UCC Meeting on 15th August 2019

UCC Special General Meeting 2019-08-15

Notes from [THA]

Maja Maric sunk a great number of hours into a set of minutes that effectively transcript the entire meeting, but these minutes are not an exact copy of those minutes. Instead:

  • All incorrectly stated (by the speakers) "Points of Information" or "Points of Order" that are actually something else are recorded as what they should be.
    • I was pretty lax in the meeting about enforcing what each of interjections actually was because people were unfamiliar with Robert's Rules.
    • If you're curious about what you should have said for the meeting, look at these minutes.
  • The amount of indentation is significantly lower.
  • I've tried to (to the best of my ability) take the points of the speakers and make them dot points. Because of the reduced number of connecting words, the total word count dropped from around 8500 to about 6000.
    • If you think I've missed a point, please let me know and I'll check it against the transcription and get back to you.
  • There have been some parts of conversations struck from the minutes because they were either:
    • Not relevant.
    • Previously discussed and were just reiterating on a previously refuted point.

Thanks once again to Maja for all her hard work in putting together the transcript. Please contact me if you spot an error in these minutes.

Attendance:

NOTE: Attendance list may not include some people who arrived before/after the start of the meeting.

Non-members:

  • Jacob Roosendaal (SOC) -- Returning Officer
  • Jameson Thompson (SOC) -- Returning Officer
  • Hinako Shiraishi (SOC) -- Returning Officer
  • Mike Anderson (SOC) -- Returning Officer
  • Maja Maric (SOC) -- Minutes taker

Mentioned members/speakers:

  • [FVP] -- Felix von Perger, UCC President
  • [THA] -- Tom Hill Almeida, UCC Treasurer
  • [PJA] -- Peter Allnut
  • [SPK] -- Sheldon Kristianopulos
  • [skyfire5] -- Reece Gherardi
  • [BOB] -- Andrew Adamson
  • [MLG] -- Grace Rosario, UCC Secretary
  • [JWB] -- William Chesnutt
  • [GIR] -- Caira Bayman
  • [MSX] -- Melissa Star
  • [TAY] -- Taylor Home
  • [LE@] -- Elliot Nunn
  • [NTU] -- Nick Bannon
  • [jack_rippa] -- Jack Kay
  • [TPG] -- John Hodge
  • [JMA] -- Jake Alexander
  • [LCN] -- Wes Wilson
  • [kaz357] -- Karron Swinn
  • Nathan Wytkin
  • [renderprism] -- Blair Johnson
  • [DIA] -- Nadia Wichmann
  • [seriously] -- Ryan Oakley
  • [JDN] -- Jordan Meerwald
  • [333] -- Dylan Hicks
  • [thunderwielder] -- Daniel Abimibola
  • [vk6xre] -- Robyn Edwards
  • [UMP] -- Chris Scherini
  • [ALI] -- Alistair Langton
  • [MVP] -- Matthew Winslade, UCC OCM
  • [DAS] -- Donald Sutherland
  • [JGM] -- James Myburgh, UCC OCM
  • [GOZ] -- Andrew Gozzard
  • [LIB] -- Edward Kammann

Attending members:

  • [ZEN] -- Ada Wright
  • [adriennewong] -- Adrienne Wong
  • [CHB] -- Alden Bong
  • [TBB] -- Alfred Burgess
  • [antonl] -- Anton Lukas
  • [AVO] -- Aoibhinn O'Shea
  • [avrillavignelover] -- Bashkim Arifi
  • [bankjammer] -- Benjamin Armstrong
  • [beejay98] -- Braden Thorne
  • [BFG] -- Brett Fielding
  • [KAT] -- Catherine Coetzer
  • [bonsaibob] -- Charlie Owens
  • [LCY] -- Chien Yi Lo
  • [cindymoh] -- Cindy Moh
  • [claudinehutton] -- Claudine Hutton
  • [eddyrp] -- Edward Powley
  • [FIN] -- Finley Hoskins
  • [finn] -- Finn Stronach
  • [ghostking] -- Georgia Hoskings
  • [gwen181] -- Gwyneth Anggadjaja
  • [harmonmcaullay] -- Harmon McAullay
  • [iantan123] -- Ian Tan
  • [ABC] -- Jade Howett
  • [TRS] -- James Andrewartha
  • [jcheng] -- Jonathan Cheng
  • [josina] -- Josina Hyde
  • [kate1515] -- Katie Pryce
  • [ellarose] -- Laura Hodge
  • [GEE] -- Lauren Gee
  • [NRZ] -- Lewis Graham
  • Linda Long
  • [MPB] -- Mark Bastin
  • [WAT] -- Mitchel Phillips
  • [spaceghostpurrp] -- Natasha Gilford
  • [neville] -- Amy Neville
  • [RVS] -- Rufus Garton Smith
  • Sarah Jabado
  • [sathida] -- Sathida Kasikitvorakul
  • [SBL] -- Simon Lawrence
  • [chikie] -- Stacy Smyth
  • [stephenchen] -- Stephen Chen
  • [magnus_tsunami] -- Tarek Jabado
  • [TEC] -- Timothy Chapman, UCC OCM
  • [LES] -- Tom Stevens
  • [dddiam] -- Tyrone Bridgman

Mentioned but not in attendance:

  • Conrad Hogg (Guild President 2019)
  • [MPT] -- James Arcus, UCC Vice President
  • [CFE] -- Zack Wong

Meeting opened 17:11

  • [FVP] cedes chair.
  • [PJA] nomiates [THA] for chair.
    • [SPK] seconds.
    • [THA] accepts.

