NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2004

Nominations for members of the Management Committee may be handed to the KRRA any time between now and the AGM, or may be made from the floor at the AGM - but remember that the person nominated must signify acceptance, either on the nomination form, or at the AGM.

Current committee members are : John Watson; Peter Lohrmann; Daan van Heerden; Ria van Aardt; Ingrid Laarman; Cherry Grobler;

The constitution provides for a maximum of TWO votes per property. If you cannot attend, make sure your fees are paid for this year (see below) and sign a proxy for someone to vote on your behalf.

Your support is essential if we are to be an effective voice for Kosmos!

1. Complete and return (in good time prior to the AGM) the Membership Form with the minimum annual fee of R150,00 per family for 2004
2. Nominate persons to serve on the Management Committee for the next year.
3. Any items for the Agenda should be submitted to us before 18 February 2004.

See the renewal form for information on how you can pay your subscription!

KOSMOS RATEPAYERS &  RESIDENTS
ASSOCIATION

NOMINATION & PROXY FORMS


To download the form, click the relevant button below:

1) Each form is in Microsoft WORD format, i.e. having a .doc extension
2) Please be patient while the form is downloading to your PC
3) Once the download has completed, you can print the form directly to your printer
4) Fill in the form and obtain the necessary signatures
5) Fax the form to the KRRA at (012) 253-5046

NEWSLETTER

July 2003

Road Diversion Outside Kosmos Gate

Please be advised that the developers of Portion 64 De Rust (old Stywe Lyne development and the old Iscor site on the waterfront) are going to be putting pipes across the road; constructing a traffic circle with water fountain in the middle of the road where the crossroads of the two sections of ground will meet; and installing a sewerage purification plant. They need to close off the road in order to do this, and are busy constructing a temporary road on the water side of the existing road, that traffic will have to use until this is complete.

It is expected that this will start very soon and the construction process will be ongoing for some time. We are monitoring the situation and will give residents progress updates.

Development at Old Stywe Lyne/Iscor Sites

We have requested a meeting with the council to clarify and monitor what the developers are planning - i.e.more than 150 sites above the road (old Stywe Lyne) and 10 sites below the road (old Iscor grounds), with the sewerage plant below the road. They are planning a crossroad where the entrances will be and a circle with fountain in the centre of the road. The dust and construction vehicles are a concern and we will be requesting the developers to make every effort to contain the dust. Security, especially at Kosmos Ext. 1 and also at Mount Kos and Montego Bay must be addressed to ensure that these estates are not negatively affected. We have already asked the developers to install pallisade or similar fencing on the boundary at Extension 1 and are discussing the situation with Montego Bay and Mount Kos to determine their stance.

Rates Increase

Rates have been increased across the board by approximately 8% from 1 July. The KRRA objected based on the fact that services in Kosmos are not adequately provided and those that are provided are on a limited basis only. The same applies for the other developments on Kosmos Drive who largely see to their own services. We await feedback from the council.

Lack of Attention to Kosmos and Developments on Kosmos Drive by The Council

We have written and delivered several letters to different departmental heads in the council regarding matters such as cleanliness of Kosmos, condition of roads, poor building control procedures, contravention of health regulations, Orange Farm and provision of affordable housing in the area, and many other issues. There has been certain 'limited' responses. Repairs have been made to certain potholes, although there are many on Kosmos Drive and within Kosmos that still need addressing. Other limited response has been received, and we have requested a meeting with the Municipal Manager, and depending on the outcome, will consider the options available in terms of taking the matter further, whether from a legal aspect or by approaching provincial structures.

Condition of Hartbeespoort Dam Water

We are following this up with the Council and the Department of Water Affairs, who are currently urgently looking at ways of keeping the water surface clean, particularly at the dam wall. As the problem originates upstream, they are also looking at how to address the problem at source.

Another problem area is at Westlake where a large area of scum has formed which requires removal. The Chairman of the Homeowners Association, Fred Holshausen, has advised that they are working with the Dept of Water Affairs and are looking to shortly having a contractor remove the algae in a similar fashion to what was done at the dam wall. Longer term planning includes regular maintenance of the area to ensure there no similar build-up occurs.

