Scannell Resigns From DSRSD Board

Long-time Dublin San Ramon Services District director Dan Scannell officially resigned on Saturday.

Scannell said it's simply time to move on and he wants to give the board a chance to appoint someone to replace him before his term ends in November.

The veteran director is a self-described fiscal conservative. He voted against rate increases eight years in a row before relenting in 2008 and voting for a rate increase after the district laid off staff, imposed employee furloughs and cut discretionary spending.

Scannell also voted against a bonus payout last October. The board approved that plan by a 3-2 vote, giving $283,000 in bonuses to 37 of the district's 110 employees. It was the first time in three years bonus pay have been awarded. The money came from a $600,000 surplus the district had in its $49 million budget.

Scannell said he was hopeful about the appointment process, stating it would allow residents the opportunity to interview for the position without incurring any campaigning costs.

“I’m admittedly biased,” Scannell said. “I hope they find another fiscal conservative who will continue to challenge the status quo.”

Scannell said he has accomplished everything he set out to do when he was elected to the first of his three terms in 2000. Among the accomplishments he listed in an email are:

*Stopping the "Toilet to Tap" proposal to inject treated wastewater into the groundwater basin

*Reducing rates to schools and implementing a discount program for seniors

*Expanding the agency's recycled water program and water conservation efforts to protect against drought

*Reducing board member compensation and eliminating a controversial employee bonus program

The water/wastewater services district serves 120,000 customers in Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Dougherty Valley.

Below his Scannell's resignation letter.

"Dear President Halket,

As I stated last Tuesday (3/20/12) at our bi-monthly DSRSD Board meeting, it is my intention to step down as Director before my term ends in November so that the Board can appoint someone to fill the remainder of my term.

This is written notification that I am resigning from the Board, effective immediately, today, March 24, 2012. This decision was prompted by the desire to spend more quality time w/ my family and the realization that, after 12 years, it is someone else’s turn to serve. I’m confident that the Board will find a highly qualified individuals to fill this vacancy in short time.

In closing, its been an honor to serve w/ you and the rest of the Directors, and I wish you the best in the future. Please let staff know that I am very, very impressed w/ their ongoing work and have immensely enjoyed working with all of them as well.

Sincerely,

Dan Scannell