MTCherries

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 – 7 p.m.

 

Directors present:  Bruce Johnson, Ward Marshall, Rod McRae, John Nasgovitz (via open phone line), Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver

Absent:    Mitch Jones, Mike Bonner  

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Rod called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes for the meeting held September 15, 2021, were approved.

Checking account balance as of 10/20/21:  $60,797.92.  ($21,913.60 of this will be distributed to members as income from Tabletree for cull purchases.)

                Actual amount belonging to FLCG:  $38,884.32

                WFCU balances:  Regular account $6,565.61

                 TT security deposit $5,236.71

Updated budget Jan-Sept 2021 distributed.

Updated list of upcoming expenses (due and estimated) distributed to directors. 

Rod – budget discussion.  Still no word from Monson on cost of chiller rental.  Cost of electrician (Troy Jensen) to finish the additional power installation adds approximately $20,000 to the list of upcoming expenses.  This brings the list total to an estimated $49,124.

Annual surcharge based on gross pounds.   After discussing circumstances affecting this year’s crop, a motion was duly made by Bruce Johnson, seconded by Ward Marshall, and unanimously approved by all directors present, setting the annual surcharge to members based on gross pounds at .02 per pound, to be deducted from final proceeds. 

Culls discussion.  Directors discussed the distribution of culls proceeds from sales to buyers other than Tabletree.   Upon motion duly made by Mark St. Sauver, seconded by Ward Marshall, and unanimously approved by all directors present, directors agreed that the culls proceeds from Northwest Juicing and Red Lodge Ales will be passed on to the members based proportionately on each grower’s culls contribution. 

Barry’s Hanson’s website – Rod and Bruce checked the website www.flatheadcherrypestmanage.org and agreed that it was well done and contained good information for the growers.  The portion having to do with the PMA process is the old version and will need to be updated.  Otherwise, they felt the website should be supported by FLCG.  Ward will meet with Jack Stivers on the section referring to using Jack as the primary contact and his connection with MSU.  Exactly how the website support will take place will be determined after a conversation with Barry Hanson.

Rod reported that the Bonneville Power Admin will be at the plant to inspect the upgrade and will calculate a rebate.  They will pay for the curtains and some rebate on the electrical improvements. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 – 7 p.m.

Directors present:  Bruce Johnson, Mitch Jones, Ward Marshall, Rod McRae, John Nasgovitz (via open phone line)

Absent:    Mike Bonner, Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver  

Guests:  Brian Campbell

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Rod called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes for the meeting held August 18, 2021, were approved as corrected.

(The correction:  Red Lodge purchased 69,614 lbs. of culls)

Checking account balance as of 9/15/21:  $32,483.47. 

WFCU balances:  Regular account $6,565.61 ($45,000 moved to checking account prior to board meeting).

TT security deposit $5,236.71

Updated budget Jan-Aug 2021 distributed.

List of upcoming expenses (due and estimated) and estimated income, distributed to directors.  In addition to the list of expenses, MVP’s charge to bring additional power to the plant will be approximately $11,000. 

The Comfort Systems invoices are to be adjusted.

Exact budget numbers will be available by next meeting.  

Crop surcharge to be decided at next meeting.  Discussion followed on how to apportion cost of plant upgrades to all members.  Tabled until next meeting when final expenses and income numbers are determined.

Rod reported on the cold room cooler update.  Compressors will be relocated and the failed compressor replaced this fall. 

Rod reported from Monson:  There will be a September check.  The helicopter will not be provided next year.

Brian Campbell reported on Barry Hanson’s WCFF website: www.flatheadcherrypestmanagement.org – Barry is asking if the co-op wants to keep that website going; it’s paid until the end of the year.  Directors are asked to check out the website for the next meeting. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.