- It is established that we have
at least 20 members present at the meeting to constitute a quorum.
- Announcement that all but one
previous board member has resigned.
- Motion to accept resignation of
board was unanimous.
- Shelley Luettke informed
members of several incriminations of some former board members. She presented a
folder of a number of E-mails correspondences regarding the former board's plan
to close the store and the severance package given to Mike Kelly that was taken
from the store's operating funds.
- There is a motion to reduce the
number of board members from 9-7. Vote in favor of motion was unanimous.
- Member recommends at least one
management/staff be on board.
- Member argues that
management/staff should not be on board.
- Remaining former board member
states that there is a lack of continuity between the board and the membership.
- Member states that manager on
board would represent a conflict of interest as they could not vote on matters
relating to them.
- Several concerns are expressed
about long-term governance of the co-op.
- There is a proposal to vote on
a new board, stating that there are 20 members present to constitute a quorum.
- Member voices concern for
rushing in new board members. Another member stated that new board would act as
interim board until date of annual membership meeting is decided (Nov. or Dec.)
- Discussion ensues with various
people stating: former manger was verbally abusive to staff; he still has store
computer, software and other articles that are property of co-op. The existence
of an actual contract for former manager is in question: accountant was ordered
by former board president—Sam Rodriguez, to pay Mike Kelly the severance
check. There was a letter written by him stating there was a contract.
- Motion to open up interim
board nominations and to accept nominations from the floor.
- Suggestion made that board
members should be weekly co-op shoppers.
- Seven interim board members
are voted in unanimously.
- J. Frank Johnson, retired
C.P.A, informed the membership in attendance of the current cash balance for
Aug., Sept. to date and profit & loss statements with no bank reconciliations done for
Sept. A recommendation was made to return to doing inventory every quarter. The
question was posed as to why the former board would recommend closing the store
when profits were made 7 months of this year.
- It was suggested that the
co-op take legal action regarding pay-out to former manager, Mike Kelly, as
well store property still in his possession.
- Helen and Leah agree to act as
co-managers until annual membership meeting is held. They are voted-in
unanimously.
- Proposal made to conduct 2
board meetings a month until annual membership meeting.
- A new store location is
recommended along with a pay-by-month rent on current store building.
Interested members sign-up to research possible new store locations.
- Accountant states we have paid
off 3 loans and still have a $40,000.00 dollar loan
that only needs to be paid with a
$240.00 payment per month (interest).
- Accountant also states we made
$3000.00 less this summer than last, partly due to construction on Sylvania
Ave.
- Question is raised on
condition of current store equipment with a request for figures on equipment.
- Possible loans could be taken
out from Huntington bank ($17,000.00) or possibly a port authority loan.
- Accountant states a consultant
was hired and paid without membership knowledge. A co-op consultant from
Illinois offered to assist Phoenix for no charge except for overnight hotel
expense, but former board voted it down.
- Suggestion is made to look for
outside sources for fundraising and to increase the membership (UT., grants,
local businesses).
Interim Board Members:
|
Pete DeWood |
| Catherine Hernandez |
| Stacey Grasso |
| Helen Elden |
| Leah Foley |
| Halasz Sandor |
| Shelley Luettke |