No further nominations for chair. [THA] is now chair.

  • [THA] (Chair)

    • Robert's Rules shall be followed for the meeting
      • Brief explanation of Robert's Rules
    • Jacob Roosendaal and Jameson Thompson are the ROs.
      • They have the same authority as the chair.
      • They are the only people allowed to touch the voting slips after voting.
    • Nominates [skyfire5] (Reece Gherardi) as Parliamentarian
      • [skyfire5] accepts.
  • [THA] Procedural motion: Limit speaking time from 10 minutes to 3 minutes.

    • Motion passes.

Item 1: Vote of no confidence in [FVP] as UCC President with the requirement that he step down immediately if the vote passes.

  • [BOB] moves the motion.
    • [MLG] seconds.

Opening of debate

  • [BOB]

    • Commends FVP for several actions, including UCC Portal and replacement of UniSFA WiFi.
    • Believes he is a valuable member but should not be President.
    • Believes that [FVP] has an agenda to remove [BOB] from the club.
      • After the 2019 AGM, the elected secretary misunderstood [BOB] and believed [BOB] to be transphobic and complained to [FVP].
      • Instead of diffusing the situation, [FVP] told the secretary of rumours he had heard about [BOB].
        • All the allegations of the rumours are rejected by [BOB].
      • Called an unofficial executive-only meeting to get [BOB] kicked off Wheel without any due process.
    • [FVP] has denied [BOB] any natural justice, spread rumours and tried to get [BOB] removed from Wheel for no good reason.
  • [FVP]

    • Acknowledges that he has made a number of mistakes.
    • Apologises for any harm that may have been caused by his actions.
    • Does not believe his initial approach to solve the issues raised by the secretary and rumours around Cameron Hall was appropriate.
    • Asks that these circumstances be viewed in the light that UCC is a student club and a learning environment.
    • At no point has acted with the intention to bully or cause harm to others.
    • Believes that things have been blown out of proportion and that the club is in danger of falling apart.
    • Asks that people focus on the aims of the club -- the advancement of computer technology.
    • Asks that people refrain from taking unfair actions and look for an external mediation process first.
  • [JWB] - Speaking on behalf of [GIR]

    • Has respect for [FVP] however feels that he is not fit for the role of impartial leadership.
      • Situation should have been resolved, however [FVP] has aggravated it.
    • Went to the guild stating that the club "has a reputation for being descriminatory".
      • Misrepresented the issue at hand.
      • Created further divide in the club.
      • Tainted the image of the club.
    • Purging of Wheel in May.
      • Inappropriate topic to bring up at a sensitive time.
      • Appeared to be to remove [BOB] from Wheel, as stated by [FVP] in leaked emails after the 2019-03-29 meeting.
    • Believes [FVP] has exhibited an inability to resolve issues.
  • [MSX]

    • There are a number of things that have been said in discussion that [MSX] does not believe to be accurate.
      • Only request or desire [MSX] had for club system access was to be able to fulfil the role of secretary and to do things like install discord.
      • Did not need access to anyone else's machines.
    • Believes that [FVP] should remain president despite any procedural errors he has made.
    • [FVP] should not be removed from office on the basis of an inaccurate account of events.
  • [MLG]

    • Believes that [FVP] has failed to consult committee appropriately and to conduct himself as a representative of the committee.
    • Constitution Section 16.1.1 (Role of the President).
      • President should carry out the actions of the committee.
      • Believes [FVP] has not satisfied this requirement.
    • Guild meeting to discuss governance of UCC.
      • Committee was informed less than 24 hours before the meeting.
      • After the meeting Conrad Hogg believed that Wheel was controlling UCC.
      • After meeting with [MPT] and [MLG], Conrad Hogg no longer believed that Wheel was controlling UCC.
      • The contrast leads [MLG] to believe [FVP] had ulterior motives for the meeting.
    • [FVP]'s actions have inflated tension and drama in the club.
      • Not informing [MLG] of changing the agenda of the last OGM with regards to the removal of [MSX] from the club.
      • Also stating to [MSX] that a 50% majority vote would be required for removal as opposed to a 67% majority.
    • Believes [FVP] is not learning from his mistakes.
      • Comments can be belittling of people.
  • [TAY]

