HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirector Elect Harris PC1
Shanna Kuhlemier
From:Kim Harris <kajharris@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, November 18, 2020 5:58 PM
To:Shanna Kuhlemier; Jeff Bender; Remleh Scherzinger; Steven C. Gross
Subject:Director-elect Board Comments
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November 18, 2020
President Bender and members of the Board,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment publicly during a Board meeting. I noticed that the Public Comment
item was conveniently absent from the Board’s agenda tonight. As this is my only opportunity as Director-elect
to comment per the Brown Act, I expect to have my comments read.
First, thank you to the TDPUD for sponsoring the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. I watched all the films and am
inspired by the independent films to educate our community to take steps to ensure our environment is
preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Next, I noticed that there have been three closed-sessions meetings the Board has had over the past six days,
including tonight. It appears that the closed session is due to the General Manager performance review and
potential public employee discipline/dismissal/release, and appointment of an interim General Manager. This is
causing speculation and frustration for me, and I expect frustration from the community and employees.
The Board spent considerable efforts including time and money (approx $90,000?) to select a qualified
General Manager. Board members bragged about their hiring of Rem Scherzinger as they felt that he was the
best candidate among the stringent recruiting and hiring process. I was told several times that the process
used was one of the reasons the correct person for the job was selected, and I agree that Rem was a great
choice.
I am looking forward to working with Rem and the rest of the Board to ensure that our employees stay
motivated, our District is transparent and that we are fiscally responsible.
This appears to be a hasty decision of the Board to get rid of a new employee, and it is questionable if the
Board is experienced in managing its only employee. I have significant experience with human resources and
feel that as a Board member, I will be an advocate for the District to ensure the process followed and the
reasons behind this potential action are reasonable and appropriate. From my understanding from Rems
reports to the Board, he has been building trust among the staff and community and has addressed many
difficult situations in a professional manner. Why would the Board choose to let him go? It does not make
sense.
I request that the Board delay any action that would release Rem from his contract with the District until I am
sworn in and am able to be an active member of the Board to help navigate this complicated process with
honesty and integrity.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to being sworn in and serving the Truckee Donner Public
Utility District and its rate payers.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Harris
Board-elect Director of TDPUD