We will keep residents informed of further progress.

Section of Lawn on Kosmos Extension 1 Waterfront

The Council recently cut down the Bluegum/Eucalyptus trees on the waterfront in line with Water Affairs policy on removing aliens, particularly adjacent to watercourses. They have dug holes to plant indigenous trees to replace those removed, and new trees will be planted by the Parks Section/Council Horticulturalists during the week of 14 July.

Malibu

A couple of weeks ago several used vehicles were brought into Kosmos and arranged on the waterfront, in conjunction with a midday excursion arranged on the Malibu. Several residents voiced objections and concern regarding breach of security. The organiser, who apparently received permission to do this display from someone at the council whose name he could not remember, was requested to remove the vehicles immediately. This has been taken up with council to ensure non-recurrence.

Sewerage - Kosmos Ridge

There are ongoing problems with sewerage leaking from the purification plant at Kosmos Ridge, into Kosmos Drive. This matter has been raised with the relevant department at Council as this is an unacceptable situation for all residents.

Security at Kosmos

Peter Lohrmann and David Valentini are continuing improvements to the garden at the gate area, and have planted an area on the left at the entrance gate. They have also attended to clearing away of some of the old building material dumped outside the entrance.

In future they will ask builders for a deposit to dump material - if the builder does not clear up, they will use the deposit for this purpose instead of it coming out of their own pockets.

Basic Rules/Bylaws

Each Estate has its own rules about garden refuse, dogs, speed limits, etc. Kosmos and Kosmos Ext. 1 do not have a Homeowners Association and we would like to remind residents of the rules and by-laws:

§ Speed Limit in Kosmos - 40 km/hr
§ Dogs - please keep on a leash outside your property!
§ Barking Dogs - these are a real nuisance at night. Please have consideration for your neighbours and keep them indoors after-hours.
§ Children on Motorbikes and Quadbikes - these are great fun! However, they are not allowed on public roads - and parents - some of them are poor drivers! Please be considerate of others on the roads, whether in cars or pedestrians, and supervise children in the streets.
§ Garden Rubbish - may NOT be burnt - Kosmos is a smokeless zone. Please do NOT leave rubbish in the road or on the nature trail. There is a free dumping area at the Refuse Transit Station between Caribbean Beach Club and the T-Junction - do use it.
§ Refuse is removed on Tuesdays - small quantities of garden refuse in black bags will be removed, but not large quantities which is not in bags.

Other Issues Pertaining to Kosmos and Estates on Kosmos Drive

Other matters currently being addressed by the KRRA are squatters and Orange Farm; speeding and traffic on Kosmos Drive; water and water restrictions; cleanliness of the area in general; possibility of installing recycling bins; illegal businesses; toboggan run at Kommandonek; new development - Kosmos Villas; general environmental issues; and many others.

Suggestions

There is a Suggestion Box at the Exit of the Kosmos Security Gate - we welcome your suggestions and ideas.

Obituaries

In the past few months, Kosmos has seen the passing of several residents and past residents, including Walter Klein, Lionel Massar and George Grobler (Snr).

Just this past week we learn that Rina and Graham Ferreira lost their son tragically.

Sympathies are extended to families and friends.

Committee Members 2003

John Watson; Peter Lohrmann; Graham Ferreira; Ingrid Laarman; Daan van Heerden; Ria van Aarde; Deon de Beer; Lize Wolfaardt; Cherry Grobler

NEW MEMBERS

We Welcome New Members from All Estates along Kosmos Drive!

You can see from the newsletter the number of issues affecting all of us that we address and we need your support.

We can email or fax you a membership form - Subs R150,00 per annum

Contact us :

John Watson - Chairman
trs@global.co.za
Cell: 082 444 6786

Peter Lohrmann - Treasurer
peter.lohrmann@ffeminerals.com
Cell: 082 492 1644

WHAT IS THE KRRA?

