KLEHO NEWS
August 2018.
Dear Members and Residents,
It has been quite a while since the last newsletter and we hope you find this issue to be informative and helpful in updating you about the progress on this wonderful Estate.
Architectural Committee:
This has been a very busy period for the committee as they have received several requests for permission from homeowners for varying projects. This is the correct procedure to follow when looking to make changes to the exterior of your property. Send an email to admin@kle.co.za and Kirstie will ensure that the request is sent to the relevant people.
As you remember on the 9th July we sent out a letter formalising the final Blind and Water tank rule that needs to be adhered to on the estate. This letter appealed to those who are in contravention of the Constitution to make the necessary changes to comply. We are pleased to mention that we have had some homeowners approach the committee for advice in ensuring that they are compliant.
If you have a non-compliant issue that needs attention we urge you to contact the committee, so they can advise a solution.
Please also note that the Architectural Design Guidelines are up on the website for your reference under the documents tab.
Fines Structure:
Whilst we understand that this appears to be an unnecessary and drastic step, the Trustee Committee considered it wise to introduce a management system at this early stage of the estate’s development in line with that introduced at most of the leading residential estate’s in the country. The timing in introducing these fines is not in response to any discussions currently under negotiation. The Committee has received a few comments from Residents after sending out the proposed fines structure, which we were obliged to do as your Trustees, in accordance with the Constitution that we all bought into. Please be assured that whilst this requirement must be in place, it is not the intention to create undue distress. Most replies have been supportive of the intention whilst a few expressed unnecessary concern. Fines may be imposed, but only after due internal process which will include verbal discussion, followed by a letter if necessary giving time for correction of the breach, and only then could a fine be levied.
Maintenance:
You might have noticed that James Bryden has been doing his rounds with a team of painters, attending to the exterior painting and maintenance of the units. James is doing a great job and the Committee are grateful for his willingness to manage this process.
Members are welcome to contact James through Kirstie’s office for a quotation to do any painting of their interiors or any work not covered under the Estate’s exterior maintenance programme. James will supervise Jannie, who has experience of interior work with due concern for protecting furniture etc. As homeowners you can also be more confident regarding security and safety using this resource.
Finance:
We can report satisfactory performance in line with budget and your committee are satisfied with the handover to PPM and all seems to be running smoothly. PPM have been requested to issue the statements by the 27th of the month from this month, as levies are due in advance and should be paid on or before the 1st of the month.
Clubhouse:
The Clubhouse store room is in progress and completion will be prior to the builder’s break, this will provide a space to store chairs and tables as needed. As your trustees we are encouraged to see the increased use of the clubhouse facilities as more members join.
We are also currently looking at the purchase of suitable chairs for use by the various “clubs” and have taken the decision that the foyer and or the library may be booked and used by any interested groups. Terence will see to both set up and storage after use. The formal lounge area is also available for use as usual without re-arrangement of the furniture except for estate wide functions.
Property and Gardens:
We recently did another walkabout with the garden maintenance team and are pleased to report that things are really looking good.
As a reminder, we want to reiterate that the garden maintenance staff are not employed by the HOA and we request that Residents refrain from giving instructions to the garden maintenance team. The basic garden maintenance service incorporates the cutting of the lawn, weeding of the flower beds and trimming of the edges only. They are also responsible for the weeding of the sholin walls and maintaining the common areas. They are not responsible for the weeding of the individual homeowner’s lawn, this is the homeowner’s responsibility.
We have investigated this as an extra service payable by individual homeowners, should they be interested. The charge will be R500 per unit per month, but if ten or more units sign up for this service the rate will be reduced to R400 per unit.
The Municipality has a “Blue Bag” service for the removal of garden refuse, we encourage you to make use of this service. The bags can be purchased directly from the Municipal offices in the main road, where you pay your rates and taxes at a cost of R11 per bag. The bags must be put out only on a Monday, together with your refuse, and the refuse removal truck will collect them. Please note you are limited to two bags per unit.
In a previous newsletter we mentioned the parking rules and our rules are sensibly framed to limit parking on verges and in driveways. Many members have had the need to park vehicles, boats, caravans and trailers to accommodate visitors and/or to clean, load and unload etc., for short periods of time. Members have been very accommodating to date and your committee has agreed that boats, caravans and trailers may park in driveways for a maximum of 5 days to accommodate the above.
Safety and Security:
We are thankful for the positive feedback received from the security handout delivered recently.
As mentioned previously the S&S Committee have received the risk assessment of the estate’s security from Allsound and we are pleased to mention that we are currently working on improving the security on the access gates at the contractor’s entrance as well as Greeff’s gate.
We are also pleased to announce that our first responders have received the necessary training to handle the fire equipment which we have purchased. It is stored in the guardhouse which is easily accessible if needed.
We are in the process of erecting signs at the first roundabout intersection as you come in the gate, as management have become aware of residents violating the traffic rule regarding traffic circles. Please remember to adhere to the laws of the road even in the estate, always keep left and on leaving the estate please refrain from turning right avoiding the traffic circle. The concern is that inevitably this will cause an accident.
Garages:
We regret to report to you that the storage garages are still in the approval process and thus there is no further news to report.
Social events:
Monday 24th September “Heritage Day” Picnic and Braai
Monday 31st December New Year’s Eve
First Wednesday of the month Developer hosted drinks evening
The Christmas in July event was a success and we believe those that attended enjoyed it thoroughly.
Our next event coming up is on the 24 September, this is a casual day for you to get together and have a “day out” so to speak, you are most welcome to bring along your friends/family who are visiting for that long weekend. Braai fires will be set up on the patio outside the snooker room/lounge side of the Club House, where you can also set up your tables & chairs etc. You should have received an invite for this function informing you of the details. Please contact Elaine by email elainebrenton@telkomsa.net or intercom ext. 1024 to RSVP or for any queries.
On the estate there are several social groups should you want further information on any of the following interests please call the relevant person below:
Golf & Snooker – Gerald Swart Unit 71
Hiking & Trails – James Bryden Unit 7
Bridge – Mike Griffiths Unit 115
Mahjong – Elaine Elliott Unit 10
Water Aerobics/Tai Chi – Norma Lederle Unit 24
Healthcare:
Dr Klaas van Wyk has been making great headway in understanding the operation and management of the Healthcare. We recently sent some of our carers on a course held by Hospice to further their knowledge and expertise, so we can always ensure that we are up to date with the latest regulations.
We will be formalising another handout which will list all the services that your Healthcare has to offer, and we really encourage you to make use of these services as and when needed.
Smalls:
Gerald is a domestic/ gardener/ painter with good references who already works three days per week on the Estate. He has Wednesday and Thursday available. Pauline (1033) and Cathy (1003) will gladly give references and Gerald is available on 071 0107253.
News from the sales team:
The sales team are going full steam ahead, with 67 completed homes and a further 17 units in different stages of the process. 16 properties have now been sold in Phase 3 and several are in the pipeline.
This newsletter is compiled by Kirstie Schmidt with inputs from the Trustees and reference to minutes of meetings. It comes to you with the Trustees’ best wishes.