The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) Board of Directors voted to accept the resignation of Paul Hansen from the board and to initiate a search for another director at its July 25 meeting.
PAWSD board chairman Jim Smith opened the discussion by stating that Hansen had communicated to him that he wished to resign immediately.
He added that he understood Hansen’s decision given the situation and expressed his best wishes to Hansen and his family.
“He said there’s just no way that he could stay on the board with the situation right now; he’s up in Minnesota,” Smith said.
PAWSD board member Glenn Walsh stated that he also spoke to Hansen.
The board then unanimously moved to accept Hansen’s resignation.
In his resignation letter, Hansen states that he is in Minnesota dealing with “family problems” and that he is resigning his board seat immediately.
“I hate to do it, but it’s looking like I’m going to need to be here for an extended time,” he states. “I don’t believe I can be an effective board member from here. I think it would be an injustice to the rate payers to not be there and dedicate the time necessary to be a positive, contributing board member.”
At the meeting, Smith and Walsh commented that the board would have to do “our whole thing” to recruit a replacement for Hansen, with Walsh adding that, for previous appointments, the board had a pool of previous applicants who had submitted letters and answered questions.
However, Walsh stated that it has “been a while” and the board would need to advertise the vacancy, get resumes and interview candidates.
He added that the position is “important.”
PAWSD Programs Manager Renee Lewis noted that the person chosen would serve until May of next year, at which time they would have to run for office in the election.
She added that Smith will also be up for election next year.
PAWSD board member Gene Tautges commented that he had spoken to one potential applicant, although this applicant would also be pleased if another candidate could be found.
He added that this person indicated a preference toward serving for a short time.
Walsh commented that he would prefer to find a board member willing to serve for a longer term due to the “learning curve” for the position.
Smith asked Lewis if she would submit advertisements for the position in The SUN, which could be reviewed at the board’s next meeting.
Lewis stated she would do this.
Tautges stated that the son of the potential applicant he spoke to is applying for a job at PAWSD and asked if this would be a conflict of interest.
PAWSD Engineer/Manager Justin Ramsey stated that he had not heard such a situation would be, noting that an employee could serve on the board if they do not collect a salary.
He added that this situation should be “disclosed.”
Lewis added that she would recommend such a board member recuse themselves from votes pertaining to pay for staff.
Walsh asked if the advertisements for the board could include an estimate of how many hours per month are involved in serving on the board.
Lewis stated that this would be possible to do.
Walsh commented that this would potentially ensure board members are not “scared off” by an inaccurate understanding of how much work is involved.
After a discussion, Lewis and Walsh agreed that they would work on drafting language about time commitments to be included in the advertisement.
Smith commented that this would be a valuable thing to add to the advertisement.
The board then directed staff to move forward with advertising the vacancy.
How to apply
In a communication, Lewis explains that applicants to the board must own property or reside within the boundaries of the district and be a registered voter in the state of Colorado.
She adds that interested persons should submit a letter of interest to Smith digitally at jim.smith@pawsd.org or mailed to 100 Lyn Ave., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
Letters of interest will be accepted until the position is filled, Lewis indicates.
josh@pagosasun.com
