Island Landmarks v. Mary Matthews ( 2013 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
CT'<3.
ISLAND LANDMARKS, a Washington No. 69619-0-1
nonprofit corporation,
DIVISION ONE V> -n t? --
Appellant,
-P:>.
cf;
C«J.
MARY MATTHEWS; ELLE and KEN DE UNPUBLISHED
FRANG; NELSON HAPPY; and OWEN
RYAN, FILED: December 23, 2013
Respondents.
Cox, J. — Island Landmarks appeals the trial court's order granting the
motion for summary judgment of Mary Matthews and the other named
respondents ("the Matthews Group"). Also at issue is the order denying Island
Landmarks' motion for partial summary judgment and the judgment dismissing
the case with prejudice. Because there are genuine issues of material fact for
trial, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand.
Island Landmarks is a Washington nonprofit corporation. One of its stated
purposes is "[t]o promote historic preservation of architecture, landscape, and
heritage ofVashon and Maury Islands . . . ." Membership is "open and unlimited"
to all persons who have the same specified interest.
The corporation owns the Mukai Farm and Garden on Vashon Island.
This property is a King County Historic Landmark. It is subject to a recorded
No. 69619-0-1/2
historic preservation easement dated July 20, 1999 in favor of the Washington
State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation.
This action for declaratory and other relief arises from competing claims to
control the corporation. The "Kritzman Group," led by Ellen Kritzman—a former
board member of the nonprofit—commenced this action in the name of Island
Landmarks. This followed a special meeting on June 4, 2012 that the Kritzman
Group convened after sending its own notice. The actions at that meeting
included voting out the board, composed of the Matthews Group, and electing a
new board. The Matthews Group is the other group competing for control of this
nonprofit.
The Matthews Group moved for summary judgment. It claimed, among
other things, that the Kritzman Group's attempt to remove the directors was
invalid because itfailed to give proper notice of the special meeting where those
attending voted out the then existing board. The Matthews Group sought
dismissal, with prejudice, of the action.
Island Landmarks moved for partial summary judgment, first arguing that
the Kritzman Group was the lawful governing board of the corporation. It also
argued, in the alternative, that the Matthews Group must be judicially removed
due to alleged acts of malfeasance pursuant to RCW 24.03.1031. This latter
alternative appears to have been based on the assumption that Island
Landmarks' then pending motion to amend the complaint would be granted. But
it never was.
No. 69619-0-1/3
At a hearing on these motions, the trial court declined to address Island
Landmarks' motion to amend the complaint. Instead, it granted the Matthews
Group's motion for summary judgment. That same day, the court entered two
orders; an order granting the Matthews Group's motion for summary judgment,
and an order denying Island Landmarks' motion for partial summary judgment.
The court later entered a judgment dismissing this action with prejudice.
Island Landmarks appeals.
BYLAWS OF ISLAND LANDMARKS
Island Landmarks argues that the trial court erred when it granted the
Matthews Group's motion for summary judgment. Specifically, it argues that the
court's reading of the corporation's bylaws was incorrect. We agree and also
hold that there are genuine issues of material fact for trial.
Summary judgment is appropriate only if there is no genuine issue of
material fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.1
The court must consider all facts submitted and all reasonable inferences from
the facts in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party.2 We review de novo
the grant or denial ofa summary judgment motion.3
The Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, chapter 24.03 RCW, states
that "bylaws may contain any provisions for the regulation and management of
1CR 56(c).
2 Yakima Fruit & Cold Storage Co. v. Cent. Heating & Plumbing Co., 81
Wn.2d 528, 530, 503 P.2d 108 (1972).
3 Tiffany Family Trust Corp. v. City of Kent, 155 Wn.2d 225,230,119
P.3d 325 (2005).
