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HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 Draft MinutesTRUCKEE DONNER Public Utility District MEETING DATE: January 6, 2021 TO: Board of Directors AGENDA ITEM # FROM: Shanna D. Kuhlemier, CIVIC, District Clerk SUBJECT: Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 2, 2021 and the Special Meetings for December 16, 2021 and December 18, 2021 Page 1 of 1 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES December 2, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the TDPUD Boardroom by President Bender. Disclaimer: Due to the COVID=19 situation and the California Governor's Executive Orders, this Board meeting was conducted with the Board via video/teleconferencing measures and live streamed on the District website. Public comment was opened using email and questions and answers on Zoom. 2. ROLL CALL Director(s) Ellis, Laliotis, Aguera, Vice President Finn, and President Bender. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Brian Wright, Ian Fitzgerald, Steven Poncelet, Mike Salmon, Joe Horvath, and Shanna Kuhlemier. CONSULTANTS PRESENT — Steve Gross, District Counsel. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — defer. 4. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA — none. 5. PUBLIC INPUT President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. 6. DIRECTOR UPDATE Director Ellis: • Stated he was sad this was to be his last meeting. • The PUD is such an amazing organization that he was proud to serve. • Congratulated Joe and Jeff on their re-election. • Stated during his time as President there were some hard issues that were handled. Appreciated Jeff's leadership during his term. Director Aguera: • Enjoyed serving with Director Ellis. Wished him the best in the future. • Thanked the community and Board for the support through re-election. President Bender: • Thanked Director Ellis for his service. Stated appreciation for re-election and looks forward to the years to come. o The District has some challenging and exciting times ahead. Provided the following statement: Unfortunately, last week Moonshine Ink published an article about the termination of our GM which had quite of bit of untruths in it from the anonymous employee. And as I said during our November 18th meeting regarding Kim Harris' public comment, I just cannot help but keep thinking about the Speak Your Peace, civility project and also The Truckee Way. I respect and honor every person's right, every employee's right, to have and ex- press their opinion, but what's difficult for me, and unfortunate, are the personal attacks and untruths during public comment and in this article. This is completely against what we are all trying to do regarding honesty, respect, constructive criticism and what's best for the District. Pamela Hurt Associates contract had nothing to do with the board's decision regarding the General Manager. Transitions are very difficult, and our consultant has taken us through an incredibly challenging and enlightening process. We identified the District's core values and used those values to identify core cultural skill sets which were incorpo- rated throughout this very intense hiring process. And the work done in that process is not lost, just the person at the end was. The core values have not changed, we keep them close to our heart and they should guide us going forward. I have full confidence in this board to continue this process to retain the very best fit we can with the next general man- ager. understand some people are upset, but please know, some are not. The board's deci- sion was termination without cause, and it's just that, without cause. I completely under- stand this is extremely difficult for those who are not in closed session with this board; not knowing what is going on in closed session is very frustrating. Looking forward, I completely trust my fellow board members and respect them and we must all respect this unanimous, extremely important and difficult board decision. I com- pletely trust and respect our employees and know they will always do their very best even though we may disagree on some issues. I truly feel this decision was in the very best in- terest of the district, the rate payers, and all employees, even though some do not feel that way. And finally, please, embrace and live our District's core values, follow the Truckee Way, and speak your peace, so we can all move ahead in a constructive, inclu- sive, and respectful manner. Thank you Director Laliotis: • Stated Director Ellis was a valuable Board member and was sorry to see him leave. • Congratulated all successful elected. Director Finn provided the following statement: My director's comment this evening is going to acknowledge that there is an elephant in the room. I respect and welcome input, opinions and different perspectives. I believe this entire board does. We have been participating in training to help us navigate such differences with open minds, kindness and empathy. Therefore, it was extremely jarring to read the Moonshine Ink article, for