Matt Hauger

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.

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.