No. 69619-0-1/4
the affairs of a corporation not inconsistent with law or the articles of
incorporation."4 Bylaws are the internal laws of a corporation, and they have the
effect of a statute.5
"The governing documents of a corporation are interpreted in accordance
with accepted rules of contract interpretation."6 The "'touchstone of contract
interpretation is the parties' intent.'"7 "Washington courts follow the objective
manifestation theory of contracts, imputing an intention corresponding to the
reasonable meaning of the words used."8 "An interpretation which gives effect to
all of the words in a contract provision is favored over one which renders some of
the language meaningless or ineffective."9 The court will not read ambiguity into
a contract "'where it can reasonably be avoided.'"10
4 RCW 24.03.070.
5 State v. Goldsmith Dredging Co., 150 Wash. 366, 369, 273 P. 196(1928).
6 Roats v Blakelv Island Maint. Com'n, Inc., 169 Wn. App. 263, 273-74,
279 P.3d 943 (2012).
7 Realm, Inc. v. City of Olvmpia, 168 Wn. App. 1, 4, 277 P.3d 679 (2012)
(quoting Durand v. HIMC Corp., 151 Wn. App. 818, 829, 214 P.3d 189 (2009)),
review denied, 175Wn.2d 1015.
8Id at 5.
9 Seattle-First Nat. Bank v. Westlake Park Assocs.. 42 Wn. App. 269, 274,
711 P.2d361 (1985).
10 Maver v. Pierce County Med. Bureau, Inc., 80 Wn. App. 416, 421, 909
P.2d 1323 (1995) (quoting McGarv v. Westlake Investors, 99 Wn.2d 280, 285,
661 P.2d971 (1983)).
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Summary judgment as to a contract interpretation "is not proper if the
parties' written contract, viewed in light of the parties' other objective
manifestations, has two or more reasonable but competing meanings."11 If two
or more meanings of the contract are reasonable, a question offact exists.12
"Interpretation of a contract provision is a question of law only when (1) the
interpretation does not depend on the use of extrinsic evidence, or (2) only one
reasonable inference can be drawn from the extrinsic evidence."13
CR 56 (e)
In passing, the Matthews Group argues that we should disregard a
number of declarations attached to Island Landmarks' motion for partial summary
judgment that it moved to strike below. It contends that the declarations "were
not before the trial court and are also irrelevant to the issues raised in this
appeal." Nevertheless, the trial court implicitly denied this motion by expressly
stating in its order that the declarations were among the items considered when it
ruled on the motion. Because the Matthews Group did not cross-appeal this
adverse ruling, we do not further address this argument. These declarations are
before us in our de novo review.
11 Go2Net. Inc. v. C I Host. Inc.. 115 Wn. App. 73, 83, 60 P.3d 1245(2003).
12 Hansen v. Transworld Wireless TV-Spokane. Inc., 111 Wn. App. 361,
375, 44 P.3d 929 (2002) (quoting Interstate Prod. Credit Ass'n v. MacHugh, 90
Wn. App. 650, 654, 953 P.2d 812 (1998)).
13 Go2Net. Inc., 115 Wn. App. at 85 (quoting Tanner Elec. Co-op. v. Puget
Sound Power & Light Co., 128 Wn.2d 656, 674, 911 P.2d 1301 (1996)).
No. 69619-0-1/6
Notice of Meetings
Island Landmarks argues that the trial court misinterpreted § 2.7 of the
bylaws. The trial court concluded that the Kritzman Group was first required to
give its written request for notice of a special meeting to the secretary, so that the
secretary could give notice to the members.14 Island Landmarks further argues
that the bylaws allowed the Kritzman Group to give notice of the special meeting
on its own.15
The bylaws contain the following provisions relevant to calling meetings.
Bylaw § 2.5 specifies who may call special meetings:
2.5 Special Meetings. The President, any two (2)
members of the Board, or not less than ten percent (10%) of the
members entitled to vote at such meeting, may call special
meetings ofthe members for any purpose.1 ]
Another provision, § 2.7, discusses the procedure for giving notice
of either annual or special meetings:
2.7 Notice of Meetings. Written notice of any annual or
any special meeting of the members stating the place, day, and
hour of the meeting—and in case of a special meeting, the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called—shall be given by the
