James Ruoff

The Board reviewed the annual Work Plan and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Contract awards were approved for network equipment and the removal and replacement of a substation transformer. The board adopted an updated Identity Theft Prevention Program and passed a resolution to modify governance policy regarding board member compensation. Additionally, the meeting included updates on the headquarters construction, legislative matters, Bonneville Power Administration updates, and the sale of clean fuel credits. Voting delegates were appointed for upcoming association meetings.

The board meeting agenda included an executive session regarding real property transactions, exempt records, and legal counsel consultation. Key topics for discussion and decision included a review of financial reports, board governance policies, and the FY27 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan. The board planned to address a resolution regarding a governance policy modification for asset protection and a property exchange in Toledo. Additionally, the General Manager's report covered rate schedules, the Oregon Renewable Portfolio Standard, the EV charger rebate program, and conservation efforts, while the directors discussed the NWPPA Annual Meeting.

The board meeting included a review of monthly financial reports, an annual review of governance process policies, and a discussion on potential modifications to the board member compensation policy. The Board approved a contract award for the Northern Operations Center building re-roofing project. Additional agenda items included an update on the customer and community outreach calendar, development of fiscal year budget assumptions, the Provider of Choice contract status, and discussions regarding the Shutter Creek facility. Updates were provided on the new headquarters construction project, local economic trends, transition to a new customer response center, BPA administrative and litigation developments, and the successful sale of clean fuel credits for infrastructure projects. An executive session was held to discuss real property transactions and legal matters.

The Board reviewed financial reports, including accounts receivable, cash reports, and budget performance. Governance policies regarding financial condition, asset protection, compensation and benefits, and customer feedback were discussed. The Board adopted Resolution 1027 to opt into liability protection under SB 179 and appointed a voting delegate for the Cooperative Response Center, Inc. Additional topics included updates on the energy efficiency program, the new Coastlines E-Newsletter, a Vulnerability Risk Assessment for infrastructure, union wage processes, headquarters construction progress, and legislative and Bonneville Power Administration updates.

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.