[Press Release] : City manager announces interim appointment

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Toni Messina, Communications Director - (573) 874-7660

City manager announces interim appointment

COLUMBIA, MO (September 8, 2009) - City Manager Bill Watkins said today
that Michael J. Schmitz accepted an interim appointment as Columbia
Water and Light director, effective Sept. 5, 2009. Schmitz, Water and
Light’s chief engineer, replaces J. Kraig Kahler, who has resigned.
Schmitz will earn $130,000 annually as interim director.

Watkins said that he asked for and accepted Kahler’s resignation.
“I have no doubts about Kraig’s professional integrity and
intelligence,” Watkins said, “but he is experiencing some difficult
family issues at this time. In my opinion, this has affected his focus
on the department in a way that is not likely to change in the near
future.”

Kahler leaves in good standing. Watkins said that, consistent with
conditions agreed to when he was hired, Kahler will receive the maximum
separation pay allowed by city ordinance. “He will be available on a
consultancy basis, as needed, over the next two months. Considering the
importance of Water and Light to Columbia citizens, his help during the
transition period will be welcome.”

Schmitz came to Columbia as chief engineer in 2001. His experience in
the utility industry dates to 1968 and includes work with the Kansas
City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities and 21 years with the Platte
River Power Authority in Colorado. He is a licensedprofessional engineer
in Missouri; earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from
Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City; and has completed several
hours of master’s level work at the University of Missouri and
University of Colorado.

Watkins said that he has not yet started planning for a permanent
replacement. “As I’ve said before, the Water and Light position
carries high expectations to not only assure reliable utility service
but to continually adjust operations consistent with local, regional and
global events. Mike knows our business model, and I’m confident that
he will do a good job,” Watkins said. 

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