May 1999 Minutes News & Views from Your Elected Representatives There is an American Indian proverb that reads "Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf," a favorite saying of mine for many, many moons. At a recent conference of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, two of your directors were in attendance at a three-day meeting designed to inform us on the changes and challenges we face in this industry. Like the airlines and the telephone communications, we are faced with deregulation, and we need to listen to you who have elected us to represent your interests. In one session we were given an update on bills that are currently before Congress that affect the electrical industry. Restructuring is a complex path with little consensus as to how to go down that road, and Congress is going slowly. A great deal of time was spent on how we, as board members, use our time with relationships within our "team" as well as with our manager and staff. Salem Electric directors are cognizant of the dangers of rubber-stamping, as well as of micro-managing, and intend to keep a balance between overcontrol and undercontrol. These meetings are part of a continuing effort to educate us to be creative and efficient and to be aware of the value our customers expect from us. And, we will continue to listen to you.  Alicia Bonesteele Director  TOP Minutes of the Meeting Held on: March 23, 1999 The Salem Electric Board of Directors met on March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. All directors were in attendance. For the Sake of the Salmon (4SOS) Dyer began by saying that the comments received from the members were evenly divided on the issue and gave no clear direction. A motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Bonesteele that Salem Electric participate in the 4SOS program. Anderson stated that Salem Electric should be proactive in the salmon issue and support local efforts that would benefit from the 4SOS funds. Wolf pointed out only a third of the responses were pointedly against the program, and there was some concern that it not cost Salem Electric members. Wolf suggested using the language from the December meeting that addressed this by getting all costs for the program from the contributions and that contributions as low as $1 be allowed. Tina Schweikert, the Endangered Species Act Coordinator for the City of Salem identified nine basins in the Salem area that they are working on with the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Linda Bierly, a Salem Electric member, said she is involved with the Glenn and Gibson Watershed Council. She asked for SE's support in helping to get funding for the local projects. Anderson clarified that his motion was intended to reiterate his motion made in December. The motion, as read from the December minutes was: "...to support the staff action item and that a 5% administrative fee be attached until the $6,500 start-up costs are recovered." The amended motion was voted on and carried with Curt Culver opposed. Manager's Report Manager Bob Speckman announced that SE is preparing for the annual membership meeting on May 11. Four employee presentations are being planned: Vicki Klopfenstein, Jeff Lewis, Nick Reding and Terry Kelly. Kelly will be providing an update on Salem Electric's Y2K status. Heat Pump Program Member Services Manager Terry Kelly reviewed the staff recommendation on the Heat Pump Program which would eliminate the requirement that participants have an existing electric heating system. Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Culver and carried unanimously to approve the staff recommendation. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.  Bill Wolf Secretary/Treasurer TOP  | Board Reports |