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. Director
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. Secretary/Treasurer
May 1999
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. Alicia Bonesteele
Minutes of the Meeting Held on:
March 23, 1999
Bill Wolf
