Minutes of the 81st Annual Meeting of the Members of Marshall County Rural Electric Membership Corporation on April 2, 2019
The meeting was called to order by Robert Broeker, chairman of the board of directors. The minutes were recorded by Jon Rettinger, secretary of the board of directors. Marc Morrison, representing the Morrison Law Office, served as parliamentarian.
Broeker welcomed the members and requested them to stand for the playing of the national anthem. Robert Broeker led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Frieberg, senior adult pastor of Plymouth Wesleyan Church, led the invocation.
Broeker introduced the board of directors; Mark Batman, CEO; Marc Morrison, attorney and parliamentarian; and himself, chairman and director.
Broeker introduced our guests: Jeff Conrad of Wabash Valley Power Association; Gary Gerlach and Mandy Barth, representing Indiana Electric Cooperatives; and Mike Hochstetler and Tim Hochstetler of Mint City Tree Service.
Rettinger read the proof of mailing of the official notice of the 81st annual meeting and the certificate of voting members. The approved membership on April 2 was 7,282 with 1,104 members receiving service at two or more places. The quorum is 2% or 124 members. He stated a quorum was present consisting of 261 members registered.
Broeker asked the members if they wanted the minutes of the 80th annual meeting read, or if they would like to waive the reading and approve them as mailed.
A motion was made by Karen Betz and seconded by Darlene Molnar to approve the minutes of the 80th annual meeting as mailed to each member with their official notice. Motion carried.
Broeker recognized the nominating committee: David Knepp, chairman; David Ringer, secretary; Michael Fitterling; Lewis Leeper; Alan Motz; and John Newsom. Marc Morrison, committee secretary, read the minutes of the nominating committee meeting held on Jan. 11. The following members were nominated for director by the committee: Brian Blosser, Mikel Large, Andy Lemler, Jon Rettinger, Robin Roberts and Theodore Stevens.
Broeker stated that the bylaws provide for nominations from the floor. No names were offered.
Broeker stated the program had a brief biography of the candidates and introduced them to the members.
Rettinger reviewed and discussed the 2018 financial report. He noted that purchased power accounted for 55.71% of operating costs and that operating costs for the REMC had remained stable for the past several years and noted the balance sheet details. He stated the financial records are audited by The London Witte Group, and the auditors discussed the REMC finances with the board of directors.
A motion was made by Mike Boys and seconded by James Rimel to approve the financial report for calendar 2018. Motion carried.
Morrison read the results of the member balloting for directors. He stated that Mikel Large, Andy Lemler and Jon Rettinger were re-elected to the board of directors for three-year terms.
Broeker thanked the director candidates for their commitment to the REMC and for participating in the election process.
Batman gave a short presentation of the work that Indiana linemen are doing in San Jacinto, Guatemala, through the non-profit Project Indiana. He noted that this is the fourth village in Guatemala that Project Indiana has adopted. He noted that Doug MacLain of Marshall County REMC was a part of the project and that this was his second trip with Project Indiana. He acknowledged his, and the co-op’s, appreciation to Doug and all the linemen for their commitment to use their knowledge and talent to improve the lives of a people that would not otherwise have access to the power electricity has to change lives.
Batman gave the manager’s report. He discussed the future issues regarding the distribution system including the construction work plan, the meter change project and the Smart Grid. He also discussed the Marshall County REMC fiber internet partnership with Rochester Communications and the progress and plans for 2019. Additionally, he pointed out to the membership the name change for our signature publication from “Electric Consumer” to “Indiana Connection”.
Broeker opened the meeting to new and old business. There was no further business.
A drawing was held for 32 door prize awards, including six trees donated by Mint City Tree Company. A volunteer from the audience assisted with the drawing.
Penelope Blackford and Kasper Morgan won the children’s prizes.
Following the business session, Brad Stine provided an enjoyable comic routine.
A short video was presented recognizing the REMC employees at the beginning of the program.
Thank You for Joining Us!
Oldest male attending the meeting: James Rimel, age 96
Oldest female attending the meeting: Doris Kepler, age 91
Prize Winners!
Grand prize: Don and Karen Hinsdale
Trees: Charles Hissong, David Rader, Donald Hayn, Glenn and Linda Starr, Marshall Pranger, Margaret Decavitch, David Denney
$150 bill credit: Martel Jennings, David Doll, Sandra Ellinger, Sandra Davis, Jud Rouch
$50 bill credit: Pat Walters, Karen Delp, Robert Nellans, Dehaan Enterprises, Carl Fox, Steve Blackford, Lois Decavitch, John Gomola, Jim Smiley, Jennifer Mcafee, Ryan Rogers, Brian Fuchs, Fay Whetstone, Mark Dillman, Dorothy Eads, Gerald Miller, Charles Middaugh, Sandra Feece, Sue Ann Fontanes, Eugene Janezich
Kids’ Prizes
Penelope Blackford: Fire HD 8 Tablet
Kasper Morgan: Electric Scooter
