Dublin Water Agency to Pay Top Brass Over Quarter Million in Bonuses Through Rate Increases
The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) has been hard at work for the past year. Unfortunately for residents and businesses in Dublin, south San Ramon, and parts of Pleasanton, the senior executives of this local water agency seem to have been spending most of their time devising schemes to wring out over a quarter million dollars in bonuses for themselves this year. The DSRSD Board of Directors approved the 2011 bonus payout by a vote of 3 to 2 with Board President Pat Howard, Board Member Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Rich Halket in favor of the bonuses. Board Members Dan Scannell and Dawn Benson voted against the egregious payouts. “To give out a quarter-million dollars in bonuses, I haven’t seen that,” said DSRSD Board Member Scannell. “There are other programs like this, but not to the breadth that we have done.” Board Members Scannell and Benson need the help of all ratepayers to overturn this reckless decision.
The scheme took two steps. General Manager Bert Michalczyk first got the concept of this bonus program approved last year in tandem with a series of rate increases that went into effect for everyone in 2011. The actual amount of the bonus was only made public recently, after General Manager Michalczyk secured the three votes he needed to get a nearly 10% raise. General Manager Michalczyk was paid roughly $260,000 in 2010. With the recently approved bonus, he will take home nearly $300,000 in compensation for 2011. DSRSD dressed up these payouts as performance-based bonuses; however, they are simply an add-on to DSRSD staff’s current salaries. Employees are not required to put any of their compensation at-risk, so underperforming employees will still take home the same pay and annual raises they have always received.
DSRSD Board Members Dan Scannell and Dawn Benson are outnumbered in their stance against the outrageous pay increases funded solely on the backs of hardworking families and struggling businesses throughout the Tri-Valley. Will you help them overturn the unethical DSRSD bonus payouts?
“We have a philosophy that supports lower base pay,” said Board Member Halket. “We pay a base salary that is competitive but not great and we give our employees the potential to make more by serving the people.” What Halket has conveniently left out of his scripted rationalization is that more than 35% of DSRSD’s employees were paid over $100,000 for 2010, including many operators who received six-figure salaries.
Unemployment in California is hovering around 10%. The national economy appears to be heading back into a recession. Many families and local businesses in Dublin, San Ramon, and Pleasanton are struggling to make ends meet. In these difficult times, how can DSRSD Board Member Halket justify paying out fat bonuses to 37 of the Water District’s 110 employees? As gleefully explained by Board Member Vonheeder-Leopold, the DSRSD pays bonuses from its “surplus” instead of passing the cost savings back to residents and local businesses. Since DSRSD is a public utility monopoly, it can raise rates as high as it wishes to guarantee a “surplus.” DSRSD Board President Howard, Board Member Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Halket would like to create the illusion that the bonuses are being funded through found money, when, in fact, they have been prepaid with a series of rate hikes that went into effect earlier this year. Given that both Board Members Halket and Vonheeder-Leopold work professionally as certified public accountants, the creative bookkeeping used to explain the source of this “surplus” is perhaps not surprising at all.
In preparation for next year’s bonus payouts, DSRSD General Manager Michalczyk has already primed the pump for more rate increases based on the latest water rate study. In addition to inflation and Zone 7 pass-through rate hikes, hardworking residents and struggling local businesses in Dublin, south San Ramon, and parts of Pleasanton can also look forward to increases in their fixed water charges. Board Member Halket is quick to point out that the DSRSD’s “temporary” infrastructure charge was recently cut in half. Unfortunately, he is again leaving out half of the story. Since DSRSD has a “surplus” in its budget, the entire “temporary” infrastructure charge should have been eliminated. Instead, DSRSD Board President Howard, Board Member Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Halket have seemingly conspired with the DSRSD’s management team to stick the ratepayers with the cost of the unwarranted and undeserved bonus payouts.
In approving these payouts, DSRSD Board President Howard, Board Member Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Halket have created a perverse incentive for the Dublin water agency to increase rates continually instead of lowering rates in a down economy, as many families and small business owners struggle to make ends meet. Still, at least DSRSD has finally come clean with how it will really be spending the “surplus” generated on the backs of its ratepayers through the “temporary” infrastructure charges. “Why is a public agency (DSRSD) giving out $280,000 in bonuses to employees while they still impose a temporary infrastructure charge on ratepayer’s bills?” asked Board Member Scannell. Just whose interests are Howard, Vonheeder-Leopold, and Halket really serving?
3:28 AM on October 11th, 2011
Is this the same group responsible for the ridiculous water-sewer hookup fees for new restaurants (which might explain why Dublin has so few new restaurants)?
7:34 AM on October 11th, 2011
I remember very recently getting a post card in the mail inviting me to one of their meetings because they were so far in debt. How can they justify this? It seems wrong on so many levels…
7:37 AM on October 11th, 2011
Your reading comprehension is somewhat impaired. The performance awards have nothing to do with rates. They are funded entirely from funds in excess of budget.
11:47 AM on October 11th, 2011
“Performance Awards!” Where do those come from, thin air!? I’m thinking from left over money from bill paying Dublin residents who are being WAY over charged for a God given commodity. I’m sharing this article with ALL my Dublin friends on Face Book, may I suggest that anyone that is disturbed by this does the same, words out.
11:55 AM on October 11th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
Thank you. DSRSD also serves south San Ramon and parts of Pleasanton, so the 50,000 residents in Dublin, CA are not the only ones impacted by this reckless decision from DSRSD Board President Pat Howard, Board Member Georgean Volheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Rich Halket. Please help dissenting Board Members Dan Scannell and Dawn Benson keep everyone’s water rates fair and affordable. They cannot fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities without your help.
12:58 PM on October 18th, 2011
Anonymous, and too the many who can’t figure out who they are, check your birth certificate if you have one. DSRSD, does not pay out any money; office operations, treatment plant expenses, wages, bonuses, etc, that doesn’t come from the RATE PAYERS,ie current users, or new hook up fees, it does not grow on the trees, or come from the federal government, (still us), or from the Sewer Treatment Plant. Whatever,the district wants to call, their fees, THEY ARE STILL TAXES.
The bureaucratic boards, councils, commissions, subcommittees, etc, are looking out for themselves, they do not step back and ask what they are there for?, and who are they supposed to represent.
For a more detailed observation see “Lost Rights” by James Bovard.
7:44 AM on October 11th, 2011
Now I know exactly who NOT to vote for. I will be passing the word on to all my neighbors about this.