    • With regards to [FVP] going to guild about perceptions of descriminatory behaviour.
      • Has previously submitted complaints in the past.
        • Homophobic slurs.
        • Sexist remarks.
      • Believes there is a degree of hostility to certain groups in the clubroom.
        • There was a member banned in the last two years for this behaviour.
    • With regards to perception of Wheel being in control of the club.
      • Seems to be a perception by members that Wheel has a lot of control.
      • Believes [FVP] was acting on these perceptions.
  • [LE@]

    • Wishes to recount a relevant discussion on the 18th of March.
      • [FVP], [BOB], [NTU] and [LE@] in attendance.
      • Discussion followed on from the beginning of the disputes.
      • [BOB] communicated concerns about the committee and especially [FVP] attempting to remove him from Wheel without evidence or due process.
      • [FVP] acknowledged that he was attempting to remove [BOB] from Wheel.
        • Occurred in a subcommittee context.
      • [FVP] reflected on decisions and acknowledged that he had treated [BOB] poorly.
        • Promised to conduct himself with more transparency in the future.
        • Offered an apology.
    • [FVP]'s behaviour after this meeting should be noted.
      • Especially in dealings with committee.
      • Members are entitled to due process and this has not been afforded to them in this case.
  • [jack_rippa]

    • Question for the mover of this motion.
      • Committee meeting minutes of 2019-07-12 there was a motion to remove [FVP] by [MLG] as per section 20 of the constitution (Removal from Office).
      • Motion failed then.
      • Why has the committee decision been considered inadequate such that an additional vote at an SGM is required?
    • [MLG]
      • Only four in attendance at the meeting, including [FVP]
      • Vote did not accurately reflect how the club felt about [FVP] as President.
      • Actions following 2019-07-12 meeting have caused this motion to be put forward again.
  • [TPG]

    • Believes core issues with [FVP]'s Presidency to be:
      • Lack of communication
      • Lack of consultation
    • Examples are:
      • Addition of [MSX] to Wheel ID group.
        • Rest of Wheel was informed several hours later through back channels.
        • Occurred with zero consultation with those who are charged with UCC machine administration.
      • Executive-only meeting.
        • Never been codified in the club.
      • Meeting with Conrad Hogg with less than a day of notice to the rest of committee.
      • [FVP] talking about getting security access to Guild toilets.
        • Without consultation, asked Tenancy about covering the costs for the use of the toilets out of hours.
    • Shows a pattern of [FVP] acting without consulting the groups he is representing.
  • [JMA]

    • With regards to the addition of Wheel members to Wheel without consultation.
      • Why is this grounds for removal when Wheel itself did similar additions without consulting committee?
      • [BOB] Point of Order: Relevancy. This is regarding an incident two years ago.
        • Sustained.
    • [LCN] Parliamentary Inquiry: Is it traditional that Wheel can veto Committee or is it in the rules?
      • [TPG]
        • There are procedures for adding someone to Wheel.
        • Traditionally Wheel maintained its own membership.
        • Incident in 2016 was first case [TPG] is aware of where Committee objected.
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • UCC Regulations from September 2018, ratified in 2019.
          • "An absolute majority of committee in consultation with Wheel members may appoint Wheel members"
        • [TAY] Point of information: That regulation has existed since 1997.
  • [BOB]

    • There is a pattern of behaviour exhibited by [FVP].
      • Continues to repeat.
    • After no due process in March 2018 there was a warning.
    • No due process in March 2019 again with subsequent apology.
    • Believes [FVP] is not learning, and is not consulting committee.
  • [FVP]

    • With regards to addition of [MSX] to Wheel.
      • Previously discussed in a committee meeting, committee determined that a formal warning was an appropriate response.
      • No further action taken or requested.
    • Has learnt a lot from everything.
    • Believes that it is important to continue forward and not get stuck on things.

Close of debate

  • [THA] (Chair)

    • As per section 20.3 of the constitution, motion will only be passed if a two-thirds majority of those voting have voted in the affirmative.
    • Abstentions do not count.
    • Reminder that only returning officers may touch ballots after votes have been cast.
  • Call for scrutineers

    • [kaz357]
    • Nathan Wytkin
  • [NTU] Procedural motion: Pause proceedings until the results of the first item have been determined.

    • Motion passes
  • [JWB] Procedural motion: 5 minute counting break.

    • Motion passes

Motion fails (40 affirmative, 37 negative, 1 abstention).

Item 2: Vote of no confidence in Grace Rosario [MLG] in the position of secretary, with the requirement that they step down immediately if the vote passes.

  • [NTU] Procedural motion: Objection to the consideration of the question.
    • Motion fails.

