Annual Meeting

WVEC 68th Annual Membership Meeting - March 21, 2009

The 67th Annual Membership Meeting of Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. was called to order by President Gene Boerger at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008 in the Theater of Milbank High School at Milbank, SD.

President Boerger announced 286 voting members were present creating a quorum.

President Boerger invited everyone to join Alex Humpton in singing the National Anthem. Director Ken Cameron gave the Invocation. President Boerger then introduced the Board of Directors and the National Rural Electric Association Director, Mark Hofer.

Secretary David Behrns read the Certification of Notice of Annual Membership Meeting. President Boerger called for a motion to approve the minutes of the 66th Annual Membership Meeting as mailed out with the Notice of Annual Meeting. A motion was made from the floor that the minutes be approved as mailed out. The motion was seconded and carried.

President Boerger thanked everyone for coming and called on Manager Ahles to present the Treasurer’s report and the Manager’s report. Ahles reviewed the year’s operating revenue, operating expenses, operating margins and total margins. He also discussed the balance sheet as written in the booklet.

In the Manager’s Report, Ahles described the Automated Meter Reading System and it’s features. Ahles mentioned the Lieberman Warner Bill, legislation regarding climate change introduced in congress that calls for a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. This legislation could potentially raise energy costs from 50-70%. Ahles said that cooperatives support a plan to reduce emissions and allows time for new technology to develop. He encouraged members to sign a petition and postcards which will be delivered to Senator’s Johnson and Thune and Representative Herseth-Sandlin.

Manager Ahles addressed the rate increase beginning May 2008. The rates will increase from .067 to .0795 per kwh. The increase is 19.5% for farm and residential, 14% for commercial and 10% for electric heat. In 2009, there will be no increase and then, in the years 2010-2012, rates will likely increase 5% per year. Manager Ahles shared a statewide price comparison with members, and WVEC rates remain one of the lowest rates in the state.

Bob Sahr of East River provided a power point presentation regarding ongoing projects. Sahr reiterated the challenges facing power suppliers with regards to climate changes and upcoming legislation as well as growing demand for power. Basin will begin construction on 3 new gas fired turbines and another new coal -based power plant near Selby, SD in 2008.

Jenna Carlson won the $1000 Basin Scholarship in 2007. Jon Ludwig was our representative for the 2007 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. Adam Zemlicka and Lucas Bohn were able to go on the Youth Basin Tour. Manager Ahles announced this year’s winners: Chris Zubke won the Washington, D.C. Tour, and Emily Miller won the $1000 Basin Scholarship.

Attorney Harvey Oliver described the procedure for the election of the three directors and for the by-law amendments to be voted on. The amendments to be voted on are Article III, Section 5 and Article IV, Section 4 and Article V, Sections 1-4. Mr. Oliver conducted the election of Directors from Districts 1, 2 and 5. Petitions had been accepted from the following candidates: District 1, David Behrns; District 2, Bradley Ziemer, Dale Jensen and Arlo Levison, District 5, Norman Moldenhauer.

The floor was opened for additional nominations for each candidate. No additional nominations were made and the nominations were closed. Attorney Harvey Oliver then called for the people to vote.

President Boerger appointed the tellers to gather and tabulate the ballots and return the outcome to the meeting floor.

While ballots were being tallied, Jon Ludwig, Milbank, SD, entertained the audience with his Washington, D.C. experiences while the ballots were being collected and counted.

Manager Steve Ahles then introduced all of the attending employees. Audra Johnson and Steph Trevett were awarded pins for their 5 years of service. Don Gerdes received his for his 40 years of service.

President Boerger then announced the results of the Director elections as follows: District 1, David Behrns; District 2, Dale Jensen, and District 5, Norman Moldenhauer. He also announced that the bylaw amendments had passed.

President Boerger called for any old or unfinished business. There was none. He called for any new business. Boerger and Ahles addressed questions about nuclear energy.

A motion was made from the floor to adjourn the 67th Annual Membership Meeting. The motion was seconded and carried.

President Boerger declared the meeting adjourned at 3:00pm.

The meeting was concluded by drawing names for the Annual Basin Tour and for other door prizes.