Board Spotlight: Member-Director Dirnberger Retires
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of SEMO Electric Cooperative, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as “Cooperative”) was held on Monday, April 18, 2022, at the office of the Cooperative in Sikeston, Missouri. The following Directors were present: Richard Faulkner, Butch Dirnberger, Carl Eftink, Myron Hawes, James Deneke, Carla Moore, Keith Haynes, Tim Coppage, Hamil Corse, John Bledsoe and Dicky Hanor. Directors absent: Dennis Fowler. Also present were Sean Vanslyke, CEO/GM; Megan Ray, Attorney for the Cooperative; and staff members Loyd Rice, Angie Byford, Chris Freed, Brad Milam, Amanda Burnett, Dannett Cooper, Becky Ivester, Britney Mulcahy and Lindsay Gilliland.
A prayer of invocation was offered by Deneke. The chair asked for approval of the agenda. On motion made, seconded and passed, the agenda was approved. The Board considered its consent agenda consisting of: the minutes of the regular meeting of March 21, 2022; new membership applications; membership cancellations; initial review of Policy 103, Per Diem, Insurance, Other Benefits; and initial review of Policy 104, Qualifications and Conduct.
Montgomery presented the monthly safety report. Plus, he shared information on the monthly safety focus of tornadoes. Having an emergency plan is the best way to stay safe during a tornado. To seek shelter when a tornado strikes, go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway). If possible, avoid sheltering in any room with windows. For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Following his report, Montgomery left the meeting.
Burnett reviewed the financial summary for March 2022 with revenue and expense analysis and budget comparisons. Compared to budget, year-to-date revenue is up 3.07%, expenses are down 2.03% and power costs are up 6.38%. On motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board accepted the financial report.
Eftink reported no meeting had been held since the last M&A Electric Power Cooperative Board Meeting. Haynes reported on business from the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) Board meeting. Items of interest included: legislative update; committee reports; Rural Missouri; Youth Tour and the Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (CYCLE) program; safety and training; Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) update; Federated; Touchstone Energy; and National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC).
Under old business the Board: reviewed its schedule of meetings; Policy 101, Policy Origin and Approval, Policy and 102, Duties, Authority, Responsibility were affirmed as presented; confirmed meetings dates for 2022. Under new business, Byford discussed the Cooperative Finance Corporation’s (CFC) Cooperative System Integrity Fund. After discussion, on motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board resolved to make a cooperative contribution to the Integrity Fund in the amount of $1,000. The fund helps protect the cooperative business model.
The Board reviewed written staff reports. Cooper introduced new employee Lindsay Gilliland. Also, employees Ethan Hutchison and Angela McLean entered the room and gave an update on recent fiber training events they attended. Department leaders were present to supplement their reports and to answer questions. The remaining staff members were excused from the meeting. Therefore, the Board entered into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Prior to the meeting, the Board toured the Cooperative's fiber warehouse and presented Dirnberger with a large cake to recognize his retirement from the Board. His retirement is effective at the end of the May 12 Annual Meeting.
Editor's Note: Due to a publication deadline of May 2, results from the 2022 Annual Meeting will be in the July issue. Thank you.
