Summary of Board Meeting Minutes

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON DECEMBER 1, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 8 a.m.  in the boardroom of the Centuria office.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura, were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator.  John Behling, system counsel, attended via WebEx for part of the morning.  Mike Morris and Tom Swenson attended via WebEx.  Guests included Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager, Todd Schulte, member services manager, Susan Huerstel, accountant and Rebekah Lindner, office services manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of October 27, 2025 were approved.  The board authorized the summary of the October board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for October 2025.  They were reviewed and discussed.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $478.83.
• The board approved a budget amendment for office furniture.
• Directors reviewed the director election timeline.  Districts 1, 2 and 3 are up for election in 2026.  Applications must be received by March 6, 2025 to be placed on the ballot.  The cooperative will have a hybrid election this year giving members the ability to vote electronically or vote by paper ballot.
• The board approved the following dates for regular board meetings in 2026: January 26, February 23, March 23, April 20, May 18, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, November 30 and December 14. 
• Directors received strategy action plans updates from senior staff and an overview of the 2025 budget that will be considered at the December board meeting.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from the Polk-Burnett Propane Services, Inc. quarterly board meeting.
• The board received a report from those that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• An executive session was held for the legal report from the system counsel.
• Director and manager expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting is combined with the budget meeting and is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:43 p.m.   

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON OCTOBER 27, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the Centuria office.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting.   Guests included, Jarod Boerst, power distribution engineer, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Todd Schulte, member services manager, John Behling, System Counsel (via WebEx) and Nathan Kalepp, principal, Bauman & Associates (via WebEx).

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of September 22, 2025 were approved.  The board authorized the summary of the September board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for September 2025.  They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $773.47.
• Per bylaw requirements, the board reviewed the district counts and discussed Policy BD-19 – Redistricting Guidelines. The largest district does not exceed the smallest district by more than 8% so redistricting is not required.
• Directors selected Friday, June 5, 2026 as the date for 88th annual meeting and member appreciation day.
• The board approved the 2026 Construction Work Plan. Mild weather has dampened electric use after seeing record sales since 2020.  There is moderate growth in commercial and industrial sections and moderate residential growth.  The 12-month new connects are at about 300.  Material lead times have softened but tariffs are driving the construction work plan costs.  We have approximately $1 million in material orders already placed for 2026 to secure the material production slots.  Approximately 47.65 miles of identified line construction is considered in the 2026 work plan. Construction goals are to increase backup capacity with the SCADA initiative which enables remote control, lake conversions and equipment near end-of-life or undersized and planning for a Border II substation expansion. The work plan includes 27.55 miles of overhead to underground conversions around waterfront and difficult to access property; 19.3 miles of overhead rebuild and 0.8 miles of system improvements.
• The member services manager gave a status update on the load management modernization project.
• Acting as the audit committee, the board met with the auditor, via teleconference, to discuss the 2025 audit during executive session.
• Directors received a report from the general manager/CEO.
• Directors received a report from the system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director’s expenses were approved.
• Directors held an executive session to discuss the general manager/CEO performance evaluation.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:46 p.m.     

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 8 a.m. in the boardroom at the Centuria headquarters.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro (via WebEx), Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and Ben Ludeman, attorney, Weld Riley.  Guests included Rebekah Lindner, office services manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of August 25, 2025 were approved. The board authorized the summary of the August board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $1,572.65.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for August 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board approved a budget amendment for an air conditioner at the Siren office.
• The board approved using Spent Nuclear Fuel Settlement funds to retire first-in/first-out (FIFO) capital credits.
• The office services manager presented information on the cooperative’s Red Flag program (identity theft prevention).
• The general manager/CEO discussed the cooperative’s risk management analysis. 
• The board appointed a WECA annual meeting voting delegate.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report on Dairyland Power Cooperative.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director and manager expenses were approved.
• An executive session was held to discuss legal matters and personnel.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025 at the Centuria office.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m.

