Bantry Buzz. Annual newsletter of Bantry Bay International Vacation Resort. November BANTRY BAY International Vacation Resort

Transcription

1 Bantry Buzz November 2013 Annual newsletter of Bantry Bay 1

2 RESORT REPORT As we finally say good-bye to winter, having missed spring this year, we are all looking forward to an extended summer after the second highest recorded rainfall during the month of August in 150 years. In April we conducted a DSTV survey on the channel selection at the resort. We had an excellent response and News was clearly the most important channel choice with SKY and BBC news topping the selections. This was closely followed by Movies and Sports. Documentary channels came in next and attracted the most comments with regards to the available channels in the full package, with National Geographic and Discovery Channel being the most popular. On the Kiddies channel selection the Disney Channel came out tops. Whilst it is clear most owners are happy with the current channels, we have upgraded the resorts selection to incorporate most of the results from the survey. We would like to thank all the owners who took the time to complete the survey and give valuable feedback on the satellite channel selection. Above and right: the newly refurbished Neptune penthouse showing the lounge area opening onto the patio 2

3 This year we started on the patio door and balustrade upgrade on the first and second floors. Whilst a challenging project in the winter, we managed to overcome the elements and completed the project on schedule and I am happy to report that the new look has received positive feedback from many owners. We also gave the Neptune penthouse a major upgrade, refurbishing the bathrooms and kitchen together with the soft finishes. During the upgrade we discovered some structural cracks in the supporting columns and beams. After consultation with the engineers we undertook urgent repairs strengthening the structure with steelwork and reinforcement of the slab. Once this was overcome, the project was completed some 3 weeks over schedule and we would like to thank the owners who were accommodating during this period. The final result is stunning - all thanks to Tracy of Take 5 Design and her team for their excellent work. Whilst the property rates are out of our control - I am happy to inform you that through the resort s energy saving measures such as LED lighting, cable upgrades and general staff training, we have been able to reduce our electricity consumption. As a result there is no increase in electricity on the levies. We would like to thank all the owners who assisted us by turning off lights, air conditioners and appliances when leaving their apartments or when not required. 3

4 Unfortunately we have had to endure yet another building project and this time a lot closer to home. The new owner of the private penthouse 702 on the Clifton side of the building started renovations early in 2013 and he had hoped to be in residence for the Christmas holidays. But we have now been informed that this project will only be complete in February The noise disruptions are now fairly limited with all the major building works being completed. The safety scaffolding will remain in place until early next year. This has been a challenge in the parking area but with assistance from many owners, we have been able to overcome this inconvenience. EDUCATIONAL TEAM BUILDING This year we will be taking the team on the open top bus around Cape Town in November to experience the sights of Cape Town as a tourist. STAFF NEWS Melita Andrews celebrated 20 years of service at Bantry Bay in July and was treated to a spa weekend in Franschhoek to mark the occasion. Shaheed Jacobs joined the team in January 2013, replacing Adam who retired at the end of We welcome him to the team and look forward to having him around for many years to come. Mr Strickland presents Melita with her 20 years of service award Shaheed Jacobs who has joined the Bantry Bay team as head of maintenance 4

5 DATES FOR REFURBISHMENT AND RENOVATIONS In August we will be carrying out the 3rd floor soft refurbishment together with replacing the balustrades and sliding doors. Flexi occupation requests during the weeks allocated for the renovation will be accommodated in similar apartment type. LEVIES Once again a big thank you to all the owners who settled their levies on time. Again would like to encourage the use of electronic transfer s facility when paying your levy as this reduces the banking charges. Please also remember to use your account number on the bottom left hand corner of your statement (eg BBIB0001) as a reference. Levies are due on 1st January 2014 and are interest free if payment is received before 31st January Thereafter interest will be charged monthly on outstanding balances. FLEXI ALLOCATIONS All owners are reminded that the timeshare weeks are allocated in accordance with the flexi rules of the resort and you must reserve, bank or request a flexi exchange annually before 1st March. Should you not do this, the week will fall into the forced rental pool. As always a special thanks goes out to Melita and the Bantry Bay Team together with the board of directors and Mr Jenkings for all their support throughout the year. We all look forward to seeing you again and trust you will have a pleasant and memorable Sean Daly General Manager 5