7:49 AM on October 11th, 2011
Thank you Dawn and Dan for striving to do right by your community, you will be blessed for your efforts. What can the residents do to derail these bonuses? It’s time to take action, my water bill is too high as it is and goes up even when we are plentiful with water! Yeah I know it’s all about the “infastructure”! Seems that it’s all about higher ups lining their pockets!!
8:00 AM on October 11th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
The first step is to send an email to all the DSRSD board members using the Stop Feeding the DSRSD Pigs form. Board Members Dan Scannell and Dawn Benson are outnumbered in their stance against the outrageous pay increases funded solely on the backs of hardworking families and struggling businesses in Dublin, south San Ramon, and parts of Pleasanton, and they need to hear from you. Thank you.
8:03 PM on October 11th, 2011
Has anyone considered that running a public agency like a private business might ultimately be beneficial to us all? Incentives cause employees to work harder, more efficiently, and smarter. It is obvious very few of the commenters have a lot of experience or knowledge about special districts, public utilities, water/wastewater treatment, or how rates are established. Go to a board meeting or two and get involved with the process before forming an opinion.
The employees of DSRSD are charged with providing all of us with what we need the most, clean drinking water. They are also responsible for treating it once we are done with it. A lot of them can be held criminally responsible if they don’t perform their job properly. Also, further investigation would show that DSRSD salaries are lower than most similar agencies. Lastly, $250,000 out of DSRSD’s ~$50 Million operating budget isn’t going to affect rates at all. Do the math and that is one-half of one percent (0.5%, .001, 1/200th).
And do you really think titling your correspondence “Stop Feeding the DSRSD Pigs” is going to be taken seriously by the Board Members? Name-calling won’t get anyone anywhere. The GM and his staff run an organization with a $50 Million operating budget and $300 Million in assets. A CEO of an business of this size would be making millions, not $300,000.
I am a public employee (not DSRSD) and I’m constantly frustrated by the lack of incentive in most public agencies. Employees get complacent and take their salary/benefits for granted. Dangling a carrot in front of me would make me work harder, smarter, and faster…
8:48 AM on October 11th, 2011
There are outstanding people in the water district. I have known a few during my water advocacy days in the early 2000′s. They are very helpful. Due to conflict of interest in my employment now, I cannot comment on this issue. My hats off to Dan and Dawn.
11:57 AM on October 11th, 2011
“Outstanding People”? In this day and age Character counts and is an action word! Thanks Dan and Dawn, The only two on this board showing awesome character. Because of this attempted thievery I know who YOU are and appreciate your efforts to stand for what’s right, I will recognize and vote for you at the next election! I also will do everything in my power to stop this! Love the Facebook idea!
1:00 PM on October 11th, 2011
Why do these news don’t ever get to Bay Area News Group or Contra Costa Times. ADB bravado news reporting is commendable. Unless there is no truth to accusations. Why does ADB don’t get sued. It just shows that it is true. Including Council members taking campaign contributions from developers. Can we force them to disclose those contributions. As a matter of fact don’t they have to report or audit their campaign money. I think I will cancel my newspaper circulation with BANG, it just shows that media reporting has certain biases. John Z and team, keep up the good reporting.
1:29 PM on October 11th, 2011
I personally don’t have a problem with bonuses as long as they are not excessive. What does the $250,000 payout actually mean to the average employee?
Also, I agree it is wrong for DSRSD to raise rates to fund bonuses. Does anyone know exactly how much of our rates are impacted by this?
1:47 PM on October 11th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
In these difficult economic times, most readers are siding with DSRSD Board Members Dan Scannell and Dawn Benson on this controversial bonus payout. To echo Board Member Scannell’s question, “Why is a public agency (DSRSD) giving out $280,000 in bonuses to employees while they still impose a temporary infrastructure charge on ratepayer’s bills?” Also, DSRSD General Manager Michalczyk has already primed the pump for more rate increases based on the latest water rate study. In addition to inflation and Zone 7 pass-through rate hikes. Instead of doing everything it can to make sure water rates remain fair and affordable for everyone, DSRSD Board President Pat Howard, Board Member Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Rich Halket appear hell bent on stuffing money in the pockets of the already overcompensated DSRSD staff.
The man DSRSD Board Member Rich Halket is today seems a far cry the man he used to be. “Don’t forget where you live. Local government is important. And whether you choose elected office or a staff position at the local level, the decisions you make are the ones your neighbors know about,” said DSRSD Board Member Rich Halket in an interview with his alma mater Stanford University. We are very disappointed by the reckless and insensitive decision from him and his two colleagues on the DSRSD Board of Directors to fund these salary bumps on the backs of hardworking families and struggling businesses.
2:09 PM on October 11th, 2011
Now, can we start the “Occupy the DSRSD” movement?
5:08 PM on October 11th, 2011
All 117 DSRSD employees’ salaries data can be found online here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/salaries/bay-area/2010?appSession=367103202261041&RecordID=&PageID=2&PrevPageID=&cpipage=1&CPISortType=&CPIorderBy=
Including benefits, 103 (88%) of them make >$100k, with the top 20 making $179k to $332k. Public workers…the elite working class – no accountability and they can always count on taxing the population to pay for their lavish lifestyles. This is reminiscent of Greece, Portugal, Italy, etc., where the dream is to find public employment.
5:53 PM on October 11th, 2011
Yet, all these public employee unions are supporting the “Occupy the Wall St” movement against the greed in Wall St. How hypocritic is that! They should at first look into their own greed.
11:09 AM on October 12th, 2011
The bonuses don’t go to Union members. (Most of) Management is non-Union.
7:35 PM on October 11th, 2011
Incredible to see public employee bonuses like this. I don’t have a problem with merit bonuses for extraordinary achievement, but this is just excessive. It echoes the issues happening in greed driven corporate America. The wealthy have found ways to game the system, because they are “job creators.” Uh-huh. What were these bonuses were paid for exactly?
Oh, and our great state’s unemployment rate is actually nearly the highest in the nation at 12.1%. Second only to Nevada…
http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
8:11 PM on October 11th, 2011
Anonymous 8:03 PM on October 11th:
You mean private businesses like Enron? Heh, you know, you got two CPAs on the board to cook the books for DSRSD for them for free, so by all means, let’s run DSRSD like Enron.
10:26 PM on October 11th, 2011
DSRSD water sucks. Give us EBMUD or Hetch Hetchy quality and give yourselves a raise. Not until then, please.
