HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 Recognizing Peter Holzmeister Agenda Item # 8
TRUCKEE DONNER
Public Utility District
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Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Tim Taylor
Date: August 1, 2007
Subject: Proclamation recognizing Peter L. Holzmeister
Why this matter is before the Board: This matter involves adoption of a proclamation
recognizing Peter L. Holzmeister for his many years of service to the District on the occasion of his
retirement.
History: When Peter came to the District on April 30, 1984, the office was in the old bug station
with a rather dilapidated trailer attached, a leaky roof and office supplies stacked deep in the men's
restroom. Employees were crammed into small rooms and the District was growing like crazy.
Peter moved fairly quickly to have the new building constructed.
Water systems — saying you will help a neighbor in need and actually doing it are two different
things. Hirschdale customers had a failing water system. Donner Lake customers had a failing
water system. Glenshire customers had high levels of arsenic and were running low on water
source. East West Partners needed help in financing their new infrastructure for both Old
Greenwood and Gray's Crossing. While the Board voted "Yes" to pursue these projects, Peter was
the one who made them happen.
Power Supply - when Peter first came to Truckee, the power supply of the Truckee Donner PUD
was an "all requirements" customer of Sierra Pacific Power. The PUD was looking for a way to
become independent of Sierra Pacific. So the PUD joined Northern California Power Association
(NCPA) and subsequently UAMPS. Then the PUD's 20 year battle began to secure transmission
access so they could buy power from UAMPS and become self-sufficient.
Financial - When Peter came the District was in very poor financial shape. Through Peter's
leadership, the District borrowed funds to solve many problems: address the failing water system,
construct a building for a growing organization, provide staff with the proper equipment and training
to do their jobs, and provide sufficient operating funds.
Peter has proposed 23 operating and capital budgets. He prepared for and attended over 650
board meetings. He held many all employee meetings and many hundreds of meetings with
management staff. He negotiated 9 union contracts. Peter was instrumental in bringing the
CalPERS pension plan to District employees and other pension and benefit programs.
Peter has always been sensitive to the needs of the customers, the Board and employees and has
treated them all with dignity and respect. Peter and his contribution to this District and to Truckee
will be missed greatly.
Recommendation: I recommend that the Board adopt the proclamation.
TRUCKEE DONNER
uPublic
Proclamation No. 2007 - XX
Recognizing Peter L. Holzmeister
For His Many Years of Service
WHEREAS, Peter L. Holzmeister, will be retiring as the Truckee Donner Public Utility District General
Manager on December 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Peter has acted as General Manager for Truckee Donner Utility District since April 30,
1984 and has been in public services for over thirty-three years: four years as Assistant Town Manager
of Wilmington, Massachusetts, six years as City Manager of Grove City, Pennsylvania and the past
twenty-three years to the Truckee Donner Public Utility District; and
WHEREAS, Peter's good judgment, integrity and high degree of professionalism were evident while
carrying out his duties as the TDPUD General Manager; and
WHEREAS, Peter has been a respected leader, promoting a thorough approach to dealing with
challenges and resolving problems, contributing to the success of the District in many ways; and
WHEREAS, Peter helped the TDPUD provide reliable water and electric power to Truckee's customers
and open the way to provide fiber optic broadband to all the homes in the Truckee; and
WHEREAS, Peter always encouraged open communication and teamwork between the Directors, staff
and community; and
WHEREAS, Peter had the insight to accommodate a growing organization, improving wages, benefits
and working conditions for all of the employees and encouraging employee development; and
WHEREAS, Peter played an active role in the community, including his involvement with Rotary and
the Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, the Board of directors wishes to express its appreciation and admiration for his
performance.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT THAT:
• Peter and Debbie have the best of luck and happiness in his retirement.
• Peter is commended for his invaluable contribution to the success of the Truckee Donner PUD,
for his work ethic which stands as a model for others to emulate and for the friendship we
continue to share with him.
• Peter's contribution to this District and to Truckee will be remembered fondly.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors at a meeting duly called and held within the District
on the_day of , 2007 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
Tim F. Taylor, President