While still in the Carlson and folks still carting away piles of hard cookies, the last GVEA meeting was less contentious and a little less of a glitzy media presentation than in recent years past. The board members even said a few words as they introduced themselves. Board chairman Bill Nordmark made it through chairing the meeting with retiring CEO Steve Haagenson.
Members referred to the upcoming rate hike to be proposed at 4.5%, but it wasn't mentioned in the annual report or by GVEA folks. I had heard much higher than that. We'll see and it members will have a chance to weigh in through the RCA when the time comes.
Twelve SNAP producers were presented checks for about between $30-$1200 (as memory serves me). About $25,000 was contributed by members.
We heard nothing about Alasconnect finances.
My agenda item was to get board members talking to and hearing from their districts' constituents more than now (just about nil). In months and years past, I've suggested blogs, web forums, opt-in emails, district meetings as in years past, newsletters. The best methods to start are the ones that 1) don't cost much 2) more importantly, will allow transparent two-way communications. Surprisingly, Bill Nordmark and Ron Bergh expressed positive opinions, as did Tom Delong and Karen Cedzo. Apparently, they may now be hearing about such things at some of the many presentations, workshops, and conferences they attend. While I've heard promises before (usually when the board member is up for election), the 4 of them constitute a majority, so if they really want to, it can happen.
Others may have additional contributions to a recap of the meeting. Feel free to comment.