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON AUGUST 25, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 8 a.m. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting. Guests included  Jason Evenson, operations manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of July 28, 2025 were received. The board authorized the summary of the July board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of the financials for July 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $11.54.
• The board reviewed a 2027 fleet plan adjustment.
• The board approved amendments to Policy M-22: Capital Credit Allocation and Distribution. Policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• An executive session was held to discuss the legal report with the system counsel.
• The board acknowledged the 2024 Form 990.  The 990 is the tax return for organizations exempt from income tax.
• The manager of finance and accounting reviewed the financial forecast for the 2026 budget preparations.
• The board reviewed Policy BD-13: Workplace Conduct and watched a sexual harassment video.
• The board acknowledged receipt of the Federated Safety & Loss Assessment conducted on July 30, 2025.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Directors received a report on the Polk-Burnett Propane Services, Inc., quarterly board meeting.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON JULY 28, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, July 28, 2024, at 8 a.m. Directors Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO and Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling, system counsel. Chuck Brookshaw joined via WebEx. Guests included Susan Huerstel, accountant, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Todd Schulte, member services manager, Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager, Rebekah Lindner, office services manager, and Todd Lillie, buildings and grounds keeper.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular and organizational meetings of June 23, 2025 were received. The board authorized the summary of the June board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for June 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $889.00.
• The board discussed director elections and authorized management to proceed with drafting a bylaw amendment to eliminate write-in candidates and only hold a director election when the district is contested.
• The board approved the retirement of 3.33% of unretired capital credits.
• The board made amendments to policy M-22: Capital Credit Allocation and Distribution. Policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.   
• The operations manager presented the right-of-way annual report.
• The general manager gave a mid-year update on the strategic plan.
• A delegate was appointed for NRECA Region 5 meeting.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a legal report from the system counsel.
• Directors received a report from the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for August 25, 2025.

The meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON JUNE 23, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 8 a.m. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager and Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling, system counsel.  Guests included Joan O’Fallon, communications director and  Todd Schulte, member services manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• An organizational meeting took place to elect board officers for the 2025-2026 term.  Ed Gullickson was elected president, Mike Morris was elected vice president and Chuck Brookshaw was elected secretary/treasurer.
• The minutes from the regular meeting of May 19, 2025 were approved. The board authorized the summary of the May board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for May 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board conducted the annual review of the Code of Ethics policy and signed a Director Pledge reaffirming their responsibility and commitment to uphold the highest standards for legal and ethical conduct.
• The board approved an amendment to Policy M-42: Rate Schedule.  Policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com. 
• The board approved the 2026 Scholarship Program to award $150,000 scholarships (up to $1,500 each) to high school seniors and two Youth Tour trips. 
• The board provided feedback to management on the 87th Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Day that was held on Friday, June 6, 2025.
• The member services manager provided the board with an update on the load management modernization project.
• Directors received a report from the general manager. 
• Directors received a report from system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report from Dairyland Power Cooperative.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for July 28, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:32 a.m.
• The board conducted annual meetings of Polk-Burnett Charities, Inc. and Polk-Burnett Diversified Services, Inc.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON MAY 19, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the headquarters in Centuria, WI.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/ HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling, system counsel.  Guests included Jarod Boerst, power distribution engineer, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Rebekah Lindner, office services manager and Nick Kuechenmeister, PBPS general manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of April 21, 2025 were received. The board authorized the summary of the April board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for April 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $653.50.
• The general manager/CEO and the Polk-Burnett Propane Services, Inc. general manager gave a presentation on subsidiary growth trends.
• The power distribution engineer gave a summary of the 2024 Construction Work Plan construction costs.
• The office services manager gave a presentation on the office services department.
• The board appointed a voting delegate to the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) District Meeting.
• Directors received a report from the general manager. 
• Directors received a report of the system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report on the Polk-Burnett Propane Services quarterly board meeting.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON APRIL 21, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8 a.m. in the boardroom at the Centuria office. Directors Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Tom Swenson and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting. Chuck Brookshaw, Cindy Thorman and John Behling, system counsel, joined via WebEx.  Wilfred Owens was absent. Guests included, Susan Huerstel, accountant, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Jarod Boerst, power distribution engineer, Josh Spoelstra, Centuria line superintendent, Joe Peterson, Siren line superintendent and Todd Schulte, member services manager. 

