Bernice Gill v. Bill Vorhes and Vorhes, Ltd.

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF IOWA
No. 15-0785
Filed July 27, 2016
BERNICE GILL,
Plaintiff-Appellee,
vs.
BILL VORHES and VORHES, LTD.,
Defendants-Appellants.
________________________________________________________________
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Floyd County, Christopher Foy,
Judge.
Bill Vorhes appeals from personal judgment entered against him in favor
of Vorhes, Ltd., a farm corporation. The corporation appeals the court’s ruling
requiring the payment of Bernice Gill’s attorney fees. AFFIRMED ON BOTH
APPEALS.
Charles H. Biebesheimer of Stillman Law Firm, Clear Lake, for appellant
Bill Vorhes.
Lawrence H. Crosby of Crosby & Associates, Saint Paul, Minnesota, and
Todd Kowalke, Cresco, for appellant Vorhes, Ltd.
Chad A. Swanson of Dutton, Braun, Staack & Hellman, P.L.C., Waterloo,
for appellee.
Heard by Danilson, C.J., and Vaitheswaran and Tabor, JJ.
2
DANILSON, Chief Judge.
Bill Vorhes appeals from personal judgment entered against him in favor
of Vorhes, Ltd., a farm corporation. The corporation appeals the court’s ruling
requiring the payment of Bernice Gill’s attorney fees in connection with these
proceedings on its behalf.
We affirm on Bill Vorhes’ appeal. Bernice Gill adequately represented the
corporation. We reject his contention that Bernice did not meet the “formalities
required by Iowa law to litigate a shareholder derivative action.” Bill did not prove
his debts to the corporation had been forgiven. We do not address the statute-
of-limitations contention because it was not timely raised.
We also affirm the award of attorney fees. The 2013 amendment to Iowa
Code section 490.746 did not deprive the district court of authority to award
attorney fees, and we find no abuse of discretion in the amount of fees awarded.
I. Background Facts and Proceedings.
Vorhes, Ltd. is a closely-held family-farm corporation that was
incorporated on April 1, 1978, by spouses, Vern and Irene Vorhes. Vern and
Irene contributed roughly 302 acres of Floyd County farmland to capitalize the
corporation. Vern and Irene were then the sole shareholders of Vorhes, Ltd.
Over the years Vern and Irene began to gift various amounts of shares in equal
amounts to their four children, Pete Vorhes, Bill Vorhes, Bernice Gill, and Jean
Westendorf. At the time of Vern’s death on February 13, 1984, Vern and Irene
each owned 5758 shares of corporate stock and each of their four children held
2121 shares. Vern bequeathed a life estate in all of his stock to Irene and gave
the remainder interest to his four children equally.
3
In late 1990 or early 1991, Pete negotiated an agreement with Vorhes,
Ltd., to purchase ninety acres of corporate farmland in exchange for the
surrender of all his stock in the corporation. At the time, Vorhes, Ltd. owned
roughly 400 acres of farmland. Pete and Vorhes, Ltd. executed a real estate
contract to confirm their agreement; however, by its terms the transaction was
not to be consummated until Irene died.
On March 3, 2000, Bill and Vorhes, Ltd. executed a written lease
agreement for 240 acres of farmland. The lease agreement called for Bill to pay
cash rent of $80 per acre or a total of $19,200 per year.
In early 2010, Bernice began caring for Irene.1 On February 25, 2010,
Irene signed a durable power of attorney, naming Bernice as her attorney in fact.
A March 25, 2010 special meeting of shareholders was held and Bernice
represented Irene as her power of attorney. The minutes of that meeting include
the following:
The next matter discussed was the ownership of the stock of
Vorhes, Ltd. A Stock Transfer Record attached hereto, marked
Exhibit “B,” and by this reference mad[e] a part hereof, was given to
each of the stockholders present. All reviewed the ownership and
transfers as shown on the Stock Transfer Record. There was a
general discussion concerning the gifts of stock that were made by
Vern Vorhes and Irene Vorhes to their children. The stockholders
present generally agreed that the ownership of the shares of stock
are as represented on the stock transfer record. However, two
separate issues were discussed by shareholders in much greater
detail.
1
Following an examination of Irene, a September 24, 2010 physician’s note states:
Severe, end-stage dementia. [Mini-Mental State Examination] MMSE
5/30. When done in 02/2010 MMSE was 25/30. Decline has been
dramatic over the past several months. She is cared for by her daughter
(Bernice) who[] is the durable power of attorney. She does not wish to
pursue placement in a long-term care facility.
4
One of the issues discussed was the bankruptcy of Bill A.
Vorhes and what that meant concerning the ownership of his
shares of Vorhes, Ltd. Bill Vorhes was the owner of 2121 shares of
stock beginning on September 9, 1981, according to the Stock
Transfer Record. Bill Vorhes told the other shareholders he filed
bankruptcy sometime in the mid-to-late 1980s. Some other
shareholders questioned him on how he could still own stock in the
company if he filed bankruptcy. Bill Vorhes stated he did not list the
stock in his bankruptcy. Further, discussion occurred and Bill
Vorhes was asked by the shareholders to explain this to them
within sixty days of the date of this meeting.
The shareholders also discussed corporate loans, as well as the rental of
the corporate land. Bill was noted as the tenant of much of the farmland. The
minutes provide:
100 acre Meeks parcel—Divided in 2 parcels
It was determined by the shareholders that this parcel is
divided between Pet-Mar, Inc. and Bill Vorhes with each farming
approximately 50 acres. The discussion again was that Pet-Mar,
Inc. and Bill Vorhes should pay cash rent for this property. At this
time Bill Vorhes [said] to the other shareholders that he had an
understanding with his mother, Irene Vorhes, that he would only
have to pay rent if he raised a corn crop of 210 bushels per acre
and then Vorhes, Ltd. would receive one-third of that value. Bill
Vorhes did not believe he had ever had to pay rent based upon this
formula.
