AGM Update

Our annual meeting was held on Sunday September 27^th. It would be fair to say that no-one who attended the meeting was satisfied that it was time well spent.

The main issue was that, although we had quorum, only about 50 people actually attended the meeting instead of the usual 140 to 150 people. We realize that last year was a relatively controversy-free year. We also realize that there were no bad financial surprises last year or for next year so people were less motivated to come – particularly when it was such nice weather.

However, we would like to remind you that the meeting is not only for complaints but also for the administration to gain feedback about what is important to everyone. It helps give the board direction about where to focus its attention.

A second issue that the low attendance created is that we were supposed to vote on whether to have 5 or 7 members of the board this year. With the lack of people, there was not enough to consider 7 and we did not have enough interested parties to actually have an election even for 5. In the end, the meeting started 20 minutes late as we were hoping people would arrive and we ended at the meeting at 3:00 PM. This gives an indication of how little was accomplished particularly when it is considered that half the time was devoted to whether the meeting should be held with so few people there.

We need to know why people did not attend so that we can fix this. In speaking to our co-owners, there were all sorts of reasons. All were valid but, in the end, it did have a significant negative effect.

Changes Going Forward

We really need people to attend this critically important meeting that only happens once per year. Ideas we are considering for the future to make it easier for people to attend:

1.       Having the meeting on a week night from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM rather than on a Sunday afternoon.

2.       Having the meeting in our garden with adequate settings rather than at a remote location. (The party room is too small).

3.       Invoking standard rules of conduct for the meeting so that everyone gets a chance to speak.

4.       Encouraging attendance rather than the proxy system.

If you have other ideas about what it would take to get you come, we would love to hear them. You can even post those ideas on the blog if you wish for others to see. Once we have a comprehensive list of what can be done, we may send out a survey asking your opinion about the various options.

Next Year’s Meeting

Next year’s meeting is a year away. However be forewarned that the cable contract with Videotron which will be up for renewal will be an important item in next year’s agenda. Additionally, we will have the inspection reports from the engineers relative to Quebec’s Bill 122. The implications could potentially drain our finances but we will not know that until next summer when we do our next budget. Please plan to be there.