10:34 PM on October 11th, 2011
Hi Sonata Dweller,
Ironically, water quality was one of the issues Rich Halket ran on to get into office back in 2004:
“I believe that local districts like DSRSD have as much impact on the average voter’s life as what goes on in Sacramento or Washington. The three successful candidates in this race will make decisions that affect the availability, quality, and cost of your drinking water for the next four years. If you select me I pledge to use all of my skill, passion, and energy to defend your interests. My number one priority will be to negotiate a solution with Zone 7 and the other Tri-Valley water retailers to solve our water quality issues. Only by working together can we accomplish this important goal.”
Has DSRSD Board Member Rich Halket lived up to his campaign promises 100%?
7:12 AM on October 12th, 2011
Water quality depends almost entirely on the source water. Zone 7 water comes from the Delta and wells, not the Sierra. The rates required to provide the infrastructure to get better water to the Tri-Valley area or to add more treatment (UV or ozone) would break us all.
8:25 AM on October 12th, 2011
Sonata, you are right, having lived in Danville and San Ramon and now Dublin the difference in the taste of the water is dramatic, why can’t we have good tasting water in Alameda County?
8:29 AM on October 12th, 2011
Just saw the comment above mine, got my answer, thanks!
8:41 AM on October 12th, 2011
These bonuses are totally out of control. A pay for performance…the only performance I see is rate increases all the time and we reward this. The good people of Dublin need to take to the streets or at least to the DSRSD offices. Shame on the board for allowing this to happen in these times. This shall be remembered come election time. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!
9:03 AM on October 12th, 2011
10% unemployment? Recession continuing? It’s small minded thinking like this that perpetuates the recession. Try to restrain your knee jerk reaction and recall what you learned about the Great Depression in school. You will not save your way out of a recession. And the guy saying people earning over 100k is the elite working class? Wake up and look around you. This isnt the 90s. A houshous
9:25 AM on October 12th, 2011
In response to the general manager’s surrogate and others, let me just say that there are many bones to pick with DSRSD–(1) high rates, (2) historically poor water quality, (3) substandard customer service, (4) an upper management that is sometimes inept, often dishonest, and always arrogant, and (5) a primarily rubber-stamp board of directors. Even with the sluggish economy, uncertainty regarding new connection fees, and overwhelmingly negative public sentiment, no one should be surprised that Board President Howard, Director Halket, and Director Vonheeder-Leopold approved these monetary awards.
Yes, DSRSD performs a vital service and there are excellent DSRSD employees who deserve commendation. However, the general manager’s highly flawed and deceptively subjective pay for performance plan is not the way to go. The fact that so many deserving employees opted out of the program should tell us something.
9:47 AM on October 12th, 2011
Hi San Ramon Resident,
Please take a moment to read this article from Kevin Wing of Pleasanton Weekly titled “DSRSD says recently approved worker bonuses not likely .” Feel free to share your thoughts about the article and DSRSD employee Sue Stephenson. Thank you.
11:10 AM on October 12th, 2011
Around Dublin Team–
I saw your response to San Ramon resident. Wing’s 2010 article was written at a time when more ratepayers were going to meetings and voicing their opinions. Without a comparable public presence this year, some boardmembers obviously felt that they could implement both steps–calculating/approving award percentages and then determining that they had the ability to pay these awards.
In recent weeks DSRSD FINALLY began posting complete agenda materials on their web site. Hopefully, no one will be blindsided again.
11:35 AM on October 12th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
Exactly. DSRSD Board President Pat Howard, Board Member Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Rich Halket all vowed to protect the interests of the ratepayers they serve in their re-election campaigns. We suppose all those public proclamations came with a little disclaimer that says they will only do so if they are under the constant supervision of the voters.
3:44 PM on October 12th, 2011
There are lots of opposition and opinions regarding this issue. I just want to add as a Dublin resident and not having a conflict of interest in this matter, our water district is a first rate organization. I am sure if some of you wishes to meet with Sue Stephenson regarding this rate increase. She will be open to that open discussion. She is a great asset to the district and very knowledgeable person regarding our District Water.
10:54 AM on October 12th, 2011
Facts please…
4:56 PM on October 12th, 2011
All this hub-bub over a half-percent of their yearly budget. Laughable. The amount would have no effect on rates and it would do nothing to provide better water. I like the “GM-surrogate’s” comments. He/she nailed it.
Is this site a forum for a specific (seemingly left) political agenda or a site to inform residents about what is going on Around Dublin? I’m hoping for the latter.
And, Around Dublin Team, are you a representative of the site or does your username just make it seem that way?
5:41 PM on October 12th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
Where is the proof that increasing General Manager Bert Michalczyk’s pay will improve water quality? Is that DSRSD Board President Pat Howard, Board Member Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, and Board Member Rich Halket are telling their constituents now?
6:16 PM on October 12th, 2011
There is no proof because nobody is saying that. Not even the GM. Not any of the board members. If I’m wrong, please show me where anyone said bonuses would improve the quality of water. If you knew anything about water quality and treatment, you’d understand this. Somebody pointed out above, correctly I might add, that water quality is determined almost entirely by source water quality. If you want better water, start with better water.
The only reason any Board Member says anything about water quality is because it is a “buzz word”. DSRSD does not treat drinking water (except for maybe adding a little more chlorine and flouride). Let me say this again, DSRSD does not treat drinking water. If they don’t treat it, they can’t improve it. They buy treated water from Zone 7 and merely distribute it to customers.
Please educate yourself. Please also provide some facts to support your position(s). I can understand the fundamental philosophical disagreement between the bonus vs. non-bonus folks, but all this BS about dishonesty, deceit, ineptness, high rates, etc. is unfounded until proof is presented. I have an open mind, but I try to educate myself and understand the facts (and science) before forming an opinion.