Opening of debate

  • [JMA]

    • Believes that when you enter a committee to sit in the executive you should do so non-adversarially.
    • It is clear that the club is fragmented.
      • [FVP] has not been voted out.
      • So perhaps [MLG] should step down or be removed.
    • [MLG] has indicated that she would want to resign if [FVP] remains President.
      • Could potentially bring the club together faster than an alternate solution.
    • Not a comment on her work ethic.
    • [renderprism] Question: Does [MLG] wish to step down?
      • [MLG]
        • Would be the intention but doesn't plan on stepping down at this meeting.
    • [DIA] Parliamentary Inquiry: Are there requirements for expulsion in a vote of no confidence?
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • Section 20.1 (Removal from Office) of the constitution.
          • If the person has failed to satisfactorially perform the normal duties of their position.
      • [JMA]
        • Believes that it is the duty of the Secretary to work productively with a committee.
        • Still a point of contention.
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • No stipulation in the constitution that the committee and/or Secretary need to work harmoniously.
  • [BOB]

    • Concerned that should this motion pass that it would lead to a situation where the President would "railroad" the committee as the new Secretary may align with his views.
    • Believes [MLG] has worked well with committee given the President's consistent lack of consultation with committee.
    • Believes [MLG] has done an excellent job and that it would be a mistake to vote her out.
    • [TAY] Parliamentary Inquiry: Are there conflicts of interest?
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • By the section 15.5 of the constitution (Declaration of Pecuniary Interest), only pecuniary interest (financial conflicts) need to be declared.
  • [MSX]

    • Believes that debate on social media has been one-sided and that [MSX] has been unable to reply to it.
    • [THA] (Chair)
      • Please clarify relevance.
    • Believes [MLG] is censoring forums in a manner that prevents people from expressing their criticisms.
    • [MLG] Point of Clarification: Committee has been advised that we need to remove defamatory content from our forums. We have been cleaning this up in all areas.
      • [NTU] Question: Who advised this?
        • [MLG]
          • Confidential
    • Does not believe this has been done in an even handed way.
      • Done to create a version of events that it different to what [MSX] recalls.
  • [seriously]

    • There have been a lot of arguments in UCC recently.
    • It is true that members of committee have been in conflict.
    • Despite this, no evidence that [MLG] has not done her duties.
    • With regards to one-sided censorship.
      • Unlikely given what [seriously] knows of [MLG]'s character.
  • [TAY]

    • Question: Is [MLG] intending to step down, but not today?
      • [MLG]
        • Yes
    • Believes that part of doing your job on committee is intending to continue to do your job.
    • As this could potentially lead to another General Meeting, this would be an unfair burden to the club.
  • [LE@]

    • [MLG] is a friend of [LE@]
    • Believes the club has been lucky to have [MLG]'s considerable organisational skills.
    • [MLG] has brought clarity to format meetings with her skilled minuting.
      • We should beg her to stay.
  • [THA] (Chair) Procedural motion: Close the speaking list.

    • Motion passes.
  • [JDN]

    • Section 18.2 of the constitution (General Meetings, Notice of Meeting)
      • The Secretary should make all reasonable attempts to notify all members using the notice board.
      • Debate during the last SGM whether this happened due to the fact emails were not sent out until two days before the meeting.
    • [NTU] Question: You are referring to the final agenda?
      • [JDN]
        • Yes, there was some debate whether it was intentionally not distributed.
  • [NTU]

    • Cedes his time.
  • [333]

    • On the point of performing duties satisfactorially:
      • Minutes have been more thorough and timely than previously.
    • Conflict with the President could be seen as unproductive.
      • Executive committee is elected to represent the interests of the members
      • In order to have fair representation, there is value in not having members of committee agreeing.
    • Believes [MLG] has maximising transparency.
  • [MSX]

    • Is going to read an explanation by [MLG] about why [MSX]'s messages were being moderated.
      • "Moderated because it made accusations of transphobic behaviour that are no longerr allowed to be published online on UCC forums."
    • Do those voting wish to support a club that censors transphobia when it is experienced?
    • [skyfire5] Question: What is the context that lead to this message?
      • [MLG]
        • It has been requested that we no longer post defamatory content online anywhere, founded or unfounded, if it is not proven.
        • Unfortunately some of [MSX]'s messages could be considered defamatory content.
      • [MSX]
        • There was a link posted on Facebook that was defamatory towards me, what makes one acceptable and the other not?
      • [THA]
        • We are still in the process of removing all these comments.
      • [skyfire5]
        • So the reason that certain messages were removed was because they contained content that could be perceived as defamatory to a person or multiple people.
        • The committee is currently working to remove ALL defamatory comments.
    • It is fine to disallow defamatory comments, but it cannot be partisan.
      • If one were to rule that any criticism of homophobia/transphobia is defamatory, it prevents people from speaking up against descrimination.
    • [seriously]
      • Point of Clarification: These criticisms can still be raised in non-public forums.
      • [MSX]
        • Been told that the club does not have the capacity to handle allegations of transphobia, and to take such allegations directly to the university.
      • Jameson Thompson (SOC)
        • Any defamatory content in public form comments aren't allowed.
        • Any issues can be taken to university organisations such as your Pride Officer.
      • [skyfire5]
        • The Guild President has received emails from [FVP] asking how to deal with instances of transphobia and homophobia.
        • Redirected [FVP] to Pride/Women's officers.
        • As a member of the Pride committee, can state that [FVP] didn't make any further inquiries.
    • [LIB] Parliamentary Inquiry: People have different understandings of what defamatory content is. What is the definition in this context?
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • Doesn't believe chair has capacity to speak on behalf of committee in this matter.
        • Suggests that committee puts together an email explaining this.
    • [MLG]
      • Was responsible for removing posts from Facebook.
      • Didn't have to go over everything, and thus didn't look at links.
      • Apologises.
  • [thunderwielder]

