Brandon Hignite

The meeting commenced with the customary election of officers for 2026, resulting in a new slate including Keith Tymchuk as President and Paul Davies as Vice-President. The Board approved the Accounts Payable Check Register and minutes from the December 2025 Regular Meeting as part of the Consent Agenda. Key discussions involved the annual review of Property and Liability Insurance, noting a premium increase offset by a credit from the SDIS Best Practices Program, and a review of Workers' Compensation claims history. The Board reviewed monthly financial reports for December 2025 and confirmed the designation of Brandon Hignite as Acting General Manager under the Emergency Executive Succession policy, with no changes to existing Board-GM relationship governance policies. Contract awards included selecting Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP for external auditing services for FY27-FY29, and approving the purchase of two aerial lift service trucks for $513,334. The Board authorized attendance at beneficial meetings and workshops for 2026 and rescheduled the February meeting from the 17th to the 18th. The General Manager's Report covered staffing updates, union wage opener negotiations planned for February, hosting the OPUDA Annual Meeting, updates regarding a December storm response, progress on the after-hours call-out contract with CRC, the sale of $500 thousand in clean fuel credits, an inquiry for a large 500mW load, updates on the Headquarters construction, legislative matters including the restoration of LIHEAP, the Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights initiative, and updates on BPA litigation and processes. During Directors' Discussion, staff performance regarding customer communication during the December storm was commended. The meeting recessed into Executive Session to discuss litigation and legally exempt records.

The regular meeting covered several operational and legislative matters. The Board reviewed the monthly financial reports for November 2025, including Accounts Receivable Analysis, Cash Report, and Contribution Margin. A legislative update was provided by Representative David Gomberg concerning house and senate bills affecting electric utilities, with a specific focus on the potential rate impact from dam removal on the Lower Snake River and issues related to the Oregon Department of Energy's budget. The Board adopted Resolution 1026, authorizing the General Manager to execute the Franchise Agreement with the City of Toledo. Additionally, the Board approved the 2026-2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan, which will be submitted to the OPUC. The General Manager's report included updates on customer outreach, resolution of customer lighting concerns, installation progress of EV charging stations, retention of specialized bankruptcy counsel following business closures, and the status of the new headquarters construction. The Board also reviewed the BPA reserve surcharge finalization and discussed the upcoming 2026 Board Calendar.

The meeting addressed concerns from customers regarding glare from lights at the Northern Operations Center. The Board reviewed and discussed financial reports for October 2025, including LIHEAP funding and local business closures. They also discussed Policy II.C regarding financial conditions. The Board received a Bond Pricing Summary. Resolution 1025 was adopted, specifying the adoption of the 2025-2030 Lincoln County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan with Central Lincoln Addendum. The 2026 board meeting dates and locations were approved. Health care costs and property taxes were reviewed, and the FY24-25 Conservation Report was discussed. An update on the HQ construction was provided. A new bank account was established. BPA updates were given, including potential rate impacts. Mr. Tymchuk agreed to serve as Primary OPUDA Delegate, and Mr. Yecny will serve as the alternate for 2026.

The Board meeting included a legislative update from Senator Dick Anderson, covering topics such as the Energy Supplier Assessment (ESA), Lower Snake River Dams, wildfire mitigation liability, and federal funding cuts. Baker Tilly presented the FY25 audit findings, which included an unmodified clean opinion on financial statements and no compliance findings. Funding scenarios for an upcoming bond sale were discussed with Piper Sandler and Northwest Municipal Advisors. The Board reviewed governance policies related to organizational purpose, staff treatment, and communication to the Board. Resolution 1023 was adopted, authorizing the General Manager to execute the Provider of Choice Contract with BPA. The General Manager's report included updates on retirement plans, LIHEAP, PacWave, and the new HQ. The Board also discussed potential impacts of OGEC Advisory Opinion No. 25-29 regarding board compensation. Resolution 1024 was adopted, setting the monthly salary of the General Manager.

The Board reviewed the second quarter budget-to-actual report and the December 2022 Financial Statement, noting that both revenue and expenditures were within expected ranges. Capital Improvement Plan expenditures are lagging due to extended wait times for fleet purchases and supply chain shortages. The Board discussed Central Lincoln's assets, insurance coverage, employee training, and disaster recovery plans. Procedures in place to assure Central Lincoln is complying with employment, compensation and benefits policies were presented. The General Manager presented information about customer feedback mechanisms. The Board approved a contract award with Siemens Energy for two 750kVA three-phase step voltage regulators and a contract award with REECE Complete Security Solutions for physical access control system improvements. The Board discussed customer offsite payment options and an AMI court ruling in Clatskanie. Staff provided an update on earthquake planning and resiliency and the 2028 BPA Contract.