Attendance for the web meeting:
Ten employees/sub-contractors from AEP
Six volunteers from Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance
Call time: 49 minutes
While a face to face would have been nice, we embrace the world of technology. Face to face provides the ability to read body language and to build trust. Is AEP placating MMTA and the public? It would appear at this point, yes. Please remember, AEP owns zero right of ways on Meeks Mountain. So, is this a process to pacify the public before the take or are they truly interested in abiding by their own Mission, Vision & Values, "Our communities matter"? I would like to think AEP wants to be a good steward and do the right thing, but it was hard to read their body language for the simple fact not one person on their end had their camera turned on for the call. At MMTA we have treated every volunteer with respect by first shaking a hand, providing a sticker and saying thank you for joining the Build. This is called Connection and building Trust. This is part of how we Built this trail system community within 4.5 years. I'm confident there's good folks at AEP who do not want to destroy the Community they're trying to supply power upgrades within. Both can occur and there are alternatives...at MMTA we have a quote "We Can DO Hard Things"....we've proven that with the Build. We're committed to our Community and will remain committed to protecting our green space where many community events are held.
During the call summary:
-AEP needs more time to work alternatives
-AEP would like to present alternatives by the end of the year
-AEP does appear to be working on options, but again not having their cameras on really makes us think
-AEP discussed difficulty of upgrading the line in an existing space but they didn't say it couldn't be accomplished, may require a little more effort
-MMTA towards the end of the call provided 18 options to relocate the sub-station and a rough alternative to relocate the transmission line north of Interstate 64.
We hope to learn more and further connect with their Team. I think they are learning we are built different and willing to help, but we must first Build trust and see a true effort towards a sub-station relocation & reroute of the transmission line. I'm sure everyone has received an email response from AEP and I give them kudos for responding, but it would be nice to hear in the email that they are working on alternatives to route around Meeks Mountain. At this point keep sending AEP, legislators, Governor Justice, Baby Dog and the PSC photos and notes of your experience and the impact it has made in your life and for our Community.
Building Trails, Building Community, Building People
Next meeting: Sept 17th
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