    • Considers himself good friends with both [FVP] and [MLG].
    • Believes [MLG] has done her job well.
    • There is lots of diversity in the club room, committee is supposed to reflect that.
      • There should sometimes be ideological clashes on committee.
    • [MLG] has mentioned that she will step down after the meeting.
      • We should not force her to step down right now.
    • [vk6xre] Question: By ([MLG]) stepping down but not at this meeting, does [MLG] mean it is inevitable that she will step down?
      • [MLG]
        • Was planning on stepping down.
        • After hearing what everyone has to say, wishes to see the results of the vote.
        • May consider taking a leave of absence instead.
  • [JMA]

    • Agrees that a constant state of conflict is good in a committee.
    • Believes [MLG]'s attempted motions against the President demonstrates that [MLG] doesn't have confidence in the committee.
      • Why stay on a committee that has disagreed with your motion?
    • [thunderwielder] Point of Clarification: She has had disagreements with her President, but has proven her ability to carry out her responsibilities even whilst in conflict with the President.
      • [JMA]
        • Agrees.
        • Moving such a motion, however, suggests that there are other issues that shouldn't be brought to General Meetings.
        • Agrees that [MLG]'s minutes are incredible.
  • [UMP]

    • Has trust in [MLG].
    • Believes that the committee will function better as a unit due to the acknowledgement of previous mistakes.
    • Thinks it to be unwise to proceed with retaliatory or unnecessary motions.
    • Rejects the motion and encourages everyone to vote for the benefit of the club.

Close of debate

  • [THA] (Chair)

    • As per section 20.3 of the constitution, motion will only be passed if a two-thirds majority of those voting have voted in the affirmative.
    • Abstentions do not count.
    • To abstain, leave your voting slip blank.
  • [THA] Procedural motion: To appoint Mike Anderson and Hinako Shiraishi as Returning Officers.

    • Motion passes.
  • Call for scrutineers

    • [ALI]
    • [seriously]
  • [seriously] Procedural motion: 5 minute counting break.

    • Motion passes.

Motion fails (20 affirmative, 43 negative, 2 abstentions).

  • [vk6xre] Procedural motion: Strike item 3 from the agenda.

    • Motion passes.
  • [BOB] Procedural motion: Restructure the order of the agenda such that the order of the next three items is 11, 9, 10.

    • Motion passes.

Item 11: The cancellation, with full financial restitution of this year's membership fees if applicable, of Andrew Adamson's ([BOB]) membership, including banning from use of all UCC services and forums effective immediately if the vote passes.

  • [JMA] moves the motion.
    • [jack_rippa] seconds.

Clarifications

  • [MVP]

    • We have the case for membership then life membership, but what about the reverse? If one motion goes through, are the others automatically in effect?
    • [renderprism]
      • If item 11 passes, [BOB] will be banned from the clubroom for the remainder of the year.
      • If item 10 passes, [BOB] loses life membership.
      • They have different effects, and are thus separate motions.
    • [JMA]
      • I think they need to be considered separately.
    • [333] Parliamentary Inquiry: What would be the duration of the ban?
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • Until the next AGM, unless appealed at another General Meeting.
  • [NTU] Procedural motion: Objection to the consideration of the question.

    • Motion fails (23 affirmative, 23 negative, 8 abstentions)
  • [skyfire5]

    • Is this constitutional?
    • [THA] (Chair)
      • Yes, under section 21 of the constitution (Cancellation of Membership).
    • What majority is required for this to pass?
    • [THA] (Chair)
      • Two-thirds.