which I provided an interview, quoting an employee using words like "retribution" and "toxic" to describe the work environment here. By design, the board does not have much opportunity to connect with staff. But I recognize that District employees have feelings and fears and are understandably con- fused. I also understand that a vacuum begs to be filled. In the absence of information (which we cannot provide because it must be held in confidence), rumors and inaccuracies are bound to fill the space. While I cannot tell you what we did discuss, I can share what we did not discuss. Pam H.obday's contract never entered the arena. As far as the board knows, Rem was as satisfied with her work as we are, which, speaking for myself, is extremely. Reference the Sep- tember 2 board meeting, where we renewed the contract for the purpose of strategic planning. Rem and the board were in full alignment. It was always the intent to expire the contract in the spring with the completion of the strategic plan. To my knowledge, that never changed. The board had to make a hard decision. We had to set our egos aside and admit that a situation was not working. There is no upside in this for the board, EXCEPT for the fact that we are united in our belief that this was the best thing to do, for our community AND for employees of the district. We will carry our lessons learned forward and we will continue to work towards a more perfect PUD, practicing our District values of safety, communication, integrity, accounta- bility, timeliness, and work hard -play hard. Thank you. I would also like to take a moment to thank Director Ellis for his service to the district. I really appreciate your financial expertise and your level headed perspective. It has been a pleasure working with you for the past two years and I wish you all the best moving forward. GENERAL MANAGER / CEO UPDATE 7. Interim General Manager Brian Wright gave updates regarding: • Thanked Director Ellis for his service to the District. Strategic Planning Update o Survey is scheduled o Website has been built o Benchmarking with industry leaders is scheduled o Focus Group are scheduled for early January PUBLIC HEARING 8. Conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 2020-02 Setting Water Rates for FY21- FY25. a) Conduct a Public Hearing on Proposed Water Rates for FY21-FY25 b) Accept and Direct Staff to File the Truckee Donner Public Utility District 2020 Water Rate Study c) Adopt Ordinance 2020-02 Setting Water Rates for FY21-FY2. Brian Wright and Shawn Korn provided a presentation (presentation available upon request). Director Comments: o Appreciated that the "why" was answered through this process. o The Board's responsibility and goal is commitment to the infrastructure. o There has been lots of discussion on "kicking the can" down the road. It is prudent to ensure this is handled and not for future generations to deal with. o Other agencies have different revenue streams like property tax. The TDPUD does not have these options. o This is a cost of service increase. o Need better communication of programs and options. o Need low income protection o This is necessary for the health and safety of the community o Fire is a large part of this increase. President Bender opened the public hearing for comments in support or opposition to the rate increase. Due to some technical difficulties the comments were read into the record: Emilie Kashtan 06:03 PM I have a public comment but it did not let me raise my hand. May I still state public comment due to technical difficulties Emilie Kashtan 06:06 PM I sent in concerns to the General Manager July 16, 2020 and never received any response. Can the Board review my concerns regarding unrepaired drainage issues eminitating from the Montano property inwhch the TDPUD installed a road, as seen by sattelite, where drain- age was not properly mitigated as per LAHONTON or the Town's Planning Resolution on the Montano Planning Commission findings. Emilie Kashtan 06:12 PM Given that the 1400 hookups involving Donner Lake property owners where to get off a year boiing water notice owners were put in a special district where they paid for legal costs, drill- ing wells and all the infrastructure to completely rebuilt the system, at present where we con- tinue to pay with out inclusion of all other TDPUD customers, why should Donner Lake own- ers have to now have rates raised to repair those customers in Town's water system, which should have been covered by those communities. Put those communities in special distrcts, which would be fair. Ann Penfield 06:51 PM The rates looks to be 50% increase and was not advertized as that amount. And commercial rates are not going up as high as home owners. Paula Henrikson 06:52 PM Why did your mailers not include an annual total. Mine will be an increase of $400 per year! Ann Penfield 06:53 PM the info in the notice did not explain on how much the rate was increasing so I feel we can all say that the notice was insuffient Paula Henrikson 06:53 PM Are the increases affected by the new developments around Truckee? Paula