Cooperative Adopts Revised Bylaws

“Most of the bylaws remain unchanged, however, some have been revised to align with State and Federal law or to reflect common industry practices” says Tom Harrell, Alger Delta’s General Manager. Harrell cited the section on indemnification as one example. Harrell says that in the previous version of the bylaws, indemnification was covered in one short paragraph. Now there are three sections dealing with the same issue. “Perhaps this is reflective of the society in which we now live. In any case, we are taking steps to protect the members, the directors, and the cooperative as a whole” Harrell added.

Two new areas addressed in the revised bylaws are vegetation management and abandonment of membership. Under the revised bylaws, members are required to allow “reasonable and customary” vegetation management where trees interfere with the safe and reliable operation of the power system. The cooperative is held accountable for its efforts by several authorities that measure the frequency and duration of power outages. Some of these authorities also define what makes up “reasonable and customary” vegetation management practices. Reasonable and customary vegetation management practices include tree trimming, tree removal, mowing brush, and applying herbicides to control future growth.

According to the revised bylaws, abandonment of membership is when a member has been disconnected for a period of more then twelve months. When a member abandons their service, the cooperative has the right to remove its facilities and equipment – which may include poles, wires, transformer(s) and meters – that were used to deliver electricity to the building or facility. The cooperative says this frees up the equipment to be used elsewhere and eliminates or reduces costs that are incurred by maintaining under-utilized equipment.

Other changes to the bylaws include clarifying references to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) where they no longer exercise regulatory authority, removal of references to load management programs (load management requirements are addressed in power supply contracts), changing the minimum age at which a person may run for director from 21 to 18 (this is consistent with the “legal age”), improved language on how members shall be notified of public meetings, a clearer definition of the Treasurer’s responsibilities, new language to ensure our Non-Discrimination clause complies with Michigan legal requirements, and removal of the 30 minute waiting period before voting at District Meetings.

A copy of the revised bylaws can be printed or viewed online at http://algerdelta.com/bylaws.html or members can get a copy by calling Alger Delta at 906-428-4141.