Opening of debate

  • [JMA]

    • Moved the motion on the basis of a tremendous amount of discussion by a variety of members.
    • Merely moved to ensure that it got on the agenda.
    • [NTU] Question: Is there really no further information to be had for the reason of this motion?
      • [JMA]
        • People have demonstrated desire for this motion.
        • If [JMA] had not made the motion, other people would have.
    • [NTU] Question: Why didn't the previous speaker start a formal dispute with whatever reasoning there is for this motion?
      • [JMA]
        • Formal disputes haven't been taken up before.
        • [THA] (Chair)
          • There is currently a formal dispute between [BOB] and [FVP]
        • This isn't about [FVP] and [BOB], it is between the general members and [BOB]
    • [skyfire5] Question: Previous speaker said general members of the club, who are you claiming to represent specifically?
      • [JMA]
        • Some members of Wheel that would prefer to not be named.
  • [BOB]

    • Cedes time until movers of the motion have actually spoken for the motion.
  • [MSX]

    • Does not like the idea of throwing anyone out of anything.
    • Faced an identically worded motion two weeks ago.
    • [JWB] Question: Could the speaker answer whether or not they conspired with [FVP] to kick out [BOB]?
      • [MSX]
        • Absolutely not.
      • [JWB] Point of Order: "I have an email written by this speaker..."
        • [TAY] Point of Order: Not a point of order.
          • Sustained.
        • Not sustained.
    • Believes that [BOB] was behind the motion to remove [MSX] from the club two weeks ago.
      • Believes there is no such basis for the removal of [MSX]
    • Is concerned that [BOB] may continue to attempt to remove [MSX].
    • Requests assurance that be given that removal of [MSX] would not be continued.
      • If such assurance is given, sees no reason to remove [BOB] from the club.
    • [NTU] Question: How can this meeting provide assurance to the previous speaker?
      • [MSX]
        • By a 50% majority of votes.
  • [333]

    • There should never have been any motions put forward for banning club members.
    • It is not constructive.
    • Only inflames conflict.
    • [MLG]
      • Point of information: the motion for the removal of [MSX] was requested anonymously, similar to [JMA]'s motions.
  • [TAY]

    • Has previously submitted formal complaints about [BOB]
      • 2017: Use and support of homophobic slurs in the clubroom.
      • 2017: Reprimanded by tenancy chair for for drinking in the clubroom.
    • Have been accusations that [TAY] asked for [BOB] to be removed from Door.
    • Also threatened to lock [THA]'s account in 2018 based on Windows updates.
    • Did not want [DAS] on Wheel.
    • Believes the pattern of behaviour is alarming.
    • [CJS] Point of order: Relevancy
      • [TAY]
        • Despite occurring during previous years, they are still relevant.
      • Not sustained.
    • [BOB] Question: With regards to homophobic slurs, when did this occur?
      • Has never heard of this report and would like to hear the details.
      • [TAY]
        • [BOB] and [JWB] were using the word "[redacted]".
        • Thought it was offensive.
        • Was told it was a joke and not to take it seriously.
    • [skyfire5] Question: Were the formal complaints actioned and resolved?
      • [TAY]
        • Does not know.
  • [THA] (Chair) Procedural motion: Close the speaking list.

    • Motion passes.
  • [BOB]

    • [MSX] previously stated that she made no moves to remove [BOB] from the club
      • Has an agenda item from an executive only meeting about removal of [BOB] from the club.
      • [MSX]
        • Was only on committee for a few weeks at the time.
        • Had no power.
      • Email dated March 25th
        • "I concur that [BOB] should be removed from the club."
    • In response to [TAY]:
      • Voted no for [DAS] being on Wheel.
        • He still ended up on Wheel.
        • Didn't write any reasons for/against.
      • Has always avoided the use of the word "[redacted]".
        • Has been on the receiving end of the slur.
  • [MSX]

    • Does not want [BOB] to be removed.
    • Asked [BOB] if [MSX] could be on Wheel to perform secretarial duties.
      • Was told [BOB] didn't trust [MSX]
    • [NTU]
      • Point of information: [JGM] asked during the 2019-03-29 meeting about [MSX]'s recollection of those words, however [MSX] could not confirm that those words had been said.
  • [333] Procedural motion: Stop debate.

    • Motion passes.

Close of debate

  • [thunderwielder] Procedural motion: Close the meeting.

    • Motion fails.
  • Call for scrutineers:

    • Nathan Wytkin
    • [DIA]
  • [JWB] Procedural motion: Take a 5 minute recess for counting after each secret ballot vote.

    • Motion passes.

Motion fails (23 affirmative, 34 negative, 0 abstentions)

  • [THA] (Chair)

    • Slurs do not have to be uttured.
      • Please do not say them again.
    • Documents that are not fully available for everyone should not be submitted.
  • [vk6xre] Procedural motion: Adjourn meeting and reconvene in a month.

    • [BOB]
      • This would cause undue suffering to [BOB] for a month.
    • Motion fails.
  • [renderprism] Parliamentary Inquiry: How should documents be submitted for such that they are public enough for submission to this meeting?

    • [THA] (Chair)
      • If they are not already available, they cannot be submitted.
  • [seriously] Procedural motion: Move debate of items 4-8, 12 to another meeting, and thus strike them from the agenda.

    • Motion passes.
  • [ALI] Procedural motion: Strike items 9 and 10 from the agenda.

    • Motion fails.
  • [skyfire5] Procedural motion: Limit speaking to 6 people, 3 from each side.

