September 15, 2000

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Fluno Center for Executive Education, 601 University Avenue, Madison, WI

Present were:  Ted Beck, David Benforado, Eric Borgerding, Tom Kilkenny, Dan Matson, Cheryl Parrino, Tim Steffes, Rodney Stevenson, Susan Stratton, and Robert Wortinger, Brian Rude, Teri Vierima, Mary Wright (for Lee Cullen).

1.       Introduction, Welcome to New Board Members and Agenda Review

Dan Matson convened the meeting at 9 a.m.  No adjustments or additions were made to the agenda.

2.      February 2001 Board Meeting Minutes

 Minutes were approved after motion by Cheryl Parrino and second from Tim Steffes.

 3.      Executive Board Member Status 2001-2002

Susan Stratton reported on the results of the September paper ballot for new Board members and Board officers.  A 75 percent majority is needed to elect new Board members and a 50 percent majority is needed to elect officers. The new Chair is Dan Matson of Verizon.  The new Vice Chair is Terri Nicolai of Alliant Energy.  The newly elected Board members are Scott VanderSanden of Ameritech replacing Rhonda Johnson; Eric Borgerding of WMC replacing Richard Olson of (WIEG); and Roman Draba of Wisconsin Electric replacing Phyllis Dubé.

(note: the paper ballot system was used when the Board meeting had to be cancelled on Sept 14. )

No decision was necessary.

  4.   Finance Report for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 (information sharing)

The fiscal year 2000-2001 ended with a deficit of $-18,881 due primarily to low program enrollment.  Income received after the close of the UW fiscal year left the Institute with a combined balance of $-9,834 (CASB plus UW accounts) as of July 1, 2001.

5.      Program Report for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 (information sharing)

Susan reviewed program status and enrollment problems with several courses. The Board agreed to forego the APPA partnership for the 2002 year due to poor attendance in 2001.

6.      Scholarship Program Status and Results (information sharing)

Susan gave a brief status report.  As of October, the Scholarship fund is depleted due to the awarding of 26 scholarships this year.  The Board decided to make no changes in the program as to priorities of awards.

 7.      Program Plan and Budget for 2001-2002

In light of the Director's departure, several programs were cancelled or put on hold:

• Competition Law and Policy--Reconsider at future date.

•  Annual Meeting--Delay depending on new Director

• Future of Nuclear Power--Cancel

• The US Energy Plan--Cancel

• Princeton Energy Program Outsource--Reconsider at future date

• Executive Management Institute (APPA)--Reconsider in 2003

• Fall Networking Event--Cancel

The Telecommunications Utility Basics Course is scheduled for April 17-19, 2002.  If the new Director does not start in January, the date may have to be moved.

The Executive Board unanimously agreed to support the continuance of the Institute with a full-time director and one program assistant. The budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year was approved subject to the following changes:

• The salary information would be collapsed into one lump figure

• Program revenue and expenses would be altered to reflect cancellations

• The minimum target for the Director's salary would be $60,000.

While a quorum was present to approve the hiring of a new full-time director, the Board asked Susan and Dan to poll missing members to obtain input.  If there were any strong objections to hiring anew director, the Board would reconvene.  (Note:  Subsequent poll unanimously supported hiring new director.)

The Board proposed the formation of a Search Committee with Dan Matson as its head.  Volunteers at the time of the meeting were:  Cheryl Parrino, Terry Nicolai (in his absence), Ted Beck (advisory), Susan Stratton (advisory).  Dan Matson was asked to recruit a University representative and one or two others.  (Note :  Those added to the committee are Rodney Stevenson (UW), Peter Carstensen (UW), and Ave Bie (PSCW).)

The budget and hiring proposal motion was offered by Cheryl Parrino and seconded by Brian Rude.  It passed unanimously.

8.      Next Board Meeting

The January Board Meeting is generally combined with the Annual meeting.  It was decided to delay the annual meeting until the start date of the new director is known.  The Board agreed to hold the date of January 25, 2002 for a Board Meeting, regardless of the status of the new Director. The room is reserved at Grainger Hall.  The time is 9:00-11:30. The Chair will confirm this meeting as the date gets closer.

 The 2002 annual meeting will mark the 20^th Anniversary of the Institute.

 9.      Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 after motion by Dan Matson and second by Cheryl Parrino.

Minutes submitted by:  Susan E. Stratton