The Stettler P&H Elevator Preservation Society wrapped up its 2025 annual general meeting on May 13 at the Stettler Agri-plex, after the meeting was suspended for more than a month due to internal disputes.
The meeting, initially held April 8, was halted amid disagreement over the appointment of a new board of directors, the location of past financial records and a controversial proposal to remove the grain elevator from the society’s preservation mandate.
The 2024 AGM had also been adjourned before board elections and financial disclosures could be completed. As a result, a review committee was established to examine the society’s bylaws and operational procedures.
Procedural Confusion and Missing Records
Both meetings were marked by procedural confusion, including disputes over agenda items brought forward by the previous board and the review committee. Time was also spent debating the society’s mission statement and responsibility for maintaining the elevator.
Another major concern involved the location of society records and computer equipment. Eichhorn said the materials had not been in the registered office — a yellow building — for more than two years. He said the individual in possession of the items had until April 12 to return them or face legal action.
During the April meeting, Treasurer-secretary Tracy Robinson asked if charitable receipts for the Canada Revenue Agency would also be returned, which Eichhorn confirmed.
At the May meeting, members were informed that the locks on the office had been changed due to concerns over unauthorized access. Several keys to the old locks were reportedly missing.
The new board reported the 2023 financial documents are stored in a locked filing cabinet, while 2024 statements are with an accountant. Members questioned why only one physical copy of financial records exists and why past meeting minutes are missing.
The board committed to locating the records, providing monthly email updates and creating digital backups of key documents.
Bylaw Review and Special Meeting Planned
Given the number of outstanding governance concerns, the new board requested time to review and revise the society’s bylaws, with plans to submit them for government approval.
Members voted to give the board authority to draft updated bylaws and bring them forward at a special meeting. The board also committed to providing advance notice of any proposed changes.
Maintaining charitable status with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission and the CRA was emphasized as a priority. If status is lost, the society would be unable to issue tax receipts and would be required to transfer its assets to another registered charity.
Membership Removal Motion Voted Down
The final item on the agenda was a motion to terminate Eichhorn’s membership in the society. The motion had originally been introduced by the former board in response to potential conflict-of-interest concerns.
When the proposal was raised again on May 13 to make him the curator of the elevator, Eichhorn left the meeting. The new board then passed a motion not to revoke his membership.
Following adjournment of the AGM, the board held its first meeting to assign roles and said it will announce the date of the upcoming special meeting in due course.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