secretary or persons authorized to call the meeting to each
member of record entitled to vote at the meeting. Such notice
shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days
prior to the date of the meeting. At any time, upon the written
request of not more than ten percent (10%) of the members
entitled to vote at the meeting, it shall be the duty of the
Secretary to give notice of a special meeting of members to be
held at such date, time and place as the secretary may fix, not less
than ten nor more than thirty-five days after receipt of such written
14 Clerk's Papers at 475; Report of Proceedings (Nov. 1, 2012) at 32.
15 Appellant's Opening Brief at 15-26; Appellant's Reply Brief at 3-8.
16 Clerk's Papers at 44 (emphasis added).
6
No. 69619-0-1/7
request, and ifthe Secretary shall neglect or refuse to issue such
notice, the person or persons making the request may do so and
may fix the date, tome [sic] and place for such meeting.'171
The plain language of § 2.5 specifies that three separate entities are
authorized to call a special meeting: (1) the President, (2) any two members of
the Board, or (3) "not less than ten percent (10%) of the members entitled to vote
at such meeting." Then, the first sentence of § 2.7 plainly states that notice of
either an annual or special meeting "shall be given by the secretary or persons
authorizedto call the meeting . . . ."18
Plainly, the secretary of the corporation is only one entity authorized to
give notice of a special meeting. It is equally plain that another entity so
authorized is "persons authorized to call the meeting." The term "persons
authorized to call the meeting" is expressly defined by § 2.5 and includes "not
less than ten percent (10%) of the members entitled to vote at such [special]
meeting."
Here, the trial court concluded that the bylaws required members to first
make a written request to the secretary, so that the secretary could then give
notice of a special meeting.19 In doing so, it appears that the trial court focused
only on the second half of§ 2.7.20 That portion states:
17 ]d. (emphasis added).
18 ]d. (emphasis added).
19 Clerk's Papers at 475; Report of Proceedings (Nov. 1, 2012) at 32.
20 Report of Proceedings (Nov. 1, 2012) at 30-36.
No. 69619-0-1/8
At any time, upon the written request of not more than ten
percent (10%) of the members entitled to vote at the meeting, it
shall be the duty of the Secretary to give notice of a special meeting
of members to be held at such date, time and place as the
secretary may fix . .. ."[21]
The only reasonable reading of this portion of § 2.7 is that a written request to the
secretary to give notice of a special meeting only applies where "not more than
ten percent (10%) of the members entitled to vote at the [special] meeting"
request such a meeting. Where, as here, allegedly more than ten percent of the
members entitled to vote at such meeting called for the meeting, this portion of §
2.7 does not control.
This reading is consistent with the plain language of this portion of § 2.7.
It also best harmonizes with a proper reading of § 2.5 and with the first half of §
2.7, which provide for entities other than the secretary to call and provide notice
of special meetings. Because "not less than ten percent (10%) of the members
entitled to vote at such meeting" allegedly called this special meeting, the court
relied on the incorrect portion of § 2.7 in making its decision.
In sum, the trial court erroneously granted summary judgment in favor of
the Matthews Group. Moreover, there are genuine issues of material fact that
exist even if the trial court had relied on the correct portion of § 2.7. These
issues are discussed in greater detail later in this opinion.
The Matthews Group makes a number of arguments to support the trial
court's decision. None are persuasive.
21 Clerk's Papers at 44 (emphasis added).
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No. 69619-0-1/9
First, the Matthews Group purports to quote § 2.7 and argues "the second
part of bylaw 2.7 specifically applies to notices to be sent by 'ten percent of the
members entitled to vote at the meeting.'" But the Matthews Group selectively
quotes this portion. As discussed above, § 2.7 states that this applies to "not
more than ten percent (10%) of the members entitled to vote at the meeting."22
This portion of § 2.7 is a ceiling that ranges from one member to ten percent of
members and is broader than the "ten percent" that is the focus of the Matthews
Group's argument. Importantly, this language is also distinct from "not less than
ten percent," the portion of § 2.5 which is a floor for the required percentage of
members authorized to call a meeting.23 The Matthews Group's attempt to show
that this portion of § 2.7 applies to the same "ten percent" identified by § 2.5 is
simply misleading
Second, the Matthews Group argues that the Kritzman Group's
interpretation does not make sense because "11 members could designate 11
places, times and dates oftheir own choosing."24 But this argument is not
logical. Under § 2.5, in order to call a special meeting, there must be at least ten
percent of members entitled to vote at the special meeting. This percentage, as
a whole, is one of three entities expressly authorized by § 2.5 to call a special
meeting. Thus, the Matthews Group's hypothetical is inconsistent with the plain
words of this section.
