Mr Elad Kirshenbaum presented his Chairpersons report in which he covered topics including Social Development, Cleansing, Maintenance and Security within the District.  This was followed by the presenting of the Financial Report which was conducted by Mr Mike Vietri.  These Financials were approved by the meeting.

Mr Vietri went on to discuss the the re-appointment of the Auditors and the Renewal of the WID term, both motions being approved by the meeting.

Mr Kirshenbaum invited nominations for the positions of Directors of the W.I.D.  The Board remained as before with the addition of one newly appointed member of the Board: Mr Andre Potgieter

Mr Kirshenbaum opened the meeting up for any questions or comments, Andre and Teun applauded the efforts of the W.I.D. Sharon and Elad agreed to place more focus on Social Development with the W.I.D.

The AGM was brought to a close with a vote of thanks from Mr Kirshenbaum to Wally and Clicks

Theft. breaking and entering were reported and three suspects were arrested. One was arrested for the theft of council property where a fence was stolen at Trafalgar Park and two were arrested for breaking and entering at Lifestyle where a window was broken and a plasma TV was stolen.

It was due to the alertness of Cyclops personnel who monitored the CCTV cameras in Woodstock and the swift response of the WID Security Patrol Unit that made several arrests possible.

To read more http://www.iol.co.za/search-results-page?action=search&submitted=true&freeTextQuery=Homeless+reintergrated&channel=&Submit=Search

BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES OF THE MONUMENT

BEFORE	AFTER

We have discovered that these joint operations are very effective in places such as PARKS & FORESTS,  Council has recognised the problem and have already reached a decision to upgrade the Monument in the near future.

After three months starting with the WID, she met up with Althea Roberts who was pregnant and homeless at the time, she constantly moved back and forth into Woodstock seeking a safe place to sleep.

Abigail then called various shelters which none of them had bed space or the facilities to care for a mother to be at the time. After numerous attempts to finding suitable accommodation she came across a shelter called Place of Hope where she placed Althea for only two months. In a short period of two months Abigail had to find alternative accommodation, while she was seeking accommodation, Althea was rushed to the hospital during her last trimester due to having some complications with her pregnancy. When she gave birth, her doctor informed her that the baby was still born. This then made it more difficult because Althea now needed trauma counselling and other accommodation, and Abigail’s last hope was The Ark.

Althea then stayed there for a couple of weeks before making contact with her mother, her mother then asked if there was any way that she could make her way back home. The Woodstock Improvement District then stepped in and arranged a train ticket to Johannesburg on the 1^st April 2011, so that Althea could be re-united with her mother.

Abigail is happy to say that Althea and her mother are re-united and they are doing really well.

Being a fieldworker is not always a satisfying job, but one can’t help to feel ecstatic when there is a success story like this one.

The day was sponsored via two CID’s which was held at Morning Star Paintball Course.

The day comprised of a the morning being spent on different strategy games being played between members, thereafter it was followed by a social afternoon which allowed all relevant role players to introduce themselves and get acquainted. Whilst there is a lot of communication between SAPS and CID’s there isn’t much acknowledgement between members and the idea was to get to know each other.

The day was enjoyed by all and SAPS extended their gratitude.  SAPS confirmed that it was a useful tool for them to enable them to witness the skills of the security guards as this information is valuable during joint operations.  Not meaning the shooting but communication between members.

Update on Valuation Objections and Appeals (Monday 13 September 2010) The City has dealt with some 17 000 out of the 37 000 objections it received during the 2009 general valuation process and expects to have completed most of them by the end of December 2010. It is no longer necessary to visit each property in order to review valuations as aerial photography software can be used to confirm the dimensions of a property and other features that affect the value. If the objection is confirmed through this methodology it can be addressed quickly and without a visit. Unfortunately, the more complex objections require personal visits by valuers. All objectors should be provided with a written update early in October. Objections are being dealt with by geographical area, not according to when they were lodged as this allows for a more efficient process. Where an objection is not upheld the owner can appeal to the Valuation Board. The members of the Board are appointed by the Provincial Government and are independent of the City. The Board is expected to sit in October and the letters sent to owners advising them of the outcome of their objection will confirm the process to be followed to appeal the value. If you are waiting for your objection to be resolved, you should not stop making rates payments. The Valuation Roll determines the amount of rates that must be billed, but when an objection to a valuation is received, the rates account can be flagged to indicate that an objection is in progress which will temporarily stop any debt management actions. However, the property owner needs to make monthly payments based upon the value assessed by the owner and recorded in the objection. The property owner must apply at any of the City’s walk in centres to make these alternative payment arrangements. Interest will still be raised on the outstanding debt until the objection has been resolved, but will be written off if the objection is upheld. Similarly, where overpayments are made, interest will be paid to the owner when the value is finalised.