PRESENT:

Sandy Brunton, Michael Ackerley, Tom Bettley, Derek Crook, John Cable, Georgia O’Neill
 

APOLOGIES:

Alan Parker, Olive Brown

MINUTES:

Amendments to Sept minutes, “Minutes for Aug meeting proposed by . . .” Minutes for Sept meeting proposed by Michael, seconded by John.  Minutes for Oct meeting proposed by Sandy, seconded by Tom.
 

MATTERS ARISING:

Transport Lobby list

Derek had found difficulty compiling the lobby list due to the amount of ‘reshuffling’ of ministers & departments.
 

HGV weight restircitions

Alan had discovered that the new weight limits for HGVs was not applicable to council service vehicles and emergency vehicles.  It is not known if private vehicles that deliver essential services such as oil and gas will be exempt from the new ruling.
 

Web host

After requesting that our website be transferred to another provider, the existing host, Freezone, has offered the Chamber a year’s free service.  This offer will be accepted.
 

TRANSPORT:

Michael is resigning from the Ferry Committee, therefore the question was raised as to whether the Chamber should resign from the committee too, or appoint another representative.  It was discussed how the Chamber would approach transport issues if no longer a part of the Ferry Committee, should closer links be made with the Shipping Service Advisory Committee?  This matter will be discussed further at the next Chamber meeting.  <Michael> will request that Ferry Committee minutes continue to be sent to Chamber.  Sandy thanked Michael for the work and time he had given to the Ferry Committee on behalf of the Chamber.
 

CONSTITUTION:

<Michael> will schedule telemeeting.  Subject held over until next meeting.
 

ECO CHARTER:

From mid-winter, there will be a special offer to sign up for the Charter for half price.  <John> will email details for members.
 

RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM:
 

John reported on the recent meeting of the Forum.  <Derek> will email info for members about individual renewable energy schemes.

PRESIDENT:

Swimming pool

Sandy brought attention to the Swimming Pool 500 Club that is in need of new investors <Georgia> will email info to members.
 

Housing market study

A questionnaire about housing needs has been distributed throughout the island.  This will be followed up by several public meetings <Georgia> will email details to members.
 

Parking Fees

Argyll & Bute Council are proposing to increase parking fees on Mull.  The Chamber will write and object to charges being imposed on cars using Ledaig carpark rather than the heavily congested Main Street.
 

New rules for employers

Sandy brought details of new laws that employers and employees must follow concerning dismissal, disciplinary action or grievance in the workplace.  <Georgia> will email info to members.
 

TREASURER:

Tom reported a balance of £5025.48.
 

SECRETARY:

Tom will now be collecting the mail from Brown’s.
 

AOB:

John reported on his correspondence with David Woodhouse regarding National Parks.