Status Report 31 August 2020
Dear HSRA Property Owner
This is another update to keep you abreast of the HSRA (Hermanus Special Rating Area)-establishment process.
For the sake of clarity, HSRA refers to the ‘special rating area’, whereas HPP-NPC (non-profit company) refers to the ‘management company’ of the ‘special rating area’.
What Has Changed
The old CID (City Improvement District)-bylaw of 2002, under which HPP-NPC operated, has been repealed.
Going forward, HPP will operate in accordance with the Overstrand Municipality’s SRA-policy and bylaw, which were promulgated during 2016. Both the policy and the bylaw are available on the HPP-website.
The original Articles of Association (2002) have been replaced by an amended MOI (Memorandum of Incorporation)
For the first time, there will be a formal financial agreement (FA) between HPP-NPC and the Overstrand Municipality (OM).
What Did Not Change
HPP-NPC did not dissolve
HPP-assets remain with HPP
The HPP-footprint (from 17th Avenue in Voelklip through to Swartdam Road in the west) remains the same
The HPP-mandate (provision of supplementary services specifically as it relates to crime prevention and public safety, as well as cleaning services along the cliff path and Hoys Koppie) remains the same. However, the nature of the crime prevention and public safety solution will change. Going forward, it will be much more technology-driven.
Latest Developments
The amended MOI, which is available on the HPP-website, was registered with CIPC (Companies Intellectual Property Commission) on 13 August 2020. With this happening, the OM now formally recognises HPP-NPC as the HSRA’s management company.
The last hurdle in the establishment process is the finalisation of the FA between HPP-NPC and the Overstrand Municipality. Once the FA has been signed by the HPP-Board, HPP-NPC will have the authority to enter into contracts with service providers and deliver the HSRA-business plan (available on the HSRA-website – www.hermanussra.co.za).
At the time of penning this update, the FA had still not been finalised. We are confident that this important agreement will soon be finalised.
Having accomplished its objective, the HSRA-Steering Committee will now dissolve.
Appointment of Service Providers
The procurement process, which was paused during May 2020 because of the delay in the HSRA-establishment process, has been re-activated. We shall award two contracts by 30 September 2020.
The one outsource agreement will be in respect of crime prevention and public safety, and the other one in respect of cleansing along the cliff path and Hoys Koppie.
CCTV-Network
During the past two months Barry van Vuren and his team (including Walter Esterhuyzen from Whale Coast Computers) have been busy with a comprehensive overhaul of our CCTV-network, and the modernisation of infrastructure.
Simultaneously, the team is busy with software updates. They are currently busy installing a cloud-based AI (artificial intelligence)-system, which will enable our existing camera-network to be much more functional (e.g. having license plate and vehicle recognition capability).
For example, if we were looking for a red bakkie with a black canopy, the system will automatically flag where and when it was last seen. The same applies to the tracking of suspicious looking | behaving individuals.
System-generated auto-alerts will enable our control room operators to take appropriate action.
Collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch Groups
HPP recognises the importance of collaboration. Watch groups in particular render an invaluable service. We view them as an important element of an overarching crime prevention and safety network, which also includes SAPS and Municipal Law Enforcement.
Membership of HPP-NPC
Membership of HPP-NPC allows property owners the opportunity to participate in the affairs of the company.
Although all property owners are eligible to become voting members of HPP-NPC, the MOI stipulates that you must formally register as a member. You can do this online by visiting www.hppsecurity.co.za
Communication
We shall communicate with you via:
The HPP-website
E-mail broadcasts
WhatsApp
If required, we shall place notices in the local media.
Please remember to notify HPP when:
Your e-mail address changes
Your mobile number changes
You sell your property
You buy another property within the HSRA-area.
Since WhatsApp-messaging allows for rapid communication, it will be great if you could share your mobile number with us. We undertake not to spam you, or to pass your personal details on to a third party.
Simply send your details via e-mail to hpp@hermanus.co.za
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2020. The meeting, which will be held in the Municipal Auditorium, shall be conducted in line with Covid-regulations applicable at the time.
The AGM will provide a high-level overview of:
The year under review (2019 | 2020)
HPP’s annual financial statement (AFS)
What lies ahead (a sneak preview).
In addition, a new Board will be elected. More details about the AGM will follow.
Operational Date
HPP will become fully operational by no later than 1 November 2020.
Resignation
Guy Redford has resigned as an HPP-director. This vacancy will only be filled when a new Board is elected at the upcoming AGM.
In Their Words
We would like to express our grateful thanks for everything you have done to keep HPP alive and indeed for the superb service from your operators which has never faltered.
You have kept us informed and you have continued to work toward a solution in very difficult times.
We applaud what you have done and your tenacity in seeking a solution. As two people who were so deeply involved in setting up the original HPP it is with enormous gratitude that we thank you and all at HPP for your endeavours.
The people of Hermanus should be aware of what HPP has done when so many formal security organisations have fallen short.
We hope you will continue with your objectives and the wonderful service of your management and operators in patrolling and monitoring our safety.
We salute and thank you
Andrew and Elizabeth Embleton (Eastcliff)
Thank You
In the final instance the HPP-Board would like to thank:
Mr and Mrs Embleton for their kind words
Property owners within the Special Rating Area for their amazing support during the transition period. Some of you have been very generous in your voluntary contributions.
Guy Redford for his contribution during his stint as an HPP-director
The HSRA-Steering Committee for all their hard work. A special word of thanks goes to Michael Farr (project leader) and Terry McCarthy (Fernkloof Estate). They have put in many hours.
Going forward, we are looking forward to establishing a productive working relationship with the OM.
Until next time, kind regards.
Errol van Staden
HPP-Chair