“This is not my Hilton, this is our Hilton”: HRA AGM report.
Dear Valued HRA Member/Resident
Firstly, thanks again to everyone who attended the AGM and for the positive community spirit.
We will be circulating the minutes of the meeting, but for those who couldn’t attend, here are the key points.
A big welcome to the new HRA secretary Jolene Crosby-Nortje who is replacing Trudy Coburn. Thanks to Trudy, and we are delighted to have Jolene as part of the team.
FINANCIALS: Rentia Vermaak from Colenbrander went through the financials and commented that there has been a dip in membership fees.
ELECTRICITY: The electricity committee is doing a sterling job of engaging with the Msunduzi and uMngeni municipalities. The light at the end of the dark tunnel is that Hilton’s electricity will be moved to uMngeni – this is positive news, but it is a process and we are only on step one and it will take time.
INFRASTRUCTURE: The infrastructure committee continue to build a relationship with the municipality. They liaise with and guide the various municipal members to make the best decisions around infrastructure, repairs, and upgrades. They have regular meetings with the municipality to advise them on the best course of action according to their high levels of expertise.
SECURITY: There is an urgent need for more people to contribute to the security initiatives and this will be taken care of if the UIP goes ahead. He went through the vision for Hilton 911 (a call centre for crime, emergencies, poaching, and potentially electricity faults). SAPS Hilton is going to be extended because its jurisdiction is increasing. This is good news (Sweetwaters for example will have better access to police services), and the bad news Hilton police will be stretched a lot further.
MUNICIPAL BUDGET AND UIP: Details of the municipal budget were highlighted. Regarding the UIP the municipality has asked for 60% of ratepayers to consent as opposed to 55%. The Love Hilton steering committee are adjusting the budget and business plan according to community feedback and input from the municipality.
REMINDERS: A reminder that all pensioners should apply for the 10% municipal rates rebate. A reminder about the 7.5% discount for paying rates in advance.
DISSOLUTION OF HRA AND FORMATION OF SECTION 21 NPC: An NPC is better for the future of the HRA (tax rebates for donors, better governance, better accountability, etc.). It was unanimous to dissolve the HRA and register Love Hilton as a Section 21 NPC. The decision was to keep the name Love Hilton because money has been spent on marketing and it doesn’t make financial sense to change the name.
The HRA is now Love Hilton and will be registered as “LOVE HILTON NPC” with CIPC, following the incorporation of the NPC, the necessary applications to acquire PBO Status and a section 18A thru SARS will be done simultaneously.
If the UIP goes ahead a new board will be elected to oversee Love Hilton.
If the UIP does not go ahead Love Hilton will function similarly to the HRA.
John Holliday (Pictured here RHS) gave an impassioned speech about why we need the UIP to go ahead. He said, “This is not my Hilton, this is our Hilton” and we all need to contribute to our town. The sustainability of the numerous successful initiatives (particularly security) is under threat and all of the hard work to keep Hilton safe could potentially crumble. The bottom line is that we all need to be responsible for our community.
If the UIP/SRA goes ahead, then current HRA membership fees will fall away. However, this is an URGENT APPEAL for all members to pay their annual fees so that we can continue with the existing HRA (now referred to as Love Hilton) projects and expenses. The annual fees are R300. Members can choose to opt for a rebate or donate the remainder to Love Hilton if the UIP goes ahead.
It was unanimous that the existing HRA committee members serve for another year for continuity. Shay Mauck resigned after years of long service. A big thank you to Shay.
TK Mseleku was nominated and seconded to serve on the committee.
Mike Tarr is remaining as the Chairman.
TK Mseleku is Vice Chairman.
Toni Culverwell is the Treasurer.
Yours Sincerely,
Mike Tarr
HRA Chairperson