The URL can be used to link to this page

Browse Search

Home My WebLink About20240751.tiffBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PASS -AROUND REVIEW PASS -AROUND TITLE: Proxy Ballot Request 2024 DEPARTMENT: Clerk to the Board's Office DATE: March 21, 2024 PERSON REQUESTING: Chloe A. White, Deputy Clerk to the Board Supervisor Brief description of the problem/issue: Every year, United Power hosts its' annual meeting of members to conduct the business of the cooperative, provide an annual update, and certify the results of the annual director election. What options exist for the Board? Vote via the proxy ballot form provided (following pages), or attend the meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., at the Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, 0O 80601. Consequences: N/A Impacts: N/A Costs (Current Fiscal Year / Ongoing or Subsequent Fiscal Years): None Recommendation: Please indicate your choice below. If you would like to vote on the provided ballot form, please turn to the flagged page and initial your selections. Vote on Form Provided Perry L. Buck, Pro -Tern Mike Freeman Scott K. James Kevin D. Ross , Chair Lori Saine Cons as O�-I I O t I a Attend Meetin cc: PJDCCISF), CACP�0/Krr ) Fs /AOC RR), Pw(CH /CIS) tJ ►1; +e d Power Other/Comments: f�3Goo58' our Touchstone Energy" Cooperative WELD COUNTY WELD COUNTY PO BOX 758 GREELEY CO 80632-0758 01089474 11111.11Ii•''lllllllllll'll'Illlii''i'''Illl'iiiillie'Ii 111111111 Vote by mail: • Fill in the circle next to the candidate of your choice using a pen or pencil. Example: II* • Detach ballot and place in the enclosed return envelope. • Mail ballots must be received no later than April 16, 2024, at 11:59 a.m. MT. as 01089474 Electronic balloting - vote online or via mobile app: • Mobile App: Open the United Power mobile app, log in, and click the Vote Now button. • Online: Log in to your United Power SmartHub account at www.unitedpower.com and click the Vote Now button. • Electronic balloting begins March 15, 2024, and ends April 16, 2024, at 11:59 a.m. MT. Voto por correo: • Rellene el circulo junto al nor bre del candidato que elige con una pluma o lapiz. Ejemplo: 0 • Desprenda la boleta y coloquela en el sobre de retorno que se adjunto. • Las boletas enviadas por correo deben recibirse, a mas tardar, el 16 de abril de 2024, a las 11:59 a.m. (MT). Voto electronico: vote en linea o mediante aplicacion movil: • Aplicacion movil: abra la aplicacion movil de United Power, inicie sesion y haga clic en el boton "Vote Now" (Votar ahora). aw En linea: Visite www.unitedpower.com, inicie sesion en su cuenta de SmartHub de United Power y haga clic en el boto'n "Vote Now" (Votar ahora). • La votacion electronica comienza el 15 de marzo de 2024 y finaliza el 16 de abril de 2024, a las 11:59 a.m. (MT). PLEASE DETACH BEFORE RETURNING BALLOT V C ++ C 0 w C 0 U 0 +, c o CO V �' N C Q G Q N C "� Q c N C0 (0 C) C C Y ++ C _ o.ro o V o E ++o ,Uo io cts Uo ._a. O m ao yo o .in �l _. na C Qo 0 o c a> ._ a� + t i v t ac U) to /1 m oLa3 •� }+ O 0 U m m a• ro J V O Z V E rn O +v U llllllllulllllllullllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ■ e�9 O Z O S l O Di our Touchstone Energy° Cooperative WELD COUNTY WELD COUNTY PO BOX 758 GREELEY CO 80632-0758 01089474 dlllil.11.11lll111lllll'IItiIIIiiIII.JIIIIu"IIII•'IIIIIIIJII Vote by mail: • Fill in the circle next to the candidate of your choice using a pen or pencil. Example: • • Detach ballot and place in the enclosed return envelope. =' • Mail ballots must be received no later than April 16, 2024, at 11:59 a.m. MT. F 01089474 Electronic balloting - vote online or via mobile app: • Mobile App: Open the United Power mobile app, log in, and click the Vote Now button. • Online: Log in to your United Power SmartHub account at www.unitedpower.com and click the Vote Now button. • Electronic balloting begins March 15, 2024, and ends April 16, 2024, at 11:59 a.m. MT. Voto por correo: • Rellene el circulo junto al nombre del candidato que elige con una pluma o lapiz. Ejemplo: • • Desprenda la boleta y coloquela en el sobre de retorno que se adjunto. • Las boletas enviadas por correo deben recibirse, a mas tardar, el 16 de abril de 2024, alas 11:59 a.m. (MT). Voto electronico: vote en Iinea o mediante aplicacion movil: • Aplicacion movil: abra la aplicacion movil de United Power, inicie sesion y haga clic en el boton "Vote Now" (Votar ahora). • En linea: Visite www.unitedpower.com, inicie sesion en su cuenta de SmartHub de United Power y haga clic en el boton "Vote Now" (Votar ahora). • La votacion electronica comienza el 15 de marzo de 2024 y finaliza el 16 de abril de 2024, alas 11:59 a.m. (MT). PLEASE DETACH BEFORE RETURNING BALLOT- y O 4- v o L C y o U) L HR O C L V C v o Q o a �,, M O U ♦+ •O H U i• E V d) —� U g o o o++ N E E O i •E o CAI L° +.�° C L° '� a p c a� �o �o U �o c �o c Qo 0 m D� m •� _ O t Q ++ U �` m cam• co C �O a O C w oOCU G)� O m (n Z m V i- d N m j r Y o a In O ..• .«. U Z Kevin D. Ross Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners 1 Signature Corporate Intle or Representative Capacity l certify that l am, or lawfully iepresenly the member named on this envelope and that l personally voted the enclosed ballot APR 0 12024 SIGNATURE INSTRUCTIONS: THIS ENVELOPE MUST BE SIGNED FOR YOUR BALLOT TO COUNT. • If voting as an individual, sign your name on the signature line. • If voting fora business, organization, trust, or estate of a deceased person, your title is required. Sign your name on the signature line and print your title on the line to the right of the signature line. 2024 -. - LL-. ...` DIRECTOR DISTRICTS United Power's members elect directors to the Board by secret ballot United Power's Board is comprised of eleven member - and the results will be announced at the Annual Meeting on April elected directors serving four geographic districts. t7. Occasionally, ballot questions regarding cooperative business or Directors serve from geographic districts to ensure policies may also be presented to the members for consideration. adequate accessibility for members and to provide a The 2024 ballot includes the election of a candidate to the Board of representative cross-section of United Power's member Directors in each director district and a ballot question proposingan base in the cooperative's governing body. amendment to the cooperative's bylaws. In 2023, director district boundaries were modified to better balance the number of members within each 2024 DIRECTOR CANDIDATES district. The four director districts are now Mountain, There are four seats up for election to the United Power Board of North, Central, and South. Members can find their Directors this year. One position in each director district is up for director district printed in the upper right corner of their a three-year term. Members should vote for one candidate in each most recent billing statement. district. Statements from each of the candidates can be found inside , this ballot package. ELECTED AT -LARGE MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Stephen Whiteside (Incumbent) United Power's directors are elected on an "at -large" basis, meaning all members have the right to vote in NORTH DISTRICT Brian A. McCormick (Incumbent) every director district race. This election policy is in place because directors represent all members as well as the CENTRAL DISTRICT Tim Erickson (Incumbent) overall welfare of the cooperative. Paige Wagner -Maul + w SOUTH DISTRICT Brad Case (Incumbent) CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS Candidates running for the Board are required to BYLAW BALLOT QUESTIONdisclose any monetary or in -kind campaign contributions in accordance with the cooperative's election policy. The following question will, appear on the 2024 ballot. A "yes" vote Director Candidate Contribution Reports can be viewed is a vote in favor of changing the bylaws, and a "no" vote is a vote online at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting. against changing the bylaws. Members can view the cooperative's current bylaws online at www.unitedpower.com/bylaws-rates-tariffs. ONE BALLOT PER MEMBER Shall there be an amendment to Article 4, Section 4 of Unlike governmental elections, not all registered voters the Bylaws of United Power, Inc. to lengthen the term a in the household can vote in co-op elections. Co-op Director holds office from three (3) years to four (4) years? members receive one vote for each membership with United Power, and only a person whose name is on the 4.04 Term: Each Director, except as provided in Section 4.07, shall United Power account is eligible to complete the ballot. be elected to hold office for a term of three-(3)four (4) years, or until State law requires a signature on the ballot envelope his or her successor has been elected and qualified. The terms of the and the appropriate title, where applicable, to consider a directors shall be staggered so that the tenure of not more than one ballot valid. Members should refer to the enclosed ballot (1) Director from each district expires each year. The tenure of office signature instructions to ensure their vote is counted. of all Directors shall be subject to the provisions of these Bylaws. RETURN5N YOUR BALLOT d 2 ct. E, i I c� a I d, it er,« at the At l Meter Tie �.0�4 � rev��r ,�l�ct`�,n ��r... �p�,�,.r�ndu�te b��$ ballet, �)trr��t �(�o� Logs to to your Ur It c via one Betr t y ri-al 1ptvra Members are a€tvr edl , at vt ! n `ed e r r curn U.S. 3 arl in the 'raid YOUR BAg1 O1 person Ann a) ivehguuri, accoun posta , v to sewn gubrniit your e ecironic er, .elope t, rcl led.in; your ballot ball01 itupdiw dli be ogee t April 171 o rsoob tllologwdf blnO 0(l to baliotrng I close paccl. Malbalot .rbputbe be Annual u i g locus n be�pen o priltl? l 11,69 at on Trend April 1 . rgpeceti�yypp�� t bgygnyso3 l tart �n t1 r:l 1 a r 6, from mat to 4 p m Eta -30 pyy�3q.zII you} r9nati � Allot V:J i e,, yao4A"IyYypd�li n I ilex f m +^gR x "9F F63d�,.ri''day# lM4 C D a�'�j5'yp :' a rit tan %SQ;/t e 'I 3ih ant ape 5. VOTING ELECTRONICALLY 1. Log in to your United Power online account at www.unitedpower.com or via the United Power mobile app. 2. Click "Vote Now" from the online account home screen, 3. Click "Go to Ballot" after reviewing the voting instructions. 