HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-29 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesReading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners
(W Regular Session
230 Ash Street
Reading, MA 01867
August 29, 2012
Start Time of Regular Session: 7:15 p.m.
End Time of Regular Session: 7:30 p.m.
Commissioners:
Philip B. Pacino, Chairman Gina Snyder, Vice Chair- Absent
Robert Soli, Commissioner Marsie West, Commissioner
John Stempeck, Commissioner
Staff:
Beth Ellen Antonio, Human Resources Manager
Citizens' Advisory Board (CAB):
George Hooper, Vice Chairman
Employees•
Tom Davis, Paul Murphy, Peter Price, Tom Schiblio, Laurie Ann Sylvia
'REPf IYED
TOWCLERK S
MASS.
NU OCI - 3 A VU I
Opening Remarks/Approval of Meeting Agenda
Chairman Pacino called the meeting to order and stated that the meeting of the Reading Municipal Light Department
(RMLD) Board of Commissioners was being videotaped. The purpose of the meeting was to re- constitute the
General Manager Search Committee, adjourn the Regular Session then the committee will meet. According to the
Attorney General's Office, a screening committee cannot consist of a majority of the Board cannot; therefore a
majority cannot participate in the Search Committee. Only two Commission members can be on the General
Manager Search Committee. While Chairman Pacino and the Board disagreed with this procedure, the Board elected
not to oppose it at this time due to the time it would take to appeal this issue.
Chairman Pacino said that he will appoint himself and Commissioner West to the General Manager Search
Committee, accompanied by Citizens' Advisory Board member appointee George Hooper.
Ms. West made a motion seconded by Mr. Stempeck that the RMLD Board reconsiders the structure of the selection
for the General Manager Search Committee.
Motion carried: 3:0:0. Mr. Soli was not present for the vote.
Mr. Stempeck made a motion to seconded by Ms. West to appoint Chairman Pacino and Ms. West as members of the
General Manager Search Committee.
Motion carried: 3:0:0. Mr. Soli was not present for the vote.
During discussion, Chairman Pacino asked the CAB to provide input to the search process and for any of the union
representatives to also provide written input to help direct the search process.
Chairman Pacino commented that in the previous search, eight candidates were interviewed, resulting in four that
answered questions in open session. Ms. West suggested that the Search Committee, with the help of Ms. Antonio
identify a technical consultant that could help ascertain the technical skills of any potential candidate.
Ms. West pointed out that as far as the job description and the search process she does not believe that needs to take
place in the Search Committee. Ms. West stated that there are things she would like to discuss in which other
commission members. Ms. West stated that it is important that they hire a consultant to assist with this position that
will provide some independent counsel in terms of having all the technical requirements
Mr. Stempeck suggested that the General Manager job description should be consistent for internal as well as
external hires, and that the items that are marked `essential' on the internal posting also be explained and included on
any external posting. This would include items such as familiarity with collective bargaining processes and
negotiations, ability to administer salary and personnel programs, operating and capital budgets, communication with
the public, and development of appropriate strategies.
Mr. Soli entered the meeting at this point and had no issue with not being on the General Manager Search
Committee.
Regular Session Meeting Minutes
August 29, 2012
-:Ms. West suggested a review of external postings for other utilities across the country to use as possible examples for
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