    • Motion fails.
  • [333] Procedural motion: Strike item 10 as it is in effect item 11.

    • Motion fails.

Item 9: The removal of Andrew Adamson's ([BOB]) position as a member of Wheel, with the requirement that he surrender all keys he possesses that relate to the Club, Clubroom or Cameron Hall immediately if the vote passes.

  • [JMA] moves the motion.
    • [MSX] seconds.

Clarifications

  • [DIA] [BOB] shouldn't have any keys for Cameron Hall at all

    • [BOB]
      • Doesn't have any keys for Cameron Hall or clubroom.
      • [JMA]
        • [BOB] stated during the 2019-03-29 meeting that he had clubroom keys.
        • [BOB]
          • Did have them at the time.
          • No longer has them.
  • [THA] (Chair) Procedural motion: strike "Clubroom or Cameron Hall immediately" from the motion.

    • Motion passes.
    • Item 9 now reads: "The removal of Andrew Adamson's ([BOB]) position as a member of Wheel, with the requirement that he surrender all keys he possesses that relate to the Club if the vote passes".
  • [thunderwielder] Procedural motion: Limit speaking time to 1 minute.

    • Motion fails.

Opening of debate

  • [skyfire5] Procedural motion: Close speaking list.

    • Motion passes.
  • [JMA]

    • Has been a member of UCC for a substantial period of time.
    • Asserts that [BOB]'s behaviour over the last few years has been in breach of the Wheel ethical guidelines.
    • [BOB] Question: Can [JMA] specify which ethical guidelines?
      • [JMA]
        • Environmental Quality
        • Social Responsibility
        • Cooperation
    • Belief that the breach occurred after discussion with [TAY] and [MSX].
    • [BOB] Question: Which specific interactions with [TAY]?
      • [JMA]
        • Incident that [TAY] described during discussion of previous motion regarding slurs.
        • Believes that removal from just Door is not enough.
          • All Wheel members should be capable of holding the position of Door.
        • [NTU] Point of Order: Previous refutation.
          • Sustained.
      • [TAY] Point of Information:
        • Removal from door was due to drinking, not slurs in the clubroom.
    • At that time, as a committee member and a door member, [JMA] had been contacting Guild to try and prevent drinking inside Cameron Hall.
      • As such, it is distressing that [BOB] did so whilst there was an attempt to curb that behaviour.
  • [LE@]

    • A member is entitled to some degree of predictability with dealing with others.
    • There will always be things to pick out and pay attention to.
    • Let us not pay undue attention and nitpick.
    • Would like to mention again the meeting with [FVP], [LE@], [NTU] and [BOB].
      • [FVP] acknowledged he tried to have sanctions against [BOB].
        • Said he ([FVP]) had been lead down this path by manipulation of a third member of UCC.
    • We should consider whether it was entirely just that UCC has persued [BOB] in this way.
      • There is no substance to these accusations.
    • [JMA] Question: Ignoring previous actions when taken by committees is unwise, why not look to the past.
      • [LE@]
        • Not advocating historical amnesia.
        • People should not live in fear.
          • To be analysed with this level of caprice at a meeting.
  • [thunderwielder] Procedural motion: Go straight to voting.

    • Motion fails.
  • [MSX]

    • [BOB] told [MSX] when she entered the club that membership of Wheel comes from a matter of trust.
      • That it was a subjective decision as to whether someone has "clue".
    • Has had to drop a subjects and take deferred exams because of stressful UCC interactions.
    • Was not able to publish minutes whilst being Secretary.
    • [NTU] Question: Did the previous speaker, as a member of the committee group have full write access to the minutes directory?
      • [BOB]
        • None of [MSX]'s ability to do her role as Secretary was affected by any of [BOB]'s actions.
      • [MSX]
        • Made best effort, despite clear impression that [BOB] could make decisions with Wheel.
        • Bearing and manner of [BOB] left [MSX] frightened.
    • [NTU] Question: Is the previous speaker claiming that they don't know how to copy files?
    • [MLG] Question: At the time of the conversation about trust and Wheel, how long had the previous speaker been a member of UCC?
      • [MSX]
        • Short enough that was unaware of what Wheel was.
        • Measurable in weeks, not months.
  • [TPG]

    • Incident nearly a year and a half ago, involving [THA].
      • All evidence pointed to a fresh install of Windows.
      • Relatively new members may not be aware that they cannot reinstall Windows.
      • After sending an email with all evidence that pointed to him, [THA] understood this be an an acceptable mistake to make.
    • [renderprism] Question: Can [THA] confirm this statement?
      • [THA]
        • Yes.
        • The tone of the email was accusatory.
        • Issue sorted within an hour.
        • As far as [THA] is aware, never had account locked at any point.
    • [BOB] did issue an apology for this incident as it was an honest mistake.
    • It should not be brought up as the only real reason that [BOB] should be removed from wheel.
      • Everyone makes mistakes.
    • [TAY] Question: Rebooting the computer fixed it and that wasn't something that was tried before sending the email?
      • [JWB]
        • According to the email, the computer had to be rebooted 3 times before it regained proper functionality.
  • [TAY]

