Board Spotlight: COVID-19 Forces Board to Meet Via Zoom

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of SEMO Electric Cooperative, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as “Cooperative”) was held on Monday, April 20, 2020 at the offices of the Cooperative in Sikeston, Missouri. Due to Orders issued on March 21, 2020 and April 3, 2020 by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services prohibiting social gatherings of more than ten people and restricting all non-essential travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and pursuant to Section 351.335 RSMo., the meeting was conducted by video conference call whereby all parties could hear one another.

The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m. by President Richard Faulkner. The following Directors were present: Richard Faulkner, Butch Dirnberger, Carl Eftink, Dennis Fowler, Myron Hawes, James Deneke, Carla Moore, Keith Haynes, Dicky Hanor, Tim Coppage, John Bledsoe, and Hamil Corse. Directors absent: none. Also present were Sean Vanslyke, CEO/General Manager; Megan Ray, General Counsel; and staff members Brad Milam, Loyd Rice, Angie Byford, Amanda Burnett, Chris Freed, Becky Ivester, Larry Kelly, and Marty Vineyard.

A prayer of invocation was offered by James 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 16, 2020; the amended minutes of the regular meeting of February 17, 2020; new membership applications; membership cancellations; initial review of Policy 213; and initial review of Policy 214. On motion made, seconded and passed, the actions required for each were approved by consent. Marty Vineyard presented the monthly safety report. He provided information on the monthly safety focus which is COVID-19. On motion made, second and passed, the Board resolved to accept the monthly safety report.

Todd Lantor, FCC Consultant Attorney, joined the meeting and provided an update to the Board regarding a challenge to the RDOF census block groups by FDF Communications. Following his report, Lantor left the meeting. At this time Daryl Sorrell, GM of M&A Electric Power Cooperative, joined the meeting and provided an update on the operations of M&A. Following his report, GM Sorrell left the meeting.

Burnett reviewed the financial summary for the month of March 2020 with revenue and expense analysis and year-to-date (YTD) budget comparisons. Compared to budget, YTD revenue is down 1.45%, YTD expenses are down 3.40%, and YTD power costs are down 2.72%. On motion made, seconded and passed, the Board accepted the Financial Report. Eftink reported his attendance to the meeting of M&A and referred the Board to the report provided by GM Sorrell. On motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board resolved to approve the M&A Report. Keith Haynes reported no AMEC meeting was held since the last Board meeting. On motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board resolved to approve the AMEC Report.

Under old business the Board reviewed its schedule of meetings and amended Policy 211, pre-employment physical examination and drug testing, amended Policy 212, Lost Time; and amended Policy 215, non-union insurance. Under new business the following items were discussed: The Board was given the opportunity to provide district updates; After discussion, on motion made, seconded and passed, the Board resolved to move the Cooperative’s Annual Meeting to July 2, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; After discussion, on motion made, seconded and passed, the Board resolved to appoint John Bledsoe as the Cooperative’s M&A Board member. Ivester provided a subscriber update. Rice provided an update on the BMU project and take rates. Milam provided an update on fiber operations. Dannett Cooper entered the meeting at this time and reported on her follow up phone calls to new fiber subscribers. Freed provided an update on fiber construction. CEO Vanslyke reported on SEMO 360 activities. The Board reviewed written staff reports. Department leaders were present to supplement their reports and to answer questions. The remaining staff members were excused from the meeting. Thereafter, the Board entered into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion made, seconded and passed, the meeting was adjourned at 3:13 p.m.