Rob Arnold

The meeting included a presentation on the Rotating Load Shed (RLS) Program designed to assist with potential load shed requests from the TVA, which included a demonstration of the program in test mode and the presentation of new website pages for customer information during outages. Key financial approvals were passed, including the monthly power distributor's reports for November and December 2025, which showed year-to-date income exceeding the previous year and budget, and the financial statements for the Broadband Division for the same period. A significant purchase of fiber and galvanized strand for the Broadband Division was approved. The board also received an introduction to the new Programmer Analyst position and an update on that employee's contributions, such as implementing GIT-based version control and developing automation scripts. Updates were provided regarding the CEO's follow-up actions on public comments concerning broadband investment and sitework, the status of power outages following winter weather events, and a reminder about upcoming board meetings.

The meeting commenced with the welcoming of a new board member. Several items were approved under the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the November 25, 2025 meeting, the purchase of Callout Software for $160,235.00, and engaging Thomas Weems Architects for $136,400.00 to initiate expansion planning for the Boones Creek campus. The Board accepted the 2025 Audit presentation by BCS. The Board also accepted the 2025 Performance Evaluation and compensation package for the Chief Executive Officer. Formal retirement resolutions were unanimously approved and commended for Dallas Penley, Scotty Miller, and Lisa Adams. Operational updates included a report on the implementation of the AiDASH software for vegetation management and an update on the fiber bid status, with documents to be sent for review before the next meeting.

The meeting included a review of the monthly power distributor's report submitted to the Tennessee Valley Authority and the monthly financial statement for the Broadband Division. The board approved the purchase of bucket trucks, a Right-of-Way Clearance bid contract, and pad-mounted transformers. A retirement resolution was approved for Mark Sifford. An update was provided on the Quality Assurance and Training Programs within the Customer Service Department, including coaching systems and gamification strategies. Upcoming events were discussed, including the December Board of Director's meeting, Board training, and holiday events.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The Telephony System Replacement was added to the Consent Agenda. The board approved the bid from Kendall Vegetation Services for the Line Mile Right of Way Clearance project and the purchase of Elevate UC products to replace the current phone system. The board accepted the financial audit as presented by Blackburn, Childers and Steagall. The Annual Performance Evaluation and Compensation Package of CEO Jeff Dykes was approved. A retirement resolution was approved for Don Clark. An update was provided on BrightRidge customer numbers and demographic data, as well as ongoing FEMA claims and costs related to Hurricane Helene. An update was given on the broadband project, including customer statistics and progress on the TN-ECD Middle-mile grant areas. The board was reminded of the upcoming legislative conference.

The Johnson City Energy Authority d/b/a BrightRidge board meeting included discussion and approval of the monthly power distributor's report submitted to the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the monthly financial statement for the Broadband Division. The board approved items on the Consent Agenda, including the purchase of materials and labor for the Knob Creek substation expansion, Single and Poly-Phase Meters and Tantalus AMI Modules, and primary cable. The board also discussed and approved the renewal of employee/retiree health insurance plans, the existing contract for flex spending with Health Equity, and updates made to the Petty Cash, Cash Advance and Expense Reimbursement policy. The board approved a retirement resolution for Ken Heck. An update on the accounting department was provided, and board members were reminded of upcoming TMEPA training and the APPA Legislative Rally. Employee Appreciation Week was also mentioned.