148 acres
Bill Vorhes is the tenant of this property and explained to the
other shareholders that this ground is contaminated and the subject
of a lawsuit against Floyd County. No rent has been collected by
Vorhes, Ltd. for this property.
56 acres—Slivers
Bill Vorhes is the tenant of this property. No rent has been
collected by Vorhes, Ltd. for this property. All the property that is
being farmed by Pet-Mar, Inc. or Bill Vorhes is to be leased with
cash payments in 2010. As mentioned above, action concerning
earlier years will be determined later.
A further discussion concerning the farm land was held
concerning whether it should be leased to non-family members. It
was determined that it was too late this year to lease the land to
non-family members, but it would be considered for next year.
5
The minutes indicate a “second special meeting will probably be held sometime
at least sixty days after this meeting” to continue the discussion and to “plan a
strategy to make Vorhes, Ltd. a profitable business entity.”
Another meeting was held in May 2010 at which the board of directors
determined Bernice would become president of the corporation.
A July 27, 2010 meeting of the board of directors resulted in a
recommendation to “cancel all previous land leases.”
Minutes from a September 3, 2010 special meeting of the board of
directors of the corporation indicate the corporation was having financial
difficulties:
Present were all three Directors, Bernice Gill, Pete Vorhes and
Lynn Kingery, all of whom signed a Waiver of Notice.
Attorney Ralph Smith summarized the issues facing the
corporation arising from the apparent misappropriation of
money/property from the corporation by its shareholders. CPA
Larry Pump distributed exhibits to the Board of Directors illustrating
the extent of the apparent misappropriation as divulged by the
income tax returns and other records of the corporation. As a result
of this misappropriation, a substantial mortgage debt has been
incurred with First Security Bank & Trust Company which the
corporation does not have sufficient funds to keep current, as no
rent has been paid on corporation property in recent years.
A strategy was adopted to borrow money to satisfy the mortgage debt and rent
the corporate land to produce revenue.
A September 4, 2010 family meeting was held at which Bill was present.
There was discussion of the moneys owed by Bill to the corporation.
There are minutes from an undated meeting at which Jean Westendorf
was appointed president. Bernice was not present and Irene’s purported
signature appears.
6
On December 1, 2010, a board of director’s meeting was held, attended
by Bernice, Pete, and Lynn Kingery. The board approved a lease for corporate
land.
Irene died on December 11, 2010, at which time the remainder interest in
the stock that Vern left to their four children ripened. In her will, Irene left all of
her stock in Vorhes, Ltd. to Bernice, Jean, and Bill, share and share alike. The
administration of Irene’s estate is pending in Floyd County probate court and has
not been completed, due in large part to the dispute between Bernice, Jean, and
Bill regarding the value of the Vorhes, Ltd. stock that Irene owned at the time of
her death.
A notice of an annual shareholder’s meeting was dated January 17, 2011,
and signed by Jean and Bill—“Being a majority of the shareholders of said
corporation.” Bernice did not attend. A vote on the board of directors was
postponed.
In late February or early March 2011, Pete surrendered all of his stock to
Vorhes, Ltd. and received a deed to ninety acres of farmland in satisfaction of his
real estate contract with the corporation. Since then, Pete has held no interest in
or ownership of Vorhes, Ltd. and has had no participation in the management or
governance of the corporation.
On March 28, 2011, Bernice was sent a “notice of stockholders meeting”
to be held on April 15, 2011, signed by Jean and Bill, to elect board members.
Part of the notice provided,
It [is] suggested that this meeting be attended by only the
stockholders of Vorhes, LTD for the purpose of doing business, it is
also requested that if any member insist[s] on being represented by
7
an attorney that they notify Jean Westendorf of this fact 5 days prior
to April 15th, 2011, so that the other members may have the right of
representation if they choose.
The meeting was apparently held on April 22, however. According to the
minutes, Bernice attended via telephone conference call. Bill was elected as
president; Jean, vice president; and Bernice, a board member.
On April 28, 2011, counsel for Bernice sent a letter to Bill and Jean,
demanding that Vorhes, Ltd. take action to collect outstanding debts owed by Bill
to the corporation. Bill and Jean then were the only other living shareholders in
Vorhes, Ltd. and held themselves out to be the president and vice president,
respectively, of the corporation. The letter advised Bill and Jean that if the
corporation failed to act, Bernice intended to pursue a shareholder derivative
action to preserve and protect the value of the corporation. Vorhes, Ltd. took no
action.
A corporate meeting was held on May 9, 2011, for which extensive
minutes were taken. According to the minutes:
Discussion of past due rent followed. Bill reported to Steve Daniels
[counsel for Bernice] after his question regarding a contract of land
rental that he had a verbal agreement with the land owner, Irene
Vorhes, that if he couldn’t make money off of the land that the
corporation would forego the rent. Steve Daniels requested that
information be provided to him and his client regarding past due
rent and monies related to some sort of CD that money was
borrowed against to buy some grain, and all of the other issues that
Larry Pump [accountant] is investigating. He then stated that if
Larry Pump does his accounting work and reports to Bernice that
all transactions are satisfactory; she has no problem with that.
However, he asks that Larry Pump be allowed to do his job and
then it be figured out what that number is that is owed or not owed.
Steve then asked for confirmation that the corporation proceed with
Larry Pump’s investigation; agreed to by shareholders.
....
8
Other discussion: Steve commented that he would like to
reemphasize his letter of April 28, 2011. Bill did not receive a copy
of letter and Steve will ask Mr. Eide to send Bill a copy directly.
