Gamtoos mouth resort homeowners association newsletter 27

GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION - NEWSLETTER NO 41
Big Changes Coming

There are major changes on the way, affecting how the resort is to be run and if you want all the details, or have any questions, then you need to be at the Annual General Meeting at The Thornhill Hotel on November 12 at 14h00.

With Chris Egberink due to retire shortly, Board Vice Chairman Graeme Rushmere advised that the Board will be delegating more management responsibilities to residents, represented by an appointed Executive Committee to be appointed by the Board.

In announcing the new admin plan Graeme said: “We are building three offices in the farm shed, which will become our new administrative centre. Resort manager George Gerber and his assistant, Stephanus Gerber will be located in the new headquarters, along with Jenny Todd. He announced that Cal Seton-Smith had been appointed to head up the Exco Committee.

Jenny will continue to function as per her current job description, except that the accounting function has been outsourced to the Bellbuoy Group, who specialise in Managing Agents work. Jenny will also assist the Exco chairman and staff, be the permanent presence we have lacked on site so far, handling queries and carrying out a range of administrative functions. George and Stephanus will continue in their current roles. “Some of the duties of the Exco committee will include rules enforcement, supervising maintenance of reticulation systems, roads and buildings, approval of quotes, issuing purchase orders and payment approval. Also staff monitoring, electricity audits, archcom inspections and a range of other functions. It will be a relief to some that Chris’s services will not be entirely lost. He has been retained as a consultant with special focus on architectural issues and the passing of plans,” said Graeme.

He said “the Board would announce the hand-over date and fuller details at the AGM or sooner”.

The development of the plan follows a consultative process which has drawn in various stake holders and residents’ representatives.

“We have long believed that this is the way to go. We are aware of the importance of homeowners having a meaningful say in the running of the resort, and we believe that this is a significant step towards achieving that goal,” he said.

He emphasised that the Board would still retain its full powers and would remain involved as the development of the resort continued, and as Phase three was rolled out.
In this news letter Graeme has used the opportunity to thank Chris for his years on unstinting service. “Chris has carried the load on his shoulders, and we wish him everything of the best during his retirement. He has been involved with Gamtoos since the very beginning and there is no doubt that we will miss him,” he said.

Appointment of New Managing Agents

As of 1/1/2012 the Bellbouy Group has been appointed as our new Managing Agents to deal in the main with the accounting function. Information they require and their literature is attached. It is of utmost importance for you to complete the attached forms so that the change over takes place without any hitches.
Tree People Impressed

The Dendrological Society members were impressed with the variety of trees and plants they found at Gamtoos Mouth Resort. They did not find the unique Cussonia Gamtoosensis, but we showed them a few examples of our Cussonias (cabbage trees). Jenny Eldridge said that the trails were great. On Saturday afternoon, July 30, Cal and Rob accompanied us down to the salt water lakes for a beautiful walk among the Aloe Africanas (Uitenhage Aloe) the Sideroxylon inerme (White Milkwoods) and some large Cussonia spicata (common cabbage tree). The lakes are very picturesque with plenty of bird life. We saw the fish eagles flying above us. Other trees we saw were Schotia afra (Small-leaf Boerbean), Pittosporum viridiflorum (Cheesewood), Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus (Candlewood), Zanthoxylon capense (Small Knobwood), Polygala myrtifolia (September Bush) and others.

"On the Sunday morning we were joined by some more members of the Dendros and we set off to explore the “Valley Thicket” above the houses, It was a beautiful sunny day and we started with the Boerboon Forest Trail up to the pipe line and then came back along the Gurra Trail and the Bushbuck Trail. We lost the trail towards the end and had to do a bit of bundu bashing through the Fynbos and under the trees but got back safely in the end. This was a very interesting walk and we were amazed at the size of the Boerboons. These stately trees must be very old. I have given Cal a list of the trees we saw. The Fynbos was stunning and on the Caltrate section at the top of the ridge we saw some Syncarpa recurvata (Everlastings) that are on the Red Data list as an endangered species".