By the way, you didn’t answer the questions I posted in my original comment…
6:11 PM on October 12th, 2011
I think we know how General Manager Bert Michalczyk and his lovely wife Joyce will be spending that fat bonus this year:
“Oui Oui was all we could say when we came home from work and saw our ‘new’ living room. Cheryl Clifford arrived at our home and in a few hours “worked her magic”. We should preface this and say that we had just completed a whole house remodel. It took over a year. When construction was completed anything extra seemed to end up in the living room in a heap. Cheryl scoped out the area, focused in on my love of anything French and used my favorite fleur-de-lys motif items as part of the theme. Our living room is now a tranquil French parlor. Cheryl borrowed from other rooms, used items that were in storage and packed away just waiting for a revival. We were thrilled that Cheryl used a vintage painted door that was purchased 8 years ago-always waiting for a new use. It is now a focal point of the room! We spent no money on any new décor items. Cheryl used what we already owned. Since Cheryl’s transformation we now have more confidence in the appearance of our home and entertain with much more ease. Compliments flow from my book club, Bunco ladies and wine taster groups. Most recently we hosted a thank you and kick-off campaign for the United Way. We think this will be an annual event. Many thanks to Cheryl for making all of this happen.”
Joyce and Bert Michalczyk
Danville, Ca 2005 and 2010
Oui, oui, indeed. Let’s all chip in and help them flaunt their wealth in Danville.
6:36 PM on October 12th, 2011
If the public could swallow the idea of drinking treated wastewater, which is cleaner than the source of our current drinking water, we could lower rates significantly. Pumping the treated wastewater into the ground (i.e. nature’s best filter) would also dilute the minerals that cause our local groundwater to be so hard. Orange County, and a number of water-starved regions in the world, have been doing this for years.
9:39 PM on October 12th, 2011
I plan to join the debate tomorrow. In the meantime, however, I just wanted to point out that the picture of Halket still has “Board President” on it.
9:47 PM on October 12th, 2011
Thank you, Anonymous. The picture has been updated. Please clear your browser’s cache to get the change.
10:43 AM on October 13th, 2011
Keep in mind it is only the top brass. I’m guessing the guys you see on the street did not get anything. Considering the economic climate they made a gross error in handing out any kind of bonus. Looking at their salary schedules on the website as far as I’m concerned the managers already make plenty of money.
We citizens need to remember the names of those board members who voted yes and make sure they do not get re-elected.
Greed should not be rewarded.
1:18 PM on October 13th, 2011
DSRSD Board members receive very generous District paid health care, vision care and dental benefits for a few hours a month of work. Best job in the world. Shouldn’t be shocker that others will want to run for the seats held by Dan Scannell, Rich Halket or Pat Howard’s. Oink, oink. Oh yeah, don’t forget the boondoggle conferences they all go to 2 or 3 times a year with spouses at the public’s expense..oink,oink
3:58 PM on October 15th, 2011
Let’s hope that some good candidates will emerge. Last year there was a very weak field. Does anyone remember Jim Shand, the candidate put forward by Financial Services Manager Lori Rose? Although he seemed pleasant enough, he knew nothing about the district. A few strong candidates who ran in previous years (or wanted to be appointed to fill the vacant seat in 2009) chose not to run in 2010.
11:46 AM on October 17th, 2011
Thanks a lot for not even remembering me. I’m not sure why I was such a weak candidate. Perhaps you can tell me.
Roz Rogoff, Candidate for DSRDS 2004 and 2010
PS I ran to represent San Ramon, which has not had any representation on the Dublin San Ramon Services District since 2002.
I proposed a life-line rate for low income residents, which was passed by the Directors in 2010, after I brought it up again. It was one of my campaign issues in 2004.
I requested putting the complete Agenda package online, which has now been done. I asked to have the meetings videotaped for broadcast on TV30, which was deemed “too expensive,” but they are considering putting audio replays online. For such a weak candidate I got more done by not being elected.
Roz
7:14 PM on October 17th, 2011
Hi Roz – I voted for you in this past election. I hope that you run again.
Thx, John Z.
7:42 PM on October 17th, 2011
I voted for Roz as well.
2:29 PM on October 13th, 2011
The operators (members of local 39) are NOT part of the PFP program and should not be lumped in with management.
7:26 PM on October 13th, 2011
Too bad we do not have a proper public square in Dublin. Hangin’ is too good for them. Those thieving union scumbags from Local 39 too.
7:51 PM on October 13th, 2011
Get a rope. Maybe some pitchforks and torches too!
10:04 AM on October 14th, 2011
Let’s not engage in lynching talk!
8:23 PM on October 13th, 2011
interesting that last year dublin san ramon layed off a large number of employees and this year they pay out bonuses to the elite saved by those layoffs. nice! how do these people live with their consciences.
8:30 PM on October 13th, 2011
i love Rich Halket’s comment tha they “pay a base salary that is competitive but not great and we give our employees the potential to make more by serving the people”. this is a lie. all of thses public agencies conduct salary studies to keep salaries competitive. dublin san ramon is actually over paid compared to the surrounding water agencies.
Also, if service to the people was an important issue then why doesn’t the guy who is on the street handling the sewer blockages and water leaks not included in these bonuses? why is it only the elite? Or why not give back to the customer, instead of continually raising their rates?
Rick Halket needs to be the first Board Member to step down! We all need to continue to write to the board members and directly to the general manager.
8:33 PM on October 13th, 2011
being that they are a public agency, anyone can ask to see agency documents. we all need to write in and request that they publish along with their salaries on the website, the individuals and the amounts of their bonuses.
i also would like to know the compensation given to the board members that they would put the bonuses before the people they serve.
nothing to hide right?
3:42 PM on October 17th, 2011
The Board doesn’t get bonuses. The ignorance of most of these comments is astounding.
8:37 PM on October 13th, 2011
the sad thing is that the GM will retire soon and his retirement will be based on his compensation. he will continue to rip off rate payers even when he is retired. there is no salary cap on retirement benefits. this is how the pigs at the trough continue to feed themselves.
6:58 AM on October 14th, 2011
Too much sentiment about this rate increases. Less sentiment in Dublin multi unit housing issue. Water rate hikes per household is just a miniscule portion of what we all are losing in home prices and equities by city council approving more multi unit homes in our city. Include political action in the city hall too.
2:16 PM on October 15th, 2011
Jing,
I think we can multitask here. There have been various anti-development movements in Dublin. I have been active in some of these. But DSRSD has largely escaped scrutiny. Sue S. is an able spokeswoman, but she is not running the asylum.
11:03 AM on October 14th, 2011
Dear Chemical Engineer,
Many of us know that Zone 7 is our water supplier. Some of us have even driven over to Livermore to attend one of their meetings. However, the retailers still have responsibilities with regard to supply, quality, and, in DSRSD’s case, wastewater treatment. Doesn’t DSRSD employ chemists who do independent sampling? Don’t retailers regularly meet with each other and Zone 7 to deal with all water-related matters?