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of March 24, 2025 were received. The board authorized the summary of the March board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for March 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote off electric accounts of $127.69.
• The board approved amendments to Policy M-42: Rate Schedule.  Policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• Directors were presented 2024 financial metrics from the accountant.
• Directors received information on the cooperative’s debt portfolio from the manager of finance and accounting.
• The member services manager presented information on the 2024 EnergySense rebate program and provided details of the program for 2025.
• The operations manager and power distribution engineer presented information from the 2024 power reliability report. 
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• The board received a report from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• Directors receive a legal report during executive session from the system counsel.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for May 18, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON MARCH 24, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the Centuria office. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson and Cindy Thorman, were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting. Mike Morris and John Ukura attended the meeting via WebEx.  John Behling, system counsel, was absent. Guests included Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Susan Huerstel, accountant, Rebekah Lindner, office services manager, Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager and Jason Evenson, operations manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of February 24, 2025 were received. The board authorized the summary of the February board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for February 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board approved amending the 2025 capital budget by $20,000 to repair the transfer case of a digger derrick truck.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $203.86.
• The board approved a 4.7% increase to the large-commercial (demand) rate class and a 3.2% increase to single-phase rate class effective July 1, 2025.
• The IT manager gave a security update presentation to the board of directors.
• Ed Gullickson was nominated as the DPC director and Joe Metro as the alternate.
• Directors were appointed as delegates to the DPC annual meeting on June 6, 2025.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.

• Directors received a report from the Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) board meeting.
• Directors received a legal report.
• The board received a report from those that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:39 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON FEBRUARY 24, 2025

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 8 a.m. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris (via WebEx), Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson (via WebEx), Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling system counsel.  Guests included Susan Huerstel, accountant, Rebekah Lindner, office services manager, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Nate Kalepp and Brandon Jenness from Bauman Associates and Nick Nelson from Power System Engineering.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of January 27, 2025 were received. The board authorized the summary of the January board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $810.16.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for January 2025. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• A budget amendment for a truck repair was approved.
• Auditors, Nate Kalepp and Brandon Jenness of Bauman Associates, presented the 2024 consolidated financial statements for Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative and Subsidiaries to the board of directors.  In the opinion of the auditor, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the results of operations and cash flows for the years then ended are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.  A copy of the consolidated audit report for 2024 is placed under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• Nick Nelson, Power System Engineering, met with the board to discuss the cost-of-service (COS) study results. A COS is a study of current electric rates to determine whether an overall rate change is needed to recover the total cost of service and determine what rate design changes should be considered to accomplish other goals concerning equity between rate classes, design of rate components and what structures should be pursued in rate design.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative District Meeting.
• Directors received a report on the Polk-Burnett Propane Services, Inc. quarterly board meeting.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for March 24, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON JANUARY 27, 2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 8 a.m. in the boardroom of the Centuria, WI headquarters.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris (via WebEx), Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling system counsel.  Guests included Rebekah Lindner, office services manager, Sarah Linder, member service representative and Joan O’Fallon, communications director.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• New employee Sarah Linder, member service representative, was introduced to the board.
• The minutes from the regular meeting of December 16, 2024 were received.  The board authorized the summary of the December board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of the preliminary financials for December 2024.  They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $528.26.
• The board approved the Legal Fee Disclosure from Weld Riley as the cooperative’s attorney.
• The board approved amendments to policy M-34: Non-Metered (Idle) Services.  All board and member policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• The board approved amendments to policy E-13: Fringe Benefits.
• The manager of finance and accounting provided audit training to the board on the statement of cash flow.
• The communications director presented American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey results from the survey conducted December 2-10, 2024.  Polk-Burnett’s ACSI core is 87 (out of 100)! The survey was emailed to 14,620 email addresses and 2,243 members returned surveys for a 15% response rate.
• The board approved the 2025 scholarship award recipients.  Polk-Burnett received a total of 101 applications.  Eight high school seniors participated in the Youth Tour essay contest and two will attend the 2025 NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.   All 101 scholarship applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship.  Scholarships are funded with unclaimed Capital Credit dollars that otherwise would be forfeited to the state.  Scholarships do not affect electric rates. 
• The board discussed plans for the 87th annual meeting and member appreciation day scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025.
• The general manager/CEO provided a year in review of 2024 accomplishments and challenges.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from the system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting. 
• Director’s expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for February 24, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:56 a.m.

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON DECEMBER 16, 2024

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 8:02 a.m.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris (via WebEx), Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura, were present along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting. John Behling, system counsel, attended a portion of the meeting via WebEx. Guests included Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager, Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Rebekah Lindner, office services manager, Jason Evenson, operations manager and Susan Huerstel, accountant.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of December 2, 2024 were received.  The board authorized the summary of the November board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.

• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for November 2024.  They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $691.89.
• Directors approved the 2025 budget. 
• The board appointed Cindy Thorman to the WECA Education Committee, Joe Metro to the WECA Legislative Committee and Jason Evenson to the WECA JT&S committee.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from the system counsel during executive session.
• The board received a report from those that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for January 27, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m.             

