DRAFT MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE COIGEACH COMMUNITY COMPANY LTD
HELD AT 8PM ON MONDAY 31 JANUARY 2005 IN THE COIGACH COMMUNITY HALL, ACHILTIBUIE
Present:
Bill Mullin (Chairman), Alasdair MacLeod (Director), Christine Westley, Margaret Starling, Beryl Morgan, Alan Pendred, Murdo MacNeilage, Iain Campbell, Jeff Payne, David Last, Iain Muir, Jim Muir, Lesley Muir, Colin Ellis, Ron Dempsey (all Company Members) plus members of the public; Neil Ross (for the Scottish Land Fund); Sheila Slaughter (police).
Apologies:
None
1. Welcome
New members were welcomed into the Company.
2. Minutes of the first General Meeting held on 1 November 2004
These were not available.
3. Chairman's Report
The Chairman stated that 191 copies of the Chairman's report had been circulated and asked if there were any questions pertaining to this report. There were none.
4. Financial Report, appointment of auditors and financial examiners
191 copies of the Financial report had been mailed. It was noted that some directors had refused to give their banking details so it has not been possible to set up a bank account.
Lesley Muir queried why the Treasurer was not present at this meeting. The Chairman stated that a letter which had been sent to members cancelling this AGM was unofficial and that according to Munro and Noble this AGM was legal. The Chairman could not answer why several of the Directors had boycotted this meeting.
5. Secretary's Report
This was not available.
6. Retiral of Directors
It was stated that Gordon Smith, Peter Muir and Davy Garrett have retired since the Company formed and that Bill Mullin will be retiring at the end of this meeting.
There are now seven vacancies on the Board of Directors. There were no suggestions made by members of the Company for the filling of these vacancies.
7. AOCB
(a) Lesley Muir commented that so far, as a member, she has only received one letter and queried why this was so. There was much discussion re problems within the Company and it was resolved to arrange an EGM.
(b) Members questioned the urgency of the feasibility study and the moving forward of the Company. With regards to this, it was noted that the meeting held immediately before this AGM was between various of the Directors and the John Muir Trust.
(c) Iain Muir requested an update on the feasibility study. Bill Mullin stated that the consultants have issued an interim report. The District Valuer has until 3 February 2005 to report officially to the Ministers concerned. Information will be issued with the yes/no ballot sheet re whether people want to go ahead with the right to buy.
(d) Iain Muir enquired as to the role of the Directors. The Chairman stated that their role is to discuss issues and to publish the minutes of meetings. They are not in the position to influence a feasibility study and it was noted that so far the Company has not applied for funds to pay for the feasibilty study.
(e) A member commented on the interpersonal rifts. Jeff Payne proposed an EGM and Colin Ellis seconded this proposal. A request for an EGM is to be sent to Munro and Noble with the minutes of this meeting. It was commented that meanwhile, as time is short, the business of this Company must move forward.
(f) Jeff Payne enquired about the balloting and was told that papers could be distributed on 1 February 2005 and that the results would be known fourteen days later. Neil Ross stated that the Company will have twenty-eight days from when the District Valuer gives a valuation to get the results of the ballot.
(g) Colin Ellis proposed that Bill Mullin be thanked for all that he has done and Jim Muir seconded this.
(h) As time is short it was suggested that a public meeting (unofficial) be called to discuss issues, before an EGM.
(i) Neil Ross stated that the Minister confers the right to buy and that all information re the buyout, feasibility study results, ballot results, etc, must be presented twenty-eight days after 3 February 2005.
(j) Items on the EGM Agenda:
1. The Directors are requested to attend an EGM at which they are to report to members what they have done since the formation of the Company.
2. Confirm the appointments of the Board of Directors unanimously./p
p(k) Neil Ross, as a representative of HIE, commented that two issues with this Company are those of governance and the project itself, the latter of which is the most important. With regards to this, there then followed much discussion as to the timing of the next meeting and it was agreed to call a Director with whom to discuss this.
br(l) Peter Haring, as a Director, joined the meeting and stated that it had been agreed amongst the Directors that a meeting should be called after the results of the feasibility study came through. He said that the ballot papers are to go out by 18 February 2005 and that it is absolutely essential that a meeting be held before the ballot papers are returned.
(m) Sheila Slaughter and Neil Ross were thanked for attending the AGM.
(n) The Chairman thanked Ann Marie Firth-Bernard for standing-in as Minutes' Secretary.
8. Date of next meeting
This is to be a Public Meeting on Tuesday 8 February 2005.
A M Firth-Bernard
Meeting Minute Secretary
Bill Mullin
Retiring Chairman.