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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesREGULAR MEETING MINUTES June17, 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 Directors: Tony Laliotis, Joe Aguera, Bob Ellis, Vice President Finn, and Pres- ident Bender. Absent: Director Joe Aguera. EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Brian Wright, Ian Fitzgerald, Steven Poncelet, Mike Salmon, Joe Horvath, Michael Holley, and Shanna Kuhlemier. CONSULTANTS PRESENT — Steve Gross, District Counsel and Pam Hobday, Pamela Hurt Associates. OTHERS PRESENT — 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — defer. 4. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA 5. PUBLIC INPUT President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. President Bender closed public comment. 6. DIRECTOR UPDATE Vice President Finn read the following statement: I was elected to a seat on this board to facilitate and speed our community's transition to 100% renewable energy sources, a step on the way to deep environmental justice. But there can be no environmental justice without racial justice. The hard truth is that climate change is raining destruction on black and brown communities around the world, and we have not been concerned. We overlook the racism that allows communities of color to literally suffocate be- cause of their proximity to power plants and other fossil fuel infrastructure. There is no doubt that our current policies place a heavier pollution burden on poor communities and communi- ties of color. Protecting the environment MUST include protecting the lives and health of oth- ers. If we cannot cast a net of compassion broad enough to encompass our Black and Brown sisters and brothers, how can we hope to engage in the deep, ecological healing that needs to occur? Every fight that we enter is really about whom and what to protect. The privileged or the op- pressed? The heard or the unheard? Those who feel the brunt of environmental impacts or those who don't? We could not have built this system if there were not a class of people wen that we are willing to exploit, whose health and welfare is dispensable. To connect the dots very explicitly, choosing dirty power is a racist act. And we cannot even opt out of it at this moment in time, there is no alternative. This is exactly what institutional, systemic racism is. In the powerful words of 15 year old Alexandria Villasenor, founder of Earth Uprising, "We know there is no climate justice without racial justice. The exploitation of Black people is the greatest extractive system of all time, and in order to heal the planet, we must have Black and Indigenous liberation." I am clearly speaking from a place of privilege. My ask today from my fellow board members is that when we have a chance to participate in a board retreat, where we craft policy and goals together, that we include training on racism, privilege, bias and diversity. Like climate change, there is no simple fix for racism. But like climate change, that does not excuse us from doing our part in this vital work. Director Ellis — • This is an emotional time to see an excellent leader for the Public Utility District leave. • Met Michael over eight years ago and learned a lot from his time at the District. • The District has profited from these experiences and leadership. • Wishes Michael and his family well. • Welcomed Rem. Director Laliotis • Acknowledged Christa's statement and looks forward to exploring this at the Board re- treat. • The District wouldn't be where is without Michael's foresight and leadership. • The District is in a great position for the transition and process. • Everyone should be proud of these accomplishments. President Bender • Expresses similar feelings. • Excited for the ultimate transition. • Thanked Pam Hobday for the painful but wonderful process. SPECIAL BUSINESS 7. Presentation(s) for Michael D. Holley's Years -of -Service. Nevada County Supervisor presented a recognition to Michael for his years in service. Provided background, including, his time serving on the committee that recommended Michael to the District as General Manager. Stated it was a honor to serve with Michael. Michael has been anintegral part of the community and made considerable contributions. Director Finn, stated; • A heartfelt thank you to Michael for his leadership and leaving the District in better shape than he received it. • Appreciated Michael's patience, knowledge, and coaching. • Michael coined the term "setting the table", stated, Michael set the table for a great future. Director Ellis stated; • Expressed his appreciation for transformational leadership. Director Laliotis stated; • Accomplishments are what is important for remembrances. Further, gaging success by what didn't happen as much as what happened. o Michael kept the District interest at the foremost in his position. o Saved money, time and energy. • The District persevered through Michael's tenure. Provided some accomplishments during Michael's employment. Director Bender stated; • Appreciation for Michael's time at the District. • Appreciated the foresight to bring on Pam for this process. • Will always use the term "setting the table". • Best of luck in retirement. General Counsel Gross stated; • It has been a great journey and pleasure working with Michael. • As a life-long learner, Mr. Gross leaned a lot from Michael. • Michael's strategy and deep thoughts are what kept the District operating in an explan- atory fashion. • Provided more information on Michael's tenure. • Wished Michael well in retirement and hoped their paths would cross again. Electric Utility Director Horvath provided some eloquent words for Michael's departure. Water Utility Director Wright recognized the impacts of Michael's leadership and legacy, wish- ing the best of luck. Pam Hobday provided a quote from the Art of War and stated Michael's strategic thinking will forever be a key point of their relationship. Echoed everyone else's sentiments. Appreciated the time they spent together. Rem Scherzinger stated; • Appreciation from one general manager to the other. • Thanked Michael for the foundation. • The District is strong and Michael's legacy will not be lost. • Thanked Michael for his service. CONSENT CALENDAR 8. Consideration TO Purchase Replacement Thin Client PCs. This item concerns procurement of ThinPCs from CDWg for an amount not to exceed $33,900. 9. Consideration of Purchasing Cisco Switched for Redundant Fiber Access for the Phase 5 of the SCADA Reliability Project. This item concerns procurement from Cisco for an amount not to exceed $46,857. 10.Consideration to of a Contract with CPS HR Consulting for Human Resource Services. This item involves a contract with CPS HR Consulting in an amount not to exceed $27,000. 11.Consideration to Adopt Resolution 2020-18 to Affirm and Support Incoming General Man- ager Rem Scherzinger's Position and Role in Region III Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). This item concerns Rem Scherzinger's participation on ACWA's Board. President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Ellis moved, and Director Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve the Consent Cal- endar. The motion passed unanimously (4-0), by a roll call vote. Director Aguera was absent. ROUTINE BUSINESS 1. A Treasurer's Report: June 2020. a) Approval of the Treasurer's report of fund balances for the Month Ended April 2020. President Bender called for public comment, seeing none. Director Ellis moved, and Director Laliotis seconded, that the Board approve the staff recom- mendation. The motion passed unanimously (4-0), by a roll call vote. Director Aguera was absent. b) Approval of disbursements for May 2020. 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 (4-0), by a roll call vote. Director Aguera was absent. ADJOURNMENT - 6:47 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 July 15, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. TRUCKEE D PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT J0 Be , resident Respectfully Submitted, Shanna D. Kuhlemier, MC, District Clerk