There were also Ericas, Felicias, Othonnas and Eriospermum (Kapokbos) as well as Rapanea gilliana (Dwarf Cape Beech) too small for a name tag! On the flat grassy section there were large clumps of Oxalis with very large flowers, quite a show. Finally on arriving at the reservoirs we found a dead porcupine. This is such a lovely area and the trails are easy going with lots to see. It will be an added bonus to attach permanent name tags to the trees and encourage locals and visitors to learn to identify them. Many thanks for your hospitality and the use of the cottage.(Jenny Eldridge Dendrological Society)

Internet Connectivity:

If you wish to have internet connection contact true technologies. Phone Tina Ekermans on 042 293 4168 cell: 084 513 0231 or email her on [e-mail]. (New update – possibly MTN will be installing 3G at Gamtoos shortly)

Water invoices and statements: Note that water invoices and statements are sent out quarterly not monthly. Please pay your accounts timeously.

Pumping it out:

The pre-spring rain just kelp coming, and this meant there was a lot of work for our new portable, submersible pump, which has been kept busy in Phase One, clearing the drainage sumps and the pools of water that inevitably form after good rains. The water table is high and although the sumps that have been put in strategic places are helping, they simply cannot cope with the ongoing rains we have received.

Our portable submersible pump, which also shifts sludge, feeds into a long, soft pipe, which leads the water off to low lying areas, where it disperses. It is a remarkably effective system, and although it is not the ultimate solution, it is a good compromise. So for now, those who were often plagued by water at their gate or doorstep, are receiving a quick response and relief from a problem which we have lived with for some time.

How you can help: Residents can help keep the water ponding problem at a minimum by ensuring that tank overflow pipes and gutter drainage is directed away from the roads towards low lying areas, or into parts of the garden where it can soak away. Excessive paving of some erven, has created run-offs which have made the problem worse than it should be. See what you can do to help.

Septic tanks: Not every one knows how septic tanks work and how harmful some practices can be. Those folk who hire out their homes should have a list of instructions in their bathrooms. Here are a few pointers.

1) Do not pour cooking oils and fats down the drain. The grease hardens in the septic tank and can clog the inlet or outlet. It also clogs soil pores.

2) Pesticides, paint thinners, solvents disinfectants, poisons, cigarette stompies and household chemicals, kill soil organisms that help purify sewage. Some organic chemicals will filter through and contaminate underground water.

3) Avoid septic tank cleaners as they do not reduce the need for regular pumping of the septic tank and can contaminate underground water.

4) Your drain field (soak away) does not have unlimited capacity so the more excessive your water usage, the greater the likelihood of problems.

5) Check for leaky taps and toilets as these can double the amount of water you use.

6) Ensure that foundation drains; roofs water, gutter water and surface water are directed away from the septic tank and soak-away.

Fishing protocol:

Despite an international focus on conservation, many anglers treat the environment and bait and bag limits with contempt. It’s inconceivable that such ignorance should exist in an age of information overload.

Those who simply do not care will always be with us. For those who do care, here are some points of protocol supplied by one of our residents:

1) Limit your catch to ensure that future fish stocks remain healthy.

2) Leave your fishing spot in a cleaner state than you found it.

3) Respect the rights of property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts.

4) If you want to succeed, use the proper tackle and bait for the species being targeted.

5) Promote the sport by educating children in conservation, and fishing techniques.

6) Report illegal fishing activities to the proper authorities.

7) Make sure you understand the basic principles of boating on the river, and be considerate by not racing past those who have lines in the water.

Slipway Road:

The slipway road is being repaired and should be in good condition for the Christmas break. Users of this road should drive cautiously, especially as much of the traffic has boats in tow. Be wary around the blind corners. There is no need to hurry.

Electricity up:

Electricity prices have risen in accordance with the national trend. The NMBM anticipated a 24.8% electricity price increase and we thus increased our tariff from 105c to 130c KWH from the 1 July 2011. NMBM’s actual increase was 28%. The Board decided to now implement the correct percentage and the price will increase to 135c as from 3-11-2011. A limit of R 1000 per month per Homeowner will be imposed up to 2 November 2011. Naturally exceptions will be made if property motivated.