Henrikson 06:53 PM Would the Board consider creating a lower base rate for those who don't use much water? Emilie Kashtan 06:54 PM With only three q&As, these, as in all public comment periods in meetings, should be heard by the public and read for the public to hear. Simply approving them is not allowing public voice. Ann Penfield 06:54 PM since notice insuffient we can ask that it be thrown out and should be redone. Emilie Kashtan 06:58 PM Please inform the Board, that as I and many watch this, There is no button to see what ques- tions or comments were placed prior and during Public Comment. This is not full disclosure to the public, not to read and identify an analysis of what was sent in.. Please make this a mat- ter of public record so the CPUC can review. Ann Penfield 07:01 PM I can only see 4 so maybe there is a problem with the Q&A Ann Penfield 07:02 PM The comment portion is not working so you should redue the entire process. Emilie Kashtan 07:02 PM Excuse me, you did not inform the public on all comments and questions how to access prior to closing public comment. Please review as this is not transparency Thomas Deurloo 07:02 PM The public q&a appears to only be available to the host and panelists jan zabriskie 07:03 PM Thank you to Jeff Bender for trying to answer my question. However, my Q and A tab shows one "All Questions" only (in apparent reference to my question). There is a glitch some- where. Paula Henrikson 07:03 PM Thank you for the discount a few years ago when I was laid off. It's only good once per fam- ily. Emilie Kashtan 07:07 PM Why did not Glenshire that the TDPUD took on at the same time as Donner Lake not have the same obligations? Emilie Kashtan 07:09 PM In the late 1990s and early 2000, the water system in Donner Lake was a collander of water leaks. Cost cutting methods cause premature failure of the system, and yet all the rest of us are paying for fixing their system, a long gong failing system. Emilie Kashtan 07:12 PM Please make sure that all submitted comments prior or during the meeting are posted for people to read. This has been done real time with the Town Council The CPUC needs to know what public had availa le Deirdre Henderson 07:25 PM May I ask how this infrastreucture problem was allowed to get to this point? Board Comments: • Requested language change in the ordinance for Board approval of increase yearly. This ordinance will still set the cap, but the Board can look at the progress. Director Ellis moved, and Vice President Finn seconded, that the Board approve the staff rec- ommendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. President Bender called for a recess at 7:47 p.m. The Board reconvened at 7:56 p.m. CONSENT 9. Insurance Renewals 2020-2021 — Property, General Liability, and Workers Compensation with ACWA JPIA. Approve Property, General Liability, and Workers Compensation insurance re- newals for coverage period's fiscal year ending (FYE) 6/30/2021, 9/30/2021, and 6/30/2021 respectively, for a total of $249,965 (Property and General Liability) and $265,000 for Workers Compensation. 10.Consideration for Approval of an Increased Annual Procurement with Thatcher Company. Approve an increase in annual procurement of sodium hypochlorite with Thatcher Company from an amount of $26,030 to an amount not to exceed $31,000. 11. Contract Approval — FY20 and FY21, Wildan Financial Services. a) Authorize 2020 Willdan Financial Services Contract Amount - $32,003.29. b) Authorize General Manager to contract for 2021 Willdan Financial Services — CFD stand- ard services, Contract Amount - $35,500.00. President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Ellis moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the consent cal- endar. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. ACTION ITEM(S) 12.Continue the approval for the Emergency Procurement of Transformer Bushings for Martis Valley Substation. Continue the emergency procurement of transformer bushings for Martis Valley Substation. Joe Horvath provided a presentation (available upon request). President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Laliotis moved, and Director Ellis seconded, that the Board approve the staff recom- mendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 13. Consideration to Award a Contract to Design the Martiswoods Hydropneumatic Pump Sta- tion. Award a contract to Farr West Engineering to perform design of the Martiswoods Hydropneumatic Pump Station project in an amount not to exceed $135,700. Neil Kaufman provided a presentation (available upon request). President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Laliotis moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the staff rec- ommendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 14.Consideration of FY21 Annual Contract and Procurements. a) Authorize the routine annual procurements totaling $7,432,675 from the ven- dors listed in attachments 1,2, and 3. b) Authorize the General Manager to execute the required documents necessary to procure the products and services listen in attachments 1, 2, and 3. President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Laliotis moved, and Director Ellis seconded, that the Board approve the staff recom- mendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. ROUTINE BUSINESS 15.Approve the Minutes of Special Meeting, September 16, 2020, Regular Meeting, October 7, 2020 and Special Meeting, October 21, 2020. President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Ellis moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 16.Approval of the Treasurer's Report: December 2020 a) Approval of the Treasurer's report of fund balances for the Month Ended October 2020. Vice President Finn moved, and Director Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve the Treas- urer's report. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. b) Approval of disbursements for November 2020. President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Aguera moved, and Director Ellis seconded, that the Board approve the disburse- ments. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. SPECIAL BUSINESS 17. Board Meeting Schedule 2021. Set the Board meeting schedule for 2021. Shanna Kuhlemier provided a presentation (available upon request). President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Laliotis moved, and Director Finn seconded, that the Board approve the staff recom- mendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 18. Results for the November 3, 2020 Election. Accept the November 3, 2020 Election Results. Shanna Kuhlemier provided a presentation (available upon request). President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Finn moved, and Director Ellis seconded, that the Board approve the staff recommen- dation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. CLOSED SESSION — 8:27 p.m. 19. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, Public Employee Perfor- mance Evaluation — Interim General Manager's Performance Review. No reportable ac- tion. ADJOURNMENT - 9:44 p.m. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned to the next scheduled regularly scheduled meeting of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District on January 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Jeff Bender, President Respectfully Submitted, Shanna D. Kuhlemier, CIVIC, District Clerk SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES December 16, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order at 4:01 p.m. by President Bender. Disclaimer: Due to the COVID-19 situation and the California Governor's Executive Orders, this Board meeting was conducted with the Board via video/teleconferencing measures and live streamed on the District website. Public comment was opened using email and questions and answers on Zoom. 2. ROLL CALL Directors: Aguera, Laliotis, Harris, Vice President Finn, and President Bender. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Brian Wright, Ian Fitzgerald, Steven Poncelet, Mike Salmon, Joe Horvath, and Shanna Kuhlemier. CONSULTANTS PRESENT — Steve Gross, District Counsel, Pam Hobday, Pamela Hurt As- sociates, Adam Probolsky, Probolsky Research. 3. PLEDGE — defer. 4. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA — Move workshop Item 11 to after Item 6. 5. Public Comment — This is time set aside for the public to address the Board on any matter not on the agenda. Testimony related to any agendized matter should be addressed at the time that that item is considered. (The public may comment on any subject that is not on the agenda. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes, but speaker time may be reduced at the discretion of the Board President if there are a large number of speakers on any given subject.) President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. 5.1 Director Updates — Director Harris: • Thanked Director Ellis for eight years of service. o Acknowledged and appreciated his challenging times. • Congratulations to President Bender and Director Aguera • Thanked all community members who voted. • Attended UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center presentation. • Attended a presentation on the new Truckee Library. • Appreciative and supportive of the District employees. o Talked about the 2017-2018 winter storms and challenges associated with that time. • Discussed team environments and pressures. • Announced the last few years well liked and competent people have left the district and the uncertainty that leaves employees feeling. • Stated with the right leadership the District will thrive. • Talked about core values and safety being number one, that is more than just body, it is a safe and supportive environment without hidden agendas. • Commitment to District transparency. • Invite current and past employees to Board meeting to discuss items. • Encouraged all employees to share topics with Interim General Manager Wright. • Excited to work with the Board. Director Aguera welcome Director Harris to the Board. Director Laliotis welcomed Director Harris and expresses excitement to work together. Director Finn: • Welcome