22 Clerk's Papers at 44 (emphasis added).
23 Id. (emphasis added).
24
Respondents' Brief at 18.
No. 69619-0-1/10
Third, the Matthews Group argues that there "is no optionality about the
requirements of bylaw 2.7, which provides in part:"... it shall be the duty of the
Secretary to give notice.'"25 But, as discussed above, this portion of§ 2.7 is
inapplicable to this case. It is analytically irrelevant what duty the secretary has
for the portion of § 2.7 that does not apply in this case.
Fourth, the Matthews Group argues that the members were not "persons
authorized to call the meeting" under § 2.7, because, pursuant to § 2.5, the only
"persons" authorized to call a special meeting are the President and any two
board members.26 Thus, it contends that "not less than ten percent (10%) of
the members entitled to vote" does not fall within the category of "persons." But
this strained interpretation is wholly unreasonable. As discussed above, § 2.5
grants three separate entities the authority to call a meeting—(1) the President;
(2) two members of the board; and (3) not less than ten percent of the members
entitled to vote. Use of the term "person" in § 2.7 cannot reasonably be read to
exclude the third entity.
The Matthews Group cites a definition of "person" to support its argument.
But even this cited definition includes any "legal or commercial entity" as
qualifying as a "person." Here, "not less than ten percent (10%) of the
members entitled to vote" is such an entity.
Fifth, the Matthews Group argues that the maxim of statutory construction
"'expressio unius est exclusion alterius' (the mention of one thing implies the
25 jd
26 Id. at 13-14.
10
No. 69619-0-1/11
exclusion of another thing),'" supports its conclusion that the Kritzman Group
could not give notice because the secretary had not refused to send it. But the
second half of § 2.7 is not an alternative to the first half. Thus, this argument is
not relevant. As discussed above, § 2.5 and the second half of § 2.7 control in
this case, and this maxim does nothing to alter our analysis.
As noted above, even if the trial court had relied on the correct provision of
§ 2.7, there are genuine issues of material fact that preclude summary judgment.
Specifically, there is a genuine issue of material fact about who is a "member
entitled to vote." There are also such issues about who is a "member of record"
and whether notice was given to each member of record. We now discuss these
issues.
"Members Entitled to Vote"
First, there is a genuine issue of material fact about whether the alleged
new members are "members entitled to vote" who had the authority to call the
special meeting pursuant to § 2.5. Because this issue turns on bylaws that are
unclear, granting summary judgment on this record would have been improper.
Island Landmarks contends that each of the alleged new members is a
"member entitled to vote." To support this position, it relies primarily on two
bylaw provisions.
One provision is § 2.2, which describes the "Qualification of Members":
Membership shall be open and unlimited to all persons who
have an interest in promoting historic preservation of architecture,
landscape, and heritage of Vashon and Maury Islands situated in
King County, Washington. In order to qualify for membership, a
member shall pay annual membership dues which shall initially be
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No. 69619-0-1/12
$25.00. . .. Members may have such other qualifications as the
Board may prescribe by amendment to these Bylaws.[27]
Island Landmarks relies on this section for the proposition that there are
two requirements in order to become a member. One, that an individual shares
the relevant interest, and two, that the individual pay annual membership dues.28
It argues that joining is a matter of "self-selection."
Additionally, Island Landmarks cites § 2.3, which discusses voting rights of
members. That section provides:
2.3.1. Each member entitled to vote with respect to the
subject matter of an issue submitted to the membership shall be
entitled to one vote upon each such issue.