Our water is hard and, even with the Mocho groundwater demineralization plant, it remains inferior to East Bay MUD’s water. Residents of Dublin and Dougherty Valley have had to make do. Drought conditions and certain government regulations have not helped. But I do believe that creative minds eventually will come up with creative solutions.
There also can be issues with the disinfectant used. Too much chloramine can trigger health problems in some individuals. It also has a deletorious effect on our rubber plumbing parts. Unfortunately, some plumbing parts made of chloramine-resistant materials (such as certain toilet flappers) don’t work/fit as well. But I digress….
Drinking treated wastewater has not been a palatable idea locally. Ms. Vonheeder-Leopold could attest to that. Do you remember the “toilet to tap” campaign?
I am aware that there are significant problems with DSRSD management. Some of these problems are in sensitive areas and have not been made public. You would know about others if you went to a few meetings or read the public documents. This is why so many people don’t want management to receive the bonuses. Just because a general manager (or CEO for that matter) is the head of a multi-million dollar company or agency does not mean in and of itself that he/she is performing well and/or deserves a bonus.
3:27 PM on October 15th, 2011
Oops! I do know how to spell deleterious. Next time I won’t type my comment in our rather dark break room.
5:56 PM on October 15th, 2011
Poor spelling isn’t the fault in your argument(s)…
12:37 PM on October 14th, 2011
Has anyone ever dealt with their customer service group or filed a claim? I have two neighbors who sustained water damage to their properties due to a DSRSD mistake some time ago. At least one filed a claim. DSRSD and its insurer were dragging their feet on the matter. I think the insurer issued a preliminary denial and more information had to be supplied. I don’t think there has been a resolution yet.
Until DSRSD changes its attitude and stops denying legitimate customer claims, no bonuses should be awarded!
1:52 PM on October 14th, 2011
When I called about a billing matter a few years ago, the woman there wouldn’t even give me the time of day. When I called about something else a few months ago, the fellow who answered the phone was much more helpful. Maybe they have learned something.
5:36 PM on October 15th, 2011
Scientifically,
- How does sampling improve quality?
- The water will always be inferior to EBMUD until they get another (cleaner) source.
- Chloramines last longer and are more stable (and are added by Zone 7, not DSRSD). I’m sorry for your plumbing and those that they affect. I’m sure the effects were considered when the change was made. How do they affect the straws you seem to be grasping at?
Politically,
Please elaborate on the issues that seem to be the root of all this anger and distrust. No one has been able to produce anything concrete other than having a different opinion on incentive pay. I am glad YOU are aware of them.
You really didn’t say anything in your rambling, except for acknowledging the true argument in your last sentence. It isn’t about rates. It isn’t about water quality. It is about whether you agree with incentive pay. I do in this case. To me, the idea of 0.5% of the operating budget for incentive pay (only if they are under-budget) is OK. It isn’t going to affect rates or water quality. Most of the commenters obviously don’t agree, but insist on muddying the waters with biased, unproven, off-topic, and factually incorrect statements.
Generally,
It didn’t take much digging into this website to find out that it is merely a platform to forward the political agenda of a select few, although it is advertised merely as a “community site”. The only evidence I could find of presenting both sides of an issue was regarding Valley Christian selling some land and the affects on neighbors. It must be the fear of God…:P
Competing viewpoints seem to be relegated to the comments. Where is there anything AGAINST Tassajara Prep? There is a reason their petition was rejected, but you won’t find it here. It isn’t a coincidence that the co-founders of the school also run this site. Why do all of the opinion articles seem to be written by Mr. Zukoski and Mr. Huang? The name-calling (i.e. calling DSRSD Board Members and management “pigs”) reflects negatively on them both. It will also reflect negatively on everyone who signs their silly letter.
12:44 AM on October 16th, 2011
Just got this year’s property tax bill, and the DSRD portion has gone up another 10% or $34. Our water bill is breaking our backs…
2:01 AM on October 16th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
Instead of paying sewer fees bi-monthly along with water consumption charges, effective July 1, 2008 Dublin home owners (single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses) pay for sewer services on our property tax bills. Unfortunately for everyone who is a customer of DSRSD, the sewer service cost seems to have gone up as you have reported.
1:05 AM on October 16th, 2011
Water bill is not on the property tax rolls dork. Do you know anything or just like to comment on blogs?
2:45 AM on October 16th, 2011
DSRSD should be subjected to a full audit, but not by the crooked accountants at Varenchik Accountancy or Sallmann Yang & Alameda, since both employ the people who are responsible for raiding public funds to pay for the outrageous bonuses.
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_19041195
=====
NEW LAW WIDENS STATE AUDIT POWERS
by Steve Scauzillo
Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Tuesday a bill that will expand the powers of the state auditor to examine the books of counties, cities and special districts “at high risk” for fraud, waste or mismanagement. The bill, authored by Assemblyman Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, is one of several pieces of legislation inspired by the corruption scandal in the city of Bell.
The law gives State Auditor Elaine M. Howle the authority to propose financial and performance audits of cities, water districts and other districts that might fly under the radar or don’t attract the attention of the local district attorney. The audits must first be approved by the Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee, which Lara chairs.
The new law gives public watchdogs a powerful ally if they suspect fraud or wasteful taxpayer or ratepayer spending, Lara said.
“Through this measure we are creating accountability and ensuring that taxpayers are not left holding the bag,” he said in a statement Tuesday.
Lara cited State Controller John Chiang’s findings of questionable spending and potential fraud inside Montebello City Hall as a reason why more oversight and transparency is needed in local government.
And some local retail water agencies and cities pushed for the legislation as a tool to perform management audits of the Central Basin Municipal Water District, which they say has not been prudent with spending and has wasted ratepayer funds.
The Central Basin Water Association includes 44 water suppliers – including Pico Water District, La Habra Heights County Water District, California-American Water Co., Golden State Water Co., San Gabriel Valley Water Co., Suburban Water Systems and cities of Downey, Lynwood, Maywood, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Signal Hill, South Gate, Vernon and Whittier.
It has been trying to get the Legislature to perform an audit of the Central Basin Water District since 2009.
They say Central Basin is spending way too much money on public relations, lawyers’ fees and unnecessary capital projects, and passing the costs on to them and their customers.
Central Basin, a wholesale district that helps deliver water to 24 cities in southeast Los Angeles County, denies the accusations.