The Association has been in existence for close on 30 years, and aims, in terms of its constitution, to "protect and promote the interests of bona fide ratepayers and residents of the Township of Kosmos, situated in the district of Brits."

'Township of Kosmos' is further defined as being the former municipality of Kosmos, which incorporated the current Caribbean and Kosmos Ridge developments.

The KRRA has always been very active and successful, both as a watchdog body over the Council's activities, and representing residents in all aspects of life in our Village.

The new dispensation, where the greater Hartbeespoort area has been incorporated into Madibeng (Brits), means that as part of Ward 29 we have one councillor representing a huge area. The nett result will be that unless we play a formal part, our collective "voice" will not be heard in Council on matters affecting our area.

Your "voice" is very important - you have a significant investment in this beautiful area of the Magaliesberg, and must ensure that it is protected and enhanced.

As the KRRA is already a strong body, well-known and recognised as representing Kosmos, we would like to invite members from the other formal developments on Kosmos Drive (Montego Bay, Mount Kos, Caribbean and Kosmos Ridge) to join, and ensure that the KRRA fully represents everyone with an interest in what goes on in Kosmos.

We look forward to seeing many more residents as members of the KRRA !

KOSMOS RATEPAYERS &  RESIDENTS
ASSOCIATION

KRRA : Chairman’s Report 2002

The council is currently busy setting up registration facilities for homeless people in Wards 29 and 30 in order to establish the numbers requiring resettlement. After this exercise the next step will be to identify land and establish the infrastructure to remove squatters.

Lize Wolfaardt has taken up this issue and will will be looking into the matter this year to see if things can be speeded up.

In the meantime, new developments proceed apace. We have asked our Councillor via Ward Committee to advise what Madibeng Council are doing to ensure new developments do not proceed until reliable water supplies are assured.

However, recent efforts were made to cut away excess growth in Kosmos and pressure will continue to be applied via Ward Committee.

Our Secretary, Keller Lohrmann has allocated a day per week when she spends time with an assistant improving on the garden area at the entrance of Kosmos. Gradually she will be working further into the village. Please note that plants and other expenses are being covered by her personally.

Peter Gassner hired workers to clean up during October - costs were carried by himself, Chris Farley and Henry Vermaak.

Assistance with plants, watering and mowing of the grass at the entrance is being provided by David Valentini.

We have been investigating the possibility of placing containers for recyclable refuse (bottles, paper etc) in a suitable position for the use of residents but have not yet finalised this.

We must again request residents not to dump their refuse on the roadside or the waterfront as no one will remove it without prior arrangement and it is very unsightly as well as unhealthy.

Minutes of the monthly meetings are available and may be requested from the representatives. Items concerning KRRA and Kosmos will be drawn from these minutes and included in newsletters to bring the issues to the attention of residents.

It appears that a live band may have started operating from the same premises and John is looking into this issue once again.

Road Safety

Requests regarding children on quad bikes in the area; and also the possibility of installing speed humps or some kind of traffic calming measure on Kosmos Drive have been received. These issues require further attention.

Developments in the Area

Stywe Lyne/Iscor Club

This development has started. In terms of our agreement with the developers we are represented on an Aesthetics Committee to oversee progress of the development - our representative is Deon de Beer.

Report back as follows:

Summary of meeting on Monday 10/2/03, held with Hendrik Mentz(architect and convener of aesthetical committee on Stywelyne development)

• The main shareholder of the development is Kobus Grabe.
• Stywelyne and Atlantis are one development with the same aesthetics.
• The new plan for both are just stands, a jetty and green belt, but no commercial development.(see attachment)
• The green belt area will be 11.5ha.
• The development will be in the form of a security village.
• Each area will have one entrance(control gate) and a column-palisade fence all-round.
• Target date for completion of roads and infrastructure is July 2003.

Concerns:

• 156 new stands.
• Most are +/- 600 square metres.
• New pressure on existing services.
• Security risk with all the new contractors.

