Summary of board’s meeting in December
- Chairman Tom Crowe called the Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, meeting to order at 6:15 p.m., and Jason Barnhorst kept minutes of the meeting.
- All members of the board were present. Also present was DCREMC CEO Brett Abplanalp and DCREMC staff members Jeanne Loechle, Rachel Sullivan and Crystal Greathouse.
- Upon motion by Jason Barnhorst, seconded by Jeff Lawrence, and carried, the agenda of the meeting was approved by unanimous vote.
- DCREMC member Kenny Peters addressed the board with concerns regarding tenants changing names on accounts. The board agreed to review the current operating procedure to see if changes are necessary and/or beneficial to the membership. Legal advice will be sought to ensure compliance with DCREMC bylaws and state laws.
- The financial report was given by Karen Forshee and reviewed on Call to Order. Forshee reported operating margins are still expected to outpace budget for the year. However, margins will be reduced significantly due to outage restoration expenses related to November’s ice storm which will total approximately $109,000. Forshee also noted interest income for the year is much higher than expected because of utilizing the prepayment option being offered by Hoosier Energy.
- Rachel Sullivan outlined the communication timeline regarding new rate implementation and reported that DCREMC is on track to meet the April 2019 deadline. It was decided by consensus that the board will also participate in education and communication training during this same timeframe.
- Upon motion by Michael Brelage, seconded by Steve AmRhein, and carried, the consent agenda was approved by unanimous vote.
- Tom Crowe reported the next Hoosier Energy meeting is Jan. 14, 2019.
- Steve AmRhein gave the IEC meeting update. The annual meeting of IEC was held in downtown Indianapolis on Dec. 3-4, 2018. The meeting, which highlighted the importance of social media, communications, and board governance, was also attended by Abplanalp, Crowe, and Barnhorst.
- Top 10 project list update was reviewed by Abplanalp. 1.) Rate Implementation, 2.) Security fence and gate installation, 3.) Prepay feasibility and possible 2018 implementation, 4.) SOP for purchasing, 5.) Strategic initiatives action plans by mid February.
- Old Business:
- EV and broadband committee has met and will continue to do research pertaining to the needs and interests of broadband in DCREMC service territory.
- Upon motion by Steve AmRhein, seconded by Dale Wernke, and carried, the annual meeting resolution was passed by unanimous vote.
- New Business:
- Upon motion by Dale Wernke, seconded by Lawrence Young, and carried, the conflict of interest acknowledgement and receipt presented by Brett Abplanalp was accepted by unanimous vote.
- The yearly review of DCREMC safety policy 10-10 was completed. There were no corrective issues noted. However, it was reported that DCREMC will no longer have a pole yard for reject poles. Poles will be disposed of at DCREMC headquarters immediately upon retirement.
- Upon motion by Jason Barnhorst, seconded by Steve AmRhein, and carried, Michael Brelage was elected NRTC voting delegate for 2019, passed by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Dale Wernke, seconded by Jason Barnhorst, and carried, Lawrence Young was elected alternate NRTC voting delegate for 2019, passed by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Jason Barnhorst, seconded by Brian Scheidler, and carried, Michael Brelage was elected NISC voting delegate for 2019, passed by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Dale Wernke, seconded by Jason Barnhorst, and carried, Lawrence Young was elected alternate NISC voting delegate, passed by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Dale Wernke, seconded by Steve AmRhein, and carried, Michael Brelage was elected voting delegate for CFC and Lawrence Young the alternate, passed by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Brian Scheidler, seconded by Michael Brelage, and carried, Lawrence Young was elected Federated voting delegate for 2019, passed by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Brian Scheidler, seconded by Lawrence Young, and carried, an executive session will be held immediately following this regular board of directors meeting, carried by unanimous vote.
- Upon motion by Lawrence Young, seconded by Dale Wernke, and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
