Fenwick v. State, Department of Military Affairs, Disaster & Emergency Services Division ( 2016 )

April 5 2016
DA 15-0252
Case Number: DA 15-0252
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA
2016 MT 80
JULIA FENWICK,
Plaintiff and Appellant,
v.
STATE OF MONTANA, DEPARTMENT OF
MILITARY AFFAIRS, DISASTER AND
EMERGENCY SERVICES DIVISION,
Defendants and Appellees.
APPEAL FROM: District Court of the First Judicial District,
In and For the County of Lewis and Clark Cause No. BDV-2012-268
Honorable Jeffrey M. Sherlock, Presiding Judge
COUNSEL OF RECORD:
For Appellant:
Palmer A. Hoovestal, Hoovestal Law Firm, PLLC; Helena, Montana
For Appellees:
Trevor L. Uffelman, Attorney at Law; Helena, Montana
Curt Drake, Patricia H. Klanke, Drake Law Firm; Helena, Montana
Submitted on Briefs: February 17, 2016
Decided: April 5, 2016
Filed:
__________________________________________
Clerk
Justice Jim Rice delivered the Opinion of the Court.
¶1 Julia Fenwick (Fenwick) appeals from an order entered by the First Judicial
District Court, Lewis and Clark County, granting summary judgment to the State of
Montana, Department of Military Affairs and Emergency Services Division
(Department), on several of her claims related to the severance of her employment with
the Department.
¶2 We address the following issues, and affirm:
1. Did the District Court err by holding the Severance Agreement was lawful?
2. Did the District Court err by holding that Fenwick did not enter the Severance
Agreement under duress, undue influence, menace, fraud, or mistake?
3. Did the District Court err by holding the undisputed facts establish the
Department’s consideration for the Severance Agreement did not fail?
4. Did the District Court err by dismissing Fenwick’s constitutional claims?
5. As argued by the Department, did the District Court err by denying summary
judgment to the Department on Fenwick’s claims for Intentional Interference with
a Business Relationship and Breach of the Covenant of Good Faith and Fair
Dealing?
PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND
¶3 In April 2011, Fenwick and the Department executed a voluntary severance
agreement (Severance Agreement) wherein the Department agreed to lay off Fenwick, as
opposed to terminating her for cause, in exchange for Fenwick releasing any claims she
had against the Department.
¶4 As consideration for Fenwick’s release of claims, the Severance Agreement
obligated the Department to do several things. First, the Department agreed to eliminate
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Fenwick’s position, the Office of Homeland Security Grants Manager, pursuant to the
Reduction in Force Policy (RIF Policy) set forth in the Montana Operations Manual.1
Second, the Department agreed to allow Fenwick to participate in the job registry for two
years following the lay-off date. And third, the Department agreed to provide Fenwick
with neutral employment recommendations. The Department also provided Fenwick
other benefits, including three months’ pay plus $3,500, healthcare, and access to
training.
¶5 As consideration for the Department laying off Fenwick instead of discharging
her, Fenwick was obligated to waive all claims known or unknown that she may have
against the Department and waive all benefits under the RIF Policy that were not
specifically mentioned by the Severance Agreement.
¶6 After execution of the Severance Agreement, for which both parties were
represented by counsel, the Department eliminated the position of Office of Homeland
Security Grants Manager. Seven months later, the Department created a new position,
the Disaster and Emergency Services Grants Program Manager. Fenwick applied for this
position through the job registry, but was not hired for the position.
¶7 Fenwick thereafter started an independent consulting business and contracted with
Butte-Silver Bow County to provide grants administration services. The Department
allegedly contacted Butte-Silver Bow County officials and stated that Fenwick should not
be permitted to contact Department coordinators in the course of her work for the
1
The Montana Operations Manual contains policies, procedures, and standards applicable to the
internal operations of the Montana state government. http://mom.mt.gov/.
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County. At no time did the Department receive a request for an employment
recommendation from any person or organization.