Toboggan Run

This was subject to a full environmental impact study and we conveyed our comments on this issue to the Consultants. We await their feedback. However, we were very disappointed in the report which was one-sided in the developers favour and ignored many of the concerns raised by Interested and Affected Parties after the Scoping Report was issued two years ago.

We ensured that Kosmos Ridge and Caribbean were made aware of the EIA Report for their input, which was made directly to the Consultants.

There is also a concern about the Futurus Brick Works ground, which was purchased at the same time as the Toboggan Run property by the same purchaser. If this development is allowed to proceed within the MPNE area, a precedent will be set for similar development and encroachment on the MPNE.

Kosmos Villas

We have been advised of the intention to establish a development on Portions 38,39 and 160 De Rust which fall between Caribbean Beach Club and Orange Farm.

Various phases are proposed and we have registered as an Interested and Affected Party in this issue. We have also advised the consultants of the contact details of other developments on Kosmos Drive which should be contacted to similarly register.

The Coves

We have registered as I&AP for this development on the southern side of the dam.

Kommandonek Nature Reserve

There is extensive rumour in the area regarding this property. It is believed that it may be in the process of being alienated to a private entity for development purposes. Investigation is currently underway to establish the exact position.

Detailed consideration was given to the next step in the process, which is Appeal, but this was decided against for the following reasons :

1. Valuations are calculated on market value of properties. At present municipal rates are calculated on the value of the stand only. While we felt there were anomalies in the manner in which valuations had been calculated, in general it was considered that the stand valuations reached by the Valuer were in line with actual market valuations and in many cases, lower than reasonable market valuation.

2. In order to appeal, professional opinion would have to be sought and presented as evidence. This would cost a considerable amount of money, and due to (1) above, the appeal may have been unsuccessful and therefore have been wasted time and money.

3. It is suggested that when valuations are next undertaken, that residents take an active interest and assist the KRRA in formulating counter-proposals and submitting objections where relevant. It should be noted that new government proposals include rating improvements (not only land value) and consideration of this aspect will be vital.

The new owner wishes to subdivide the property into conventional stands. Unfortunately Nature Conservation (DACE) is not in favour of this and the owner awaits permission.

Date Time Venue

25/02 10h00 Council Chambers, Brits

27/05 10h00 Council Chambers, Brits

26/08 10h00 Council Chambers, Brits

25/11 10h00 Council Chambers, Brits

Any queries call speakers office on (012) 318 9423

1. KRRA committee meeting once a month;
2. Attend formal hearings (developments, applications) on an ad hoc basis;
3. Occasional meetings with officials regarding residents issues, when required;
4. Public Meetings (especially Environmental Impact Assessments; and others where required, e.g. Demarcation Board information, etc)
5. Occasional meetings with developers when required;
6. Meetings with residents to discuss issues and problems;
   

It will be apparent from what has been said today that the KRRA is not simply a "watchdog" body but is performing a far greater function than I believe was anticipated when the Association was formed many years ago. The face of the Dam has changed tremendously over the last couple of years, and unfortunately if we do not keep track of what is going on behind the scenes, and take action and participate when required, we will regret it.

There are at least two shining examples in Kosmos of what happens when Council approves plans which result in construction detrimental to surrounding properties; neighbours try to be amicable and hope for co-operation which never materialises. Faced with an eventual fait accompli, recourse becomes a legal issue and the aggrieved neighbours are then placed in a position where they are obliged to take on huge costs to fight the issue in an effort to regain their lost value, where applicable.

Any development which may lead to deterioration of values of surrounding properties and/or affect the character of the village or residential estate should be tackled timeously and determinedly to avoid future problems for all concerned. This was done with the Malliaros proposals, which could have set a precedent for more than 3000 townhouses on the upper reaches of Paul Kruger Avenue if Mr. Malliaros had been successful.

The demands placed on the committee are tremendous and it is difficult to explain how much pressure is put on the volunteers who make up this committee. People who are prepared to devote their spare time to community matters are very special - it is thankless work which inevitably costs them personally in terms of money, time and effort. On many occasions this year, it appeared that we were chasing our tails and achieving little, but they carried on regardless.