6 CHAIRMAN S REPORT 2013 As I pen this report, I find it hard to believe that it is a year since the last report. It seems that as we get older the time seems to fly by that much faster. During the past year we were fortunate that there was no more noise coming from the renovations next door, but we unfortunately had to put up with disturbances on our own property. During the year the privately owned apartment 702 (above the parking deck on the Clifton side of the building) was sold by the owner who had had occupation since before the timeshare resort was developed. As the apartment had never been renovated, the new owner has gutted the entire apartment and is renovating it in a contemporary style. At the same time cosmetic work is being done to the façade of the building to give it a more attractive finish. This has resulted in some noise and other inconvenience to our guests and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our owners for their patience The newly upgraded patio door and balustrades on the first and second floors ensure the spectacular views are unimpeded 6

7 and understanding. Sean gives more detail in his report. On the positive side the following major works were completed during the year: New balustrades and sliding doors were installed on the 1st and 2nd floors. The Neptune suite was fully refurbished. New carpets were installed throughout the resort. DSTV channel selection was brought in line with the responses received to the survey completed by many owners. In conclusion, I would like to wish all our owners a safe festive season, and we look forward to seeing you all at Bantry Bay in the months ahead. I Sacker Chairman Looking to 2014, the major works planned are: New balustrades and sliding doors on the 3rd floor Replacement of soft furnishings on the 3rd floor The budget for 2014 is included elsewhere in the Buzz and I unfortunately have to advise that the levy increase is much higher than inflation, for the reasons set out in the Managing Agent s report I thank my fellow directors, Managing Agent Fred Jenkings together with Sean Daly and the staff at the resort for another successful year. Their enthusiasm never seems to wane. 7

8 MANAGING AGENTS REPORT 2013 At the last directors meeting it was noted that the arrear levies were at their lowest level ever for this time of the year. It seems to me that I am always the one who has to share unpleasant news to the owners. During the past year the City of Cape Town issued a new valuation role, on which the annual assessment rates are based. In terms of this latest valuation, the average increase in value of each unit was 274%. This seems to be based on the selling prices of upmarket, newly refurbished developments surrounding the resort. Based on the average selling prices of our units over the past 5 years, objections were lodged against these inordinately high valuations. Unfortunately, given the high volume of objections, the indication is that we will only hear the result of the objection during the first half of Until then we have to pay assessment rates based on the higher valuations. As the municipal financial year commences The pool deck on a balmy Cape Town day... 8

9 in July, the increase became effective from that date. We have been able to absorb the increase for the period July to December without having to increase levies, but this large rates increase does have a significant impact on the 2014 levies. Had we not had the increase in rates, next year s levy increase would have been 5.98%, well in line with inflation. The actual increase comes in at 12.21%, the only difference being the increased assessment rates. Should our objection be successful and the values reduced, we will be credited with the overpayments and should, all other things being equal, be able to impact the reduction in the 2015 levies As mentioned in the Chairman s section of the Buzz, the Neptune Penthouse was refurbished during the year. During the refurbishment process, significant structural deterioration was discovered, arising from its close proximity to the sea. In conjunction with structural engineers, the structure was re-instated at considerable cost. I am happy to advise that, once again, because of prudent financial management, these costs were met out of the resort s existing financial resources, without seriously impacting the financial sustainability of the company. their lowest level ever for this time of the year. A very big thank you is extended to all owners who meet their levy obligations timeously. Regrettably we still have a few owners who fail to pay their levies. As in the past, these will be offered on tender. The process will be the same as last year. The list of units available is not included in the Buzz this year, but will be sent under separate cover, together with an offer document. Prospective purchasers will be required to complete the offer document in full and return it to our offices by no later than 31 December This can be done either by , fax or post and all the contact details will be contained in the document. Any tenders not complying with this requirement will be ignored. In conclusion, to those who will be taking their holidays over the festive season, I wish you safe travelling and an enjoyable vacation. To all our owners, we look forward to seeing you at Bantry Bay in the near future. Fred Jenkings Ovland Management Services (Pty) Ltd At the last directors meeting it was noted that the arrear levies were at 9

