2009 Annual Meeting
Neighbors and Friends Gather at Bartlett EC’s Annual Meeting
Hot winds gusted and the garish sunlight reflected off the light-colored caliche in the parking lot the afternoon of June 23 as Bartlett Electric Cooperative officials prepared for their 73rd annual meeting. However, the unforgiving Texas heat wasn’t enough to keep more than 100 members and their family members from attending. The air conditioner was pumping in the Bartlett ISD cafetorium as members registered, grabbed a frosty lemonade or glass of ice water and some munchies and sat down to listen to some of yesterday’s country songs and await the start of the meeting.
After the welcome, invocation and approval of the 2008 minutes, three incumbents were re-elected by acclamation to the board of directors: David J. Lewis, District 3; Samuel Jackson, District 7; and Klaasje Moffatt, District 8, ran unopposed, with no new nominations coming from the floor.
Bryan Lightfoot, Bartlett EC’s General Manager/CEO, let everyone know that at this year’s meeting, they were going to be doing something different than in years’ past. He announced that the co-op was designating a special day of recognition for military veterans. “Many of our members have served in the military. May is National Military Appreciation Month and has holidays such as Memorial Day, Loyalty Day, Maritime Day, Armed Forces Day, V-E Day and Military Spouse Day. June also has its share of military-appreciation days such as Flag Day and U.S. Army Birthday,” Lightfoot said. “We have decided to adopt our own resolution of appreciation for those members of Bartlett who have served.
Resolution of Appreciation
WHEREAS, The freedom and security that citizens of the United States enjoy today are direct results of the blood shed and continued vigilance given by the United States Armed Forces over the history of our great nation; and
WHEREAS, the sacrifices that such members of the United States Armed Forces and of the family members that support them, have preserved the liberties that have enriched this nation making it unique in the world community; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress, in two thousand and four, passed a resolution proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month, calling all Americans to remember those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and to honor the men and women of all of our Armed Services who have served and are now serving our Country, together with their families; and
WHEREAS, the months of May and June were selected for this display of patriotism because during these months, we celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day/Week, National Day of Prayer, Memorial Day, Navy Day, Army Day and Flag Day;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc. do hereby proclaim on behalf of the members, employees and directors, this date of June 23, 2009 as a special time to show appreciation for our Military.
The crowd thundered with a standing ovation as Fort Hood’s Sergeant Major McCullar came forward to accept the plaque. “I was approached by Bartlett awhile ago and asked if it was possible for me to take time out of my day to accept this honor,” McCullar said. “It really is an honor for me. Regardless of the uniform, Texas really wraps its arms around the military. That level of appreciation is a great honor for us all. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.”
After the presentation, Bartlett EC officials recognized Youth Tour winner Dylan Wright, who had just returned from Washington, D.C., days before. “I made a lot of new friends and saw more sights than I ever thought I would,” he said. “It was an awesome opportunity, and I feel truly blessed.”
Lawrence Karl Memorial Scholarship recipients Brandon Schwertner, Bonitta Hammett and Amanda Davis were also recognized and expressed sincere thanks to the membership. Each said that these funds would surely be an asset. Other scholarship recipients unable to attend but also recognized were Corey Lloyd, Rebecca Martinka and James Sutton.
Several employees received length-of-service awards: Barbara Holloway and Garrett Prcin, five years; Shirley Torrans, 10 years; Rodolfo Gonzalez, 15 years; William S. Gilmore, 25 years; and James Crum, Cynthia Degner and Eric VanPraag were each recognized for an impressive 30 years of service.
After all awards were presented, Lightfoot gave the manager’s report and spoke about the legislative battles being waged in Washington and Austin. “The debate rages on whether human actions are or aren’t to blame for the warming of the planet and climate change. No matter which side of the debate you are on, the one sure thing we know is that any type of climate legislation will come with a cost. We’ll do everything we can to mitigate the effects and related costs of this climate legislation on our members,” he said. “At the state level, there has been much debate over governance and transparency issues. If you’ve been reading the papers, you’re aware of the issues at Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Most agree that the way that PEC was conducting business was not a model for governance and transparency. However, Bartlett members can be confident that their cooperative has embraced good governance. For years we’ve been having independent audits, and any member can attend board meetings. We’ve been doing these things for years to better serve you.”
Lightfoot then read an e-mail that a BEC member had sent to Texas Sen. Troy Fraser, one of the writers of the governance and transparency bill. The e-mail asked Fraser why the actions of one co-op would result in the creation of a bill that would punish all cooperatives. “I just want to point out the last words of this letter,” Lightfoot said. “Leave my cooperative alone. “My,” not “the.” That’s what makes cooperatives different. You are an owner, and after 70 plus years, that model has not changed.”
After no new business was announced, the meeting was adjourned and an array of door prizes was awarded, including the grand prize: a 32-inch HDTV. It went to lucky member Willie Vrabel.
2009 Lineman’s Rodeo
Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc recently sent several employees to participate in the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo at Nolte Park located in Seguin, Texas. This event is open to Cooperatives, Municipalities, and Electrical Contractors from throughout the State of Texas, winners in each event are eligible to participate at the National Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City, Kansas. Representing Bartlett Electric in the Apprentice Division were David Seymour, Koby Adcock, and Tyler Derstine. The Apprentice events consist of a written exam, a speed pole climbing, hurt man rescue, drilling holes with a brace & bit, climbing a pole with several obstacles, and installing a conductor armor rod & tie. Each participant competes individually; they are timed and judged to insure the work is completed in a safe and timely manner. Shelton Gilmore, John Pajestka, & Shawn Willis served as Judges for the event. BEC employees Eric VanPraag, Ruben Juarez, & Royce Sampley also attended the event.
Dylan Wright of Bartlett, TX completed the Annual Government-In-Action Youth Tour. Bartlett Electric Cooperative sponsors one high school junior or senior each year to participate in this event. Dylan travelled to Washington, D.C., with approximately 90 other Youth Tour winners from other Texas electric cooperatives for a week long stay. He had the opportunity to meet congressional representatives, visit historic memorials and cultural centers in our nation’s capital. Not only did Dylan come home with a better understanding of our government, he came home with lifetime memories and new friends. “Thank you. It was an awesome opportunity, and I feel truly blessed.” He told members, directors and employees at the BEC Annual Meeting.