Greetings,

In this Newsletter:

• The Hermanus Special Rating Area’s (HSRA) application to the Overstrand Municipality (OM) for an extension of term.
• Stefan Otto has been co-opted onto the HPP Board
• Operational activities in the past month

Application to the Overstrand Municipality (OM) for an extension of term

I have previously advised that the HSRA’s term ceases on 30 June 2025 and that the HPP Board, on behalf of the HSRA, has applied for a renewal of term for a further five years. Our neighbouring Special Rating Areas (SRA) in Kleinmond and Onrus/Vermont have done the same. The three SRA’s worked closely with the OM’s CFO in formulating our individual applications. For very good reason the HSRA’s and  Kleinmond SRA’s  submissions missed the deadline. After proper motivation the late submissions were condoned by Council.  Onrus/Vermont SRA met the deadline.

We were however surprised to receive notice (from an outside source) on 17 March, that the OM Council were due to consider a proposal that an extension of term be granted for one year only. The three SRA’s have worked closely together in formulating our concerns and immediately requested to meet with the Municipal Manager. Our main concern is that a one-year-term- decision will restrict our ability to do long term planning for the respective SRA’s.

In response to our request a letter from the Municipal Manager dated 24 March provides the reason for the proposal of a one- year extension:

“Kindly note that the reason for the one-year extension was to allow the SRA’s sufficient time to follow the process as stipulated in Sections 14 and 15 of the Overstrand Municipality: Special Rating Area By-Law. You will of course, be aware, that in both cases the full Chapter 1 process must be followed. There were several requests from certain members of the public to critically engage on the service offering of the SRA’s, which are currently centred around safety and security, while there are other services where they, the SRA’s, can also add value as a force multiplier.

It is expected that this process may take more time than what is currently available (in the current situation the extension request was already late, which was condoned by Council) leaving basically three months to comply with Section 15(a) of the By-Law, and should an amendment be required, also just three months for Section 14 requirements. In both cases, the full Chapter 1 public participation process must be followed. Hence the proposal to extend for one year to allow for all processes to be completed. The view is held that this is actually to the benefit of the SRA’s and effectively allows them a further period of twelve months to ensure compliance to the By-Law.”

I am thankful that the OM have invited the SRA’s to a meeting on Monday 31 March to clarify the situation.

HPP’s relationship with Council has been constructive over recent years – we have enjoyed immediate and honest discussions. HPP supplements selected services of the OM to property owners in the HSRA and at operational level we cooperate well. I therefor see no reason why we cannot address the concerns related to our application for an extension of term in a positive manner.

I will keep you informed on developments.

Stefan Otto has been co-opted onto the HPP Board

The HPP Board unfortunately lost the services of Sarah Taylor last year. She was responsible for the Education Portfolio and represented the Westcliff residents on our Board. I am delighted to welcome Stefan Otto as a co-opted member onto the Board. We have asked him to place a particular focus on educating hotel and guest house owners on how visitors could best keep themselves safe in our town.

Stefan Resides in Westcliff and introduces himself as follows: