Three Rivers Electric Cooperative members were treated to dinner, entertainment and bucket truck rides last week at the cooperative's 77th annual meeting. They then had the opportunity to attend the business meeting, where they learned about the cooperative's business, elected three board members and approved bylaw amendments.
A total of 813 members registered with approximately 2,000 people in attendance.
"An annual meeting gives our members the opportunity to participate in the cooperative's democratic process," said General Manager Tom Werdenhause in a news release. "We are always pleased that the members take the time to attend the event and learn about their cooperative."
Board President Duane Paulsmeyer told those in attendance 2015 was a busy year at the cooperative.
"We did not have any ice storms, but in December of 2015 we experienced severe flooding in Osage, Maries, Gasconade, Miller and Cole counties," he said, adding the flooding caused more than $100,000 in damage to the co-op's facilities. "The flooding was so severe we temporarily relocated some personnel so they could respond to the members' needs in a timely manner."
Paulsmeyer also reported on the change-out of meters on the co-op's system. Currently, 99 percent of the meters have been replaced. "While costly, the older meters had become unreliable and the new meters will save our members money in the long run," he said.
In his report, Werdenhause spoke about the co-op's safety record. As of Aug. 5, the cooperative's employees have gone 1,430 days without a lost-time accident.
"Safety is, and will continue to be, our No. 1 priority at Three Rivers," he said. "More than 10 years ago, we made the decision to do whatever it took to make sure our employees went home safely to their families each and every day."
Werdenhause also discussed broadband and a potential project that would include fiber to the home.
Co-op members re-elected Duane Paulsmeyer, Chris Fahrenholtz and Greg Gaffke to serve as directors for three years.