Summary of January’s board meeting

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Posted on Apr 07 2026 in Decatur County REMC

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Decatur County REMC board of directors was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Vice Chairman Dale Wernke. Minutes were recorded by Steve Nobbe.

All directors were present with the exception of Carl Riedeman. Steve AmRhein participated virtually.

Also in attendance were Chief Executive Officer Brett Abplanalp and Accounting and Finance Manager Matt Raver.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Jason Barnhorst moved to approve the agenda as presented. Brian Scheidler seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

HOOSIER ENERGY ANNUAL VISIT

Donna Walker, CEO of Hoosier Energy, along with Rob Horton, visited the board to discuss balancing affordability and reliability, grid resilience, stakeholder education and engagement, talent management and innovation, power industry supply versus demand, and the current and future generation portfolio.

SAFETY MOMENT AND COOL MOMENT

A Safety Moment was presented by Chief Executive Officer Brett Abplanalp, who reviewed winter weather preparedness and cold weather safety precautions.

For the Cool Moment, Abplanalp shared positive member feedback regarding the quality and performance of PowerStream Fiber service.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

Suzanne Parmer moved to approve the minutes of the Dec. 22, 2025, board meeting. Brian Scheidler seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.

OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT

Brett Abplanalp presented the monthly performance metrics to the board.

He reviewed a proposed initiative for the board and leadership team to evaluate the cooperative’s local governing documents as they relate to potential large load members.

Abplanalp provided an update on the New ERA grant and discussed ongoing HVAC issues affecting the facility.

He also shared progress updates on several key initiatives, including the meter replacement project and the PowerStream Fiber expansion.

As part of the PowerStream Fiber update, Abplanalp highlighted the cooperative’s competitive advantages, including:

  • Local, member-focused customer service with live representatives answering calls and staffing the front office,
  • Competitive internet speeds at both entry-level and premium packages, exceeding many competitors, and
  • Fiber technology as a best-in-class platform, offering superior reliability and low latency performance.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

Matt Raver presented the December 2025 financial report to the board.

Brett Abplanalp then reviewed a proposed CFC irrevocable letter of credit required in connection with the BEAD grant.

Brian Scheidler moved to approve the resolution as presented. The motion was seconded by Steve Nobbe and carried unanimously.

GOVERNING DOCUMENT APPROVAL

The board began its annual review of the cooperative’s bylaws and discussed potential revisions.

Redlined drafts and additional discussion will be presented at future meetings.

Brett Abplanalp reviewed the upcoming semi-annual governance policy review process. Recommended updates and corresponding redlines will be brought forward for board consideration at a future meeting.

GOVERNANCE

Hoosier Energy Director

Steve AmRhein nominated Jason Barnhorst as the Hoosier Energy director. Nominations were closed, and Jason Barnhorst was elected as the Hoosier Energy director.

Hoosier Energy Annual Meeting Voting Delegate

Jason Barnhorst nominated Dale Wernke as the Hoosier Energy annual meeting voting delegate. Nominations were closed, and Dale Wernke was elected as the Hoosier Energy annual meeting voting delegate.

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS/BOARD COMMITTEES

Jason Barnhorst updated the board on Hoosier Energy business.

ADJOURNMENT

Jason Barnhorst moved to adjourn the meeting. Brian Scheidler seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The board then entered executive session.