I hope as many members as possible attend this meeting and please try keep an open mind to what you might hear. My wife and I would have loved to attend a meeting like this had it be about a year ago. We would have gladly offered explanations, documents, technical drawings all relavant to the dispute.
After two years and three months of fighting this with e-mails, lawyers letters, investigations etc., the time is now past for that. Our lawyer, who is familiar with some of the board members, also advises us not to attend this meeting.
Just like Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrian, Libya etc; - undemocratic things must change. This will never be achieved if people sit back and do nothing but moan in the comfort of their own homes.
I would also like to thank all those recent e-mails and phone calls of support (unexpected in view of the potential liability).
Please try and have a look at the building that offends us before this meeting on Monday. It is accross the road from the our house on the corner of Roller & Lourie street. It is easy to spot as the only house that is a storey higher than all the others on the same side of Roller Rd.
Regards
Adrian Farrar (stand 289)
28 February 2011
Time to rehearse????
I have picked up the meeting leaflet at the front gate and had to laugh when I saw it called for questions upfront.
Obviously they need time to rehearse their answers. They should worry for we don't need to rehearse our questions.
No ropes allowed please.
Mr Owl
Obviously they need time to rehearse their answers. They should worry for we don't need to rehearse our questions.
No ropes allowed please.
Mr Owl
Monday meeting
I hope everybody attends this meeting. It might be a good time and long overdue for the board to become transparent like they promise us -- every year for the last three years. We should also ask what other trouble is in the pipeline that we haven't been told about.
Spiro
Spiro
25 February 2011
Summons
E-mail from the chairman that was circulated to all owners on the 22/02/2011.
Dear Owner,
In the interest of disclosing substantial liability to members of the Meyersdal Nature Estate Homeowners Association;
Adrian Mitchell Farrar of 1 Loerie Close, Meyersdal Nature Estate, Alberton and Rynette Farrar of 1 Loerie Close, Meyersdal Nature Estate, Alberton have instituted legal action against Meyersdal Nature Estate Homeowners Association as second defendant for 1.25 Million Rand.
This equates to a potential liability of approximately R4460 per stand plus legal representation fees.
We have set up a specific sub-committee to deal with the potential liability and appointed legal representation.
A copy of the summons is available at the clubhouse.
Regards
Nico Kruger
Adrian Farrar's responce to the chairman's letter:
Dear fellow homeowner,
I am sure by now you have received board chairman Nico Kruger's e-mail and I am also sure you are very angry and have every right to be. This e-mail was very short on detail and mainly done to discredit my wife and I in the homeowners eyes. This is in very bad taste for I can assure you that court action is the very last resort I am using. After over two years of giving the board a chance to rectify their errors in this matter, I have no other option. All along my desire was for our neighbour in front of us to build his house in accordance with the estate guidelines. He did not and the board has assisted him to this end. In the court documents that are filed, the money award is a poor secondary option. The first option is to force this home owner to conform with the guidelines - most of us have done this so why should he be exempt? Keeping in mind he had his warning before he even laid a brick. In the court papers this home owner is the first defendant and the MNEHOA the second. This was not mentioned in the e-mail from Nico Kruger. Why? I have attached a copy of the combined summons to save you having to go to the estate offices. Why could he not attach a copy? These guys always want to be short on details.
Because I am not a 100% sure which board members are ultimately responsible for the poor decisions made in this dispute, my lawyer advised that I sue the MNEHOA. It is the current board's responsibility to stop protecting those responsible (current and ex-board members) for their poor performance and neglect of duties regarding this case. It is those very people who are responsible and they must pay back to MNEHOA any award made to me. It is not the homeowners fault and therefore why should they pay? One should understand that it was only a few board members who messed up and acted beyond their authority. They also did not inform all the other board members about this dispute until things were out of control. The rest of the board then opted to safe guard these board members responsible.
We should not forget that the previous boards, just like the current board, are comprised of about 50% of co-opted (not democratically elected) memberswho are only there because of the developer exercising his so called 'preferential voting rights'. Is their conduct influenced by what the developer says we may all ask? This voting system has got to change to full democracy - soonest possible!
I'm sure that some board members would like to be rid of my wife, Rynette Farrar, from the board. She is one of the few people on the board who was democratically elected and she is very anti any board member/s who wish to act unethically. Rynette wants to be the conscience that some of the board members may need - but will obviously hate her for it.
My wife goes to nearly every subcommittee meeting, regardless of the fact that it is not in her portfolio, so that she may assist in any possible way. She goes to many meetings and my cooking skills have improved tremendously because of this. Four meetings a week is about average plus personal visits to help out with homeowner's problems. All this she does apart from running a company and being a wife and mother to two kids.
Please try and see through to what is the truth and contact me if you require any further details. I have always maintained that the truth must come out and I will have my wish come true - I will not rest until this happens. My office number 011 908 3861.
Regards
Adrian Farrar (stand 289)
Dear Owner,
In the interest of disclosing substantial liability to members of the Meyersdal Nature Estate Homeowners Association;
Adrian Mitchell Farrar of 1 Loerie Close, Meyersdal Nature Estate, Alberton and Rynette Farrar of 1 Loerie Close, Meyersdal Nature Estate, Alberton have instituted legal action against Meyersdal Nature Estate Homeowners Association as second defendant for 1.25 Million Rand.
This equates to a potential liability of approximately R4460 per stand plus legal representation fees.
We have set up a specific sub-committee to deal with the potential liability and appointed legal representation.
A copy of the summons is available at the clubhouse.
Regards
Nico Kruger
Adrian Farrar's responce to the chairman's letter:
Dear fellow homeowner,
I am sure by now you have received board chairman Nico Kruger's e-mail and I am also sure you are very angry and have every right to be. This e-mail was very short on detail and mainly done to discredit my wife and I in the homeowners eyes. This is in very bad taste for I can assure you that court action is the very last resort I am using. After over two years of giving the board a chance to rectify their errors in this matter, I have no other option. All along my desire was for our neighbour in front of us to build his house in accordance with the estate guidelines. He did not and the board has assisted him to this end. In the court documents that are filed, the money award is a poor secondary option. The first option is to force this home owner to conform with the guidelines - most of us have done this so why should he be exempt? Keeping in mind he had his warning before he even laid a brick. In the court papers this home owner is the first defendant and the MNEHOA the second. This was not mentioned in the e-mail from Nico Kruger. Why? I have attached a copy of the combined summons to save you having to go to the estate offices. Why could he not attach a copy? These guys always want to be short on details.
Because I am not a 100% sure which board members are ultimately responsible for the poor decisions made in this dispute, my lawyer advised that I sue the MNEHOA. It is the current board's responsibility to stop protecting those responsible (current and ex-board members) for their poor performance and neglect of duties regarding this case. It is those very people who are responsible and they must pay back to MNEHOA any award made to me. It is not the homeowners fault and therefore why should they pay? One should understand that it was only a few board members who messed up and acted beyond their authority. They also did not inform all the other board members about this dispute until things were out of control. The rest of the board then opted to safe guard these board members responsible.
We should not forget that the previous boards, just like the current board, are comprised of about 50% of co-opted (not democratically elected) memberswho are only there because of the developer exercising his so called 'preferential voting rights'. Is their conduct influenced by what the developer says we may all ask? This voting system has got to change to full democracy - soonest possible!
I'm sure that some board members would like to be rid of my wife, Rynette Farrar, from the board. She is one of the few people on the board who was democratically elected and she is very anti any board member/s who wish to act unethically. Rynette wants to be the conscience that some of the board members may need - but will obviously hate her for it.
My wife goes to nearly every subcommittee meeting, regardless of the fact that it is not in her portfolio, so that she may assist in any possible way. She goes to many meetings and my cooking skills have improved tremendously because of this. Four meetings a week is about average plus personal visits to help out with homeowner's problems. All this she does apart from running a company and being a wife and mother to two kids.
Please try and see through to what is the truth and contact me if you require any further details. I have always maintained that the truth must come out and I will have my wish come true - I will not rest until this happens. My office number 011 908 3861.
Regards
Adrian Farrar (stand 289)
20 February 2011
Newcomer - Zakume
Some of us home owners have discover a new comer to the estate after sun rise this morning.
Our giraffe population is standing now at 4 with the arrival of Zakume!
Just look at the proud parents looking on!
Ciarra
The importance of our ridges
The five major ridges in our area is the Magaliesberg, Roodepoort, Bronberg, Klipriviersberg and the Suikerbosrand ridges.
A wide variety of bird groups utilize ridges, koppies and hills for feeding, roosting and breeding. These groups include some owls, flacons, nightjars, swifts, swallows, martins, larks, chats, thrushes, cisticolas, pipits, shrikes, starlings, sunbirds, firefinches, waxbills, buntings, canaries, eagles and vultures. It also provides important habitat for sensitive species such as bats (roosting sites) and the rock elephant shrew. Hills and koppies generally have more insects that the immediate surroundings. If ridges are allowed to become developed in Gauteng, this will have serious implications for the future survival of many invertebrate species, many of which provide essential pollinator services such as the honey bee, certain butterflies and the dragon fly. A rare species of scorpion is apparently confines to some of these ridges.
