YUCCA VALLEY —
Hi-Desert Water District’s chief financial officer was selected to serve as
the district’s interim general manager at a board of directors meeting
Wednesday.
Ed Muzik, a 41/2-year employee of the water district, will continue in his CFO
duties as well as filling in as general manager until a full-time replacement
is named to succeed Lee Pearl, who resigned recently to manage a much larger
water district in Orange County.
Bob Stadum, president of the board of directors, was pleased to announce that
Muzik’s selection was unanimous.
“I personally feel good about Ed from the point of view that he was the top
choice of all of the board,” Stadum said.
“Ed has the skill sets that will be very beneficial to the district
over the next several months and years,” Stadum added. “I think he’s the
right guy for the job right now.”
Stadum predicted that the recruiting of a new general manager will take about
three to six months. The board approved spending up to $30,000 to hire a firm
to handle recruitment.
Hi-Desert Water District’s base salary for a general manager is $134,888
plus $15,000 in deferred compensation for a retirement savings plan. There is
an additional monthly car allowance of $900.
Sewering will start along highway
In other water-district business Wednesday, directors approved the initial
area for installation of a sewer treatment system. According to the plan, the
first homes and businesses in Yucca Valley that will connect to a sewer
treatment plant will be along Twentynine Palms Highway.
Director Roger Mayes urged the community to work past any “can’t afford
it” attitudes because over time a sewer system will raise property values.
The water district will provide its Phase I plan to Town of Yucca Valley
officials for their input.
Reporting on a joint meeting Tuesday between representatives of HDWD and the
town, Stadum said, “It is apparent the town has gotten wastewater
religion.” The board president said he was heartened by the town’s
“newfound enthusiasm” for the enormous public works undertaking.
Lobby renovation approved
The board of directors discussed local architect Sy Golob’s plans to
redesign the district’s customer service lobby to comply with the Americans
With Disabilities Act and enhance efficiency and privacy at payment windows.
Plans include an entrance atrium to provide better protection from the
elements.
A staff report on the proposed renovation asks for $80,000 in the upcoming
budget. Cost for Golob’s architectural services was $8,500.