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON DECEMBER 2, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 8 a.m.  in the boardroom of the Centuria office.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura, were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator.  John Behling, system counsel, attended for part of the morning.  Mike Morris attended via WebEx.  Guests included Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Jason Evenson, operations manager, Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager and Rebekah Lindner, office services manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of October 28, 2024 were approved.  The board authorized the summary of the October board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for October 2024.  They were reviewed and discussed.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $325.34.
• The board approved a budget amendment for the phone system of $6,000.
• Directors received strategy action plans updates from senior staff and an overview of the 2024 budget that will be considered at the December board meeting.
• Directors reviewed the director election timeline.  Districts 4, 5 and 6 are up for election in 2025.  Applications must be received by March 7, 2024 to be placed on the ballot.  The cooperative will have a hybrid election this year giving members the ability to vote electronically or vote by paper ballot.
• The board approved the following dates for regular board meetings in 2025: January 27, February 24, March 24, April 21, May 19, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22, October 27, December 1 and December 15. 
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from the Polk-Burnett Propane Services, Inc. quarterly board meeting.
• The board received a report from those that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Directors received a written report from the system counsel.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting is combined with the budget meeting and is scheduled for December 16, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m.   

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON OCTOBER 28, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 8:13 a.m. at the Centuria office.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura (via WebEx) were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting.   Guests included, Jarod Boerst, power distribution engineer, Jason Evenson, operations manager (via WebEx), John Behling, System Counsel (via WebEx) and Nathan Kalepp, principal, Bauman & Associates (via WebEx).

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of September 23, 2024 were approved.  The board authorized the summary of the September board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for September 2024.  They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $1,775.03.
• Per bylaw requirements, the board reviewed the district counts and discussed Policy BD-19 – Redistricting Guidelines. The largest district does not exceed the smallest district by more than 8% so redistricting is not required.
• Directors selected Friday, June 6, 2025 as the date for 87th annual meeting and member appreciation day.
• The board approved a resolution for a new hire 401k plan effective January 1, 2025.
• The board approved the 2025 Construction Work Plan. Mild 2024 weather dampened electric use after seeing record sales since 2020.  2023 losses were at 5.1%.  There is moderate growth in commercial and industrial sections and moderate residential growth.  Year to date new connects/service upgrades are at 300.  Material lead times continue to drive the construction work plan.  We have approximately $1.5 million of material orders already placed for 2025 to secure the material.  Approximately 50.3 miles of identified line construction is considered in the 2025 work plan. Construction goals are to increase backup capacity with a new substation near Cedar Lake and the SCADA initiative which enables remote control, lake conversions and equipment near end-of-life or undersized. The work plan includes 26.05 miles of overhead to underground conversions around waterfront property, 20.75 miles of overhead rebuild including a three-phase tie line for Cedar Lake and a three-phase extension at Pipe Lake and 3.5 miles of system improvements including a substation feeder and miscellaneous tie lines at Cedar Lake and Pipe Lake. The 175-mil (#2 URD) replacement project is complete. 
• Acting as the audit committee, the board met with the auditor, via teleconference, to discuss the 2024 audit during executive session.
• Directors received a report from the general manager/CEO.
• Directors received a report from the system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director’s expenses were approved.
• Directors held an executive session to discuss the general manager/CEO performance evaluation.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:56 p.m.     

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 8 a.m. in the boardroom at the Centuria headquarters.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura (via WebEx) were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling, system counsel.  Guests included Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Jesse Seering, operations manager, Todd Schulte, member services manager and Rebekah Lindner, customer services manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of August 26, 2024 were approved. The board authorized the summary of the August board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $922.63.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for August 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board approved a budget amendment for cable locating expenses.
• The customer services manager presented information on the cooperative’s Red Flag program (identity theft prevention).
• The board directed management to commit to the Dairyland Power Cooperative load management system. 
• The board appointed a WECA annual meeting voting delegate.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report on Dairyland Power Cooperative.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• An executive session was held to discuss legal matters and personnel.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Centuria office.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m.