Again, he is requesting an answer from the corporation if steps will
be taken to collect money that he and his client believe are due and
owing from Bill Vorhes or not because if answer is no, then he can
start finding out another way to do this. Jean suggested that it be
found out what is really owed and then take action. Confirmation of
corporation’s agreement to hire Larry Pump to continue his
investigation . . . . Question directed to corporation as to what
position the corporation is taking regarding Bill’s debt. Reported by
secretary Karen Powers that it was stated earlier in the meeting
that more documentation was requested by shareholders before
determination could be made. Jean suggested that someone
familiar with the papers be present while Mr. Pump is working on
his investigation. It was agreed upon by all shareholders that they
will all be present when information gathered by Larry Pump is
presented to the corporation and that it will be decided upon then
as to how the corporation will proceed.
September 6, 2011 shareholder meeting minutes provide in part:
“Discussion followed regarding monies owed to Vorhes, Ltd. It was decided that
it is yet to be determined if any individuals or companies owe Vorhes, Ltd.”
On September 7, 2011, Bernice2 filed a petition against Bill Vorhes, and
nominally Vorhes, Ltd., alleging a shareholder-derivative action against Bill
seeking payment for unpaid farm rent and outstanding debts owed to the
corporation. Bill filed an answer with four affirmative defenses,3 none of which
raised the statute of limitations or the requirements of Iowa Rule of Civil
Procedure 1.279.
2
In 2013, Lynn Kingery was appointed guardian and conservator of Bernice through a
temporary involuntary guardianship and conservatorship after Bernice suffered a stroke.
3
In an amended answer, filed September 10, 2012, without court order, Bill raises
several additional affirmative defenses, including that the court lacked subject matter
jurisdiction, and “[p]ursuant to statutory requirements, the plaintiff has not placed a
proper and prior demand for remedial action upon the management of the corporation.”
9
On October 25, 2011, Vorhes, Ltd. moved the court to appoint a panel
under Iowa Code section 490.744(6) (2011).4 On February 7, 2013, the district
court found section 490.744(6) was applicable to evaluate the merits of the
claims asserted. The court continued:
James Goodman, the special executor in the estate of Irene V.
Vorhes, issued his report on the value of the stock of Vorhes, Ltd.
Mr. Goodman filed his report in the estate on December 17, 2012.
After reviewing the report, it is clear to the court that the claims
asserted by [Bernice] have merit and should be pursued for the
benefit of the corporation. In the opinion of Mr. Goodman, Vorhes,
Ltd. has failed to collect more than $851,000 in cash rent and other
debts owed to it by defendant, Bill Vorhes. The court sees no
reason to appoint a panel under [section] 490.744(6). Most, if not
all, of the work to be done by such a panel would duplicate the
investigation done by Mr. Goodman. Given the facts and
observations noted by Mr. Goodman in his report, it seems highly
unlikely that any panel operating in good faith would recommend
dismissal of the pending action.
On April 7, 2014—more than two years after suit was filed—the
corporation filed a motion to dismiss the action, asserting the corporation (1) had
“not been the victim of a breach of fiduciary duty,” (2) Gill could not sue in her
individual capacity, (3) “Gill did not supply any affidavit to support her demand for
4
Section 490.744 then provided, in part:
1. A derivative proceeding shall be dismissed by the court on
motion by the corporation if one of the groups specified in subsection 2 or
6 has determined in good faith after conducting a reasonable inquiry upon
which its conclusions are based that the maintenance of the derivative
proceeding is not in the best interests of the corporation. A corporation
moving to dismiss on this basis shall submit in support of the motion a
short and concise statement of the reasons for the determination.
2. [not applicable] . . .
....
6. The court may appoint a panel of one or more independent
persons upon motion by the corporation to make a determination whether
the maintenance of the derivative proceeding is in the best interest of the
corporation. In such case, the plaintiff shall have the burden of proving
that the requirements of subsection 1 have been met.
Subsection 6 was amended and renumbered as subsection 5 by 2013 Iowa Acts ch. 31,
§§ 21, 82.
10
a shareholder derivative suit against Vorhes, Ltd” as required by Iowa Rule of
Civil Procedure 1.279, and (4) Gill’s request for attorney fees was no longer
supported by Iowa Code section 490.746.
Trial was held April 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 15, 2014. On April 9, the
following facts were included in a written stipulation filed by the parties:
1. Between September 2002 and November 2009 Vorhes,
Ltd. loaned Bill Vorhes various sums of money at various points in
time.
2. Of the sums loaned by Vorhes, Ltd. to Bill Vorhes
between September 2002 and November 2009, $67,500 remains
due and owing by Bill Vorhes to Vorhes, Ltd. at the time of trial.
3. Bill Vorhes acknowledges that the court may, but is not
limited to, the remedy of entering a money judgment against him in
favor of Vorhes, Ltd. for the sum of $67,500 and agrees to waive
any right to any and all defenses to this portion of the claim brought
on behalf of Vorhes, Ltd. by Bernice Gill, but does reserve the
rights under section 490.746, including the right to argue that no
attorney’s fees or other expenses should be awarded to Bernice
Gill based upon Iowa Code section 490.746.
4. Between September 2002 and September 2010, Vorhes,
Ltd. borrowed various sums of money on behalf of Bill Vorhes for
the purpose of purchasing and delivering corn to an ethanol plant
on his behalf.
5. On or about September 7, 2010, Vorhes, Ltd. repaid the
borrowed funds with interest to the First Security Bank & Trust of
Charles City, Iowa.
6. The repayment to the First Security Bank & Trust on
September 7, 2010, by Vorhes, Ltd. totaled $236,102.13, of which
Bill Vorhes acknowledges that he is responsible to the corporation
for 80% of that amount, or $188,881.70.
