Approved by the Board: September 26, 2006
LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT
_______________________________
Thursday, August 24, 2006
________________________________
Present: Commissioners Gary Calkins (arrived at 4:10 p.m.), Ron Callen, Robert Cochran, Joseph Graves (teleconferenced at 4:10 p.m.), Semone James, Santiago Rios, and Robin Smith.
(Note: 2nd Ward Vacancy exists.)
Absent: None.
The Secretary declared a quorum present.
Chairperson Smith asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Chairperson Smith called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
None.
None.
On motion by Commissioner Cochran, seconded by Commissioner James to go into executive session to discuss a legal opinion with Steve Schultz of Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. protected by the Open Meetings Act (OMA) exemption MCL 15.268(h). (4:10 p.m.). The roll was called.
Yeas: Commissioners Calkins, Callen, Cochran, Graves, James, Rios, and Smith.
Nay: None
Absent: None
Carried unanimously.
Moved by Commissioner Calkins, seconded by Commissioner Callen, that the Special Board meeting return to open session.
Carried unanimously.
The Special Board meeting reconvened in open session at 5:15 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner James, seconded by Commissioner Rios to move to approve the proposed separation agreement and mutual complete release presented to the Board by our attorney and to authorize the Chair to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board.
Action: Carried unanimously
Commissioner Smith went onto read a prepared statement that said, “The Board of Commissioners of the Lansing Board of Water and Light announces today that it has reached a separation agreement with General Manager, Sanford Novick. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Novick resigns effective at the close of business today. Mr. Novick’s resignation brings to a close another chapter in the Board’s history. The Lansing Board of Water and Light is the largest municipally owned electric utility in Michigan and among the 30th largest in the United States. We have a lot to be proud of. It is now time for the Board to look to the future with great hope and take on the challenges that face us. We have a lot to do in the coming months to serve our customers. We look forward to finding a new General Manager who can assist this Board in addressing the challenges we face and also lead our employees in providing the kind of service our customers deserve.”
Commission Graves stated that he thought it necessary to appoint an Interim General Manager. He went onto state that he immediately thought of the two current Vice Presidents either of which he is very comfortable with but preferred Bill Cook due to his experience and length of time at the BWL.
On motion by Commissioner Graves, seconded by Commissioner Callen to appoint Bill Cook as Interim General Manager.
Discussion: Commissioner Rios stated that it is a turning point at the BWL and that we are moving in a new direction. He went onto state that he supports Dick Peffley and found him to be very capable as he is the current Director of Operations.
Commissioner Callen stated that he has great respect for Mr. Peffley but he supports Bill Cook due to his previous Assistant General Manager experience.
Commissioner Calkins also stated that he supports Bill Cook due to his experience.
Commissioner Cochran stated that he believed that all three candidates are qualified for the position but that he supports Mr. Peffley as the Interim General Manager.
Commissioner Smith stated that she has great respect for all three candidates. However, at this time she is recommending Mr. Peffley for the position as Interim General Manager.
On motion by Commissioner Rios, seconded by Commissioner Smith a recommendation was made to appoint Dick Peffley as the Interim General Manager.
Action: Carried unanimously
Commissioner Rios suggested that Mr. Peffley met with the Executive Committee to set some guidelines while he is in the position of Interim General Manager.
Commissioner Graves recommended that the meeting be conducted with the Committee of the Whole to allow all of the Commissioners opportunity to participate in the meeting.
Commissioner Smith made a friendly change to the motion to state that the meeting with Mr. Peffley will be held with the Committee of the Whole.
Action: Carried unanimously
None.
Dick Peffley, BWL employee and newly appointed Interim General Manager stated that he was at a lost for words and completely shocked regarding his unexpected appointment. Mr. Peffley went on to state that he would do whatever was needed for as long as they needed him in fulfilling this role at the BWL.
None.
None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
On motion by Commissioner Rios, seconded by Commissioner Cochran, the special meeting adjourned at 5:29 p.m.
/s/ Rhonda Jones, Corporate Secretary
Filed with Lansing City Clerk
September 5, 2006