HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-30-2011 - Executive Session MEETING IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AND REGUALR SESSION OF RICHMOND
COMMON COUNCIL AS BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF RICHMOND POWER AND
LIGHT
April 30, 2012
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
The Board of Directors of Richmond Power and Light met in Executive Session on Monday,
April 30, 2012 in the Conference room at the Service Building at Richmond Power&Light, 2000
U.S. 27 South. Chairperson R. Bruce Wissel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Members present were Jack Elstro, Larry Parker,Misty Hollis, Ron Oler,Phil Quinn,Don
Winget,Kelly Cruse-Nicholson and Board Chair R.Bruce Wissel. Board member Clay Miller was
absent. Attending from Richmond Power and Light were Terry Dawson, Barnes & Thornburg
Attorney, City Attorney Walt Chidester, and Interim General Manager, Kerry Vincent.
This is to certify that no subject matter was discussed in the executive session other than the
subject matter specified in the public notice. IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(B).
The Executive Session was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING:
Following the Executive Session, Chairman R. Bruce Wissel called the regular Board
Meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Service Building.
Members present were Jack Elstro, Larry Parker, Misty Hollis, Ron Older, Phil Quinn,
Don Winget, Kelley Cruse-Nicholson, and President R. Bruce Wissel. Board members Clay
Miller was absent. Attending from Richmond Power and Light were Terry Dawson, Barnes &
Thornburg attorney for Richmond Power and Light, City Attorney Walt Chidester, Secretary
Susan Alexander and Interim General Manager Kerry Vincent.
Chairman Wissel told the Board that one of the items to be discussed was the personnel issue
concerning a settlement offer involving Steve Saum. He then introduced Terry Dawson,an attorney
with Barnes and Thornburg acting on behalf of Richmond Power and Light. Mr.Dawson said that
this issue has caused much public interest and comment. He said he was privileged to represent this
• Board and that he has known the utility,the board and the staff of RP&L for a long time and that he
has the utilities best interest at heart and is proud to represent the Utility.
Mr. Dawson told the Board that a settlement offer has been made by Steve Saum and there
are many reasons to accept it. He cited ongoing issues and recommended the Board accept the offer
to change focus from the past to the future. He explained that it was cost effective and the focus
needs to be moved to the issues at the generating station.
Board member Phil Quinn stated it would be good to reach closure this evening and he asked
Mr. Dawson how long this issue with Mr. Saum could go on if they didn't accept the offer. Mr.
Dawson stated he wasn't sure of an exact timetable,but if Mr. Saum takes legal action,it could take
at least a year or two to reach an agreement or court decision.
All Board members spoke regarding the settlement offer. A majority of Board members
wanted to move forward and put the issue behind Richmond Power and Light, even though some
had misgivings about various aspects of the settlement. Three Board members spoke against the
settlement offer.
Chairperson Wissel said it was the right decision and while it was hard for him to agree with
the settlement he reminded everyone that the financial interest of the utility and jobs were at stake
and it was time to move on.
Phil Quinn asked Mr. Dawson what was next after the vote. To which Mr. Dawson
remarked, the agreement would be signed and to move on and focus on the future.
Board member Don Winget asked Mr. Dawson if he recommended accepting and signing
the settlement offer. Mr. Dawson said he did recommend it.
Kelley Cruse-Nicholson then moved for the Board to authorize and approve the Richmond
Power and Light Board President to sign, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Richmond Power
and Light, the Severance Agreement and Release with Steve Saum. Larry Parker seconded the
motion.
A roll call vote was made on the motion, with the motion being approved by a vote of 5-3.
Board members Jack Elstro,Kelley Cruse-Nicholson,Phil Quinn,Ron O1er,and Chairperson Wissel 111
all voted in favor of the motion,while Board members Don Winget,Larry Parker and Misty Hollis
voted against the motion.
Larry Parker made a motion to move forward with Black and Veatch for an evaluation
concerning further generation and to refer the bids to Interim General Manager Kerry Vincent. Don
Winget seconded the motion. On a voice vote all were in favor and the motion was carried.
With no further business to discuss, Phil Quinn made a motion for adjourned, seconded
by Don Winget. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
PRESIDENT:
R. Bruce Wissel
ATTEST: ,��
Karen Chasteen, IAMC, MMC
City Clerk