Water down:

Residents will be happy to know that the water prices have normalised after the heavy early spring rains which filled up supply dams. The price of our water from the Kouga Municipality has decreased from R7.89 to R4.28 per kilo litre. This as from 1st August 2011. this is a 46% decrease. This based on Part A Scale D of their published tariff, which is what we are being charged on at the moment.

In response thereto the Board has decided to reduce its tariff to the Homeowners from R9.22 to R6.60 per kilo litre. This as from 1st August 2011. This is a 28.4% decrease. In comparison residents in Summerstrand are paying R6.60 per kilo litre up to 24kl per month. Also the Kouga residents are currently paying R5.78 per kl up to 24kl per month. This plus a R60 monthly availability charge.

The price is down from R9.22 to R6.60 per kl. Just a reminder to read your water meter daily or at least weekly. If you are not a permanent resident, please ask you neighbour to read it for you.

Same old same old:

Sadly we see the same faces at every beach clean-up, those 12 or 14 faithful souls who care enough about our environment to want to make a difference. If you want to meet your fellow residents, come along, enjoy an egg and bacon roll and cup of coffee, and help keep our beach in decent state. Join us for the next beach clean-up. They always take place on a Saturday morning, starting from the sales office at 8h00. Watch the entry gates for posters which advertise our beach clean-ups.

Security problems.

You will notice from the attached circular that we will be tightening up our security. Please support this for your own safety, as well as the protection of the homes of our many home-owners. Security is the responsibility of all. The recent theft of three very expensive out board motors, plus one or two break-ins during the past 12 months, serve to warn us that we cannot be vigilant enough. If you have reason to doubt the credentials of a stranger on the resort, ask who he/she is and how you can help them. If necessary then call the manager of his assistant without delay. Each homeowner has a duty to monitor and amicably confront strangers.

New Tractor and Trailer:

Residents will have noticed that we have a handsome new Massey Ferguson tractor, purchased at considerable expense. The old machine which was some 30 years old served us well, but it had finally passed its sell-by date and had become costly to maintain. We will shortly be acquiring a new light-weight trailer which will be used for general duties, while our old trailer will be kept for heavy duty work.

Danie and Lydia:

Our sympathies are extended to Danie and Lydia Gouws who tragically lost their son Justin, in a work-related accident in Pretoria. The couple would like to thank friends and residents who rallied around and supported them in their time of need. Confirmed Christians, the couple said they wanted to honour the Lord for the way the difficult situation was managed, and how arrangements to manage the tragedy slotted together.

Post boxes:

Many still do not have post boxes. Help us communicate with you by installing one at your front gate. It is also a useful receptacle for the weekly refuse bag that is delivered to you.

Advertisements:

Gamtoos Mouth Garden Services: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim? For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirk Coetzee on 084 5124 961.

Fishing equipment: If you need repairs done to rods and reels that look ready for the dust-bin, contact Ben Van Deventer in Phase One whose hobby is fixing them. If you need repairs done to rods and reels, Ben will handle it for a small fee. Phone [phone].

Klere herstelwelk: Vir enige klere herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief vir Drienie – 082 9610071

KEY NUMBERS: Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association: Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone] P O Box 6267, Walmer, 6065 email: [e-mail] website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za Resort Manage: ( George) 071 9819592 Fax: [phone], Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751 Directors: Angela Stockley 072 510 3983 email: [e-mail] Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [e-mail] Thornhill police: 042 2866201
We wish residents and holidavmakers a season of oeace and iov
GAMTOOS MOUTH RESORT HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION - NEWSLETTER NO 42
Count-down to new admin launch:

Within a matter of days Gamtoos Mouth resort will be under local management. January 3 marks the day when an Executive Committee (Exco) of local residents, appointed by the Home Owners' Association board, takes over the day to day running of the resort under the chairmanship of Cal Seton Smith, who for the past year headed up the Gamtoos Mouth Ratepayers' Association.

The committee will also include board member Zane Hayes as well as Hannes Visagie, Kobus Raath, Tris Wooldridge, and Jeanette Steenberg.

The executive committee, along with Jenny Todd, George and Stefanus Gerber, will all operate out of the new office centre in the farm shed.

Cal has said that there would be several priority projects under the stewardship of the Exco, among which would be to establish a properly functioning fire-fighting response, an ongoing road maintenance programme, and improving operating efficiencies, productivity and cost containment, as well as beautification of the resort, especially at the two entrances.

The Exco would report regularly to the board and would draw strength from semi-retired Chris Egberink's vast knowledge and many years of experience, said Cal,

A lively AGM

More than 80 residents attended a lively annual general meeting held at the Thornhill Hotel on November 12. The two major points of interest were the increased budget, which, in addition to taking inflation into account, had to accommodate the cost of the new admin set-up. The budget was balanced by increasing levies from R185 to R235 a month. Chairman Colin Rushmere explained that GAMHOA had in the past been substantially subsidised by the developer, but the time had come for it to stand on its own feet.The second point of interest was the election of two home-owner representative to serve on the board. The candidates were incumbent, Zane Hayes, and new candidates, Cal Seton-Smith, Hannes Visagie, and Dries Gouws. In addition to those present, more than 40 proxies were registered. After a close count Hayes and Seton-Smith were elected.

Levies from 1 January 2012

The draft budget was approved at the first Board of Directors Meeting. The levies will be R235.00 per month as from 1-1-2012.

New pedestrian gates

Handsome new pedestrian gates have been installed in both Phase one and Phase Two. Electronic key pads have been fitted and the code, which is 2010# (remember the soccer World Cup), will be changed from time to time in the interests of security. Residents will be informed timeously. Some residents have commented that both entrances are shabby, with too much wire and too many untidy signs and were too "bittty", creating a careless "low budget" look. Ways of improving the appearance will be considered early in the new year. We appeal to residents to respect the electronic key pad system which is expensive. These cost comes out of our budget which is fuelled by levies, so let's take care.

Chris Egberink commented: "In the discussions it transpired, that our staff had

mentioned to his client, that another builder had done some quality work in the resort. This remark was mis-understood and for this we apologise!"

The dates set for next year's meetings with the Builders' Association are Wednesday 25 January; Wednesday 30 May and the 26th September 2012. We appeal to builders to give Manie their support. It is in all our interests to know and acknowledge the parameters and framework within which we all work.
Bouquet for Manie

Builders are generally on the receiving end of criticism, but one resident was effusive in her praise for Manie Venter. Linda van Vuuren lives virtually across the road from one of Manie's completed projects. She writes:

"In spite of all the usual frustrations which usually accompany this type of construction, I feel it only fair to compliment Manie Venter and his team on their exemplary behaviour during the entire building process. "His team was at all times.well behaved and well mannered. At no time did I experience bad language or any other unpleasant behaviour. With our grandchildren on occasion playing outside it was never necessary to reprimand the builders for any unpleasantness."
Thanks John Heugh

We thank John Heugh for fitting out the craft centre at Barnes Cottage with much needed lighting. John's wife, Anna Marie is a keen crafter who is also a brilliant caterer. She regularly brings something from her oven down to the centre on a Thursday morning. This brings all crafting at a halt around 10.30 am, when all gather around the table for coffee and a generous slice of cake or tart, or scones, or... enough said. Caution is thrown to the winds as those present descend upon the feast. Step aside Nigella, this is Anna Marie's turf. Watch out for her recipe book which will be published sometime in the New Year.

A word of thanks to Martin Todd as well. He rushed down to the centre one morning to sort out a problem with the power supply. We appreciate you guys. It's what makes the Gam special.
Millie Van Deventer

Our thoughts and prayers are with Millie Van Deventer at this time as she undergoes intensive treatment. Those who know her well can vouch for her strength and depth of faith in the face of adversity. Keep her in your prayers.