2.3.2. Each member entitled to vote at an election of directors
may cast one vote for as many persons as there are directors to be
elected and for whose selection such member has a right to vote.[29]
Island Landmarks argues that neither the bylaws nor the articles of
incorporation create different classes of members, some ofwhom have voting
rights and some of whom do not.30 Thus, it relies on the above provisions for the
proposition that all members who have satisfied the membership requirements
are voting members.
Accordingly, Island Landmarks argues that these individuals were
members entitled to vote because they fulfilled the membership requirements. It
27 Clerk's Papers at 43.
28 Appellant's Opening Brief at 31-32; Appellant's Reply Brief at 9-11.
29 Clerk's Papers at 43.
30 Appellant's Reply Brief at 11-12.
12
No. 69619-0-1/13
cites to Ellen Kritzman's declaration. Kritzman testified that over 60 individuals
joined Island Landmarks by filling out a membership form and writing a check to
the corporation for $25. She testified that she deposited 51 checks into an Island
Landmarks bank account using an account number from a 2009 statement given
to her by the corporation's former treasurer. Notably, the deposit was not done
through the treasurer or with the prior knowledge of that officer of the corporation.
In opposition, the Matthews Group argues that these individuals were not
"members entitled to vote." First, it argues that no membership applications were
completed and provided to the corporation. Second, it argues that the bylaws
were not properly complied with. For this argument, it relies on two additional
bylaw provisions.
First, it cites § 4.9, which details the responsibilities of the treasurer:
The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be
responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation; receive
and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the corporation
from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such moneys in the
name of the corporation, in banks, in trust companies or other
depositories selected in accordance with the provisions of these
Bylaws . . . .[31]
The Matthews Group relies on this provision to argue that the individuals'
membership dues were not properly deposited. The Matthews Group does not
dispute that Ellen Kritzman deposited 51 checks into the Island Landmarks bank
account. Rather, it argues that this deposit was done without the treasurer's prior
knowledge or consent and that no receipts were issued to the prospective
members, contrary to the mandates of this bylaw.
31 Clerk's Papers at 50-51.
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No. 69619-0-1/14
Second, it cites § 4.8, which details the responsibilities of the secretary.
That section states that the secretary shall "(b) see that all notices are duly given
in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law; (c) be
custodian of the corporate records of the corporation; (d) keep records of the
post office address and class, if applicable, to each member. . . ,"32
The Matthews Group relies on this provision to argue that these
individuals are not "members entitled to vote" because their names and
addresses were not added to the corporation's membership list.33 It argues that
this is required because without the official membership list, the secretary cannot
determine if ten percent of the members entitled to vote have called a special
meeting.
These conflicting arguments cannot be resolved on the record that is
before us. For example, it is unclear whether the procedure used in this case by
the Kritzman Group to acquire membership is valid under the bylaws. Moreover,
§ 4.9, detailing the treasurer's responsibilities, states that the treasurer shall
"have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds" and "receive and
give receipts for moneys due and payable . .. from any source whatsoever."24
Whether this includes membership dues and whether such "charge and custody,"
and "responsibility" existed in this case, in light of the way in which deposits were
made, are both unclear. There is also uncertainty about whether and to what
32 ]g\ at 50.
33 Respondent's Brief at 15-16.
34 Clerk's Papers at 50 (emphasis added).
14
No. 69619-0-1/15
extent the secretary of this corporation has a role in this process. For example,
Secretary Ken DeFrang's declaration states that "to [his] knowledge, none of [the
Kritzman Group] ever joined." Additionally, there is uncertainty about the
significance of the corporate records as they relate to membership validity or to
voting rights.
In sum, because the bylaws are unclear and this record is incomplete,
extrinsic evidence is required to ascertain the corporation's intent regarding its
membership requirements and procedures. Although Ellen Kritzman's
declaration offers her subjective intent about these requirements, it is insufficient,
by itself, to prove the corporation's intent when the bylaws were approved.