“I think that is really great,” said James Glancy, director of water resources for the city of Lakewood and vice president of the Central Basin Water Association, after hearing the news of Brown’s signature. He said the association will step up its efforts to ask the state for a full management audit of Central Basin.
“We’ll look forward to working with the state Bureau of Audits,” Glancy said.
Central Basin officials say the agency supports the legislation and its goal of increasing transparency in special districts and municipal governments.
Lara held a town hall meeting Tuesday night in Bell with managers of Golden State Water, who blamed large increases in Bell-area customer water bills in part on Central Basin’s pass-through fees and charges, said Julia Juarez, Lara’s aide.
Golden State Water Co. serves 256,000 customers in Southern California with local offices in Arcadia and San Dimas.
5:25 AM on October 16th, 2011
Hi Anonymous – I could not agree with you more. I recently heard from “someone in the know” that the DSRSD is a financial train wreck and that an independent and objective audit needs to be performed.
Thx, John Z.
6:53 PM on October 16th, 2011
Rich Halket is a greedy bastard and he makes every one of the accountants at Varenchik Accountancy in Danville look bad by association. Given his undying devotion to fellow greedy bastard GM Bert Michalczyk, I wouldn’t be surprised if Michalczyk uses the Varenchik to keep his ‘personal’ books. I also suspect that all these agencies (DUSD and DSRSD) keep the elected officials in line by including them on their pension schemes and paying their health insurances. How else can you explain that Dan Cunningham is able to feed his litter and cover his healthcare expenses with just Holly’s salary as a teacher? Follow the money guys.
7:49 PM on October 16th, 2011
Wow. Such unbridled anger. And directed at two totally unrelated government agencies to boot. You tea baggers are a total crack up.
10:03 AM on October 16th, 2011
I. Approve Senior Management Pay for Performance Awards for FYE 2011
V.P. Halket MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 58-11, approving Senior Management Pay for Performance Awards for Fiscal Year Ending 2011 – Organizational Services Manager – 9.25%; Operations Manager – 9.25%; Financial Services Manager – 9.25%; Assistant General Manager/District Engineer – 9.25%; General Manager – 9.25%. Director Vonheeder-Leopold SECONDED the MOTION.
V.P. Halket thanked staff at all levels for their very hard work. He reminded all in attendance that this is a two-step process and this step acknowledges the superlative performance for FYE 2011. He stated it has been a tough three years and he thanked staff for hanging in there throughout these times and for their excellent performance.
[Only Dan Scannell dissented. Dawn Benson thought the Pay for Performance is a good idea as well. Looks like she may end up being a weak link.]
II. Determine the District’s Ability to Pay the Annual Pay for Performance Awards for the General Manager, Senior Managers, Mid-Management Employees Bargaining Unit, Professional Employees Bargaining Unit and Confidential Employees Bargaining Unit
Director Scannell expressed interest in understanding the relationship and impacts between the Temporary Infrastructure Charge (TIC) and the positive net income variance. He wanted to know if the District did not have a TIC, would the positive net income variance have been different.
[Because who knows where that infrastructure charge is going. As someone already pointed out, it can very well go to a couple of rooms in GM Michalczyk's mansion in Danville. Seems like Bert and his wife Rose have a penchant for remodeling their home.]
V.P. Halket commented that the District does not have profit in the private sector sense but, rather, the net variance would be equivalent to that if the District did…This year the proposal is to return 52% of the positive net income variance (or profit) to the ratepayers and 48% to employees.
[Why not 100%? VP Rich Halket?]
V.P. Halket stated that the operating budget for FYE 2011 was approximately $34 million and the District actually performed much better financially than expected.
[Yeah, thanks to the TIC and other hidden fees.]
He acknowledged that $289,895 is a lot of money, but that number needs to be put in perspective.
[And what perspective is that, VP Rich Halket?]
Director Vonheeder-Leopold commented that she was part of the Board when the Pay for Performance program was instituted.
[So bitch is responsible for $2.5 Million paid out to these water agency fat cats instead of lowering the high sewer fees for East Dublin businesses.]
Director Vonheeder-Leopold further stated that the Board has acknowledged to employees that a lot was taken away from them in recent fiscal years.
[What are these things exactly? I guess that's how she does the books at her accounting firm -- vague and with no accountability.]
The employees deserve to share in the success as ratepayers do.
[No, bitch they don't. Not when families are struggling and local businesses are being run out of town by the high fees.]
Benson felt uncomfortable with the 10% bonus, so even though she voted for the concept, she rejected the criminally high amount. In the end, 3-2 with Benson and Scannell in the minority just as John reported. There. Done. Saved a lot of readers the bandwidth and time. You are very welcome.
11:12 AM on October 16th, 2011
Thank you, Good Parts. It is pretty clear who Halket and Vonheeder-Leopold are serving. It will be interesting to see who supports these two when they run for re-election. Follow the money trail…
Thx, John Z.
8:40 PM on October 16th, 2011
Hi Anonymous,
Just to clarify, we believe the name of General Manager Bert Michalczyk’s wife is Joyce, not Rose.
7:51 PM on October 16th, 2011
Thanks for covering this issue guys. Just got my property tax bill and noticed the price increase on the sewer cost as well. I guess that’s expected given all the bullsh*t we’ve been fed by the greedy bastards at DSRSD.
I found your website recently through a quick Google search. I thought you guys would be interested in knowing just how highly relevant Google regards your website on anything and everything related to Dublin, CA. A couple of days ago, I wouldn’t be able to tell you just who the hell Rich Halket, Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, and Pat/Dwight Howard are, but thanks to you, I know see them as public enemies number one and know just what they look like. In fact, just do a simple Google Search on “Rich Halket” and “Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold” and you should see your website on the first page.
Keep shining the light on these public officials and the cesspool they have created. With your website, you are doing a far more effective job at keeping these people honest than anything Governor Moonbeam can do all the way from Sacramento. Just you watch, this sh*t will hit the fan with public agencies like DSRSD soon. Once they do, guess who will be stuck with the hefty bill to bail them out? Thanks.
8:10 PM on October 16th, 2011
I just wrote a story on the bonuses in my San Ramon Observer blog on the San Ramon Express. Your readers might find it interesting.
http://www.sanramonexpress.com/square/index.php?i=3&d=&t=850
Roz
8:17 PM on October 16th, 2011
Keep up the good work, Roz.