10 This poem was written by an owner while on a stay at Bantry Bay Motions of Earth Moon and Sun combine and conspire in collective concert, creating currents and tides. Waves and swells from storms and wind oft from afar, becoming trains of rollers urgently seeking shore. Sea meets shallows and rocks with thunderous power, spectacular mountainous spray. Man the wave watcher. Kelp odour and sea mist fill the air, shrieking gulls circle above. Monthly spring tide early in the Bay. Turmoil abates as sea ebbs furtively away, grudgingly giving up more land, seaweed and mussels dry out in the sun. A quiet descends, lapping neap tide almost apologetic against the coast. Mirror-like, shimmering moonlit sea as our celestial neighbour slips below horizon. Man the moon watcher! Moonstruck? Dave Smith Bantry Bay, November

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12 2014 S FOR BANTRY COURT SHAREBLOCK LTD 2013 MONTHLY 2013 ANNUAL 2014 MONTHLY 2014 ANNUAL INCOME Telephone , , , ,00 Interest , , , ,00 Levy interest , , , ,00 Parking , , , ,00 Bed levy , , , ,00 Administration fee -166, ,00-166, , , , , ,00 ADMINISTRATION Audit fees 4 583, , , ,00 Autopagers 958, , , ,00 Bank charges 1 416, , , ,00 Body corporate 330, ,00 350, ,00 levies Credit card comm , , , ,00 Insurance 8 333, , , ,00 Legal fees 100, ,00 100, ,00 Office equipment 500, ,00 500, ,00 Postage 666, ,00 666, ,00 Printing 3 833, , , ,00 Stationery 1 625, , , ,00 Subscriptions 1 958, , , ,00 Television licence 791, ,00 791, , , , , ,00 12

13 Property Expenses 2013 MONTHLY 2013 ANNUAL 2014 MONTHLY 2014 ANNUAL Electricity , , , ,00 Property rates , , , ,00 Refuse removal 875, ,00 933, ,00 Sewerage 2 500, , , ,00 Recycling 2 500, , , ,00 Water 2 000, , , ,00 Rent of premises 5 500, , , ,00 Fire and evacuation 5 416, , , , , , , ,00 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE Building , , , ,00 maintenance Computer 2 083, , , ,00 maintenance Elevator 1 558, , , ,00 maintenance Motor vehicle 666, ,00 666, ,00 Misc & office 416, ,00 416, ,00 equipment Pest control 733, ,00 812, ,00 Pool maintenance 458, ,00 583, ,00 Television & 6 833, , , ,00 satellite Telephone 166, ,00 166, , , , , ,00 13

14 2014 S FOR BANTRY COURT SHAREBLOCK LTD 2013 MONTHLY 2013 ANNUAL 2014 MONTHLY 2014 ANNUAL SALARIES Salaries , , , ,00 Directors , , , ,00 remuneration Bonus provision 8 541, , , ,00 Industrial relations 300, ,00 300, ,00 Medical aid 5 250, , , ,00 Security , , , ,00 Staff recruitment 416, ,00 416, ,00 WCA 883, ,00 883, ,00 Staff training 1 333, , , ,00 Staff awards 708, ,00 750, , , , , ,00 MISCELLANEOUS Cleaning contract , , , ,00 Guest supplies , , , ,00 Laundry , , , ,00 Management fee , , , ,00 M-net/dstv 7 916, , , ,00 Parking , , , ,00 Petrol & travelling 3 125, , , ,00 Directors travel 1 458, , , ,00 Refreshments 4 125, , , ,00 Replacements 2 125, , , ,00 Telephone 5 416, , , ,00 Uniforms 916, , , , , , , ,00 Total , , , ,00 14

