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Notes from the Annual
Meeting
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by Deborah Trupin
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During the Honest Weight
Food Coop's 2010 Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 18, HWFC members
approved three changes to the Co-op's Bylaws, elected five new members
to the Board of Directors (see related article), and reviewed the
status of plans for the new store. Acting Board President Karen Roth
led the meeting, which 161 members attended, well above the 105
required for quorum. Member labor coordinator Nate Horwitz noted that
this was the largest number of members ever needed for quorum-- one
sign of HWFC's growth.
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Tweaking
the Bylaws
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The
new Bylaws changes correct some inconsistent language and clarify some
voting procedures. Specifically, the Bylaws now stipulate that once
quorum for a General Membership or Annual Meeting is achieved, quorum
exists for the entire meeting, regardless of whether members stay until
adjournment. Past confusion about the meaning of an abstention or blank
ballot has also been clarified: An abstention or blank ballot counts as
neither a Yes nor a No vote. The number of votes required to pass a
proposal or elect a Board candidate is based on the number of Yes or No
votes cast on completed ballots.
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The
Election
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Eleven
HWFC members stood for election to five seats on the Board, so
introducing and questioning the candidates took much of the meeting
time. Running for the Board were: Jessica Allen-Hayek, Jess Cavanaugh,
Ned DePew, Bill (William) Fenner Frye III, Jules (Julie) Harrell, Lexa
(Alexandra) Juhre, Roman Kuchera, Lynne Lekakis, Natalie Nussbaum, Rob
Sweeney and Sharon C. Wemple. In the end, Jessica, Ned, Bill, Lexa, and
Lynne were elected. It was great to have so many candidates. Thanks to
all who were willing to serve HWFC.
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Concrete
Plans for New Store
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Board
member Bruce Huttner introduced construction manager John Bishop, hired
by the Facilities committee, and architect Ken Syvertsen, who are
working together on a proposed design/build contract for the Co-op's
new building. Bishop and Syvertsen presented their concepts for a store
design that would meet the Co-op's requirements and fit within our
budget. With the aid of a site plan and sketch, they reviewed the
proposed construction schedule. Demolition of the existing building is
set for August-September. And by using preformed concrete for the
exterior walls, construction could proceed through the winter.
HWFC members questioned the consultants about their plans. For example,
would the project use minority and women subcontractors-- and if so,
how many? Syvertsen responded that 20% of their subcontractors would be
minorities or women.
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Keeping
Up to Date
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During
follow-up discussion, one member suggested that more information should
be presented to the membership ahead of time, so there could be a more
informed discussion at the meeting. HWFC treasurer Kyle Lawrence said
he planned to hold Q&A sessions periodically to update members on
the building project.
If you are interested in keeping up to date on plans for our new store,
watch for announcements about these meetings.
The next HWFC membership meeting will be held sometime this summer. Be
sure to work your hours so you can come to the meeting, help achieve
quorum--and be a part of the planning for HWFC's future.
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