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON AUGUST 26, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 8 a.m. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting.  Jerry Okonek was absent. Guests included Vicki Schaaf, electric member in District 7, Susan Huerstel, accountant, Jesse Seering, operations manager and Rick Kosloski, manager of ROW/warehouse/safety.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• Vicki Schaaf addressed the board with her concerns of the cooperative’s herbicide program.
• The minutes from the regular meeting of July 22, 2024 were received. The board authorized the summary of the July board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of the financials for July 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $128.18.
• The board adopted and reviewed revisions to policies E-35: AI Acceptable Use, E-33: Proprietary Information, BD-20: Proprietary Information and BD-30: Electric Rate Design Guidelines. Policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• An executive session was held to discuss legal and personnel matters with the system counsel.
• The board acknowledged the 2023 Form 990.  The 990 is the tax return for organizations exempt from income tax.
• The manager of finance and accounting gave a financial forecast presentation.
• The board discussed non-union retirement plan options.
• The board appointed Mary Erickson to the Operation Round-Up board in District 5.
• The board acknowledged receipt of the Federated Safety & Loss Assessment conducted on July 31, 2024.
• The board approved a $1,000 donation to the Cooperative Family Fund.
• The general manager/CEO provided a report on solar projects within our service territory.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Directors received a report on the Polk-Burnett Propane Services, Inc., quarterly board meeting.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:46 p.m.

 POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON JULY 22, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 8 a.m. Directors Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO and Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and John Behling, system counsel. Chuck Brookshaw joined via WebEx. Guests included Susan Huerstel, senior accountant, Rick Kosloski, manager of rights-of-way/warehouse/safety and Jesse Seering, operations manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular and organizational meetings of June 24, 2024 were received. The board authorized the summary of the June board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for June 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $293.38.
• The board reviewed and approved amendments to policy BD-33:  Running for Director of Associated Organizations.  Policies can be found under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• The board approved the retirement of 3.33% of unretired capital credits and the generation and transmission capital credits that are received from Dairyland Power Cooperative. 
• A resolution to approve the 2024 Dairyland Power Cooperative load forecast was passed.
• The board was presented information on the cooperative’s maintenance programs.
• The general manager gave a mid-year update on the strategic plan.
• A delegate was appointed for NRECA Region 5 meeting.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a legal report from the system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report from the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Directors received reports from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for August 26, 2024.

The meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m.

 POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON JUNE 24, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 8:05 a.m. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager and Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling, system counsel.  Guests included Joan O’Fallon, communications director,  Todd Schulte, member services manager and Ashley Taylor, member service representative.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• An organizational meeting took place to elect board officers for the 2024-2025 term.  Ed Gullickson was elected president, Mike Morris was elected vice president and Chuck Brookshaw was elected secretary/treasurer.
• The minutes from the regular meeting of May 20, 2024 were approved. The board authorized the summary of the May board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for May 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board conducted the annual review of the Code of Ethics policy and signed a Director Pledge reaffirming their responsibility and commitment to uphold the highest standards for legal and ethical conduct.
• The board reviewed the 2023 Form 990.  The 990 is the tax return for organizations exempt from income tax.
• The board approved the Subscriber Agreement & Power of Attorney with our insurance company Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange. 
• The board approved the 2025 Scholarship Program to award $1,500 scholarships to up to 95 high school seniors and two Youth Tour trips. 
• The board provided feedback to management on the 86th Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Day that was held on Friday, June 14, 2024.
• Directors received a report from the general manager. 
• Directors received a report from system counsel.
• Directors received a report from Dairyland Power Cooperative.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for July 22, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
• The board conducted annual meetings of Polk-Burnett Charities, Inc. and Polk-Burnett Diversified Services, Inc.

 POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON MAY 20, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 7:55 a.m. at the headquarters in Centuria, WI.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/ HR administrator and John Behling, system counsel.  Guests included Susan Huerstel, accountant, Jarod Boerst, electric distribution engineer, Jesse Seering, operations manager, and Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of April 29, 2024 were received. The board authorized the summary of the April board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for April 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $341.02.
• The power delivery engineer gave a summary of the 2023 Construction Work Plan construction costs.
• The general manager/CEO gave a presentation on subsidiary growth trends.
• The IT manager gave a presentation on technology investments at the cooperative.
• The board appointed a voting delegate to the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) District Meeting.
• Directors received a report from the general manager. 
• Directors received a report of the system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report of the Polk-Burnett Propane Services quarterly board meeting.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON APRIL 29, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 8 a.m. in the boardroom at the Centuria office. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling, system counsel.  Guests included, Susan Huerstel, accountant, Jesse Seering, operations manager, Jarod Boerst, power delivery engineer, Joan O’Fallon, communications director and Todd Schulte, member services manager. 