Accordingly, there is a genuine issue of material fact whether these individuals
were "members entitled to vote" who could call the special meeting pursuant to §
2.5. Thus, even if the trial court had relied on the correct portion of § 2.7,
summary judgment for the Matthews Group was still improper.
"Members of Record"
Additionally, there are genuine issues of material fact about who is a
"member of record" and whether notice was given to each member of record as
required by the first portion of § 2.7.
The term "member of record" is not defined by the bylaws. The Matthews
Group asserts that to be a member of record, an individual's name must be on
the membership list. In contrast, Island Landmarks argues that the individuals
were members of record because their names and addresses appeared on their
15
No. 69619-0-1/16
checks for membership dues. The meaning of this term is unclear and is a
genuine issue of material fact for trial.
Accordingly, there is also a dispute whether notice was mailed to "each
member of record," as required by § 2.7. Island Landmarks argues that notice
was sent to all of the members that existed and that there was no separate
membership list maintained by the respondents. In her declaration, Ellen
Kritzman stated that she mailed a notice of the special meeting "to all new
members, as well as Mary Matthews, J. Nelson Happy, Owen Ryan, Ken
DeFrang and Ellen DeFrang." She also testified in her declaration that Secretary
DeFrang told her that he "did not have any records of the corporation, including a
roster of dues-paying members because there were none."
But in Secretary DeFrang's declaration, he states that in 2010, he was the
Registered Agent and had Island Landmarks' record books. Thus, at the very
least, there is a factual dispute whether there were "records of the corporation."
Further, if there were such records and they included a membership list, it is not
clear whether Ellen Kritzman mailed a notice to each "member of record" as
required by § 2.7. In her declaration, Mary Matthews asserts that Ellen Kritzman
mailed the notice "only to the hand selected 'members' and to the incumbent
board." Thus, this is another genuine issue of material fact for trial.
In sum, although we agree that the Kritzman Group was entitled to give its
own notice of the special meeting and was not required to first go to the secretary
to give notice, provided the other provisions we discussed were satisfied, there
are genuine issues of material fact that such provisions have been satisfied.
16
No. 69619-0-1/17
These issues include who was a "member entitled to vote," who was a "member
of record," and whether notice was provided to each member of record.
Consequently, even ifthe trial court had relied on the correct provision of § 2.7,
the grant of summary judgment to the Matthews Group was improper. Further,
even though the trial court denied summary judgment to Island Landmarks on a
different basis, denial was proper because there are genuine issues of material
fact for trial.
MOTION TO AMEND
Island Landmarks argues that it was improper to dismiss the case
because the trial court did not rule on its motion to amend the complaint to add a
claim that the Matthews Group be judicially removed in accord with RCW
24.03.1031. Because we reverse the grant of summary judgment to the
Matthews Group and remand, we need not decide this question. The trial court
will have the opportunity to address amendment if Island Landmarks chooses to
renew its motion.
MOTION TO ENJOIN PROSPECTIVE SALE
Finally, during the pendency of this appeal, Island Landmarks moved to
enjoin a prospective sale of the nonprofit's property by the Matthews Group.
The Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation,
which is the holder of a recorded easement against the property, moved to file an
amicus brief supporting the request for injunction. We granted the motion to file
the amicus brief. The Matthews Group opposed the request for an injunction and
requested the posting of a bond in the event we granted an injunction.
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No. 69619-0-1/18
During oral argument of this appeal, Nelson Happy, counsel of record for
the Matthews Group and also one of the respondents in this case, represented to
this court that there is a prospective sale of the property to a purchaser. Happy
did not disclose the purchaser's identity to this court. He further represented that
the sale is not in escrow and would not proceed while this appeal is before this
court. Based on these express representations and the record before us, we
deny, without prejudice, the motion to enjoin the sale.
We affirm the order denying partial summary judgment in favor of Island
Landmarks, but on a different ground than the trial court. We reverse the order
granting summary judgment in favor of the Matthews Group and the judgment of
dismissal with prejudice of the case. We remand for further proceedings and
deny without prejudice the motion to enjoin the sale.
&K.J.
WE CONCUR:
V^ /v^ ACvJi
18