The conservation of ridges in Gauteng will provide habitat for significantly high numbers of species allowing for their continued survival in a rapidly urbanizing province, a desirable long-term conservation goal. The ridges of Gauteng form vital habitat for many threatened of Red Data plant species. Sixty-five percent of Red Data plant species have been recorded growing on ridges in the province, while 42% of Red Data plant species are confined solely to these habitat type. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that 71% of Gauteng’s endemic plant species, i.e. plant species that occur nowhere else in the world, have been recorded on these ridges.
Many of the latter plant species are critically endangered or endangered, the highest categories of threat to which species can be assigned. These Gauteng endemics are predominantly threatened by habitat transformation and fragmentation and the accompanying resulting decline in habitat quality, all brought on by urbanization of “prime real estate properties” that the ridge environment offers.
Ridges may have a direct effect on temperature / radiation, surface airflow / wind, humidity and soil types. Ridges also influence fire in the landscape, offering protection for those species that can be described as “fire-avoiders”. The protection of the ridges in Gauteng in a natural state will thus ensure the normal functioning of ecosystem processes. In contrast, development of a ridge will alter these major landscape processes. For example, water runoff into streams and wetlands will increase.
The Klipriviersberg is virtually the only ridge system left somewhat intact in Johannesburg. A highly sensitive habitat for at least two Gauteng plant endemics, one of which is only found predominantly on the Klipriversberg, it is absolutely essential that all efforts are made to prevent any further transformation of this last remaining ridge in Johannesburg. The Gauteng ridges, together with the Drakensberg escarpment, should be regarded as one of the most important natural assets in the entire region of the northern provinces of South Africa.
Ciarra
A wide variety of bird groups utilize ridges, koppies and hills for feeding, roosting and breeding. These groups include some owls, flacons, nightjars, swifts, swallows, martins, larks, chats, thrushes, cisticolas, pipits, shrikes, starlings, sunbirds, firefinches, waxbills, buntings, canaries, eagles and vultures. It also provides important habitat for sensitive species such as bats (roosting sites) and the rock elephant shrew. Hills and koppies generally have more insects that the immediate surroundings. If ridges are allowed to become developed in Gauteng, this will have serious implications for the future survival of many invertebrate species, many of which provide essential pollinator services such as the honey bee, certain butterflies and the dragon fly. A rare species of scorpion is apparently confines to some of these ridges.
The conservation of ridges in Gauteng will provide habitat for significantly high numbers of species allowing for their continued survival in a rapidly urbanizing province, a desirable long-term conservation goal. The ridges of Gauteng form vital habitat for many threatened of Red Data plant species. Sixty-five percent of Red Data plant species have been recorded growing on ridges in the province, while 42% of Red Data plant species are confined solely to these habitat type. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that 71% of Gauteng’s endemic plant species, i.e. plant species that occur nowhere else in the world, have been recorded on these ridges.
Many of the latter plant species are critically endangered or endangered, the highest categories of threat to which species can be assigned. These Gauteng endemics are predominantly threatened by habitat transformation and fragmentation and the accompanying resulting decline in habitat quality, all brought on by urbanization of “prime real estate properties” that the ridge environment offers.
Ridges may have a direct effect on temperature / radiation, surface airflow / wind, humidity and soil types. Ridges also influence fire in the landscape, offering protection for those species that can be described as “fire-avoiders”. The protection of the ridges in Gauteng in a natural state will thus ensure the normal functioning of ecosystem processes. In contrast, development of a ridge will alter these major landscape processes. For example, water runoff into streams and wetlands will increase.
The Klipriviersberg is virtually the only ridge system left somewhat intact in Johannesburg. A highly sensitive habitat for at least two Gauteng plant endemics, one of which is only found predominantly on the Klipriversberg, it is absolutely essential that all efforts are made to prevent any further transformation of this last remaining ridge in Johannesburg. The Gauteng ridges, together with the Drakensberg escarpment, should be regarded as one of the most important natural assets in the entire region of the northern provinces of South Africa.
Ciarra
Away with the old
In answer to ABC's letter 'preferred providers' of 13 February 2011
I have enquired about the same questions that you raised in your mail, about three weeks ago and I was told that the tenders for a new auditors firm as well as the managing agent is still on the cards. Apparently the tenders will go out at the end of February when the contracts expire.
