PHOTO ATTACHED: The Amador Water Agency Board of Directors: (back row, l – r) Gary Thomas, Rich Farrington, Randy Livingston; (front row) Susan Peters, Paul Molinelli, Jr. Thomas, Farrington, and Livingston were sworn into new terms of office at this week’s Board meeting.
For immediate release: 12/11/2020
Contact: Larry McKenney, AWA General Manager
209-223-3018
(Sutter Creek) At the last regular Amador Water Agency Board meeting of 2020, returning Directors Randy Livingston, Gary Thomas, and Rich Farrington were sworn into office. The three incumbent Director seats were not contested in the November general election.
Randy Livingston (District 5, Plymouth area) is completing a term ending in 2022 after being appointed to the AWA Board in November, 2019. Gary Thomas (District 2, Ione area and Amador City) was elected to the AWA board in 2008 and his current term runs through 2024. Rich Farrington (District 3, Upcountry area) was elected to the AWA board in 2012. His current term runs through 2024.
ALSO AT THURSDAY’S AWA BOARD MEETING:
- AWA Directors received their annual report from an independent financial auditor who commended AWA staff for improving financial management systems year over year. Auditor Ingrid Sheipline of Richardson & Company summarized the Agency’s 2019-2020 audit report, noting that the Agency received an unmodified or “clean” opinion. Water and wastewater sales that increased by $739,000 over 2018/2019 were met by an increase in operating expenses of $795,000. Accounting areas identified for improvement in prior audits have been resolved or are in process. Directors also received a presentation from the Agency’s actuarial consultant, Joe D’Onofrio of Bartel Associates, on the status of the Agency’s future pension and benefits liabilities.
- The Board elected District 4 Director Susan Peters as Board President and District 2 Director Gary Thomas as Board Vice President through December, 2021, and confirmed AWA Human Resources/ Risk Management Manager Karen Gish as Secretary and Clerk of the Board, and AWA Customer Service Representative Jessi Bylund as Deputy Clerk of the Board. They also reduced the number of standing and ad hoc Board committees, with committee assignments to be made in January.
- Directors also recognized retiring employees Cris Thompson and George Barnes, heard a first reading of an update of the AWA Water Code which establishes the Agency’s policies and responsibilities, and approved an updated Employee Handbook.
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