MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' SPECIAL MEETING

LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT

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Tuesday, March 5, 2002
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The Board of Commissioners met in Special Session in the Boardroom of the Administrative Offices, 1232 Haco Drive, Lansing, Michigan.

Chairperson Callen called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  He announced that the purpose of the special meeting was to consider the report of the Human Resources Committee.

The Secretary declared a quorum present.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

THE CHAIR ANNOUNCED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY AGENDA SUBJECT OR ON ANY OTHER SUBJECT NOW, OR AT THE END OF THE MEETING.

No persons spoke.

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT

The Human Resources Committee met on Thursday, February 28, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. to interview candidates to provide management consultation services to the Board of Water and Light.

Committee members present were Commissioners Diane Royal, Ron Callen (arrived at 3:30 p.m.) Tim Haggart, and Connie Marin.

On January 22, 2002, the Commissioners adopted a resolution (2002-1-2) to engage an outside consultant to assist the Commissioners and the General Manager in reviewing the set goals, objectives, and measurement mechanisms for the General Manager.  Retaining a consultant as soon as possible will enable the General Manager, the consultant and the Commissioners to work together for several months in fiscal year 2002 and into fiscal year 2003.  The management consultant will act as a liaison between the Commissioners and the General Manager to assure that ongoing performance expectations for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 are realistic and have been clearly communicated.

On February 11, 2002, request for proposals were sent to seven management consultants and two proposals were received.  The Human Resources Committee met with the candidates to discuss their proposals.  Following the interview and evaluation, the committee unanimously consented to submitting the following resolution to retain the services of Colleen R. Cooper, Ph.D.

Resolution 2002-3-1

Management Consulting Services

RESOLVED, That the Board of Water and Light enter into a contract with Colleen R. Cooper, Ph.D., to provide management consulting services at a not to exceed price of $80,800.  The scope of services shall include the following phases as outlined in Dr. Cooper’s proposal:

[Commissioner Callen arrived at 3:30 p.m., and was not present for the interviews or the discussion that led to the resolution.]

The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Diane R. Royal, Chair

Human Resources Committee

Moved by Commissioner Royal, seconded by Commissioner Christian, to approve the resolution as submitted by the Human Resources Committee.

Discussion:  Commissioner Royal commented that there was a price difference between the two candidates.  Dr. Colleen Cooper ‘s proposal was evaluated to be the most comprehensive in addressing the services being sought by the Board of Commissioners, and her credentials and experience were deemed best suited for the services requested.  In response to Commissioner Duncan’s question regarding the term of the contract, Commissioner Royal stated that the term of the contract runs through June 30, 2003.  In response to a question raised by Commissioner Wonch, as to how the phases of the services are divided and whether there will be flexibility in the amount of work to be requested, Commissioner Royal reviewed the hours and associated costs for the various phases of the work plan and tasks. There is room for flexibility in the consulting services to be provided based on clarification of expectations and needs identified by the Commissioners and the consultant.

Action:  Carried unanimously.

GENERAL MANAGER'S REMARKS

Fire Code Ordinance Amended:  Assistant General Manager William Cook reported on revisions to the City of Lansing Fire Code Ordinance 1610, Section 508.5 on Fire Hydrant Systems.  The amendment, approved by City Council on March 4, 2002, provides that the installation of new and replacement hydrant systems, and at the point of tap-in to a water main, is to be completed by the BWL, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the BWL and the I.B.E.W., Local 352, and is to follow the requirements for design and maintenance as set forth by the BWL, and as approved by the Fire Chief.

COMMISSIONERS’ REMARKS

Board Retreat Set for March 15-16.  Commissioner Callen commented that the agenda for the Board retreat is in the process of being finalized.  Suggested topics for the Saturday morning session (March 16), specific to BWL issues, should be submitted within the next couple of days.  Jeff Tarbert, Vice President of the American Public Power Association, will serve as the facilitator for the policymakers workshop on Friday, March 15 (3:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and the Saturday morning session (8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.).

Electric Strategic Plan.  Commissioner Callen reported that the Electric Strategic Plan presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 26 was deferred pending further review and discussion.  Commissioner Callen plans to meet with General Manager Pandy and Assistant General Manager Cook next week to discuss specific questions he has on the Strategic Plan.  Commissioners who would like to join them for this discussion were urged to come.

EXCUSED ABSENCE

On motion by Commissioner Royal and seconded by Commissioner Duncan, that the absences of Commissioners Creamer and Marin be excused.

Carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

THE CHAIR ANNOUNCED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT SUBJECT.

No persons spoke.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no objection, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 5:53 p.m.

/s/ Mary E. Sova, Secretary
Filed with Lansing City Clerk
March 7, 2002