In an effort to keep you informed of your cooperative’s operations and activities, the following are highlights of the Aug. 28 board meeting.

1. All directors were present along with CEO Steve Seibert and Administrative Assistant Lisa Hinton. Also present were attorney Chris Goffinet and Chad Jenkins, project developer renewable energy, of Hoosier Energy. 

2. The July 31 board meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.

3. The membership certificates and vouchers were reviewed and approved.

4. The directors’ report was reviewed and approved.

5. The board approved proposed bylaw changes presented by Seibert and Goffinet to allow mail-in voting for directors beginning in 2020.

6. The first item of new business was a community solar project presentation by Jenkins.

7. The CEO report was presented with Seibert reporting the following items: 

a. Seibert provided a broadband/FTTH project update. 

b. Seibert discussed an amendment to the current 2019-2022 work plan that would be required for the broadband/FTTH project. Seibert also discussed a RUS smart grid loan that would be needed for the project. 

c. Seibert reviewed the 2018 CFC key ratio trend analysis. 

d. Seibert reviewed Southern Indiana Power’s loss analysis report from Federated for July 2016 through July 2019. 

e. Seibert reported on Southern Indiana Power’s 2019 CFC patronage capital. 

f. Seibert informed the board that the co-op’s 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score is 85 (up from 83 in 2017). 

g. Seibert reported right-of-way spraying has concluded for 2019. 

h. Seibert informed the board Delta Services will be the contract crew for upcoming work plan jobs. 

i. Seibert informed directors of the following dates: NRECA regional meeting – Sept. 5-6, Washington, D.C., legislative meeting – Sept. 25.

8. Seibert presented a SIP/PSC fiber lease agreement for board review. 

9. Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance with Indiana Electric Cooperatives, provided field support disaster training on Aug. 28. Seibert advised there were no lost time accidents and no public liability claims to report.

10. Seibert discussed the Hoosier Energy wholesale power cost tracker with the board. There will be no changes to member rates at this time. 

11. Director Gary Waninger reported on a Hoosier Energy board meeting held Aug. 19-20.

12. Director Randy Kleaving reported on the Indiana Electric Cooperatives board meeting held Aug. 21. 

13. A policy and bylaw committee meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.

14. Recommendations from the wage and salary committee were presented by committee Chairman Kevin Waninger and approved by the board.

15. Chairman Jeff Vogel read thank you notes from Heritage Hills Quarterback Club, SIRS and Christian Resource Center. 

16. Chairman Vogel reported, for the good of the co-op, Director Gary Waninger has successfully completed all requirements for the NRECA board leadership certificate (BLC).

17. The next regularly scheduled board of directors meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 26.