Director Harris to the Board. • Announced attendance at a Brown Act Training and High Performing Board Training with Dis- trict Counsel Gross, Pam Hobday, and Interim General Manager Wright. • Thanked everyone for the work, participation and encouragement to make better Board members. • Provided the following statement: I am a reader. A few years ago I read a book called "Lincoln in the Bardo". It was well worth reading in and of itself, but also because it introduced me to the Buddhist concept of the Bardo, which of course led me to more reading and to the writing of thinker Joanna Macy, who I am going to paraphrase here: The Bardo is a between state. Not earth, not heaven, but an intermediate place, a trans - formative state. When you enter the Bardo, you are met by a Buddha holding a mirror, a mirror that reflects the world just as it is. A truth mirror. It demands your attention and your acceptance. The very helpful/hopeful concept here is that in the Bardo, the future is not in front of you, it is within you. To me, that was an incredibly powerful idea because ... I think we are in the Bardo right now. Covid 19 is the Buddha holding the mirror and in it we can see how our systems are failing us. Inequality, extraction, racism, environmental destruction and climate change are showing us how dependent we are on each other. We are all being given the opportunity to discover what it feels like when you can't breath. We can't breathe when smoke from wildfire is chocking the air. We can't breath when we are filled with anger and resentment or are the targets of such. We can't breathe when our home is underwater, either metaphorically in the economic sense or literally in the hurricane sense. We can't breathe when a virus is clogging our lungs or when a knee is on our necks. We can't breathe without trees. Now that we can see our present, we have an opportunity to create a future, a future that is inside of us. We, the board and the employees that serve here at the District are the people who have been entrusted to care for the foundations of our community. Water. Electricity. Information (maybe). We have the power, both flowing through our transmission lines and pipes, and of our human will. Let us strive to be open to new ideas, to sharing our visions and dreams, and to new ways to serve. Let's create systems of resilience and a life sustaining community. Let's plan for that future. Let's plan to protect and nourish all of the things that we love. Thank you. President Bender: • Wished everyone a very happy holiday season. • Stated his desire to put 2020 in a box and bury it. • Thanked Pam Hobday for her expert guidance. SPECIAL BUSINESS 6. Consideration of 2021 Election of Board Officers. This item involves the nomination and election of a President and Vice President for the next twelve months. Shanna Kuhlemier provided a presentation (available upon request). President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Aguera moved, and President Bender seconded, that the Board approve the nomina- tion of Christa Finn for President and Tony Laliotis for Vice President. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. WORKSHOP ITEM 11. Strategic Planning Retreat District's strategic planning process Pam Hobday, Pamela Hurt Associates and Adam Probolsky, Probolsky Research provided a presentation on the strategic planning process and community survey results. President Finn called for a recess at 6:22 p.m. The Board reconvened at 6:30 p.m. ACTION ITEM(S) 7. Consideration to Approve a 5-Year Market Power Purchase Agreement with UAMPS. Authorize the Interim General Manager to execute the Confirmation to Lock -In Transaction Confirmation for the Firm Power Supply Project with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), and all necessary documents, for the pur- chase of market power, priced at approximately $35 per MWh on average, for a 5-year period starting in April, 2022 and ending in March, 2027. Joe Horvath provided a presentation (available upon request). President Finn called for public comment, seeing none. Board Comments: • Discussion on transmission agreement with NV Energy • All necessary documents are included as a measure to ensure the transaction can be completed. • This is an estimated goal depending on the variability of renewables in the portfolio. Director Aguera moved, and Vice President Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. 8. Selection of a General Manager Succession Ad Hoc Committee. Establish the General Manager Succession Ad Hoc Committee and appoint two Board of Directors to serve the duration of the Ad Hoc Committee. President Finn called for public comment, seeing none. Board Comments: • Vice President Laliotis and President Finn spent a lot of time with the first ad -hoc com- mittee. • The base work had been completed. • A fresh set of eyes would improve the process. Director Harris questioned the minimum qualification for the interim general manager position. Stating other staff are qualified and would like the opportunity. Furthermore, the hiring of a new General Manager was a platform for running in the election. President Finn stated the interim general manager position is not up for discussion the Board unanimously appoint Brian Wright to serve the duration. Director Harris moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the nomination of Director Harris and Vice President Laliotis to serve on the Ad -Hoc Committee. The motion passed unanimously (4-1), by a roll call vote. Director Bender voted no. 9. Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Truckee for the Use of the Town's Fueling Facilities and Funding of a new Fuel Tank. Authorize the Interim General Manager to execute the Memorandum of Under- standing, establishing terms for the District's use of the Town of Truckee's fueling station in the pilot project and new fuel tank project, in substantially the form pre- sented with such changes as are acceptable to the Interim General Manager and District Counsel including, but not limited to, revision to the indemnity, insurance, and termination provisions. Joe Horvath provided a presentation (available upon request). President Finn called for public comment, seeing none. District Counsel Gross: Announced his professional affiliation with Truckee Fire Protection District. This is not a conflict but wanted transparency. o The Fire District approved this contract at their Board meeting (the prior night). ■ TDPUD staff has changed the recommendation to include a termination clause with prorated funds. This has not been discussed with the Town or the Fire District. ■ If this recommendation is pursued, advised staff to pull the item to negoti- ate the contract again. • Announced the guidance provided to Director Harris. While Director Harris does not have a conflict she must disclose her employment with the Town for this item. Interim General Manager Wright stated the recommendation in the staff report is what is on the table and requested. Director Harris announced employment at the Town of Truckee. As part of the Human Re- source Department which is part of the Administrative Services Division, is a separate depart- ment than Public Works with different department heads. Both department heads report to the Town Manager. Board Comments: This is a collaborative effort that is a great opportunity. Local fuel and partnerships are great. Director Bender moved, and Vice President Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. ROUTINE BUSINESS 10.Approve the Minutes of Regular Meeting November 4, 2020, Special Meetings of November 13, 2020, November 17, 2020, and November 18, 2020. President Finn called for public comment, seeing none. Director Harris announced her abstention due to not being seated at the time of the meetings. Director Bender moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the minutes. The motion passed unanimously (4-1), by a roll call vote. Director Harris abstained. ADJOURNMENT - 7:42 p.m. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned to the next reg- ularly scheduled meeting of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District on January 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Christa Finn, President Respectfully Submitted, Shanna D. Kuhlemier, CMC, District Clerk SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES December 18, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by President Finn. Disclaimer: Due to the COVID-19 situation and the California Governor's Executive Orders, this Board meeting was conducted with the Board via video/teleconferencing measures and live streamed on the District website. Public comment was opened using email and questions and answers on Zoom. 2. ROLL CALL Directors: Aguera, Laliotis, Harris, Vice President Finn, and President Bender. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Brian Wright, Ian Fitzgerald, Steven Poncelet, Mike Salmon, Joe Horvath, and Shanna Kuhlemier. CONSULTANTS PRESENT — Steve Gross, District Counsel. 3. Pledge of Allegiance — defer. 4. Changes to the Agenda — none. SPECIAL BUSINESS President Finn stated: I called this special meeting because we need to revisit item #8 from Wednesday's meeting. I was unprepared in the moment and taken aback by Director Harris' motion. But, upon very little reflection, I realized that having Director Harris serve on the Ad Hoc Committee is untenable. Director Harris's comments leading up to the motion were a direct attack on our Interim General Manager Brian Wright. I have never heard such disrespectful language used in a board meeting before. Interim General Manager Wright was unanimously appointed to his position by the board. He has served the district with consummate skill and integrity. He has earned my trust and respect many times over and has our complete confidence and support. I am ashamed that I did not defend him vigorously in the moment, but I will not make that same mistake again. Given Director Harris's animus towards Interim General Manager Wright, how can we expect her to negotiate in good faith and how can we expect Interim General Manager Wright to feel respected and protected in the