Thx, John
10:59 PM on October 16th, 2011
Check this out:
http://ccfoa.com/officers/
According to this website, DSRSD GM Bert Michalczyk’ wife is indeed Joyce and not Rose. He’s got a son named Gregory, another son named Geoffrey, and a daughter named Gwen. Since the GM and his family stand to gain so much money off the fat bonuses, who they should are be part of the discussion. Plus, the GM put the information out there himself. If he cared so much about privacy, why put such personal information out there?
10:53 AM on October 17th, 2011
I disagree with some of the decisions DSRSD Directors made, but that doesn’t make them bad people. It’s disconcerting to me to read all of the personal attacks against Directors and Staff by posters here under the name “Anonymous.”
If I had been elected to the Board of Directors I would not have approved the bonuses, but that doesn’t mean the Directors who voted for them are bad people or should be attacked personally. Attack the decision, not the people. All this vilification of people we disagree with is poisoning this country.
Roz
11:57 PM on October 17th, 2011
Hey hey, ho ho, Rich Halket has got to go
Hey hey, ho ho, Pat Howard is a coward
Hey hey, ho ho, Leopold has sold her soul
Frankly I am appalled by how poorly represented San Ramon and Pleasanton are on this utility board. It’s clear the greedy developers have stacked this quasi-public agency with their puppets in Dublin just so they can rubber stamp residential project after residential project. When will the people in Dublin wake up?
6:27 AM on October 18th, 2011
There is still time to stop this madness.
A Board meeting is scheduled for tonight at 6:00 pm, 7051 Dublin Blvd. Though it is not on the agenda we can speak during the open mic portion directly to the Board and let them know our displeasure about this. Hopefully, they will wisen up and recind their decision.
10:01 PM on October 18th, 2011
Good work, Jimmy and John!
12:06 AM on October 19th, 2011
Clearly, the public officials will keep making it like bandits – going largely unnoticed by the common folk, who can’t afford to be distracted from the rat race.
12:10 AM on October 19th, 2011
What “hard work” these pencil pushers do anyway that qualifies them for a bonus? What are the performance metrics that were used to decide the outperforming pencil pushers?
9:16 AM on October 19th, 2011
To Roz Rogoff- I read the article you posted and, with all due respect, I think it’s very hypocritical that you are complaining about public employees getting CPI increases just because you didn’t get your social security increase (which, I believe this year is over 3%). Total sour grapes. Besides, don’t forget part of your social security is funded through the tax dollars that these public employees are paying toward. And please don’t get me started about the millions of dollars wasted each year from perfectly healthy people taking advantage of the social security system.
The people on this blog needs to calm down. The bonuses are probably passed in poor taste given our current economy, but it’s a total drop in the bucket compared to the billions of dollars in bonuses in the private sector. Why aren’t you sending angry mob letters to those companies?
And to whoever stated that DSRSD needs to be audited- guess what, they are. They are required to be audited each year, and those financials are public documents that you can find on their website. Feel free to go through it in detail before you post ignorant comments like that.
I just find it very ironic that people are so angry toward public agencies just because they they are funded through tax or rates. Guess what, you don’t own these agencies people! And you certainly don’t own the people that work there or get to tell them what to do. If you really want to make change, run for the Board and implement your own policy! Everyone on here complaining are just a bunch of angry whiners who are too lazy to actually run for Board themselves.
4:22 PM on October 19th, 2011
People are annoyed about $$$ spent for bonuses, etc. in the private sector. This is why we have the “Occupy Wall Street” movement.
There is waste in every system. But our social security system, by and large, works well.
Some people obviously feel that some things may not have been caught and/or listed by DSRSD’s outside auditor. That is certainly possible. Our state government offices in Sacramento are so understaffed that they probably would only be able to catch egregious errors in any audit report submitted to them.
As to running for office, it takes money and time to run for even the most minor office. Roz could tell you a bit about this. John Z. should probably weigh in here.
I believe we all want to see a healthy, well-functioning DSRSD. Many of us feel that some personnel changes need to be made before it can reach its full potential.
1:37 AM on October 21st, 2011
Anonymous(if that’s your real name),
I agree with you 100%, well 90%, because I’m not hypoticritical.
Last year when the Directors voted to give the managers a 1.5% COLA, I told them it was not appropriate to do that when seniors on Social Security were not given a COLA that year or the previous one.
I also said that the money saved by not giving COLAs could be used to put the meetings on TV30. The COLA amount was small potatoes to the managers, but Halket told me it was in their contracts so I suppose it had to be approved.
That same year, Steve Enoch, Superintendent of San Ramon Valley Unified School District, turned down his contracted raise precisely because it would be unseemly to take it. I don’t know if the Managers at DSRSD did the same, but it wasn’t reported and I didn’t hear if any of them did.
Now I’m sick of people attacking seniors on Social Security. That 3.5% I’m getting this year is $59 a month. I paid my share of SS for 40 years. If the politicians in Washington mismanaged the fund, they should fix it and not take it out on seniors. Social Security was supposed to be an insurance policy to protect old people from living on dog food or committing suicide because they couldn’t afford heat (yah I’m old enough to remember them good old days).
Roz
10:47 AM on October 20th, 2011
Saw something in the Times and on the DSRSD web site about paying off a PERS side fund to save the district some money. I am glad that DSRSD is looking at cost-saving measures, but that still does not justify the big bonuses. Zone 7 just approved a 5% water rate hike yesterday.
11:48 AM on October 30th, 2011
These board members are being paid to tell us where we can get off. Nice work if you can get it.
Keep those cards and letters coming, people!
11:33 AM on December 22nd, 2011
On Tuesday the DSRSD Board of Directors unanimously approved tentative agreements/memoranda of understanding with various employee bargaining units and personal services agreements with top management which would effectively end the controversial pay for performance award program. Kudos to Director Dan Scannell for fighting the good fight. Special kudos to courageous DSRSD employees and outraged customers who voiced their complaints about the inequities in this program. Lastly, kudos to the members of the press who kept district ratepayers informed.
4:38 PM on December 22nd, 2011
They did away with the program, but not before management took a second bite out of the pie.
8:14 PM on December 22nd, 2011
N.B. How long have you been with Local 39?
11:52 AM on December 27th, 2011
Sorry to disappoint you, but N.B. – traveling at the moment – is not a member of Local 39 or any other union. N.B. works in an industry that is not unionized.
Those who bash trade unions forget about the important contributions they have made in the U.S., U.K., and other countries. Have they forgotten the role of Solidarity in Poland in the 1980′s?