7. Bill Vorhes acknowledges that the court may, but is not
limited to, the entry of judgment against him in favor of Vorhes, Ltd.
for the sum of $188,881.70 and, agrees to waive any right to any
and all defenses to this portion of the claim brought on behalf of
Vorhes, Ltd. by Bernice Gill, but does reserve all rights under Iowa
Code section 490.746 to argue that no attorney’s fees or other
expenses should be awarded to Bernice Gill based upon Iowa
Code section 490.746.
8. This stipulation is given by Bill Vorhes to resolve disputed
claims, but he acknowledges that Bernice Gill may use this
Stipulation of the Parties for all purposes contemplated by the Iowa
Code and the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure.
11
9. Plaintiff Bernice Gill waives all other claims asserted
against Bill Vorhes asserted in this lawsuit except as provided in
paragraph 10, and in addition waives all other claims she has as
shareholder of Vorhes, Ltd. against Bill Vorhes for conduct
occurring on or before April 21, 2011, but she does reserve all
rights as a shareholder to object to the repayment or
reimbursement of any and all alleged expenses incurred by Bill
Vorhes on behalf of Vorhes, Ltd. before April 21, 2011.
The parties then stipulated that the issues remaining for trial were the
claim for non-payment of farm rent from March 3, 2000, and Vorhes’ defenses
asserted thereto; the claim for attorney’s fees and expenses under Iowa Code
section 490.746, as well as plaintiff’s claim for the corporation to be reimbursed
for attorney fees and/or expenses incurred or loaned to Bill Vorhes and/or Jean
Westendorf to defend this lawsuit.
At trial, Bill Vorhes testified that in the eleven-year period that the lease
agreement was in place he made only three payments: (1) a $5000 payment in
November 2002, (2) a $2168.34 payment in January 2007; and (3) a $7183.64
payment in November 2009, totaling $14,351.98. He asserted Irene waived all
other rent payments by handwritten notes. One note is undated and reads:
To whom it may concern,
We, the Ltd corporation, ha[ve] an agreement with the
tenants for a target price of $80 an acre on 300 acres of tillable
ground. The rent money is not always collected because it allows
for disaster or poor crops due to weather.
Sincerely,
Vorhes Ltd.
Irene Vorhes, President
Another handwritten note, dated April 21, 2000, reads:
To whom it may concern,
In regard to rent for land owned by Vorhes Ltd., we will forgo
rent until his cash flow is adequate.
Sincerely,
Vorhes Ltd. by
12
Irene Vorhes, Pres.
The corporation filed a renewed motion to dismiss after trial, claiming Gill
had failed to “meet the basic jurisdictional requirements necessary to bring a
shareholder derivative lawsuit.” On November 14, 2014, the district court denied
the renewed motion to dismiss and concluded that to grant the motion would
have exalted form over substance:
The court specifically finds that Plaintiff satisfied the conditions
imposed by section 490.742 before commencing this action.
Steven Daniels, acting on behalf of Plaintiff, sent a letter to Bill
Vorhes and Jean Westendorf on April 28, 2011, demanding that
Vorhes, Ltd. take action to collect outstanding debts owed to the
corporation. At the time the letter was sent, Mr. Vorhes and Ms.
Westendorf were the only living persons (other than Plaintiff) who
then owned stock in the corporation or held any corporate office or
management position. The letter described with reasonable
specificity what actions Plaintiff wanted the corporation to take and
also gave clear notice that if these actions were not taken, Plaintiff
intended to pursue any and all actions available to her “to preserve,
protect and enhance the value of the corporation.” Plaintiff did not
commence this action until September 7, 2011, which was more
than 90 days from the date of her demand on the corporation.
Plaintiff satisfied the statutory prerequisites for bringing her
shareholder derivative action.
The court also finds that the petition filed by Plaintiff
substantially complies with the pleading requirements contained in
Rule 1.279. In the petition, Plaintiff specifically alleges and
describes her efforts to have the directors, officers or other
shareholders of Vorhes, Ltd., take the actions and enforce the
rights that she is pursuing in this case on behalf of the corporation.
Other than the fact that Plaintiff did not support her petition by
affidavit, all the requirements of Rule 1.279 have been satisfied.
The court is not aware of, and Vorhes, Ltd., has not cited, any Iowa
case law holding that the affidavit requirement of Rule 1.279 is
jurisdictional. In the absence of such precedent, the court will not
dismiss this action on a motion that was first brought on the day of
trial simply because Plaintiff did not attach an affidavit to her
petition.
It is important to note that this action had been pending over
30 months when Vorhes, Ltd., first made its motion to dismiss.
During this time, the parties pursued discovery and counsel
engaged in discussions regarding the issues raised by Plaintiff.
13
From the time Mr. Vorhes and Ms. Westendorf received the
demand letter from counsel for Plaintiff up to the day of trial,
Defendants knew or should have known what actions Plaintiff
wanted the corporation to take and what legal rights of the
corporation Plaintiff wanted it to enforce. The addition of a
supporting affidavit to the petition of Plaintiff would have done
nothing to aid Defendants in their preparation for the trial in this
case or to further the purposes of Rule 1.279.
The court entered its ruling on April 6, 2015, making a specific finding Bill
was not credible: “His demeanor on the witness stand and the general lack of
consistency between the statements he made prior to the trial and the testimony
he gave on the witness stand caused the court to be very skeptical of any
assertions of fact made by Bill.”
The district court concluded, “It is clear that Bernice had to pursue legal
action to vindicate the rights of the corporation, as Bill consistently and
categorically denied being indebted or legally obligated to Vorhes, Ltd. in any
way right up to the start of the trial in this case.”
The court found Bill liable to the corporation for unpaid loans and rent,
writing:
Unpaid Loans Owed by Bill. Bill has stipulated that he is
legally indebted to Vorhes, Ltd. in the amount of $256,381.70 for
corporate funds he borrowed or used for personal purposes
between September 2002 and September 2010 but never repaid.
The court will enter judgment accordingly against Bill and in favor of
Vorhes, Ltd.