process? It is clearly not in the best interest of the district. It was a mistake for me to call for a vote without further discussion. Also, it appears that Director Harris, by her actions and words, has placed herself in violation of her severance agreement with the District. This is a public document and anyone with an interest is welcome to request a copy. Even if the obligations in the agreement did not exist, it is not OK to undermine or attempt to undermine the authority of ANY of our employees, especially our general manager. No general manager can succeed if employees feel free to go over their head to a board member. It is unacceptable behavior for a board member not to recognize this and entertain and engage in such conduct. I would like to hear the thoughts of my fellow board members in more detail and will now open up this conversation. I do not expect to have to remind anyone that we are NOT discussing our Interim General Manager. We are discussing whether it is appropriate for Director Harris to serve on the ad hoc committee. Director Harris — Talked with Brian Wright today. Appreciated him taking the role at such short notice. Was appointed earlier when Brian Wright and Joe Horvath were appointed at the same time. • Collecting information on a job description, qualifications, and responsibilities to better understand the role and negotiations as a member of the ad hoc committee. • Shocked about information coming out like this. Vice President Laliotis — • Had similar concern of fairness to Brian Wright based on Director Harris' comments that night. • With regards to the General Manager hiring, confident Director Harris could participate. • Following the comments that night, concern over Director Harris' biases. Director Aguera - • The other night when discussion were taking place. It was a surprise when a person nominated themselves, this was unprecedented. • Should have had more discussion on the matter. • President Finn and Vice President Laliotis did a phenomenal job on the original committee. • Need to correct the issue. Director Bender — • Full support of President Finn's statements. • This has been a dark cloud over the District for about two years. • Director Harris continues to hurt the Board, employees, and eventually the community through actions. • Voted no due to the issues in the severance agreement. o Further what was said during the item. • Director Harris stated that other employees could do the job. This was significant in the attempt to un-due the Board unanimous decision. o Twice President Finn had to tell Director Harris that the discussion was not about Interim General Manager Wright. o Director Harris has a bias and comments were not made in good faith. • This process needs unbiased parties and respect. I am now going to put this open session item into abeyance while we shift into closed session ... I will not entertain a motion until we have more information at our disposal. CLOSED SESSION 6. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Deciding Whether to Initiate Litigation, one case. No reportable action. 5. Consideration to Re -Establish and/or Re -Define the Purpose of the General Manager Suc- cession Ad Hoc Committee. This item involves considering the re-establishment of, appointment(s) to and/or re -defining the purpose of the General Manager Succession Ad Hoc Committee. President Finn called for public comment, seeing none. Director Comments: Vice President Laliotis — • Apologized if any actions or inaction had a negative impact on Interim General Man- ager Wright. • Stated confidence ability as an Ad -Hoc committee member. • Not the same Interim General Manager contract than the last one which lasted three weeks. Recognizing that is important. • The Board can discuss with the entire Board the process after the Ad -Hoc committee meets. Director Aguera — • Apologized for any comments that could have created issues from the last meeting. Director Harris - • Was appointed into the Ad Hoc Committee. • Upon further discussion and consideration, will be stepping down from the committee so a more seasoned Board member can participate. • Appreciates Brian Wright's appointment to the interim role. • Appreciates the Board spirited discussions that take place. Director Bender — • Supports the items, time is of the essence. • Appreciates the candidness and discussion of the Board this evening. President Finn - Smaller scope for the Ad -Hoc Committee and have a meeting or two before coming to the whole Board. Vice President Laliotis moved, and Director Aguera seconded, that the Board approve the nom- ination of President Finn and Director Bender to serve on the Ad -Hoc Committee. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), by a roll call vote. ADJOURNMENT - 8:04 p.m. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned to the next reg- ularly scheduled meeting of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District on January 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Christa Finn, President Respectfully Submitted, Shanna D. Kuhlemier, CIVIC, District Clerk