2010 Davis Food Co-op Ballot Proposition
Each Proposition is presented here with an analysis of the nature and effects of the measure (as called for in our Bylaws).
The first argument submitted for and against each ballot measure — if any was
received before the deadline — is included on this page (again, following
our Bylaws).
Along with each Proposition and arguments is a link to the text of what would be changed, showing how the sections will read if the Proposition passes.
Proposition 1: Additional Non-voting Shares
Shall the Bylaws of the Co-op be amended to resolve a contradiction in the "date of record" for determining the number of signatures needed on a petition by members?
Yes - 892 votes
No - 64 votes
Impartial Analysis
Background: The Co-op’s Bylaws have been written at different times, by several different hands. When Article X, Section 2 was amended in 2009, no one noticed that it changed the section in Article IX, Section 4. Voting and Election Procedures. (B) Petitions. Date of Record.
That paragraph was added by member vote in 1989; it points to the first day of the month preceding as the date of record for determining the number of shareholders in good standing, so as to determine how many qualified signatures would be required on a petition. The 2009 paragraph points to the last day of the month preceding.
Consultation with a lawyer confirmed that cutting out the particular provision for Initiatives would leave the more-comprehensive provision for all petitions intact, so she recommended that to the Board.
Effect of Vote
A “yes” vote on Proposition 1 would delete one sentence setting a different date of record for Initiative petitions. A “no” vote on Proposition 1 would leave the Bylaws as they are, with a contradiction between Articles IX and X.
Fiscal Effect
No fiscal effect is anticipated.
Placed on the ballot by an 8-1 vote of the Directors (for: J. Booth, T. Consolacion, J. Cross, S. Frerichs, D. Jolly, S. Reynolds, K. Wolf, J. Young; opposed: S. Citron). Directors recommended passage by an 8-1 vote (for: J. Booth, T. Consolacion, J. Cross, S. Frerichs, D. Jolly, S. Reynolds, K. Wolf, J. Young; opposed: S. Citron).
A majority vote of the shareholders in good standing who vote in this election is required for this amendment to pass. If it passes, it will take effect immediately, as soon as the results are known.
View the 2010 Voter's Pamphlet (PDF) which contains the information above.