Unpaid Rent Owed by Bill. It is undisputed that from May 1,
2000, through the end of the 2010 crop season, Bill had possession
and use of 240 acres of farmland owned by Vorhes, Ltd. under a
valid written lease with the corporation. It is also undisputed that
the terms of the lease required Bill to pay Vorhes, Ltd. cash rent of
$19,200 every year. The evidence showed Bill only paid the
corporation $5000 in rent under the lease prior to the trial in this
case. Bernice has asserted a claim against Bill on behalf of
Vorhes, Ltd. for unpaid rent due and owing under the lease in the
amount of $206,200. The court concludes that based on the failure
14
of Bill to perform his contractual obligations under the lease,
Vorhes, Ltd. is entitled to judgment against him in the full amount
asserted by Bernice.
Bill has raised various arguments in defense of the claim
made against him for unpaid rent. The court rejects all of them. Bill
maintains that Irene, acting as the president of Vorhes, Ltd.
modified the lease to relieve him of any obligation to pay rent
unless his farm income was sufficient to do so. The record does
not support the modification of the lease alleged by Bill.
The court thus found Bill owed $462,581.70 to the corporation for unpaid
loans and rent between the years of 2000 and 2011. In addition, the court found
that Bernice properly exercised her rights as a shareholder under Iowa Code
chapter 490 to prosecute the derivative action. The trial court concluded section
490.746, though amended, did not deprive the court of authority to award
attorney fees. The court observed:
The legislature amended the statute in 2013 and replaced
the phrase “reasonable expenses, including attorney fees” with the
word “expenses.” Bill and Vorhes, Ltd. argue that this change in
the statute prohibits the court from awarding any attorney fees
against the corporation. The court disagrees. At the same time
that the legislature made the change to section 490.746 noted
above, it also added a provision in the Act to define the word
“expenses” as meaning “reasonable expenses of any kind that are
incurred in connection with a matter.” Iowa Code § 490.140(16)
(emphasis added). It is the opinion of the court that attorney fees
are a kind of expense that might reasonably be incurred in a
shareholder derivative action. Based on the broad definition of
“expenses” found in section 490.140(16), the court concludes that it
still has authority to award attorney fees against Vorhes, Ltd. in this
action, notwithstanding the changes made to section 490.746.
In respect to the amount of the attorney fees the court concluded,
The court finds that a reasonable fee for the legal work done by
counsel for Bernice in connection with this shareholder derivative
action is $90,000.00 and will direct the corporation to pay these
fees.
The written lease between Vorhes, Ltd. and Bill expressly
provides for an award of attorney fees to the prevailing party in any
lawsuit to enforce its terms. Here, Vorhes, Ltd. has prevailed on
15
the claim for unpaid rent brought in its stead by Bernice. In
reviewing the invoices submitted by her law firm, the court finds that
a reasonable fee for the legal work done by counsel for Bernice in
connection with the claim she asserted against Bill for unpaid rent
is $45,000.00. Judgment will be entered against Bill and in favor of
Vorhes, Ltd. accordingly.
The Court will deny the request made by Bernice that it order
Bill and Jean to reimburse Vorhes, Ltd. for any corporate funds
used in defending this action. Jean is not a party to this action and
the Court has no jurisdiction over her. There is nothing in the
record to show how Mr. Banks and Bryan Witherwax allocated the
$20,000.00 retainer at issue between Bill and Jean. Because the
Court has no jurisdiction over Jean and has no way of knowing how
much of the $20,000.00 retainer was used for her benefit, it not will
attempt to order repayment of any part of the corporate funds used
to pay the retainer.
Bill appeals the judgment against him, contending the shareholder-
derivative action should have been dismissed due to the lack of a supporting
affidavit, the complaining witness’s cognitive abilities, the fact the debts were
forgiven, and the statute of limitations had expired.
Vorhes, Ltd. challenges the authority of the court to award attorney fees to
Bernice.
II. Bill Vorhes’ Appeal.
A. Scope and Standard of Review. “We review decisions in
shareholders’ derivative suits de novo, deferring especially to district court
findings where the credibility of witnesses is a factor in the outcome.” Cookies
Food Prods., Inc. v. Lakes Warehouse Distrib., Inc., 430 N.W.2d 447, 448 (Iowa
1988); see also Iowa Rs. App. P. 6.907; 6.904(3)(g).
B. Discussion. On appeal, Bill contends (1) Bernice “lacked the requisite
cognitive capabilities to adequately represent” the corporation; (2) Bernice did not
meet the “formalities required by Iowa law to litigate a shareholder derivative
16
action”; (3) the trial court erred in its evaluation of Irene’s “wishes in regards to
the terms of the 2000 lease agreement” and “her ability to unilaterally forgive
debts under that agreement during her lifetime”; and (4) the statute of limitations
barred this shareholder derivative action. We do not address the statute-of-
limitations contention because it was not timely raised. See Porter v. Good
Eavespouting, 505 N.W.2d 178, 182 (Iowa 1993) (“[T]he defendant did not raise
the limitations defense in its pleadings. Because the limitations defense was not
raised, the defendant waived it.”); see generally Meier v. Senecaut, 641 N.W.2d
532, 537 (Iowa 2002) (“It is a fundamental doctrine of appellate review that
issues must ordinarily be both raised and decided by the district court before we
will decide them on appeal.”).
1. Adequate representation of corporation. Iowa Code chapter 490,
Part D authorizes a shareholder to maintain a derivative proceeding on behalf of
a corporation. This is the codification of the derivative suit long recognized in
Iowa.
This proceeding in equity, commonly called a stockholder’s
suit or derivative action, is one brought by one or more
stockholders of a corporation in their name as plaintiffs, but as
representatives of the corporation, and for its benefit. They are
plaintiffs in name only, and though the corporation is made a
defendant, it is the real plaintiff in interest, and the beneficiary of
any judgment recovered. Its basis is a damage done to the
corporation by the real defendants and the refusal or failure of the
corporation to redress the wrongdoing. It must be brought in
equity.
