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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-18 Min - Board 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 41, 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 L . L v, ) Christa Finn, President Respectfully Submitted •• ,t q(iLu( Ji' Shanna D. Kuhlemier, , District Clerk • •