September 30, 2019 Home
Last Saturday, Powell Valley Electric Cooperative (PVEC) held its annual meeting. This is the ONLY opportunity for member-owners to come together and participate directly in Coop business. More than 350 member-owners attended.
The entire PVEC staff was on hand – except for those who remained in PVEC offices to respond to any electrical problems that might happen during the meeting. The music, provided by Dark Ridge, was great. A delicious meal was enjoyed by all. There were many door prizes.
Among the items for the business meeting was a motion to amend the bylaws. This motion had four major pieces: advance notice of board meeting: board meetings open to all members; publication of minutes from board meetings; ability to record board meetings. The full text can be read in the September issue of the Tennessee magazine or on the Member Voices website at pvecmembervoices.com/proposed-bylaw-amendment
After the motion was introduced, the Board Chairman called on a person to speak against the motion. The PVEC attorney responded. Immediately after that, the Board Chairman recognized a person who “called the question”. “Calling the question” means there can be no discussion of the motion.
With NO DISCUSSION allowed, it was impossible to respond to the attorney’s inaccurate comments or say anything. Remember, folks, this is the ONE TIME A YEAR that member-owners can be directly involved in Coop decision-making. Of course, members can vote for or against a motion, but how can members decide how to vote if they are robbed of the chance to hear and talk about it?
Big questions would be:
WHY DOES THE BOARD NOT ALLOW DISCUSSION ABOUT A MOTION THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP AT THE ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING?
WHY DOES THE BOARD CHANGE ITS PROCEDURES ON MOTIONS WITHOUT ANY NOTICE?
Remember this quote from the first page of the Powell Valley Electric Cooperative (PVEC) Member Handbook. “It really is your Cooperative”. Really?
Everyone needs to learn more about our electric cooperative. For more information, go to pve.coop.
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