Uiltjie
I have enquired about the same questions that you raised in your mail, about three weeks ago and I was told that the tenders for a new auditors firm as well as the managing agent is still on the cards. Apparently the tenders will go out at the end of February when the contracts expire.
Uiltjie
13 February 2011
Preferred providers
If you recall, we were informed by one of the board members last year about preferred providers.
We were also informed that Coleman Properties were appointed by the developer at the start and that that would also go out to tender.
To my knowledge this has not happened.
Any reasons why not?
Here is the link from last year:
http://meyersdalnatureestatenews.blogspot.com/2010/10/answer-to-award-without-tender.html
Is this going to happen or were we being lied to again?
ABC
We were also informed that Coleman Properties were appointed by the developer at the start and that that would also go out to tender.
To my knowledge this has not happened.
Any reasons why not?
Here is the link from last year:
http://meyersdalnatureestatenews.blogspot.com/2010/10/answer-to-award-without-tender.html
Is this going to happen or were we being lied to again?
ABC
08 February 2011
Board Members exempt from general rules:
It would appear that board members are exempt from general rules in the estate.
Let me cite just two glaring examples:
A certain board member has painted part of his house in colours that are not permitted. He has been asked to conform(more than a year ago). The colour still remains. Now I see another resident has also painted a similar colour.
Another board member, does not put up building boards according to the rules, but paints his details on the walls. Yet we tell other builders to put up their details otherwise they will be fined (and they are).
Why oh why can we not ALL follow the rules. Perhaps we must just scrap all the rules
.
Keep in mind, board members, that these questions will be posed to you at our next information meeting.
The Mole.
Let me cite just two glaring examples:
A certain board member has painted part of his house in colours that are not permitted. He has been asked to conform(more than a year ago). The colour still remains. Now I see another resident has also painted a similar colour.
Another board member, does not put up building boards according to the rules, but paints his details on the walls. Yet we tell other builders to put up their details otherwise they will be fined (and they are).
Why oh why can we not ALL follow the rules. Perhaps we must just scrap all the rules
.
Keep in mind, board members, that these questions will be posed to you at our next information meeting.
The Mole.
07 February 2011
Old boy racers
We live not far from Soetdoring gate and today was not a good Sunday for peace and quite yet again.
The reason for this is that there are a few drivers namely -flat red car, flat silver car , big black car, fat grey haired man with curved belly and curved back to match riding a motorbike. I’m not interested in and do not know the makes or models. I’m sure these men with their boy mentality get a hard spot somewhere by racing their noisy machines from one speed bump to the next. As they do this they look around with arrogant pride, hoping that people see them and think WOW!!!.
Think again most don’t care a damn.
Please would these men who quite obviously lack attention at home, play with their X Boxes or themselves instead.
Kwaai tannie
The reason for this is that there are a few drivers namely -flat red car, flat silver car , big black car, fat grey haired man with curved belly and curved back to match riding a motorbike. I’m not interested in and do not know the makes or models. I’m sure these men with their boy mentality get a hard spot somewhere by racing their noisy machines from one speed bump to the next. As they do this they look around with arrogant pride, hoping that people see them and think WOW!!!.
Think again most don’t care a damn.
Please would these men who quite obviously lack attention at home, play with their X Boxes or themselves instead.
Kwaai tannie
Neighbourhood watch
Should we in our upmarket estate consider starting a neighbourwood watch to proptect ourselves?
Our security is patchetic and very poor value for money.
If I hear any sound I am up and checking but this is not what I had in mind when I bough here.
It is not reasonable that the good security that we were promised is beyond our reach. The current security company is far worse than we had before and at less than half the price of Protective Force.
What is the board thinking about?
Ex happy home owner
Our security is patchetic and very poor value for money.
If I hear any sound I am up and checking but this is not what I had in mind when I bough here.
It is not reasonable that the good security that we were promised is beyond our reach. The current security company is far worse than we had before and at less than half the price of Protective Force.
What is the board thinking about?
Ex happy home owner
Security
I have heard that some howe owners have been driving around in the night checking on security. You guys all need a big thankyou for what you are doing, but it also shows what a bad state our very expensive security is in.
My neighbour calculated that if four of us get together we can have a private guard just to look after us for the same price. We have the most expensive estate security, for our size, that I have heard of.
I hope that when the contract expires for these people that we will have a better and more reasonibly priced replacement.