Des Moines Bank & Trust Co. v. George M. Bechtel & Co., 51 N.W.2d 174, 217
(Iowa 1952).
17
Bill acknowledges Bernice at all times pertinent was a shareholder with
standing to bring a derivative suit. On appeal, however, he complains that
because Bernice suffered a stroke before trial and was left unable to speak, her
inability to speak “caused a lacking factual basis for her claims.” He also
complains he was deprived the ability to call her as a witness. We reject his
contentions.
Bernice was the plaintiff “in name only.” Id. The corporation was ably
represented by counsel. See Hawkeye Bank & Trust v. Baugh, 463 N.W.2d 22,
25 (Iowa 1990) (noting a corporation is a legal entity separate from its
shareholders and adopting “the general rule that a corporation may not represent
itself through nonlawyer employees, officers, or shareholders”). Evidence of
Bill’s debts to the corporation—including Bill’s stipulation—exists to support the
claims raised in the petition and submitted at trial. Moreover, Bernice was never
deposed or listed as a witness by either party, and no subpoena was issued to
her. See Jack v. P & A Farms, Ltd., 822 N.W.2d 511, 520 (Iowa 2012) (“A party
is not denied a fair trial by the denial of the opportunity to cross-examine a
witness who does not give any testimony.”). We agree with the trial court that
“Bernice has fairly and adequately represented the interests of the corporation in
enforcing its rights. Her prosecution of this action has focused on the overall
financial health of Vorhes, Ltd., as a separate legal entity.”
2. Formalities of derivative proceeding. Relying on Berger v. General
United Group, Inc., 268 N.W.2d 630 (Iowa 1978), Bill argues the district court
should have dismissed this action for a failure to follow the procedural formalities
of bringing a derivative action.
18
Bill did not file a motion to dismiss this action. Nor did his answer raise
the issue. Rather, an attorney for the corporation filed a motion to dismiss on the
day before trial, more than two years after the petition was filed.5 In its appellate
brief, the corporation does not pursue the claim. Bill never joined in the motion.
In this context, we conclude Bill has not adequately raised or preserved the
issue.6 Moreover, the purpose of the rule is so courts do “not interfere in internal
affairs of [a] private corporation until all intracorporate remedies have been
exhausted.” Berger, 268 N.W.2d at 635. Here, neither Bill nor the corporation
contend a demand was not made, and the demand was futile in any event
because Bill had assumed the position of president at the time of the demand
and clearly was not intending on responding affirmatively to the demand. See id.at 636 (citing First Nat’l Bank v. Fireproof S. B. Co., 202 N.W. 14, 18 (Iowa 1925)
(“Where, however, the corporation is under the control of the party charged with
the wrongful diversion, such a demand, since it would be unavailing, need not be
made.”)). Iowa case law does not impose “onerous restraints in derivative
actions.” Id. In sum, we believe the challenge to the lack of compliance with rule
1.279 has not been preserved; substantial compliance has been met; and if
preserved in some fashion, is an untimely challenge to the pleadings.
In any event, Bill acknowledges Bernice had standing to bring this action.
See Iowa Code § 490.741. The record includes the April 28, 2011 written
5
This attorney was not prosecuting the claim but was allowed to appear and to cross-
examine witnesses.
6
It appears Bill raised the issue for the first time in his appellate brief. He fails to assert
how he preserved error as required by Iowa Rule of Appellate Procedure 6.903(2)(g)(1)
(requiring a brief include “[a] statement addressing how the issue was preserved for
appellate review, with references to the places in the record where the issue was raised
and decided”).
19
demand to the corporation to collect the debts owed to it by Bill. See id.§ 490.742(1). Bernice filed suit in September, more than ninety days after the
demand letter. See id. § 490.742(2). As noted by the district court: “It is clear
that Bernice had to pursue legal action to vindicate the rights of the corporation,
as Bill consistently and categorically denied being indebted or legally obligated to
Vorhes, Ltd. in any way right up to the start of the trial in this case.”
We find no useful purpose would be served by dismissing this action more
than two years after suit was filed and on the eve of trial based on a lack of a
supporting affidavit “alleg[ing Bernice’s] efforts to have the directors, trustees or
other shareholders bring the action or enforce the right, or a sufficient reason for
not making such effort.” Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.279. Bill was fully aware of the
contracts at issue, Bernice was pursuing the rights of the corporation to
substantial sums of money to which it was entitled, and Bill can point to no
prejudice.
3. Lease. Bill acknowledges he entered into a “valid written lease with the
corporation from May 1, 2000, through the 2010 farming season” and that “[t]he
original terms of the lease required [him] to pay the corporation cash rent in the
amount of $19,000 annually.” He also acknowledges he “paid the corporation
$5000 in rent under the lease prior to the instigation of litigation.” He asserts
nonetheless that Irene as president of Vorhes, Ltd. relieved him of rent
payments.
Upon our de novo review, we again adopt the findings of the trial court:
In support of his position, Bill points to Exhibit Q and Exhibit
R, two relatively short documents authored by his mother. The
court finds that these two documents are unclear as to their
20
meaning or purpose. Neither Exhibit Q nor Exhibit R makes any
specific reference to Bill or to the written lease agreement that
these documents purportedly modify. Exhibit Q refers to an
agreement involving 300 acres of land, which is 60 acres more than
the written lease at issue. Exhibit R appears to be the fourth page
of a multiple page document (as indicated by the circled “4” at the
top of the page), but Bill did not provide any other pages from it.
