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 licensed professional 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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