Minutes of the MMHS Annual Meeting
April 18, 2009, 2:45 pm.
Mennonite Heritage Village
Present: 19 members and 8 visitors.
Opening Remarks and welcome by Ken Reddig who assumed the chair in the absence of Conrad Stoesz.
Ken Reddig introduced Barry Dyck, the new CEO of MHV who welcomed everyone and gave a brief report on the MHV to those present.
Agenda
M/S/Carried, Abe Ens, Hans Werner that the agenda be adopted as circulated.
Committee Reports
The Chair explained that the minutes for the previous AGM could not be located but would be posted when they became available.
Written reports were circulated and briefly highlighted by committee chairs.
President’s Report-Ken Reddig
Historic Sites and Monuments-Bert Friesen
Publication and Marketing-Jake Peters
Local History-Adolf Ens
-the committee’s written report had not made it into the package.
-nine members, very active
-slightly lower attendance at the Fall meeting
-approved a project –called a monograph series
-Martha Martens and John Penner retiring
The consideration of reports was interrupted by the presentation of the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada’s Award of Excellence to Dave Schellenberg (deceased). Family representatives, Marlene Riediger, Gary Schellenberg, Gordon Schellenberg accepted the award presented by Royden Loewen.
Membership and Publicity-Lawrence Klippenstein
Geneology and Family History-Alf Redekopp
EastMenn Committee-Jake Peters
M/S/Carried, Bert Friesen, Anna Ens. That the standing committee reports be adopted.
Associated Organizations
A number of associated organization reports were noted
Mennonite Committee on Human Rights-Alf Redekop
-committee is not an advocate for rights, but about rights
-working on an art exhibit on the right to food
M/S/Carried, Jake E. Peters, Jake Peters that the associated organizations reports be accepted.
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Financial Report-Bert Friesen
Bert presented detailed financial reports including the auditors review engagement report. He noted that the Society has started to write down book inventory values, a process that will continue over the next few years. He also presented the 2009 Society budget.
M/S/Carried, Bert Friesen, Ed Hoeppner, that the Financial Statements be adopted as presented.
M/S/Carried, Bert Friesen, Abe Enns. That Randy Wiebe be appointed as auditor
M/S/Carried, Bert Friesen, Adolf Ens. That the Budget for 09 be adopted.
Bylaw Changes
A proposed bylaw change was presented on behalf of the Executive.
M/S, Hans Werner Mary Ellen Neufeld, that Article 8 of the bylaws be amended to read as follows:
“8. The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a board of 13 members and not more than 18 members. At the board’s discretion, the board may operate with as few as 9 members. A minimum of six members shall constitute a quorum. The Board of directors shall not transact business at any meeting unless quorum of board directors is present.”
There was discussion about the implications of the reduction in the number of Board members on the minimum number of persons who could conduct the business of the Society.
M/S/Carried. Anna Ens, Lawrence Klippenstein, that the bylaw change be tabled.
Further discussion addressed the potential of having to operate outside the bylaws if insufficient Board members could be found to serve. Members felt the Board should revisit the question during the next year to be sure that all the implications were understood.
M/S/Carried. Adolf, Ed Hoeppner, that if necessary the Board be allowed to function as per the above proposed amendment until the next annual meeting.
Nominations Committee-Lawrence Klippenstein.
3 year terms
-Ken Reddig, Pinawa
-Hans Werner, Winnipeg
-Garry Enns, Aubigny
2 year terms
-Mary Neufeld, Winnipeg
-Ed Hoeppner, Winnipeg
-Maria Lodge, Winnipeg
1 year terms
-Adolf Ens, Winnipeg
-Loren Koehler, Steinbach
M/S/Carried, Lawrence Klippenstein, Jake E Peters. That the above be declared elected.
The Chair thanked the Mennonite Heritage Village for hosting the meeting.
Adjourned at 4:05 pm.