The Rossmoor Community Services District held a Farewell Reception in honor of outgoing Director Bill Kahlert on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Rush Park. Director Kahlert informed the Board of Directors of his resignation from the Board effective May 15, 2019 as he is moving out of state. Fellow RCSD Board Members, RCSD Staff (including formal General Managers Jim Ruth and Henry Taboada), friends, family and community members were all in attendance to bid Director Kahlert a fond farewell.
“It was with regret that the Board accepted Director Kahlert’s resignation,” RCSD Board President Ron Casey said. “We are all going to miss you, Bill. I don’t think I realized how much I appreciate you until now. I am happy for you, but saddened that you are leaving the Board”.
Director Kahlert served as both President and Vice President of the Board and was recently a Director. During his 2015 presidency, Bill Kahlert led a team of District staff and volunteers in pioneering the highly successful, Rossmoor Winter Festival event which attracts thousands of visitors to Rush Park each year. As a Director, Bill Kahlert devoted many hours to serving on various District committees including the Parks and Facilities Committee, Capital Improvements Committee, Audit Committee,
At its May 14, 2019 regular meeting, following the reception, President Casey presented Director Kahlert with a Proclamation of Appreciation and the RCSD Board voted to make an appointment to the position rather than call for a special election, which incurs considerable expense to the taxpayer of over $8,000. Once selected, the newly appointed candidate will serve until the November 2020 elections. A Notice of Vacancy will be posted for a minimum of 15 days in order to make Rossmoor residents who are registered voters aware of the vacancy and to consider submitting a request to be appointed to the Board.
Said Board President Ron Casey, “The contributions Director Bill Kahlert has made to the community are far too numerous to mention. His service has been a real benefit to the community for over eight years. If Rossmoor ever develops a calendar, as founder of the Rossmoor Winter Festival, Bill will definitely be known as ‘Mr. December’”. President Casey passed the gavel to Director Kahlert for his comments.
“This proclamation is great, this is awesome”, began Director Kahlert, “but I didn’t do it by myself. At the end of the day, it’s really about the relationships and the people you work with. That’s what makes the operation hum.” He went on to praise his fellow colleagues and staff. “I’ve been here for 20 years. My kids went to Hopkinson Elementary School and Los Alamitos High School here. I’ve participated in the Girl Scouts, soccer and high school activities. Rossmoor is a great community, and this is literally the hardest working Board out there. I know you will find a great replacement with great ideas. I’ve had a fantastic time.”
Courtesy photos