Trying for 50 per cent

Chris Egberingk has written a powerful motivation to the Kouga Council which urges it to increase the rates discount we receive as a gated community from 20 per cent to 50 per cent. Earlier in the year a strong delegation headed by Colin Rushmere, supported by Graeme Rushmere, Chris, Lorraine Garner, and Cal Seton-Smith, representing the Ratepayers' Association, made a presentation to the Kouga Municipality on why we should receive a bigger rates discount. We were invited to put forward a written presentation.

Chris's presentation is both detailed and compelling, and will hopefully appear on the GAMHOA website some time soon. A response is expected from Kouga some time early in the new year. We take this opportunity to wish Chris a blessed retirement as he eases back from the full pressures of the tasks he has carried out so thoroughly over the years.
Afrikaans

Ons verlang Afrikaanse insette in die Nuusbrief. Stuur ASSEBLIEF u berigte in.

The suggestions / mail box

The suggestions / mail box will be relocated from the Phase 1 Sales Office to the New Offices at the Shed.

Questions and Answers Column

Hannes Visagie requested that we have a questions and answers colunm in the NEWSLETTER. Lets give it a go. Send in your questions and we will do our best to answer them.

Advertisements

Gamtoos Mouth Garden Services: Need help keeping your plot or garden in good trim? For lawns, flower beds and even painting your house, contact Dirk Coetzee on 084 5124 961.

ueveiutM in riidie une, wiiube nuuuy ib nxmg iiiein. M you neeu lepniib uuiie lu iuus emu iccis, oen will handle it for a small fee. Phone [phone].

Klere herstelwerk: Vir enige klere herstelwerk asook om na huise en tuine om te sien kontak asseblief virDrienie-082 9610071

Key numbers:

Gamtoos Mouth Resort Homeowners Association:

Homeowners can still phone the Linmere offices on a temporary basis until we have the new

Gamtoos office telephone installed.

Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone].

The new postal address is: PO Box 213, Thornhill, 6375

email: [e-mail] (change will also follow)

website: www.gamtooshomeowners.co.za

All levy and water account payments must directed to: Bellbuoy Managing Agents - Cheryl Du Sart (bookkeeper):

Tel: [phone] fax: [phone] PO Box 7660, Newton Park, 6055

Banking details:

F.N.B - Newton Park - branch code: 261 050

Account name Bellbuoy CC Trust Account - obo Gamtoos Mouth Homeowners Association

Account number: 6233 0571 143

Resort Manager :(George) 071-9819592 Fax: [phone]

Assistant Manager and Weekend Managers 076-0724751 Directors : Zane Hayes 082 774 8198 email: [e-mail]

Cal Seton Smith: Office numbers and email address to follow Thornhill police: 042 2866201 Quote: A wise man speaks because he has something to say. A fool speaks because he has to say something.

email me at [e-mail]

NEWSLETTER NUMBER 46 — DECEMBER 2012 OFFICIAL NEWS LETTER OF THE GAMTOOS MOUTH HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
Electricity price down in new deal
AFTER months of investigation and negotiation, the price of electricity supplied by Gamhoa to residents is to be reduced in January. This move comes into effect as a result of our bulk supplier, Nelson Mandela metro, introducing a stepped tariff, and the fact that many of our permanent residents use less than the 350 kilowatt hours which qualifies for the bottom rate in the tariff structure. After much deliberation and commissioning a full report on our options from consultants, Clinkscales Maughan, Brown, it was decided that we could drop from the current averaged rate of 150 cents per kilowatt hour to 130 cents per kilowatt hour for users of up to 350 kwh/h. The price increases to 155 cents between 351 and 600 kwh/h and to 184 cents above 600 kwh/h. The greatest challenge was to ensure that the formula complied with our Memorandum of Association, which allows us a 25 per cent mark-up on the stepped tariff rates. The mark-up is to cover a host of costs. These include cost of sales, cost of losses, cost of public usage such as street lights, maintenance and so on.