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of March 25, 2024 were received. The board authorized the summary of the March board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for March 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote off electric accounts of $1,121.82.
• Rob Richards, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) vice president of government relations and external affairs, joined the board for a brief recap of the legislative session, discussed the latest with the legislative maps and how they will impact politics and campaigns, and then describe some of the inside operations, strategy of the Political Action Committee (PAC).
• The board took action to declare unclaimed capital credit funds be forfeited according to Wisconsin Statutes Section 158.03(10) and the bylaws.  Notice will be mailed to members with valid addresses, advertised in local papers and posted on the website.
• Directors received information on the cooperative’s debt portfolio from the manager of finance and accounting.
• The board authorized management to sign a purchase power agreement for the Viola and Luck solar projects.
• The operations manager and power distribution engineer presented information from the 2023 power reliability report.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from system counsel.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative board meeting.
• The board received a report from directors that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• Directors held discussions in executive session.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for May 20, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON MARCH 25, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 9:48 a.m. at the Centuria office. Directors Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson and Cindy Thorman, were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting. John Behling, system counsel, Chuck Brookshaw, Mike Morris and John Ukura attended the meeting via WebEx. 

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of February 26, 2024 were received. The board authorized the summary of the February board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $744.39.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for February 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board watched a NRECA Governance talk video on the board’s role in the audit process.
• The board accepted a three-year proposal from Bauman Associates to conduct the cooperative’s annual audit.
• Ed Gullickson was nominated as the DPC director and Joe Metro as the alternate.
• Directors were appointed as delegates to the DPC annual meeting on June 5, 2024.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from the Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) board meeting.
• Directors received a legal report.
• The board received a report from those that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for April 29, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

 SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON FEBRUARY 26, 2024

A regular meeting of the board of directors was called to order on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 8 a.m. Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris (via WebEx), Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura were present, along with Steve Stroshane, general manager, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator, Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting and John Behling system counsel.  Guests included Susan Huerstel, accountant, Rebekah Lindner, customer services manager, Todd Schulte, member services manager and Nate Kalepp, Bauman Associates.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of January 29, 2024 were received. The board authorized the summary of the January board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $481.77.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for January 2024. They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The customer services manager presented information on the 184 distributed generation systems (wind or solar systems) on Polk-Burnett lines.
• Auditor, Nate Kalepp, Bauman Associates, presented the 2023 consolidated financial statements for Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative and Subsidiaries to the board of directors.  In the opinion of the auditor, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the results of operations and cash flows for the years then ended are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.  A copy of the consolidated audit report for 2023 is placed under My Co-op at www.polkburnett.com.
• The board answered the Dairyland Power Cooperative Wholesale Power Contract Survey that will be submitted by the general manager/CEO.
• The board approved voting for Christopher Reese as the CRC District 1 Director.
• The general manager/CEO provided information on the continued load management impacts to Polk-Burnett’s power bill.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from system counsel during executive session.
• Directors received a report on the Dairyland Power Cooperative District Meeting.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for March 25, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:31 a.m.

POLK-BURNETT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING ON DECEMBER 18, 2023

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 8 a.m.  Directors Chuck Brookshaw, Ed Gullickson, Joe Metro, Mike Morris (via WebEx), Jerry Okonek, Wilfred Owens, Tom Swenson, Cindy Thorman and John Ukura, were present along with Steve Stroshane, general manager/CEO, Stacy Bergmann, executive assistant/HR administrator and Heather Gerber, manager of finance and accounting. John Behling, system counsel, attended a portion of the meeting via WebEx. Guests included Matt Kurtzhals, IT manager, Joan O’Fallon, communications director, Todd Schulte, member services manager and Jesse Seering, operations manager.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

• The minutes from the regular meeting of November 28, 2023 were received.  The board authorized the summary of the November board meeting minutes to be placed on the website.
• The board acknowledged receipt of financials for November 2023.  They were reviewed and discussed by the board.
• The board wrote-off bad debt electric accounts in the amount of $594.68.
• The board appointed Cindy Thorman to the WECA Education Committee, Joe Metro to the WECA Legislative Committee and Jason Evenson to the WECA JT&S committee. 
• Directors approved the 2024 budget.
• Directors received a report from the general manager.
• Directors received a report from the system counsel during executive session.
• The board received a report from those that attended various conferences and education seminars.
• Director expenses were approved.
• The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for January 29, 2024.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:54 a.m.