Owl
My neighbour calculated that if four of us get together we can have a private guard just to look after us for the same price. We have the most expensive estate security, for our size, that I have heard of.
I hope that when the contract expires for these people that we will have a better and more reasonibly priced replacement.
Owl
Answer to Moles letter
I would like to give my opinion about “the mole” posting and the letter to owners by Liz Waite. I think “the mole” has hit the nail op the head and this has been confirmed by Liz Waite. What is the reason for proof reading? Just give us the basic facts as soon as possible, details like how many pairs of knickers are stolen are unnecessary. All we want is uncensored facts and not a crime thriller novel.
I am aware that Liz Waite as a board member is very anti this blog and therefore the board don’t like the embarrassment that come about because of some of the postings.
In case anyone missed the letter by Liz Waite here is a copy
Dear Owner,
In order to communicate to you in a courteous and accurate manner the board has chosen to "proof read" all e-mail communication to residents. This is currently the role of myself, Liz Waite as communications officer.
The reason we have taken this approach is because we have had complaints from a number of residents that the messages in the past from the Eco staff were unnecessarily abrupt and somewhat dictorial. Additionally incorrect interpretation of rules had also been sent to residents.
In the case of Security breaches and service break downs (water/power etc) those communications do not get proof read they should be going to residents ASAP via SMS -this has not happened in recent times, which is unacceptable, and Nico Kruger as chairman is addressing that directly with Eco staff.
I trust that this information is of assistance to you.
Regards
Liz Waite
Communications Officer
Ciarra
I am aware that Liz Waite as a board member is very anti this blog and therefore the board don’t like the embarrassment that come about because of some of the postings.
In case anyone missed the letter by Liz Waite here is a copy
Dear Owner,
In order to communicate to you in a courteous and accurate manner the board has chosen to "proof read" all e-mail communication to residents. This is currently the role of myself, Liz Waite as communications officer.
The reason we have taken this approach is because we have had complaints from a number of residents that the messages in the past from the Eco staff were unnecessarily abrupt and somewhat dictorial. Additionally incorrect interpretation of rules had also been sent to residents.
In the case of Security breaches and service break downs (water/power etc) those communications do not get proof read they should be going to residents ASAP via SMS -this has not happened in recent times, which is unacceptable, and Nico Kruger as chairman is addressing that directly with Eco staff.
I trust that this information is of assistance to you.
Regards
Liz Waite
Communications Officer
Ciarra
05 February 2011
Local is Lekka
This is about petrol prices and an invitation to join the resistance. By the end of this month petrol prices are set to soar even higher.
If we want the petrol price to come down, we all need to take some intelligent, united action.
Last year was a "don't buy petrol day", but the oil companies just laughed at that because they knew that we would "hurt" ourselves by refusing to buy petrol.
But, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can really work.
Read on and join the action
We need to teach the oil companies and the OPEC nations (the bullies like US and Britain) by taken aggressive action that the buyers control the marketplace and not the sellers.
The only way we are going to see the price of petrol come down is if we hit someone in the pocket by not purchasing their petrol. And we can do that without hurting ourselves. How? Right, here's the idea -
For the rest of the year, don't purchase any petrol from the two biggest overseas oil companies (which are now one) BP and SHELL.
Local is Lekka - so only buy Sasol / Engen and Excel.
If the overseas companies are not selling any petrol, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit. But to have an impact we need to reach literally millions of petrol buyers. So please spread the word!
Cheers
Gringo
If we want the petrol price to come down, we all need to take some intelligent, united action.
Last year was a "don't buy petrol day", but the oil companies just laughed at that because they knew that we would "hurt" ourselves by refusing to buy petrol.
But, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can really work.
Read on and join the action
We need to teach the oil companies and the OPEC nations (the bullies like US and Britain) by taken aggressive action that the buyers control the marketplace and not the sellers.
The only way we are going to see the price of petrol come down is if we hit someone in the pocket by not purchasing their petrol. And we can do that without hurting ourselves. How? Right, here's the idea -
For the rest of the year, don't purchase any petrol from the two biggest overseas oil companies (which are now one) BP and SHELL.
Local is Lekka - so only buy Sasol / Engen and Excel.
If the overseas companies are not selling any petrol, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit. But to have an impact we need to reach literally millions of petrol buyers. So please spread the word!
Cheers
Gringo
Fable of the porcupine
It was the coldest winter ever - many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each other wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other. After a while they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close relationship with their companion, but the most important part of it, was the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.
Moral of the story:-
The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but the best is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.
Regards
Ciarra
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