Committee Meeting

A Committee meeting was held in the Office yesterday morning. It was altogether a very unpleasant experience for all attending. One Committee member walked out in disgust after about half an hour.

Pepe had previously agreed to write the cheque for the Gardeners wages at this meeting. When he was asked to do so, he flatly refused. Pepe was reminded in no uncertain manner that the overwhelming majority of Owners wanted to keep Steve as Gardener, and it was his responsibility to carry out their wishes. This was said to Pepe repeatedly, not just by the Committee members present, but also several times by the Administrator, who told Pepe he was totally wrong in the action he was taking.

Pepe was asked why he was so determined not to employ the Gardener, against the wishes of the Community. He answered that "Steve drives round in the car all day" From the amount of work being done, this is clearly not true. Pepe was asked how he knew, when he (Pepe) was not here on Mi Sol most of the time.

He also said Steve was not cleaning properly, this is clearly not true, as even a casual observation will reveal how clean and tidy the "bin" area is kept now for example.

He then said the old Gardener Juan was better than Steve, this was met with gasps of amazement, Shelagh Shaw pointed out Juan had spent 7 weeks working in her circle and he still did not finish it.

Eventually Pepe agreed to write the cheque, but only for the amount of 724 .00 Euro, not the 815 Euro as had been agreed, by the Community, and indeed by himself when Steve had been employed. Pepe said that a standard minimum wage for a Gardener was 724 .00 Euro per month, and was written on the standard contract of employment. The Administrator agreed this was so, but pointed out the Community could pay any amount they wished above that minimum. This had all been pointed out and agreed at the recent EGM.

Pepe was adamant, and after an hour of arguing, the Committee agreed to accept the cheque, as it was perfectly obvious Pepe was not going to write a cheque for any other amount. The difference is about 90 Euro per month, it was pointed out to Pepe that the Committee had been asking him for several months to cancel the internet in the Office, as it was no longer needed, this would have saved the 90 Euro per month he was refusing to pay, so far he has not cancelled it.

I then asked for a cheque to cover the money I had spent on Weed killer, petrol for the car and strimmers, at first he refused then eventually did write the cheque for 138.26 Euro. In front of some Committee members he had previously agreed to a float of 100 Euro for gardening expenses. He now flatly refused to agree to this, so I shall continue paying for these myself, and attempt to claim it back at each Committee meeting.

The Car documents were produced and it showed that the car for use by the Gardener was not insured. This caused a great deal of anger, as members of the Committee reminded Pepe that he had told us the car was legal and insured. This meant that Steve had been driving on public roads to the garden skips for 6 weeks uninsured, it was also pointed out, that as he did not have a contract, he was not insured himself, and that had he been involved in an accident there could have been serious consequences for all Owners, as they are collectively responsible.

Although the car was purchased in November last year the transfer of Ownership has not been carried out. It was agreed that the new documents be made out in the name of the Community if possible.

Pepe previously had a contract made for Steve, but refused to give it him, the document was defaced and unable to be used. Pepe said he would get a new contract.

A Committee member asked Pepe if he had been putting chemicals into the Swimming pool, Pepe replied he had, however when it was pointed out to him that tests had revealed twice the level of chlorine in the pool than it should have, he then said he had not put any chemicals into the pool.

After this the meeting closed, earlier than would normally have been the case, quite frankly we had all had enough for one day. Important questions regarding why Pepe had been required to visit Alicante on two days in succession about new demands from the Social Security regarding people employed by the other faction, will have to wait for the next meeting.

After the meeting I spoke to Steve and gave him the cheque, understandably he was very upset not being paid the full amount due. However after some lengthy discussion he did agree to stay on as our Gardener until September and review his position depending on the outcome of the AGM.

This morning Pepe produced a new contract, which Steve has signed.

Later in the day Pepe, Shelagh Shaw and myself went to Montesinos and insured the car for the Gardeners use. It was confirmed to us that the car documents can be registered in the name of the Community, it requires a visit to Traffico in Alicante, with the relevant documentation, the Community CIF number and Acts Book.

I realise that much of the above may be construed by a small minority as a personal attack on Pepe, this is not true, merely a documentation of what actually happened. It can be confirmed by speaking to the Administrator, or any Committee member who attended the meeting.