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Board Meeting Summary
June 24, 2003
The
meeting was called to order by President Jim Dyer with all members of the board
present, except Nancy Horn. Jeff Anderson was present via conference call.
The meeting agenda and consent calendar were approved
as presented. Director Alicia Bonesteele presented a scholarship to Francisca
Tapia for her time spent with the board as part of the Leadership Youth
Program. Tapia, whose parents were in the audience, accepted the award and
announced she will be attending Chemeketa Community College in the fall.
Administrative Services Manager, Jack Belleque,
reported that the budget preparations for 2004 are underway. He said
information from various organizations regarding the BPA wholesale rate
increase this fall indicate that it will be about 5%. General Manager Bob
Speckman said efforts to further reduce BPA’s rate increase are continuing with
the Northwest Requirements Utilities (NRU) and the Public Power Council (PPC)
taking a lead for public power.
Vice-President Paul Ennor asked if cutbacks by SUMCO,
Salem Electric’s largest customer, will cause SE any revenue problems. Staff
responded that it is such a large load that whatever they do will affect SE’s
margin.
Staff presented a recommendation, to be acted upon at
the July board meeting, to discontinue SE’s membership in the Last Mile
Electric Cooperative (LMEC). The primary purpose of the organization is to
develop wind resources. Although SE supports these efforts, continued
participation involves risks and obligations that SE’s staff and attorney feel
the co-op should avoid. In making the recommendation, staff noted that SE may
still purchase wind power from the organization, but it will not be a project
owner or participant. Director Berger commended board and staff leadership for
being able to step back from a project like this when they feel it’s not right
for SE.
Member Services Manager Terry Kelly reported that
$20,000 has been transferred from the conservation reserve fund for the
appliance program.
Special Services Representative, Helen Findley, provided a statistical summary
for the heating assistance program which ended April 30. She reported that this
year’s program assisted 1,026 people with $180,403 in funding.
General Manager, Bob Speckman, called attention to a request from the American
Public Power Association for a $2,000 assessment to help with their Campaign
for Local Control. The board voted to pay the assessment.
Historically, during legislative years, the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative
Association (ORECA) reports on legislative activities at the SE board meeting
in July. Because this year’s session may not be over by the July meeting, the
ORECA report will be in August or September.
Vice-President Paul Ennor reported on his
participation in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. He said it was a productive session
and that the Oregon group met with nearly every legislator in the Oregon
delegation. Directors Jerry Berger, Carl Beach and Jim Dyer reported on their
experiences at the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) annual meeting
held in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They agreed it was a valuable learning experience
and a good opportunity to meet directors and staff from other utilities.
Jerry Berger announced that he has accepted the
position of Interim President of Portland Community College for one year. He
said he fully intends to continue being an active member of the SE board.
Board appointments for representation in various
industry organizations were made for 2003-2004.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Carl Beach
Secretary/Treasurer
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