    • Cedes time to [GOZ]
  • [GOZ]

    • Has butted heads with [BOB] before.
    • Believes debate has degraded to the point where nothing will be accomplished.
    • Hopes to raise his experiences to directly improve [BOB]'s behaviour.
    • Endorses the committee to construct a better issue handling system.
      • So issues that fall through the cracks no longer do so.
    • [renderprism] Question: Through formal or informal discussion?
      • [GOZ]
        • Would prefer informal.
  • [BOB]

    • Cannot remember why [GOZ] and [BOB] are in conflict.
      • It was 3-4 years ago.
    • [MSX] had been a member of the club for weeks when [MSX] asked to be put on Wheel.
      • [MSX]
        • Wanted specific access to be able to do the job of Secretary.
        • Understood Wheel was the correct approach.
        • Would have used an alternate approach if it was known.
    • To [BOB]'s knowledge, no one has ever been put on Wheel in under 6 months.
      • [FVP]
        • [CFE] and [FVP] were on wheel within 2-3 months.
      • Being on wheel is not the matter.
    • Went to try to help [MSX] as she had been a member for such a short time.
      • Didn't realise that he was disheartening [MSX].
      • Has apologised for this to [MSX] multiple times.
    • The list of tasks given by [BOB] to [MSX] is documented by UCC in handover.
    • Believes [MSX] would have been a valuable Wheel member if [MSX] had more patience.
    • It is not true that Wheel is "owned by [BOB]"
      • That [DAS] is on Wheel is a testament to that.
    • [MSX] joined us in the Tav after the interaction.
      • Believes reports of the event have become increasingly embellished over time.
      • [MSX] recently wrote that [BOB] "angrily told [MSX] that [MSX] would never be on Wheel and that [BOB] doesn't trust [MSX]".
        • If that was the case, why would you then join for a beer afterwards?
  • [THA] (Chair) Procedural motion: End debate and move to voting.

    • Motion Passes

Close of debate

  • [THA] (Chair)

    • Vote requires an absolute majority of a meeting.
    • Abstensions count as "No" votes.
  • Call for scrutineers

    • [seriously]
    • [thunderwielder]

Motion fails (27 affirmative, 25 negative, 3 abstentions)

Item 10: The cancellation of Andrew Adamson's ([BOB]) Life Membership.

  • [MLG] Procedural motion to end the meeting.

    • Motion fails.
  • [JWB] Point of Order: Constitution only has guidelines for appointing Life Membership, not its removal. This is unconstitutional.

    • Mike Anderson (SOC)
      • If a body can create a life member, they are allowed to remove a life member.
    • Jameson Thompson (SOC)
      • It does not need to be in the constitution as this is an SGM.
      • Because this has been raised a motion.
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • The motion has been tabled and is on the agenda.
        • That does not mean it is necessarily a valid motion.
    • The only motion that this SGM was called for is the first one.
    • Just because its on the agenda, doesn't mean it can run.
    • Constitution has specific provisions for the removal of things.
    • [JMA] Question: What about removal of Wheel members? It is not in the constitution.
      • [THA] (Chair)
        • It is allowed by regulation.
      • If we have the ability to give something we should have the ability to remove something.
    • [TAY]
      • Life membership is still a type of membership.
      • Cancellation should be allowed under section 21 of the constitution (Cancellation of Membership).
      • [UMP]
        • In that case we have already discussed it under item 11.
      • Disagrees, they are two different types of membership.
      • [LE@]
        • Item 11 confers not to financial or life membership, but to membership.
      • Item 11 seems to imply just this year's membership.
    • [THA] (Chair)
      • Needs to look at this for 3 days and meditate.
      • Then move to Tibet and repeat for another 5 years.
      • Then will have an answer.
    • [JMA]
      • No life members need to pay for membership.
        • Some life members do pay for membership as well.
      • To vote one must be a financial member.
      • These things are separate, but both still memberships.
    • [BOB]
      • Item 11 specifically states cancellation of [BOB]'s membership.
    • [TAY]
      • Life membership does imply membership, but membership does not imply life membership.
  • [THA] (Chair) Procedural motion: Take a 5 minute recess with Returning Officers and Parliamentarian to make a ruling on constitutionality.

    • Motion passes.
  • [THA] (Chair)

    • Rules that as the constitution currently stands, Life Membership cannot be removed at a General Meeting.
      • If members wish to do so, they should amend the constitution.
    • Item 10 is struck from the agenda.

Meeting closed 21:39


Minutes based off a transcript from Maja Maric Minutes created by [THA]


Minutes uploaded by [THA] at 22:47 on 2019-08-26