4. Select one candidate in each district and click "Go to Ballot Confirmation," 5. Review your completed ballot. Click "Change Votes" to edit, or click "Submit Ballot" to complete your vote. 6. Your ballot is now complete. Enter your email address on the final confirmation screen to receive a confirmation email.' GElectronic balloting closes on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:59 a.m. -VOTIN "YM Al L BALLOT 1. Vote your mail ballot ensuring you have selected one candidate in each district, 2. Place your ballot in the yellow secret ballot envelope (optional). 3. Place your ballot in the white business reply envelope. 4. Sign the back o€ the business reply envelope. State law requires the member's signature for the ballot to be valid. 5. Mail your ballot postpaid via U.S. Mail. U Mail ballots must arrive at the Survey & Ballot Systems post office box by 11:59 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16. SIGNING YOUR MAIL BALLOT When signing your ballot envelope, please follow these instructions: • If the membership is owned by a person, that person • If the membership is owned by a member who is should sign his or her name on the signature line as it deceased or the member needs assistance, the person appears on the mailing label. signing must place his or her signature on the signature line • Tithe membership is owned jointly by two or more and indicate his or her title or lawful representative capacity persons, only one of the joint owners needs to sign. on the title line. For example: • If the membership is owned by a corporation, partnership, • If the member is deceased, the personal representative of or other legal entity, the person signing must place his or her the estate should sign his or her name on the signature signature on the signature line and indicate his or her title or line, and state "Jane Doe, Personal Representative of the lawful representative capacity on the title line. For example: estate of John Doe" on the title line; • A person signing for a partnership should sign "John Doe" • If a person is unable to write a signature, his or her mark on the signature line and "Partner" on the title line; will be accepted if a witness is present and signs "John Doe is unable to sign, but made his or her mark as his • A person signing for a corporation should sign "John Doe" or her intended signature in my presence. Jane Doe, on the signature line and "President" (or other office) on witness" the title line; • A person signing for a trade name should sign "John Doe" s s., on the signature line and "Owner" on the title line. 6NITED-"' For More Information or Assistance IJE Contact United Power at 303-637-1300. Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative 3 it4?t t Scan the QR code, log in, and click "Vote Now;' &wdoi'ei State law requires a signature on the white return envelope. The following statements are those of the candidates and have not been altered or verified by United Power. Stephen Whiteside (Incumbent) Stephen Whiteside currently serves on the United Power Board of Directors (Mountain District) and is seeking re-election to his second term. His board duties include the Audit Committee and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. He previously served 16 years as a volunteer Directorfor United Power's Round -up Foundation, which is a community -focused effort to provide financial assistance to members with emergency needs. Whiteside has completed 18 educational courses offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and has earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director designation, Board Leadership Certification and Gold Leadership Certification, He is a lifelong Coloradoan, lives in Coal Creek Canyon and k:aabeae wwber of iIraDower-fog:35.years, tlbiteside,is-a-gradaate of the University of Colorado and owner of Whiteside's Boots in Brighton and Greeley. "Asa member -owned distribution cooperative, all United Power members have a direct stake in the management and future of the company by participating in the democratic election of the Board of Directors. As a Director, I have a fiduciaryduty, along with fellow Board members and United Power management, to oversee the business of our co-op, My goals are straightforward -- using an all -of -the -above approach to provide the most reliable, the most affordable and the safest power to our members. I rely on my business background, education and experience when making Board decisions on oversight and governance. Brian A. McCormick (Incumbent) Dear fellow Member, It has been an honor and privilege to serve you on the United Power Board since 2009.1 am seeking reelection because I _ continue to find ttl e work important and rewarding Strong, experienced leadership is essential for United Power's success in the significant evolution underway as we transition from our previous reliance on Tri-State to our new future securing and managing our own power supply Success in our transition will enable lower power supply costs through a more diverse power portfolio, reduced transmission expenses and the ability to develop innovative projects and partnerships. We will be able to bring greater economic benefit to our community and develop more responsive and flexible options to meet your energy needs and expectations. Safety, reliability and affordability are my