The Ontonagon County Rural Electrification Association held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Members on June 27 at Chassell High School, where cooperative leadership, employees, retirees, and members gathered to review the past year’s progress and discuss the future of the cooperative.
President Mike Gaunt called the meeting to order at 10:17 a.m., leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance before welcoming members. Gaunt introduced himself and invited the board of directors to stand as he recognized each one. Director Randy Myhren was unable to attend due to an emergency. Gaunt also acknowledged Ontonagon REA staff, past directors, retirees, and former employees, thanking them for their continued commitment to the cooperative.
Board Elections and Administrative Actions
Secretary Ann Gasperich reported that no election committee was required this year. Both Paul Koski (District 2— Ewen/Trout Creek/Lake Mine) and Ann Gasperich (District 6—Boston) ran unopposed and will continue serving three-year terms. Gasperich then read the proof of mailing. Director Calvin Koski confirmed that 58 members were present along with six proxy votes, establishing a quorum. Members were asked to refer to the printed minutes from the 2025 Annual Meeting. A motion by Ted Soldan, seconded by Paulette Archambeau, to dispense with the reading of the minutes passed unanimously.
Reports to the Membership
President Gaunt reminded attendees that the Annual Meeting’s purpose is to provide transparency and information to the membership. He introduced CEO Dallas Aho, who delivered the cooperative’s financial report and noted that Ontonagon REA continues to undergo independent auditing. Aho then invited Operations Manager Justin Sironen to provide an operations update. There was no unfinished business.
New Business and Member Motions
Two motions were brought forward from the floor:
- Motion 1: Member Mel Haskell, supported by Bruce Johanson, requested a forensic audit of financial records for expenses from 2022 and 2024. After extensive discussion, the motion failed with 16 yes votes and 35 no votes.
- Motion 2: Haskell and Johanson then moved to recommend that the board review the cooperative’s conflict of interest policy to determine whether any violations occurred and to report findings to the membership. The motion passed with 22 yes votes and 21 no votes. Members also offered comments and questions, including remarks from Hans Impola, Allen Preston, Morgan Impola, Sarah Green, Seth Solden, Mel Haskell, Hannah Assiala, Wayne Siira, and Dale Peterson.
CEO Remarks and Adjournment
President Gaunt reintroduced CEO Aho to speak on key accomplishments and challenges from the past year, providing members with a candid overview of successes and areas needing improvement. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the meeting concluded at 11:13 a.m. Prize winners were announced following adjournment.
