Chapter 62: Moody Morgan

At 9.30am Jane and Andrew arrived. They were impressed with the unit and it’s views. Then went down in the lift at 9.45 to the 5^th floor to attend the meeting. Mr Morgan was not happy, too many people for his place. Helena introduced herself but let Jane and Andrew pass without introduction. Harry was not happy ‘He is a dictator and a bossy one at that, only 6 people were to attend now he has 30 attending, he is a nasty one, I have truth him.’

Helena replied ‘I got that feeling yesterday, go for him Harry.’

At 10 am he opened the meeting, with no introduction or paperwork. Andrew asked “Can I see the minutes from Last Year meeting and the agenda for this one please.”

He looked at him “You are not an owner so no.”

Helena replied “I am,” four other people replied the same. He shuffled his paperwork and advised I do not have enough copies to hand out?”

One person said “You prepare things on your computer there just print some out now?” He looked angry, storming over to his computer he printed out some 15 copies for 30 people. He handed a set to Helena who immediately handed her copy to Andrew. He smiled at her and said thank you and commenced reading.

Moody got back to his position and asked for someone who was at last year meeting to confirm. The lady next to her confirmed and another one seconded. He then made the mistake of asking any questions? Andrew stated “Yes, what is your minimum number of owners that must attend, together with the number of units in this complex? Why is there no financial statement attached? Where is a duly timed copy of this meeting? Just to start?”

He quickly replied “You are not an owner so you cannot ask.”

Helena stated “He is representing the owner for unit 2202.” Jane kept a straight face!

I hold the proxy for 2202 not him, Helena asked “What about unit 2201?”

Moody replied “Yes I hold that as well even though it just changed hands?”

Helena replied “Liar” Everyone looked at him. “I am the new owner and I did not give you written permission.”

Jane who had moved away from Andrew, stated “It must be in writing please show us.”

“No I do not have it in writing, If they did not attend the meeting, I used the Act to take the proxy.”

Andrew stated “You have interpreted the act incorrectly, It states ‘the Chairman, can use the proxy, on the written response of notice of meeting’. As you did not deliver a notice of meeting correctly, We could call the meeting invalid.”

Moody replied ‘What are you, a solicitor?”

Jane replied “Yes I am.”

“And who are you representing?” He demanded

“Room 2204.” Jane replied smiling, not looking at Andrew or Helena.

He continued “We have a motion on the floor please vote, if you were in attendance to the last AGM?”

No one voted. He looked lost. None of his cohorts wanted to say anything in front of a solicitor.

Moody then stated “As there are no written contenders to the current positions the current owners are re-elected to their positions.”

Andrew asked “As an owners representative, can I see the notice for attending the AGM and the notice to elect/re-elect members to the management committee, which must be brought to the meeting in terms of the strata title act otherwise this is illegal and we can request the minister, or his representative, to appoint an administrator to oversee new elections and the funding of the organisation for the last 14 years in terms of the company act. All previous board members will be held responsible for all debts and/or missing or fraudulently use of funds.” Five of the ladies and one man immediately stated they no longer wanted to be on the management committee.

Moody then stated “I declare all positions open. First anyone wanting to take over as chairman?”

Helen stated “I nominate Andrew, rep for room 2202.” Jane seconded. Everyone except Moody agreed. Moody stated “I nominate myself for the position.” After a minute no one said a word.

Andrew said “No seconder?” No one. “Please declare.”

Moody “I declare Andrew as the new Chairman.”

Andrew went to the front and stood next to Moody. “Thank you for declaring me in the position. As I am not sure of the other positions, I would like to take over this role with the intent to call a Special General Meeting in one month so I can get a handle on what has happened. Investigate the current position and check on the financial standing of the accounts.”

Helena stated “I would like to nominate Jane as secretary, to assist until the Special General Meeting.” 4 or 5 other ladies being owners all seconded.