top priorities in acting on your behalf. United Power has continued to invest in upgrades, rebuilds and new technology across our system to provide ever more reliable service. The excellence and dedication of ourteam in maintaining and operating our system is outstanding. In 2023, United Power's reliability metrics placed among the top performers of all utilities in the United States, This means that most members experience veryfew power outages and that when outages do occur, they are quickly repaired by our team. We all understand that keeping the lights on in this digital age is essential to your wellbeing and quality of life. Exciting opportunities lay ahead. The utility industry is rapidly evolving, and United Power is at the forefront of this great transition. Most importantly, instead of a single power provider, we are developing a portfolio of power resources with a mix of traditional, low carbon, batterystorage and renewables with the capability to meet our reliability and demand requirements. The one -size -fits -all model of the past is no longer the best power supply option. Our new mix of power resources will allow United Powerto better control costs, utilize more local energy, and enhance efficiency and resiliency by participating in expanding power markets. The future is bright Other important issues at United Power: • Fiscal responsibility and risk management. Only a financially sound business can be successful -- and-United-P-ower-has-85 years -of success,— — - - -- • A consistent focus on safety for employees and members. Regular safety meetings and training help keep safety awareness top -of -mind. • United power is ranked in the top 5% nationally for reliability. • United Power has developed a Cooperative Roadmap/10 Year Plan to define our strategic vision and measure our progress toward those goals. "Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the Board for the last 3 years. There is much more work to be done. I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming election.' Asa working family with two school -aged children, my wife and I have experienced the price increases of so many necessary goods and services these past few years along with you. I understand the strain on family budgets caused when we have to raise electric rates. I insistthatthe United Power team pursue every efficiency and consider all possible alternatives before approving any rate increase. I am self-employed as an investor. Over my years of service, I've been honored to have previously served as Chairman and Vice -Chairman of our board. My professional historyincludes a decade of service in the United States Army and working many years in information technology for the cities of Boulder, Greeley and Thornton. My education includes a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell and an MBA from Colorado State. I regularly participate in electric cooperative and industry courses on issues of governance and industry change. My family is the joy and purpose of my life. My wife Jill and I and our children, Allison and James, live in Frederick. We love our Carbon Valley community where Jill and I have lived since 2001. I humbly ask for your vote. I am always available to visit with you about United Power, my vision for our future, or any other questions. b@brianamccormick.com 303-882-8554 CENTRAL DISTRICT Tim Erickson (Incumbent) Hello, my name is Tim Erickson; as your current Central Director on the Board of United Power, I sincerely thank you for allowing me to represent the continuation of United Power Inc, for these last three years. The full measure of my job is to serve you, the Member The guidelines to serve the Membership is, first and foremost, that a Director shall read, understand, and hold the cooperative Bylaws and Corporate policies to their highest standard. My duty is to be respectful to all Members of the Board and work effectively with that governing Board. To that end, the Board has selected me to hold the leadership position of past Secretaryof the Board and various leadership assignments on related association's boards. To serve you best, I have also earned the NRECA Credential Director's certificate, the Board Leadership certificate, and a Gold Award. in continuing education. United Power is a nonprofit electric distribution cooperative guided by the laws of large commercial or agricultural irrigator The Board's mandated responsibility is to serve -as a rate -making commission and a bonded fiduciary. To this end, all eleven board Directors have personally accomplished business acumen with an added touch of political savvy, Beyond law requirements, the Board of Directors has endorsed a "roadmap" for a successful future. Today's electric market is fluent, alive, and available to leader- ship that breathes innovation and sustainability and commands their share in the market arena. United Power will always exercise its core mission of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity United Power has gone well beyond these original torchlight goals. United Power has already achieved the highest rooftop solar production in the cooperative districts. The first in the state of Colorado to utilize utility -sized storage batteries. The only cooperative in the state to give back Capitol credits of over 50 million dollars in the last ten years, United Power is required in our"roadmap"to acquire only carbon -neutral sources of electric generation by the year 2050 the state of Colorado. The Board of Directors is chosen annually by its over 100,000 members. The Board's responsibility, by law, is to ensure every Member within I, Tim Erickson, ask for your vote in this years Annual Election 2024 for Director of our service territoryhas access to electric service, whether residential, small or the Board, Paige Wagner -Maul Greetings United Power Members: I respectfully invite you to consider me for the United Power Board of Directors, I am currently serving my 4th year as a volunteer director on United Power's Charity Board, Round Up Foundation, I truly enjoy serving our community and United Power members. I am a Colorado native and grew upon a dairy farm in rural Ft, Lupton. My professional experience includes over 40 years in the utility industry, with a focus on customer service, customer growth, design, install and maintenance for both gas and electric infrastructure, I also worked closely with governmental agencies, and other community boards. SOUTH DISTRICT Brad Case (Incumbent) Brad Cage is running for re-election for the South District of the United Power Board. He has lived in the United Powerterritory his entire life. He is currently the representative for the Midwest ...; Electric Association, the representative for the Western United Electronics Cooperation, and an alternative for SEDC Corporation, He is proud that he has never missed a United Power board meeting or event. He has a flexible schedule as an independent business owner, so he can dedicate himself almost full-time to the United Power Board and our members. He is accredited with the NRECA National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Board Leadership Program, he has received the Credentialed Cooperative Director Program (CCD) and Board Leadership (BLC), He is the owner of Case Powdercoating, Previously, he worked at Majestic Metals, a precision manufacturing shop, for 34 years. He managed up to 80 employees. Additionally, he managed, organized, and monitored million -dollar projects in aerospace, military, wind, solar, and OAG projects. He has a degree in Computer Science, He grew up on the Case dairy farm, where he learned about dedication and hard work, He volunteered as a Lieutenant officer in the Brighton Police Department and coached sports through Brighton Recreation District. I recognize the many challenges that face the utility industry: customer growth, rates, governmental pressures, clean energy focus, grid stability and security, just to name a few United Power's focus is to provide safe, cost effective and reliable energy for us, keeping fire mitigation efforts and the safety of our members and employees up front. I believe my experience can make a difference in the ever- changing times ahead. I live in the Brighton area with my husband Larry. We have three adult children and two grandchildren, We enjoy camping, gardening, home projects, and spend- ing time with family and friends. Thank you for your support, I can be contacted at pgmarrs@icloud.com. His greatest accomplishment is his long-term marriage of 31 years to his wife, Deborah Case, She is a special education teacher at Southeast Elementary. His oldest son Kyle retired from the Air Force and received a bachelor's degree in Business, His youngest son Erick, also graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business. He is a family man who enjoys camping, snowmobiling, and fishing during family vacations. He is seeking re-election because of his commitment to the members, community, and the cooperative. He supports all prosperous technological growth, economic, environmental, and sound resource development. He feels his input and vote on the board aligns with the majority of our members and reflects their interests. He looks forward to our new challenges and opportunities, as we exit our current power supplier. We have the opportunity fora brighter future with cleaner more reliable locally generated power which we can control and predict the cost of for our members. He is committed to the cooperative and underlying fundamentals of giving back to United Power's customers through diligent management of our energy resources, He enjoys talking to.our members and understanding their needs, wants, and comments as valuable input for directing United Power Please contact him at bradcase52@gmail.com or720-778-6869, 5 HERE*GOe S NCE 1938 �Ry WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2024 - 4:30 p.m. Registration, Balloting, Dinner, and Exhibit Booths 6:30 p.m. Business Meeting, Election Results, and Door Prizes Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds 19755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601 Enter at the Exhibit Hall • RSVP not required NITS® Y�Rg POWERWW Your Tc hs e Energy° Cooperative 74O.> www.unitedpower.com/annual meeting All United Power members are invited to attend the 2024 Annal Meeting. Join us as e celebrate our 85th Anniversary and take a look at the brig.4Jie ahead, Hello