Runestone Electric Association held its Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 27, at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center. Board of Directors seats were determined in Districts 3, 6 and 7, and scholarships were awarded to 18 students (see story on page 3).
Runestone Electric’s bylaws allow for uncontested director elections to be elected by acclamation, as in District 3, where Audrey Hjelle, ran unopposed and was reelected. In District 7, Matthew Mattson, ran unopposed and was reelected.
In the District 6 Director election, Joel Seela was elected to the Board with 128 votes. Bruce Harvey received 90 votes and Paul Stennes received 65 votes. Hjelle, Mattson and Seela will serve three-year terms.
During the business meeting, Board President Barbara Johnson and CEO Al Haman gave reports on the activities and financial condition of the Cooperative. “At the end of 2022, the total assets of the cooperative were $102 million. That includes plant assets like the office and warehouse, substations, lines, poles and transformers. We finished 2022 with 211 new accounts and surpassed 15,000 total accounts,” said President Johnson.
In his presentation, CEO Al Haman said some of the biggest challenges of 2022 were three major summer storms, with storm expenses exceeding $800,000. Looking at 2023, Haman said the Cooperative is challenged by inflation and supply chain issues while working to maintain and improve reliability. Focusing on the future, Haman highlighted the Carbon-Free by 2040 bill and two large transmission line projects within REA’s service territory.
Retiring REA director, Clif Patrick, was recognized for his nine years of service representing District 6. “Thank you to our members who made time to attend the Annual Meeting. I appreciate your feedback and kind words,” Haman said.
Immediately following the adjournment of the meeting, the Board of Directors held a Reorganizational Meeting to elect officers. Elected to their positions were Gary (Andy) Anderson (District 1), President; Mike Loken (District 5), Vice President; Matthew Mattson (District 7), Treasurer; and Dave Staples (District 4), Secretary. Other directors on the board include Barbara Johnson (District 2), Audrey Hjelle (District 3), and Joel Seela (District 6).
Audrey Hjelle
District 3 Director
Runestone Electric’s bylaws allow for uncontested director elections to be elected by acclamation, as was the case in District 3, where Audrey Hjelle, Barrett, ran unopposed and was
re-elected.
Joel Seela
District 6 Director
In District 6, Joel Seela, Nelson, received 128 votes while challengers Bruce Harvey, Villard, received 90 votes, and Paul Stennes, Alexandria, received 65 votes.
Matthew Mattson
District 7 Director
Runestone Electric’s bylaws allow for uncontested director elections to be elected by acclamation, as was the case in District 7, where Matthew Mattson, Kensington, ran unopposed and was
re-elected.
