Council extends interim Department of Water and Power general manager contract through year end

The Los Angeles City Council voted to extend the interim appointment of the Department of Water and Power's acting general manager through the end of the year to allow the mayor’s search process for a permanent chief to proceed.

Councilmember Ruth Galanter, reporting from committee, told colleagues the commission and mayor requested an extension so the utility can continue regular operations while a search firm completes its work. Councilmembers also pressed the interim manager on near-term operational questions, including the status of the department's position on the Mohave plant and other generation assets.

Interim general manager David Wiggs (as named in committee materials) addressed concerns about the Mojave plant settlement and said the department's recommendation would be to retain a substantial share rather than fully divesting; he described a recent board-approved settlement that would keep partial ownership and provide a path the department would bring back to council for review. Members also emphasized the need to revisit security and emergency response for water and power infrastructure in light of changed threat conditions.

The council voted to extend the interim contract; the roll call recorded 11 yes votes. Councilmembers said the extension would allow continuity of operations, accelerate a permanent search and let the commission present a formal recommendation by year end.

Ending: The extension keeps the interim manager in place through the end of 2001 while the mayor and the Board of Water and Power Commissioners continue the search for a permanent manager and bring detailed recommendations back to council.