Your PUD
News Release
PUD commissioners offer general manager job to Rich Riazzi
Chelan County PUD
News Release
5/1/2006
PUD commissioners on Monday unanimously agreed to offer the general manager’s job to Richard Riazzi, 51, of Boise, Idaho.
The terms of the job offer include an annual salary of $250,000; 30 days of paid leave a year plus 10 days upon employment; $35,000 to cover moving expenses; approval for him to continue as a paid director for a Boise-based company and a starting date of May 31.
Commissioners gave Riazzi a deadline of Friday, May 5, to respond.
Riazzi was named the top candidate for the job by commissioners on April 24. He was introduced to PUD employees and the community at meetings on April 27. Commissioners said they have received positive response to their choice from PUD employees and the community, leading them to make the job offer.
In other business, commissioners:
- Heard an update on installation of automated meters for PUD commercial and residential water customers. John Stoll, Customer Service director, said tests of the equipment in a local subdivision showed it worked well. Installation of about 5,000 radio transmitters and 3,800 new meters is set to begin in July. Customers will see benefits next winter when meters can be read remotely during bad weather, eliminating estimates. The new system can also notify the PUD of possible leaks. Meter readers will be able to do their jobs faster and more safely. Total project cost is about $1.2 million.
- Talked again with Joe Jarvis, chief operating officer, and Kurt Carlson, PUD senior financial analyst, about the PUD’s financial future through 2011. Last week a baseline forecast was outlined. This week they discussed how fluctuations in power prices and water supply may impact cash reserves and debt coverage ratios. Recommendations on possible financial strategies will be made to the board after the new general manager arrives so he can be involved in the discussion, Jarvis said.
- Received a request from members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for help funding its marine patrol on the Columbia River. PUD commissioners referred the request to staff to research and report back.
- Noted the retirement of Central Maintenance mechanic Rick Ruffle after 30 years of service.
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The next regular meeting of the PUD commission was changed from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2006, in the boardroom, 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.
Most PUD commission meetings are recorded, and a link to the audio is available on the PUD’s home page at www.chelanpud.org.
Kimberlee Craig
Public Information Officer
661-4320, direct line
679-6858, cell
kimc@chelanpud.org