Board Spotlight: Evans Celebrates 30 Years of Service
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of SEMO Electric Cooperative, Inc., (hereinafter referred to as “Cooperative”) was held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the office of the Cooperative in Sikeston, Missouri. The meeting was called to order at 12:45 p.m. by President Richard Faulkner. The following directors were present: Faulkner, Carl Eftink, Dennis Fowler, James Deneke, Keith Haynes, Tim Coppage, John Bledsoe, Myron Hawes, Von Priggel, and Carla Moore. Directors absent: Dicky Hanor and Field LaPlant. Also present were Sean Vanslyke, CEO/General Manager; Joshua Friel, Attorney for the Cooperative; and staff members Angie Byford, Loyd Rice, Becky Ivester, Gina Trout, Mikayla Dodson, Jared Kelley, Amanda Burnett, Ben Campbell, Josh Carmack, Brandon Church, Ron Montgomery, and intern Piper Schoemehl. 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 from May 15, 2023, (regular meeting) and May 18, 2023 (annual meeting); new membership applications; membership cancellations; initial review of Policy 230 – Employee Identification Policy; and initial review of Policy 231 – Manager Compensation From Other Sources. Montgomery presented the monthly safety report and shared information on the monthly safety focus about speaking up about workplace hazards. “Safety is everyone’s job,” he said. Department leaders presented strategic updates and answered questions from the Board. Peggy Evans was recognized for 30 years of employment with the Cooperative. New staff members Dodson and Church, and intern Schoemehl were introduced to the Board.
Burnett reviewed the financial summary for the month of May 2023 with revenue and expense analysis and budget comparisons. Compared to the budget, year-to-date revenue is down 3.18%, expenses are up 8.69%, and power costs are down 3.18%. On motion made, seconded, and passed, the Board accepted the financial report.
Eftink reported on business from the May and June M&A Electric (Transmission) Power Cooperative’s board meetings. Items of interest included: safety, reliability, May’s annual meeting, and new construction. Haynes reported on business from the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives’ (AMEC) board meeting. Items of interest included an update on the 2023 legislative session, and Rural Missouri.
Under old business, the Board reviewed SEMO Electric’s 2023 annual meeting video, and discussed plans for next year’s annual meeting. Also, the Board reviewed its schedule of meetings; approved Policy 228 – Service Award Program, and Policy 229 –Delegation of Authority; authorized applying for the REDLG program and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for the Bell City School District; and appointed Terri Adams of New Madrid, representing New Madrid County, and Laura LaPlant of East Prairie, representing Mississippi County, as new board members for the SEMO Electric Foundation, Inc.
Under new business, the Board reviewed and discussed district updates; agreed to contribute $1,000 to NRECA International; resolved to appoint Vanslyke as alternative delegate for a CFC meeting; and renewed its membership in the NRECA Broadband program.
The Board reviewed written staff reports. Therefore, the Board entered into Executive Session to discuss legal and personnel matters. The remaining staff members were excused from the meeting. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:58 p.m.