¶8 Fenwick filed this action, alleging the Severance Agreement should be rescinded
because (1) it was unlawful under a provision in the RIF Policy that barred the use of a
reduction-in-force layoff in lieu of termination; (2) the Department’s consideration failed
because it had not actually eliminated her position; (3) the Department’s consideration
failed because it did not give her preferential treatment pursuant to the RIF Policy when
considering her application for the Disaster and Emergency Services Grants Program
Manager position; and (4) the Department’s consideration failed because the
Department’s communications with Butte-Silver Bow County constituted negative
employment recommendations. In addition, Fenwick alleged wrongful discharge,
intentional interference with a business relationship, breach of the covenant of good faith
and fair dealing, and constitutional tort claims. The District Court dismissed Fenwick’s
constitutional tort claims, holding the claims were not recognized as valid causes of
action under Montana law or were otherwise not well pleaded.
¶9 The parties filed cross-motions on summary judgment. The District Court held as
a matter of law that the Severance Agreement could not be rescinded because (1) the
Severance Agreement was not unlawful because the RIF Policy was not law; (2) the
Department’s consideration did not fail because it had eliminated Fenwick’s position;
(3) the Department’s consideration did not fail because the Severance Agreement
expressly stated Fenwick would not be given preferential treatment when applying to jobs
through the job registry; and (4) the Department’s consideration did not fail because its
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communications with Butte-Silver Bow County, while actionable, did not constitute an
employment recommendation. The District Court further held that genuine issues of
material fact precluded summary judgment on Fenwick’s claims for intentional
interference with a business relationship and the breach of the covenant of good faith and
fair dealing, and that they would be tried.
¶10 Fenwick requested certification of the District Court’s judgment and dismissal
orders as final for purposes of appeal pursuant to M. R. Civ. P. 54(b). The District Court
considered the factors set out in Weinstein v. University of Montana, 271 Mont. 435, 898
P.2d 101 (1995), and granted certification. This Court entered an order determining the
certification order complied with the Montana Rules of Appellate Procedure and that the
appeal may proceed.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
¶11 The construction and interpretation of a contract is a question of law that is
reviewed for correctness. Schwend v. Schwend, 1999 MT 194, ¶ 36, 295 Mont. 384, 983
P.2d 988.
¶12 An order on summary judgment is reviewed de novo, applying the same criteria as
the district court. Lorang v. Fortis Ins. Co., 2008 MT 252, ¶ 36, 345 Mont. 12, 192 P.3d
186. Under M. R. Civ. P. 56(c), summary judgment is appropriate where there is a
complete absence of genuine issues of material fact, and the moving party is entitled to
judgment as a matter of law. Lorang, ¶ 37. All reasonable inferences from the evidence
are drawn in favor of the non-moving party. Redies v. Attys. Liab. Prot. Soc’y, 2007 MT
9, ¶ 26, 335 Mont. 233, 150 P.3d 930.
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¶13 A district court’s ruling on a motion to dismiss under M. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) is
reviewed de novo. Meagher v. Butte-Silver Bow City-County, 2007 MT 129, ¶ 13, 337
Mont. 339, 160 P.3d 552. A motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6) has the effect of
admitting all well-pleaded allegations in the complaint. Meagher, ¶ 13. In considering
the motion, the complaint is construed in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, and all
allegations of fact contained therein are taken as true. Meagher, ¶ 13.
DISCUSSION
¶14 1. Did the District Court err by holding the Severance Agreement was lawful?
¶15 Fenwick argues the Severance Agreement was unlawful because it violated a
provision of the RIF Policy. The Department argues a violation of the RIF Policy does
not render the Severance Agreement unlawful because the RIF Policy is not law. We
agree with the Department.
¶16 An illegal contract or contract provision will not be enforced. Mont. Petroleum
Tank Release Comp. Bd. v. Crumleys, Inc., 2008 MT 2, ¶ 56, 341 Mont. 33, 174 P.3d
948. A contract is unlawful if it is “(1) contrary to an express provision of law;
(2) contrary to the policy of express law, though not expressly prohibited; or
(3) otherwise contrary to good morals.” Section 28-2-701, MCA.
¶17 The Montana Administrative Procedure Act defines a “rule” as “each agency
regulation, standard, or statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or
prescribes law or policy or describes the organization, procedures, or practice
requirements of an agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule.”
