2017 AGM

[MattB]

Is there a detailed agenda? I saw that there's coffee, workshops, lunch, more workshops, and a wrap up. So I guess technically there's an agenda, but at the same time, it's not really an agenda. One that you can prepare for anyway.

Are things being voted on? If so, what? Is it possible to vote if you're not in attendance? What can be voted on? And who's allowed to vote?

[Andy]

Hi Matt,
 As always we try to have an open forum at the AGM, if you have a specific topic you would like discussed please submit it to the appropriate group leader and it can be added to the agenda.

[MattB]

Take the SM tire discussion/proposals. Is this something that would be put forward and voted on? Who does and does not get to vote? Is a simple majority of those who vote enough to pass a proposal?

[Andy]

We will be talking about tires at the AGM, we have been offered a proposal by Cooper Tires and we have had a couple other tires tested this year. SM has been the focus of these tests but other classes may wish to consider spec tires for there classes, maybe they won't. The purpose of the AGM is to discuss these and any other issues that may be presented and try to make racing better for everyone.

[MattB]

OK, but who decides, and what is the exact process, regarding rule changes? And is it the same for class rules (e.g. SM tire) and for point scoring procedures (e.g. 'best of' vs current system)?

[ChrisS]

OK, but who decides, and what is the exact process, regarding rule changes? And is it the same for class rules (e.g. SM tire) and for point scoring procedures (e.g. 'best of' vs current system)?

Traditionally decisions have been made by vote at the AGM.  I would suggest that we start making use of modern technology so we can discuss and vote on things more regularly that once a year (MSR has built it polling and elections).

Matt,
I'd also suggest that we create a Spec Miata Advisory Committee similar to what is done in the SCCA.  Maybe elect one representative per city sort of thing.  Then we have a few people to keep their finger on the pulse with the option of meeting in person.  And also represent the class on things like sponsorship negotiations or whatnot.

Chris

[MattB]

So a motion passes with a simple majority of those who vote in person? Only people who raced in SM vote or it's open to everyone? What about someone that didn't race this year but raced last year? I'm not trying to be obtuse--just trying to understand how things work. If there's a close vote then these details matter...

[ChrisS]

From what I've seen before it was people who attended in person plus proxy votes.  Personally I'd like to see electronic voting to make it easier for all to participate.  Eg. Leduc is a long trip for Ken without really knowing what will be voted on.

As for who's vote counts for a class specific vote; that's a good question.  All current racers?  All who currently have a car?  What about those thinking of joining in?

Perhaps these have happened in the past already.  Looking in your direction challenge cars

Chris

[MattB]

And how do you properly cast a proxy vote if there isn't a list of motions presented ahead of time?

[MattB]

Are there any minutes from the AGM?

[MattB]

Just following up again to see if there are any AGM minutes, and if there's any written information on how rule changes come about?

[10cc]

I have always been amazed by the very sparse attendance at the AGM, considering how important the event is. Often, ideas, concepts and suggestions arise out of face to face discussions, and therefore can't be included in an agenda. It is my opinion that more people should make a point of attending this once a year meeting, as it is meant to be a gathering of all interested parties to forge the future of our sport.

[ChrisS]

Matt raises a good point though; minutes would be useful not only to those who couldn't attend, but also to refer back to why certain decisions were made.

Chris

[10cc]

Agree completely, although the way the meeting flow, bounce around, and the fact that groups are split up, it might be hard to get accurate minutes. Still a good idea.

[ChrisS]

Yes it would require a bit more structure (not necessarily a bad thing) to be more effective and produce usable information.

With the shifting purpose of the WCMA, I do wonder if we could move some of those rule change discussions outside of the AGM (electronic discussions & voting, or otherwise) and focus the AGM more on directing and executing WCMA strategy.  What will ensure the continued success of our sport won't be whether or not we mandate fire systems this year, but rather how we are reducing the barriers of entry and marketing our community.  So which should we be spending our time talking about when we get together once a year?

Chris