Neither of these documents is even directed to Bill, but rather to
“whom it may concern” or “whom this concern(sic).” Based on the
record before it, the court is unable to determine the real purpose of
either Exhibit Q or Exhibit R. However, the court is certain that
neither one of these documents was intended to accomplish a
permanent modification of the written lease agreement between Bill
and Vorhes, Ltd., or to waive the payment of all rent under the
lease by Bill.
Two facts undermine the claim that Exhibit Q and Exhibit R
are what Bill has characterized them to be. The first is that there
are two documents which supposedly accomplish the same
purpose. If Irene actually intended that either Exhibit Q or Exhibit R
was to permanently relieve Bill from the obligation to pay rent
imposed on him under the written lease, there would be no reason
to sign another document to the same effect. The fact that Irene
signed both Exhibit Q and Exhibit R indicates to the court that these
documents had a different purpose than what Bill claims.
Secondly, the court finds it significant that Bill made no
reference to either document until relatively late in this litigation.
The issues of whether Bill owed delinquent rent to Vorhes, Ltd. and
how much rent he owed were first raised by Bernice and her
attorney at a meeting of all the shareholders on March 25, 2010,
and subsequently discussed during another shareholder meeting
on February 25, 2011. The letter that the attorney for Bernice sent
to Bill and Jean on April 28, 2011, certainly put Bill on notice that
Bernice believed he owed delinquent rent to the corporation. Even
so, Bill never mentioned the existence of either Exhibit Q or Exhibit
R or suggested that Vorhes, Ltd. had released him from any
obligation to pay rent for the corporate land he had been farming.
Two different attorneys filed answers for Bill in this action, the first
on October 27, 2011, and the second on September 10, 2012.
There is no reference to a written modification of the lease at issue
or to a written waiver of rent in either answer. If Bill actually
believed that either Exhibit Q or Exhibit R was truly what he now
claims them to be, it seems to the court that Bill would have made
specific reference to them much earlier in his communications with
the other shareholders and would have explicitly identified these
documents in one of his answers. As he did not, the court
concludes that neither document should be given the effect that Bill
urged at trial.
21
Regardless of whether Exhibit Q or Exhibit R was intended
to accomplish a modification of the written lease at issue, any
purported modification would be unenforceable for lack of
consideration. New consideration must be given to support the
modification of an existing contract. Margeson v. Artis, 776 N.W.2d
652, 657 (Iowa 2009). Consideration to support a contract
modification can take the form of either a legal benefit to the party
who proposes to modify the contract or a legal detriment to the
other party. [Id.] at 655-57; Meineke v. Nw. Bank & Trust Co., 756
N.W.2d 223, 227-28 (Iowa 2008). Neither form of consideration
exists here. Vorhes, Ltd. gained nothing of benefit from the
purported modification and there was no detriment to Bill. The
purported modification of the lease did not impose any additional
duties on Bill or require him to do anything that he was not already
legally obligated to do. In the absence of consideration, any
modification to the written lease supposedly shown by either Exhibit
Q or Exhibit R is invalid and unenforceable.
We affirm the judgment entered against Bill Vorhes.
III. Vorhes, Ltd.’s appeal.
It its appeal, Vorhes, Ltd. contends the trial court lacked authority to
include an award of attorney fees and lacked a necessary factual basis for the
fees awarded.
A. Authority to award attorney fees. The corporation argues that
because Iowa Code section 490.746 was amended in 2013, an award of attorney
fees is no longer available.
Our goal in interpreting statutes is to determine legislative intent. Iowa
Individual Health Benefit Reins. Ass’n v. State Univ. of Iowa, 876 N.W.2d 800,
804 (Iowa 2016). To determine legislative intent, we look to the language used,
the purpose of the statute, the policies and remedies implicated, and the
consequences resulting from different interpretations. Id. at 805. We assess the
entire statute and its enactment to “give the statute its proper meaning in
context.” Sanon v. City of Pella, 865 N.W.2d 506, 511 (Iowa 2015).
22
We also consider, “‘Although the title of a statute cannot limit the plain
meaning of the text, it can be considered in determining legislative intent.’” State
v. Tague, 676 N.W.2d 197, 201 (Iowa 2004) (citation omitted). “A statute’s title
may be used only to resolve existing doubts or ambiguities as to the statutory
meanings and not to create ambiguity where none existed.” 1A Norman J.
Singer & Shambie Singer, Statutes and Statutory Construction § 18:7, at 78–79
(7th ed. 2009).
The amended section 490.746 was part of “An Act Relating to
Nonsubstantive Code Corrections and Including Effective Date Provisions.”
Thus, we begin with the understanding the amendments are intended to be
nonsubstantive.
Prior to the amendment, Iowa courts had long held that a shareholder who
acts to benefit the corporation is entitled to be reimbursed for necessary
expenses:
In 2 Spelling on Private Corporations, § 643, the author lays down
the rule that “the owner of stock in a corporation who sues for
himself and all other shareholders successfully, for a wrong done to
the corporation, is entitled to be reimbursed his actual and
necessary expenses and expenditures, including attorney’s fees
out of the corporate fund.” In Cook on Stock & Stockholders,
§ 748, it is said that, in case the suit is successful, the complaining
stockholder is entitled to have his costs paid by the corporation. . . .
But no more than reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees,
may be exacted. The right to the recovery of costs at all is
contingent on success in the suit. If the action is successful, the
plaintiffs may recover for, or have taxed, their attorney’s fees; if
unsuccessful, they may not. The contingency, however, is in the
right to maintain the action, for unless sufficient grounds appear,
and the corporation through its officers refuse to sue, there is no
occasion for the stockholder to interpose for the protection of
corporate interests. The expense in such a case is that of an
intermeddler. It is only when he has been an instrument for the
protection of corporate interests that he can legitimately claim his
23
expenses, and then only such reasonable expenses as the
corporation must have incurred had it prosecuted the action in its
own interest.