Section 2-4-102(11)(a), MCA. Excluded from MAPA’s definition of “rule” are
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“statements concerning only the internal management of an agency or state government
and not affecting private rights or procedures available to the public . . . .” Section
2-4-102(11)(b)(i), MCA.
¶18 Prior to 2010, an administrative rule provided “Lay-off shall not be used as an
alternative to discharging an employee for cause or disciplinary purposes.” ARM
2.21.5007(15) (1982). In March 2010—prior to the actions giving rise to this
proceeding—the Department of Administration formally repealed ARM 2.21.5007,
believing ARM 2.21.5007 was not appropriately considered a rule because it addressed
“statements concerning only the internal management of an agency” and was therefore
excluded from the definition of “rule” under § 2-4-102(11)(b)(i), MCA. MAR Notice
No. 2-21-417; 2010 Mont. Admin. Reg. at 254. Included in the proposal to repeal ARM
2.21.5007 was a statement that such a policy was more appropriately included in the
Montana Operations Manual. MAR Notice No. 2-21-417; 2010 Mont. Admin. Reg. at
254.
¶19 Fenwick argues the RIF Policy is an express law because the RIF Policy
constituted an “amendment or repeal of a prior rule.” Essentially, Fenwick’s stance is
that the Department of Administration’s statement—that the RIF Policy was more
appropriately included in the Montana Operations Manual—bestowed legal rule status on
the RIF Policy because the statement was included in the proposal to repeal ARM
2.21.5007. This argument is unpersuasive.
¶20 The definition of “rule” encompasses “the amendment or repeal of a prior rule” so
that state agencies wishing to amend or repeal a rule must satisfy rulemaking
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requirements, such as giving public notice of the change, receiving written comments,
and conducting a noticed public hearing on the proposal. Section 2-4-302, MCA. But
the proposal itself carries no force of law until it has been validly adopted. Section
2-4-305(7), MCA; see also State v. Vainio, 2001 MT 220, ¶ 27, 306 Mont. 439, 35 P.3d
948. The RIF Policy clearly was never adopted as an amendment to ARM 2.21.5007.
The Department of Administration’s proposal expressly stated that ARM 2.21.5007 was
being repealed, not amended, for the reason that ARM 2.21.5007 should not be an
administrative rule. 2010 Mont. Admin. Reg. at 254. It would be curious indeed for the
Department of Administration to repeal an administrative rule that it believed should not
be an administrative rule, only to adopt by reference to another policy a like-for-like
replacement that has the legal effect of an administrative rule. The Department of
Administration’s Notice of Repeal stated only that “[t]he Department of Administration
has repealed . . . [ARM] 2.21.5007 . . . .” 2010 Mont. Admin. Reg. at 908. It makes no
mention of the RIF Policy or an amendment to ARM 2.21.5007. Finally, perhaps most
telling of all, the RIF Policy is located in the Montana Operations Manual, not the
Administrative Rules of Montana. The Severance Agreement is therefore not unlawful
under §§ 28-2-701(1), (2), MCA, because the RIF Policy is neither express law nor the
policy of an express law.
¶21 Fenwick also argues the Severance Agreement should be held unlawful under
§ 28-2-701(3), MCA, because it is contrary to good morals. However, Fenwick cites no
authority for this argument and fails to explain how a violation of the RIF Policy is
contrary to good morals, other than citing the violation of the RIF Policy itself. We have
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previously held a contract to dismiss a criminal proceeding for the private gain of a
prosecutor to be contrary to good morals, Portland Cattle Loan Co. v. Featherly, 74
Mont. 531, 548, 241 P. 322, 328 (1925), but we see no meaningful analogy to draw here.
We hold the Severance Agreement is not unlawful under § 28-2-701(3), MCA.
¶22 2. Did the District Court err by holding that Fenwick did not enter the Severance
Agreement under duress, undue influence, menace, fraud, or mistake?
¶23 Citing § 28-2-1711(1), MCA, Fenwick argues the Severance Agreement should be
rescinded because her consent was given by mistake or obtained through duress, menace,
fraud, and undue influence by the Department. However, Fenwick raises these
allegations for the first time on appeal. Accordingly, these issues are not properly
preserved for our review and we decline to address them. In re Transfer Terr. from
Poplar Elem. Sch. Dist. No. 9 to Froid Elem. Sch. Dist. No. 65, 2015 MT 278, ¶ 18, 381
Mont. 145, 364 P.3d 1222 (“Under the common law, it is well settled that issues raised
for the first time on appeal will not be reviewed.”).
¶24 3. Did the District Court err by holding the undisputed facts establish the
Department’s consideration did not fail?
¶25 Fenwick argues the consideration she was to receive pursuant to the Severance
Agreement failed because the Department did not eliminate her grants manager position,
did not rehire her to fill the newly-created position, did not reinstate her to her previous
position, and did not give her neutral employment recommendations. The Department
replies that Fenwick received all the consideration she was entitled to under the
Severance Agreement. We agree with the Department.
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¶26 In addition to the reasons set forth in § 28-2-1711(1), MCA, a contract may be
rescinded:
(2) if, through the fault of the party as to whom the other party rescinds, the
consideration for the obligation of the party at fault fails in whole or in part;
(3) if the consideration becomes entirely void from any cause;
(4) if the consideration, before it is rendered to the rescinding party, fails in
a material respect from any cause; or
(5) if all the other parties consent.
Sections 28-2-1711(2-5), MCA.2 A party seeking to rescind a contract for at-fault failure
of consideration must prove three things: (1) the consideration due the rescinding party
failed, in whole or in part; (2) the failure of consideration due the rescinding party was
the fault of the other party; and (3) the failure of consideration, whether in whole or in
part, was material to the contract. Norwood v. Serv. Distrib., Inc., 2000 MT 4, ¶¶ 33-35,
297 Mont. 473, 994 P.2d 25. Where, as here, the allegation is that consideration failed in
part, materiality is a closer question. The partial failure must touch the “fundamental
purpose of the contract” and defeat the “object of the parties in making the contract.”
2
The Legislature may have unintentionally altered the meaning of subsection (2), and its
applicability to this case, by enactment of House Bill 37 in the 2009 Session. The purpose of
that bill was to “gender neutraliz[e]” the Montana Code Annotated. 2009 Mont. Laws 295.
Prior to this amendment, subsection (2) read: “if, through the fault of the party as to whom he
rescinds, the consideration for his obligation fails in whole or in part . . . .” Section 28-2-1711(2)
(2009). We construed this language to refer to the failure of consideration to be received by the
rescinding party. See Norwood v. Serv. Distrib., Inc., 2000 MT 4, ¶ 33, 297 Mont. 473, 994 P.2d
25. As subsection (2) now reads, it appears to refer to the consideration to be received by the
at-fault party. As such, it seemingly offers Fenwick no basis to rescind the contract. However,
because the basis for our holding is that neither party’s consideration failed, this decision does
not contemplate or otherwise address the apparently unintentional alteration caused by the
gender-neutral amendment.
10
Norwood, ¶ 34 (citing Flaig v. Gramm, 1999 MT 181, ¶ 25, 295 Mont. 297, 983 P.2d
396).
¶27 The undisputed facts establish the consideration due Fenwick did not fail.
Fenwick first argues consideration failed because the Department did not eliminate her
position as required by the Severance Agreement. The contract provided “[T]he
Department agrees to eliminate the Office of Homeland Security Grants manager
position.” It is uncontested that the Department eliminated Fenwick’s position of
Homeland Security Grants Manager after Fenwick was laid off. Seven months later, the
Department created a new position, the Disaster and Emergency Services Grants Program
Manager. The two positions, although similar, were not the same. The latter was created
and funded entirely by the Legislature, while the former was not created by the
Department and was funded by temporary grants. Creation of the new position by the
Legislature did not constitute a failure of consideration under the Severance Agreement.
¶28 Fenwick next argues consideration failed because she was to be given preference
for any job she applied for through the job registry. The Severance Agreement provided,
“Ms. Fenwick is also entitled to participate on the job registry for two years from the
lay-off date.” It is undisputed Fenwick was allowed to participate in the job registry,
through which she applied for the new grants manager position. But the Severance
Agreement did not provide that Fenwick would be given preference for positions in the
registry for which she applied. In fact, the Severance Agreement stated just the opposite:
“[p]articipation in the job registry does not provide any preference to the job applicant.”
