SNIPPETS FROM COUNCIL

At the most recent monthly council meeting on Thursday, 29 November the following salient issues, among others were discussed.

Formal intergovernmental dispute declared against Garden Route District Municipality

In order to resolve the dispute regarding the application of the District Waste Management By-Law, promulgated by the Garden Route District Municipality, council approved the recommendation that the Mossel Bay Municipality declares a formal intergovernmental dispute against the Garden Route District Municipality regarding the application of the District Waste Management By-Law to Mossel Bay Municipality.

The Mossel Bay Municipality will request assistance in the settlement of the dispute from the MEC of local government, Minister Anton Bredell. Also, the George Municipality will be informed that the Mossel Bay Municipality has declared the dispute.

The executive deputy mayor, councillor Dirk Kotzé said the declaration was the start of a formal process to safeguard and benefit Mossel Bay ratepayers.

Performance bonus for ex-CFO Botha

Council approved with the majority of votes a recommendation that the former chief financial officer, Marius Botha, should subject himself to a performance evaluation.

This follows a request by Botha that a performance bonus be paid to him for the financial year, 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.

Council said once a fourth quarter performance evaluation had been completed, the municipality would be in a position to consider paying a performance bonus to Botha.

Consent to cede lease agreement

Opposition party councillors strongly insisted that the municipal manager investigate the business done with a certain, identified business leader in town.

This followed a recommendation that council consents to the cession of a lease agreement for the municipal building on De Bakke Beach for the remained of the lease agreement, said to lapse by May 31, 2023. The recommendation was approved with a majority of votes.

Councillor Bruinders (ANC) strongly argued against the recommendation: “If the municipal manager does not investigate and report the findings of this investigation as requested, I will approach this council in the new year with a motion.”

ACDP motion for the benefit of pensioners denied

The Democratic Alliance again used its majority in council to vote against a motion of exigency brought by the ACDP representative in council, Councillor Jeanette Gouws, to amend municipal tariffs in favour of pensioners especially, who are struggling financially.

Gouws argued that high municipal tariffs were causing pensioners financial hardship and emotional distress as they cannot afford to pay the higher charges.

The deputy mayor, Councillor Dirk Kotzé, said that the current Cost of Supply study under way will allow council to take an informed decision on whether the charges levied for municipal services are fair, if not, to have them amended.

Councillor Jovan Bruinders (ANC), in support of the motion brought by the ACDP, said council had to “recognise the challenges of the hardships faced by so many poor residents and, for now, help wherever we can”.