Graham v. Dubuque Speciality Mach. Works, 114 N.W. 619, 621-22 (Iowa 1908);
see also State ex rel. Weede v. Bechtel, 56 N.W.2d 173, 188 (Iowa 1952) (“[T]he
owner of stock . . . who sues for himself and all other shareholders successfully,
for a wrong done to the corporation, is entitled to be reimbursed his actual and
necessary expenses and expenditures, including attorney’s fees out of the
corporate fund.” (citation omitted)).
Section 490.746 was amended, effective January 1, 2014, as follows:
On termination of the derivative proceeding, the court may
do either any of the following:
(1) Order the corporation to pay the plaintiff’s reasonable
expenses, including attorney fees incurred in the proceeding, if it
finds that the proceeding has resulted in a substantial benefit to the
corporation.
(2) Order the plaintiff to pay any defendant’s reasonable
expenses, including attorney fees incurred in defending the
proceeding, if it finds that the proceeding was commenced or
maintained without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose.
2013 Iowa Acts ch. 31, §§ 22, 82.
We believe the removal of the court’s authority to order the payment of
attorney fees would be a substantive change.
We note, too, that as part of the amendments to chapter 490, a new
definitional subsection was added to section 490.140. See 2013 Iowa Acts ch.
31, § 2 (codified at Iowa Code § 490.140(16) (2015)). Section 490.140(16)
provides that “‘[e]xpenses’ means reasonable expenses of any kind that are
incurred with a matter.” (Emphasis added.) Reading sections 490.746 and
24
490.140(16) together,7 we conclude the legislature intended to continue the
court’s authority to award reasonable attorney fees “if it finds that the proceeding
has resulted in a substantial benefit to the corporation.” In sum, the attorney fees
were expenses both “incurred in the proceeding,” and were expenses “of any
kind”; and if the suit had been unsuccessful, the corporation could have
recovered expenses “of any kind” “in defending the proceeding.” Iowa Code
§§ 490.746, .140(16).
B. Reasonable expenses. Where the trial court has the authority to
award reasonable fees, we review the award of attorney fees for an abuse of
discretion. See Vaughan v. Must, Inc., 542 N.W.2d 533, 541 (Iowa 1996).
“Because this judgment is equitable, the district court has substantial discretion.”
Id.In the ruling, the district court found
that in fairness to Bernice and in recognition of the benefit resulting
to the corporation from her efforts, Vorhes, Ltd. should be required
to pay the attorney fees she has reasonably incurred in connection
with this shareholder derivative action. Thanks to Bernice, Vorhes,
Ltd. will be awarded a money judgment against Bill in the amount of
$462,581.70, which is certainly a substantial benefit to the
corporation. Bernice has submitted invoices from her law firm
totaling $119,196.50 and proposes that the court direct Vorhes, Ltd.
to pay this amount. However, not all of the services described in
these invoices pertain to the investigation, commencement, and
prosecution of this shareholder derivative action. Some of the
services described in these invoices relate to legal advice and
representation that was provided to Bernice in her individual
capacity and not in her capacity as the plaintiff in this action. Some
of the services strike the court to be duplicative and superfluous.
The court will not require Vorhes, Ltd. to pay for these services.
The court finds that a reasonable fee for the legal work done by
counsel for Bernice in connection with this shareholder derivative
7
See De More v. Dieters, 334 N.W.2d 734, 737 (Iowa 1983) (“[L]egislative intent is to be
gleaned from the statute as a whole, not from a particular part only.”).
25
action is $90,000.00 and will direct the corporation to pay these
fees.
The written lease between Vorhes, Ltd. and Bill expressly
provides for an award of attorney fees to the prevailing party in any
lawsuit to enforce its terms.[8] Here, Vorhes, Ltd. has prevailed on
the claim for unpaid rent brought in its stead by Bernice. In
reviewing the invoices submitted by her law firm, the court finds that
a reasonable fee for the legal work done by counsel for Bernice in
connection with the claim she asserted against Bill for unpaid rent
is $45,000.00. Judgment will be entered against Bill and in favor of
Vorhes, Ltd. accordingly.
As has been observed by our supreme court, “The district court is an
expert on the issue of reasonable attorney fees.” Schaffer v. Frank Moyer
Constr., Inc., 628 N.W.2d 11, 24 (Iowa 2001). As such an expert, the district
court had the benefit of observing the trial and the post-trial proceedings. The
court was therefore “in an ideal position to judge the necessity of time and effort
spent by counsel and the rationality of the relationship between the services
rendered.” See id.The court admitted Bernice’s submitted exhibit 56, identifying and
itemizing the services rendered at the time of trial. Attached to Bernice’s post-
trial brief was an itemized billing statement reflecting additional services rendered
to that juncture. The billing statements were sufficiently itemized that the district
court was able to discern some of the services were unrelated to the derivative
action. These facts are quite different than the facts in the cases relied upon by
the corporation—Bronner v. Randall, No. 14-0154, 2015 WL 2089360, at *10
(Iowa Ct. App. May 6, 2015) (“[T]here was absolutely no evidentiary support for
the attorney fee claim.”), and Mississippi Valley Broadcasting Inc. v Mitchell, 503
8
Paragraph 20 of the lease provides, “If either party files suit to enforce any of the terms
of the Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover court costs and reasonable
attorneys’ fees.”
26
N.W.2d 617, 620 (Iowa Ct. App. 1993) (where district court had noted that the
claimant did not prove the fees were “usual and necessary” as required by
section 91A.8 (1991) in filing only “a statement by counsel of the hours entered, a
description of the work done, and affidavits regarding the regular hourly charges
of the attorneys”).
The district court did not abuse its discretion in its award. The corporation
has benefited substantially by Bernice’s suit. The trial court adjusted the fee
request downward upon its consideration of the record. We affirm on the appeal
by Vorhes, Ltd.
AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS.