by Marvin Pirila

On June 8, 2014, the members and patrons of the Wright Farmer’s Co-op met at the Senior Citizen Center to discuss the dismissal of previous board members and the election of new ones.  Eighty-one people signed in for the meeting, although more were likely in attendance.

Purpose of Meeting and Legality

Interim President Jerri Haugan called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. and handed the floor to Co-op Store Manager Tim Bury.  Mr. Bury began the meeting by stating the purpose of the meeting was to decide whether or not to abide by the vote to dismiss the board or to reinstate them to their positions.  Lori Shelton made the motion to “abide by the vote“ which was seconded.

Another member suggested they “vote to reinstate the board as they shouldn’t have been voted out by a small number of the members.”

“I would say the board is still the board,” said a member.

Linda Shelton explained the removal of officers was properly done under Minnesota Statutes.

“The whole shooting matter is illegal,” another said, “one of a few dominating the majority.”

The Feed Mill

There was a question about who was running the mill.  “I am,” Mr. Bury answered.  “I am quickly learning the mill and have a degree in Agriculture.”

“Why did Jeff [previous feed mill manager] leave?” someone asked.  Mr. Bury answered that he had resigned and cited that he “no longer felt challenged because of the decline in farming” and “differences with the board and Tim.”  “On the morning of the 19th, I was called to the mill.”  [The remaining employee] said he quit because “the new board does not like me and I don’t want to go through this.”

Some questioned why the feed mill manager position wasn’t posted after the vacancy occurred.  The posting did run for two weeks in the paper, but some felt that given the controversy, it wasn't worth it.

Addressing the Dismissal of Board Members

In response to the question, “Why did you get rid of the board?” Lori Shelton responded,
“They were micromanaging the store and feed mill.”  “Who has not noticed the change in the store,” Lori added.  “Let the manager manage.  The store is making sales and doing wonderful things.”

“It wasn’t just Tim.  That’s what a board does, they oversee the employees.  Yes, you will get conflicts,” another countered.

Who Can Vote?

There were statements that only two of the seven board members were shareholders at the time of the election last year and the other five bought shares months after the election.

According to the bylaws, last updated in 1983, only shareholders can vote.  If patrons voted in the election, the vote would lack legitimacy.

“Is everyone okay with the selling of shares and the legitimacy of voting?” Mr. Bury asked.  Some “no’s” were heard, but were clearly the minority of those in attendance.  After a brief recess to allow patrons to become members, a vote was taken.  The vote, by show of hands, to legitimatize the previous decision on May 18 was 46 in favor to 15 opposed.

Due to questions surrounding the proper notification of board members by certified letter, the members ultimately decided to postpone the official vote until a later special meeting.  It was decided that the vote by show of hands would be ignored in favor of a another vote in approximately two weeks.

The Final Say

Everyone in attendance agreed to postpone any decisions until a special meeting on June 22 in a session before the scheduled regular meeting.

“If they were improperly hired they should be properly fired,” quipped a member.

A motion to postpone the election of new directors until the previous board was notified pursuant to the bylaws passed.  A motion to hold new elections and let previous board members to run was seconded and passed.

Those in attendance collectively agreed to go back to fix a step and make the process legal.  A motion by Lori Shelton was made and passed authorizing Jerri Haugan to write and mail certified letters to each board member notifying them of the special meeting and intent.

Ms. Haugan stated that candidates should “submit letters requesting to be on the board.”  Lori Shelton suggested that “a posting be made at the Co-op Store prior to the next meeting for respective nominees to sign.”  It was agreed that you did not have to be present to vote.  Your vote accompanied by your signature would be acceptable.

Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.