Saying thankyou to the committee almost seems trite in the face of what they have done this year - these excellent people have worked hard.

Special thanks must go to Peter and Keller Lohrman, our hardworking Treasurer and Secretary respectively; John Watson who has resigned but has made himself available to assist with individual issues; Robyn Greyling who has resigned ; Deon de Beer and Lize Wolfaardt, new sub-committee members who have been very supportive; Bob Bolttler from Caribbean who kindly hosted many meetings last year; Ingrid Laarman and JC van Rensburg.

Most of these people have full-time day jobs and regardless of the issues, were prepared to get stuck in and represent the community on committees, in EIA's and other time-consuming, boring, but important issues.

I wish the incoming committee success in 2003.

Cherry Grobler 15.2.03

NEWSLETTER

November 2002

Due to increasing crime in Kosmos, in March of 2002 Kosmos resident David Valentini initiated an upgrade of the Kosmos Village gate and staffing of this gate. Here is an update on the progress of this initiative.

• Criminal activity within the village has virtually come to a standstill. In the 7 months the gate has operated there have only been 3 reported incidents.
• The through-traffic has decreased and most persons entering Kosmos are legitimate visitors of the residents.
• Most residents are co-operating well with the system and booking their guests in and out of the village.
• The night patrols of Kosmos by the gate staff have also virtually eliminated unwanted access to the area across the western border fence.
• Contractors in the village are now under control and their labour leaves the town at night. (They may keep a single guard on the premises).

Some points for improving both the operation of the gate and their own security:

• Do not leave the gate disks in your car.
• Please be meticulous about booking guests in - if you do not, you will both delay the guest and cause problems at the gate.
• If your house is sold or if your employees change please inform David.

To tighten up even more on contractors, within the next two weeks forms will be given out by the security gate personnel. It will include a form which we would like completed by those residents who have pedestrian contractors working on their premises. This form

• will request the names of the individuals as well as the property on which they are working
• will be handed to the security personal in the morning, and a daily permit will be given to the contractors concerned
• on leaving Kosmos in the evening the form/permit shall be returned to the contractor and the process shall start again the next morning
• will be renewable on a monthly basis

This issue remains a priority for the KRRA and also the Council. While the wheels appear to turn slowly, this matter is being dealt with.

We are at present trying to ‘remove’ the children from the street and set up an internal ‘creche’ facility within Orange Farm as we would not like there to be an accident. Any old building materials would be appreciated (eg pool fence, chickenwire, etc).

Should anyone have ideas on how to neaten the area in the interim, please let us know. The KRRA committee always appreciates assistance!

The Madibeng Council is addressing the issue and Committee members that may be contacted in this regard are John Watson (012-2532809) and Peter Lohrmann ( 012-2531916).

The Toboggan Run planned for the property adjacent to Kosmos Ridge has not “gone away” - it appears to be still very much “on the cards”. The Environmental Impact Report was available at the Kosmos library for a period and we have made a submission to the Consultants. They will now prepare a report to Province. We will keep residents informed.

Very Important: GARDEN REFUSE - each resident is responsible for removing his own garden refuse, which is NOT taken away by the Refuse Company, or the Council. Separate arrangements must be made with the council, or a private contractor, to remove garden refuse.

If anyone would like to assist us by volunteering to organise work parties - while we should rely on Council to assist, realistically this may not happen immediately as they are chronically short-staffed and most residents would like to see action now. Please call Kellar Lohrmann on 012 253 1916 or email : plohrma@attglobal.net.

As you will note, a huge amount of work goes into managing the KRRA. We represent the whole of Kosmos, which includes K'Shane, Caribbean, Kosmos Ridge, Mount Kos, Montego and the village of Kosmos. Becoming a member ensures that your voice is heard and allows the KRRA more leverage with the Council.

All the matters above are relative to your investment & lifestyle and therefore your support is greatly appreciated.

We welcome new members - R110,00 per annum (less than R10,00 per month!).

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