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It was therefore not a failure of consideration when the Department did not hire or give
Fenwick preference for the new position.
¶29 Fenwick also argues the Department’s consideration failed when she was not
reinstated as the new grants manager pursuant to an RIF Policy requiring managers to
offer reinstatement if the “same position or a position in the same occupation” becomes
available within one year of the employee’s lay-off date. However, the reinstatement
provision of the RIF Policy was never included as part of the Department’s consideration.
The Severance Agreement provided that Fenwick waived all “provisions of the RIF
Policy not specifically mentioned in this Agreement.” It was therefore not a failure of
consideration when Fenwick was not reinstated to the new grants manager position
pursuant to the RIF Policy.
¶30 Finally, Fenwick argues the Department’s consideration failed because the
Department did not provide her with neutral employment recommendations. The
Severance Agreement provided:
The Department agrees to give Ms. Fenwick a neutral employment
recommendation to all employers inside and outside of State government.
Such a recommendation will include verification of dates of employment,
salary and position held. Ms. Fenwick must direct all reference inquiries to
Mr. Kent or the Department’s Human Resources manager.
¶31 Fenwick argues the Department’s communications with Butte-Silver Bow County
after she initiated private contract services for the County constituted a negative
employment recommendation. However, with regard to employment recommendations,
the Severance Agreement specifically contemplated only reference inquiries. If Fenwick
directed a reference inquiry to the Department, it was required to verify Fenwick’s
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employment dates, salary, and position held. The parties do not dispute the fact that the
Department never received a reference inquiry. Therefore, any negative comments made
by the Department to Butte-Silver Bow County cannot be construed as an employment
recommendation. It should be noted that, although the Department’s comments did not
constitute a failure of consideration, the District Court held that the comments were
actionable by way of Fenwick’s Intentional Interference with a Business Relationship
claim.
¶32 Because the undisputed facts establish the Department’s consideration did not fail,
the District Court correctly ruled that the contract could not be rescinded as a matter of
law.
¶33 4. Did the District Court err by dismissing Fenwick’s constitutional claims?
¶34 Fenwick alleged the Department’s actions violated her rights under Article II,
Sections 3, 4, and 17 of the Montana Constitution by depriving her of the right to acquire
and possess property and conspiring to deprive her of due process and equal protection.
Fenwick also alleged the Department’s conduct constituted an unconstitutional custom
and policy for which monetary relief should be available under Monell v. Dep’t of Soc.
Servs. of City of New York, 436 U.S. 658 (1978).
¶35 Our precedent mandates “no civil case shall be reversed by reason of error which
would have no significant impact upon the result; if there is no showing of substantial
injustice, the error is harmless.” Newbauer v. Hinebauch, 1998 MT 115, ¶ 20, 288 Mont.
482, 958 P.2d 705; see also In re Mental Health of O.R.B., 2008 MT 301, ¶ 30, 345
Mont. 516, 191 P.3d 482 (a procedural error that results in no “substantial prejudice” is
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deemed harmless or de minimus). We do not determine whether the District Court
erroneously dismissed Fenwick’s constitutional claims because, even if it did, such an
error was harmless given our holding that the Severance Agreement may not be
rescinded, and consequently, such claims were waived under the Severance Agreement.
¶36 5. As argued by the Department, did the District Court err by denying summary
judgment to the Department on Fenwick’s claims for Intentional Interference with a
Business Relationship and Breach of the Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing?
¶37 The Department argues the District Court erred when it held genuine issues of
material fact precluded summary judgment on Fenwick’s claims for Intentional
Interference with a Business Relationship and Breach of the Covenant of Good Faith and
Fair Dealing. The Department did not file a cross-appeal on these issues, and therefore
they are not properly before us for review. Billings Firefighters Local 521, Int’l Ass’n of
Firefighters v. City of Billings, 1999 MT 6, ¶ 31, 293 Mont. 41, 973 P.2d 222.
¶38 We affirm the District Court on the issues before us and remand with instructions
to proceed on Fenwick’s remaining claims.
/S/ JIM RICE
We concur:
/S/ MIKE McGRATH
/S/ LAURIE McKINNON
/S/ MICHAEL E WHEAT
/S/ JAMES JEREMIAH SHEA
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