby/action/network group, working in liaison with various CBOs and NGOs, based on the Cape Action for Street People (CASP) model. The WRA had been requested to be one of the founding members of JASP with specific local residents associations, government departments, Councillors, faith organisations, the police, Tara hospital and relevant others. In addition an information handbook was being developed and the handbook, shelter and voucher system was planned to be launched in May.  Members supported the actions being taken and it was agreed that:

·        The WRA be a founding member of JASP, with JK serving as the WRA’s representative.

·        The above action to be led by JK.

 

6             UPDATE ON WRA WEBSITE

PH reported that following a number of technical challenges the WRA website had been re-established with considerable pro bono support from Richard Brenchley, a Westdene resident. It was noted that the DNS records were hosted at central.org and that the WRA was now able to send emails to people on the database. However, there was some uncertainty about existing WRA resident members needing to re-subscribe to the database and the ease in which new members could register. It was also noted that some lay-out problems still persisted when documents were posted to the website. PH was thanked for his commitment to overcoming the challenges of the website and it was considered that further work should continue to develop the website as a sophisticated communication channel between the WRA and residents. It was recognised that this would incur costs and following discussion it was agreed that:

·        On behalf of the WRA Committee, PH send a letter of thanks to Richard Brenchley for all his support and help in re-establishing the website.

·        PH check with Richard regarding whether it was necessary for existing resident WRA members to re-subscribe.

·        Further developments of the website remain as a continuing action for the WRA Committee.

·        The above actions to be led by PH.

Post meeting note: Existing residents on the database do not need to re-subscribe.

 

7             WRA COMMUNICATION PLAN – Copy of the draft plan previously circulated.

MS tabled copies of the draft WRA Communication Plan, updated with inputs received so far. It was recognised that communication would be improved if Street Committees were established with links to relevant portfolio WRA Committee Members. An excellent example, as notified by Scott Barnes, was considered of a Street Committee established in 3rd Avenue for the section between Monmouth and Thornton. Following discussion it was agreed that:

·        The draft Communication Plan be provisionally agreed.

·        Committee Members provide feedback on the Plan to MS by 15 May 2012.

·        Street Committees be encouraged via PH contacting residents registered on the website and mention be made by JK in the next Newsletter.

·        MS to be the main contact for Street Committees and the conduit for links to WRA Committee Members.

·        MS to hold the portfolio for Communication and Street Committees.

·        The above actions to be led by MS with inputs as indicated by Committee Members.

 

8             TREEE PRUNING

JK reported that despite numerous emails and meeting requests sent to Jo’burg City Parks regarding complaints about power line tree pruning in Westdene in November last year, as well as requests for copies of City Parks’ policies on contracting for power line pruning; seasonal pruning; and protection and conservation of trees, no response had been received. It was agreed that:

·        Information on actions taken be sent to KN for follow-up on behalf of the WRA.

·        The above action to be led by JK.

 

9             ISSUES RAISED BY RESIDENTS

(a)          Recycling

Reference was made to various emails regarding the pilot project of Separation @ Source in the Waterval Areas and how this was being usurped by informal reclaimers. It was noted that Pikitup/Mondi were aware of the problem and had been considering incorporating the reclaimers into their project with relevant education. However, Pikitup/Mondi had no clear way forward regarding Pikitup’s bylaw enforcement officers assisting with environmental issues.  It was noted that MS had sent information to Pikitup regarding research work undertaken by Khanya on informal reclaimers and had offered to discuss the matter further with the relevant Pikitup/Mondi team to see how residents could assist. In view of the action taken by MS it was agreed that:

·        No further action be taken on this matter.

 

(b)         Tiggy Park

A number of concerns had been raised regarding the condition of Tiggy Park and in particular the unsafe state of the burnt out building at the Park. KN advised that she could only take action on the matter if she had a formal proposal and petition from local residents. It was accordingly agreed that:

·        A proposal and petition for improving the condition of Tiggy Park, including the demolition of the building be submitted to KN for follow-up.

·        The above action to be led by FB.

 

10          ANY OTHER BUSINESS - ISSUES RAISED BY COUNCILLOR

(a)          Ward Committee Elections

KN reported that MN and JA had been appointed as Ward Committee Members. The report was noted and congratulations given to MN and JA.

 

(b)         Traffic Calming

KN reported that a study by the JRA had been requested due to the traffic calming needs of the area. PH and JK reported on the successful outcome of resident initiative, supported by the WRA, in Andover Road to install speed humps. The recent completion of the construction of speed humps had made an immediate difference to traffic calming in the road.  It was recognised that traffic calming measures in one road often increased traffic problems in neighbouring roads and accordingly the study requested by KN was welcomed. The reports were noted.

 

(c)          WRA Signage

KN advised that subject to an application being made, permanent signage could be erected giving information about the WRA. It was agreed that:

·        An application be submitted to KN for the erection of suitably worded WRA signs in strategic positions in Westdene.

·        The above action to be led by MN and MS

 

11          NEXT MEETING

 

In view of the amount of business to be dealt with by the Committee it was agreed that meetings be held monthly, the next meeting to take place at 19h00 on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 at 23 Seymour Road.