15 2013 MONTHLY 2013 ANNUAL 2014 MONTHLY 2014 ANNUAL Reserve funding/ , , , ,00 Capex Provision for 5 950, , , ,00 taxation Resort claim , , , , LEVY BREAKDOWN WEEKLY LEVY (no vat) VAT INDIVIDUAL UNIT (with vat) TOTAL WEEKLY (no vat) Neptune x 1 9, , , , Penthouse x 1 9, , , , Bed Duplex x 4 5, , , Bed Duplex (with parking) x 8 4, , , Bed Duplex x 4 3, , , Bed Standard x 1 5, , , Bed Luxury x 1 5, , , Bed Luxury x 4 3, , , Luxury Studio x 4 3, , , Studio x 7 3, , , TOTAL 57, , , , Total Weekly R164, x 51 = R8 371,

16 2014 TIMESHARING CALENDAR Week 1 3-Jan-14 9-Jan-14 Fixed Week 2 10-Jan Jan-14 Fixed Week 3 17-Jan Jan-14 Fixed Week 4 24-Jan Jan-14 Fixed Week 5 31-Jan-14 6-Feb-14 Fixed Week 6 7-Feb Feb-14 Fixed Week 7 14-Feb Feb-14 Fixed Week 8 21-Feb Feb-14 Fixed Week 9 28-Feb-14 6-Mar-14 Fixed Week 10 7-Mar Mar-14 Fixed Week Mar Mar-14 Fixed Week Mar Mar-14 Fixed Week Mar-14 3-Apr-14 Fixed Week 14 4-Apr Apr-14 Fixed Week Apr Apr-14 Fixed Week Apr Apr-14 Fixed Week Apr-14 1-May-14 Fixed Week 18 2-May-14 8-May-14 Fixed Week 19 9-May May-14 Fixed Week May May-14 Fixed Week May May-14 Fixed Week May-14 5-Jun-14 Flexi Week 23 6-Jun Jun-14 Flexi Week Jun Jun-14 Flexi Week Jun Jun-14 Flexi Week Jun-14 3-Jul-14 Flexi Week 27 4-Jul Jul-14 Flexi 16

17 Week Jul Jul-14 Flexi Week Jul Jul-14 Flexi Week Jul Jul-14 Flexi Week 31 1-Aug-14 7-Aug-14 Flexi Week 32 8-Aug Aug-14 Flexi Week Aug Aug-14 Flexi Week Aug Aug-14 Flexi Week Aug-14 4-Sep-14 Flexi Week 36 5-Sep Sep-14 Flexi Week Sep Sep-14 Flexi Week Sep Sep-14 Flexi Week Sep-14 2-Oct-14 Flexi Week 40 3-Oct-14 9-Oct-14 Flexi Week Oct Oct-14 Flexi Week Oct Oct-14 Flexi Week Oct Oct-14 Flexi Week Oct-14 6-Nov-14 Fixed Week 45 7-Nov Nov-14 Fixed Week Nov Nov-14 Fixed Week Nov Nov-14 Fixed Week Nov-14 4-Dec-14 Fixed Week 49 5-Dec Dec-14 Fixed Week Dec Dec-14 Fixed Week Dec Dec-14 Fixed Week Dec-14 1-Jan-15 Fixed 17

18 COMPETITION QUESTIONS 1. Who is the new head of maintenance? 2. Who celebrated 20 years service in July 2013? 3. When is this years team building taking place? RULES 1. Send your answers together with your 2014 levy payment. 2. All entries must be in before 31/01/2014. PRIZE V & A Waterfront gift voucher to the value of R WINNER: Congratulations to Mrs F Khan 18

19 OWNER INFORMATION UPDATE Please complete and return the form below to ensure that the information we have on file is correct and up to-date, alternatively us at Name: Apartment/s: Week/s : Postal Address: Postal Code: Home Telephone: Work Telephone: Fax Number: (Code) (Code) (Code) Cellular Phone: address: RCI/II Membership number: Facilitating Electronic Transactions Declaration ( communication) Name of Owner: E mail address: I hereby accept that information may be sent to the above address in the form of a data message. I understand it is my responsibility to advise the resort of any change to the above address. Signature of Owner:

20 Tel Fax