When people stand together, they can exert a powerful force that can take on big banks, multinational corporations, and corrupt institutions of all kinds. In these times we need more collective action – not less.
8:54 PM on December 22nd, 2011
Anonymous,
Go to http://www.dsrsd.com/aboutDSRSD/committee_schedule_and_minutes.php. Click on the agenda for the December 14, 2011 personnel committee meeting. Look at pages 3-7. Although they are wiping the slate clean regarding the pay for performance program, they will be looking at other incentive-based pay programs.
I do agree with you regarding some of the current “players.” We’ll have to keep watching.
6:32 PM on October 12th, 2011
Such impressive display of DSRSD inside knowledge. It’s as if you work for DSRSD. Too funny, yet very sad.
6:49 PM on October 12th, 2011
I wish. It would be a lot closer to home. My knowledge comes from a Chemical Engineering degree and over a decade of experience working with water agencies. And a glimpse at their website.
I guess I just think there are other injustices that all this energy could go toward correcting. The unfounded personal assaults on people you know nothing about except how they stand on a political issue is sad. Come on folks…
4:12 PM on October 15th, 2011
Does anyone know if the checks have gone out?
8:42 AM on October 16th, 2011
Check out the boardmembers’ debate in the October 4, 2011 draft minutes (part of the October 18, 2011 board meeting agenda). The website is http://www.dsrsd.com.
7:06 PM on October 18th, 2011
Sad to say the checks have gone out, but the protesting has just begun. Come on good people of Dublin, send in your letters of protest, use the one on this blog or write your own.
11:36 AM on October 17th, 2011
Hi Roz,
I respectfully disagree. I think people need to be more outraged. Seeing how little regard Howard, Halket, and Leopold have for the common folks, I can’t help but think these people are nothing but trash. I am sure the city manager for the City of Bell and the councilmembers are all good people who just happened to make some very bad decisions. No offense, but you are defined by your actions, not by the lies you tell people during your re-election campaign. These people deserve everything they get their way. I find your point about paying for the infrastructure twice very interesting. I did not realize until you mentioned it that all the infrastructure I was asked to pay for have already been paid by the higher cost of my home. I guess that was an oversight on the author’s part.
4:01 PM on October 17th, 2011
Name-calling is not respectful. These are elected (by you and your peers) officials. Vote them out if you don’t like their politics. Don’t call them “bastards”, “pigs”, call-out their families, or demean them personally. Your outrage doesn’t justify disrespect of anyone.
4:22 PM on October 17th, 2011
Hey, if the name fits, why not? I applaud that other reader for taking the lead in getting all that information about GM Bert Michalczyk and his family. It’s nice to know that our money will all be going to Danville to finance his lifestyle of the rich and famous. I think one of the reasons these public officials have become so brazen making decisions that favor the select few is the fact that we coddle them too much. If they don’t like to be criticized, just quit. But good luck finding a job in this economy. They should be thanking their lucky stars that they have a job and not getting a pay cut while doing them. We never had a reason to know what they look like. Now we do. We will vote against them for sure, but in the meantime why should they be entitled to live comfortably while the rest of us pay for their bad decisions? Thanks for making us care.
7:58 PM on October 18th, 2011
I just heard from someone who attended tonight’s Board meeting. When Dan Scannell asked about what should be done about the protest letters received, Acting President Halket (Howard was not there) derisively said: “One person made a statement, 40 people hit a button.” The letters will be referred to the personnel committee for a response. Halket said that “we’ll give it all the consideration it requires.” Is anyone able to attend the next personnel committee meeting?????
8:32 PM on October 18th, 2011
Thanks for the info., K.D. I noticed that the next personnel committee meeting is scheduled on Halloween. Should we go in costume?
8:47 PM on October 18th, 2011
Hi K.D. – about 30 letters were submitted today, bringing the total to over 65 protest letters. Vice President Halket’s response underscores his disdain for the concerns of the residents and businesses being served by the DSRSD.
Thx, John Z.
1:07 PM on October 19th, 2011
What a way to demean the constituents you serve, Halket, Leopold, and/or Howard? You were elected because you promised to safeguard our interests, not to steamroll public will. Where are the letters of support for these bonuses? Please do share with us everything you can about the people who actually want to pay more for the same level of service or double pay for something they’ve already paid for.
I think how Halket, Leopold, Howard, and ring leader Michalczyk have acted during this whole episode is beyond shameful. It’s clear they are completely insensitive to the challenging economic times that their customers are in. Stop distracting us with all these “guess whats,” Halket, Leopold, Howard. We are on to you.
12:36 PM on October 20th, 2011
I am tired of my high water bills. These rate hikes add up. I hardly do any watering. Maybe I should stop bathing.
From what I’ve seen I don’t think these folks deserve the bonuses either. So many people are out of work or had their hours reduced.
Wasn’t there some talk about consolidating some of these water agencies? What is going on with that?
2:08 PM on October 21st, 2011
I sympathize with you, Fed Up. I am afraid that many of us will soon be part of the great unwashed.
I encourage you and others to send the complaint letter on this site or your own original complaint letter to DSRSD. Let’s make Halket and the rest sit up and pay attention!
11:25 AM on October 29th, 2011
The public comment on the bonuses is the main agenda item to be discussed at DSRSD’s Halloween personnel committee meeting. Go to http://www.dsrsd.com/aboutDSRSD/committee_schedule_and_minutes.php. Then select the October 31st personnel committee meeting agenda. Notice that the meeting is scheduled at 8:30 A.M.–a time when most people will not be able to attend.
12:03 PM on October 29th, 2011
Did any of you see B.P. Dwight Howard’s pathetic response to “DSRSD Bonuses May Be on Chopping Block in Negotiations,” an October 20th article in the Dublin Patch (www.dublin.patch.com)? I am not surprised that Howard and Halket scheduled their meeting at such an inconvenient time.
4:19 PM on October 29th, 2011
Saw Howard’s comment last weekend. The everybody-does-it excuse just doesn’t cut it.
Why do they need TWO personnel committee meetings in one week? This means more money in the pockets of Howard and Halket!
5:48 PM on December 22nd, 2011
OK. They just eliminated a bonus program. If the players are the same, could they replace it with something just as bad or worse?
10:31 AM on December 24th, 2011
There is nothing wrong with incentives per se. If the system is rigged so that the wrong people are rewarded, that’s a different story.