HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-20 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesReading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners
RECEIVED
Regular Session
TOWN CLERK
230 Ash Street
READING, MASS.
Reading, MA 01867
February 20, 2013
.N13 APR —I A OF 01
Start Time of Regular Session: 7:30 p.m
End Time of Regular Session: 7:55 p.m.
Commissioners:
Philip B. Pacino, Chairman Gina Snyder, Vice Chair- Absent
Marsie West, Secretary Robert Soti, Commissioner
John Stempeck, Commissioner - Absent
Staff:
Vinnie Cameron, General Manager - Absent Jeanne End, Executive Assistant
Kevin Sullivan, Interim General Manager
Citizens' Advisory Board:
Tony Capobianco, Member
Public:
Ryan Morgan
Opening Remarks
to order and stated that the meeting was being videotaped.
Chairman Pacino called the meeting
Introductions
"hairman Pacino acknowledged Citizens' Advisory Board member Tony Capobiunco's attendance at the meeting.
%me . un Pacino acknowledged Ryan Morgan, - a new resident in Reading. He is at the meeting to request that the Board unfreeze
funds for the energy audit Program so he can have his home independently assessed for proper insulation.
Mr. Sullivan explained that RMLD is a proponent for residential audits, but RMLD has seen a large increase in audit requests.
Additional funds have been allocated for audits. Customer Service and Energy Services need to develop a process to determine which
customers will benefit from the audits. New audits are on hold pending the new process, but will begin again in early March. Mr.
Sullivan explained that there are two types of services, Tier I and Tier ii. Tier I is when a customer calls in to request an audit which
is handled by Customer Service, whereas Tier If involves an auditor visit to the home. These are free services provided by the RMLD.
Depending on where a customer is on the waitlist, some audits may be pushed out to fiscal year 2014, starting July 1.
Chairman Pacino suggested publicizing the waiting list for the audit program and requested that Ms. Gottwald issue a press release.
Appointment of Interim General Manager
Chairman Pacino explained that the subcommittee initially planned to address the interim General Manager appo intment, but that is
not feasible due to the complexities of setting up the subcommittee. He recommended that the full Commission address the issue.
Chairman Pacino is recommending Kevin Sullivan as the interim General Manager after February 15. Chairman Pacino has spoken
with Vinnie Cameron who has agreed to continue as a consultant to the Department.
Mr. Soli said that with new hires or appointments, there should be more than one nomination. He pointed out that there were four
candidates the last time a new General Manager was selected. Chairman Pacino explained that when Vinnie Cameron was appointed
as the Interim General Manager, there was a single candidate confirmed by the Commissioners. Ms. West asked Mr. Soli where the
other candidates would come from. Mr. Soli responded that he has another nomination. Mr. Soli suggested that throe people work
together to more the budget process is unbiased and allow for cross training and additional experience. Mr. Soli suggested having a
troika of Bob Fournier, Jane Pammeau, and Kevin Sullivan for the interim period. Ms. West asked if Mr. Soli had confirmed that the
�w nominees were willing to serve, but he has not talked to them.
Ms. West said that three people trying to lead together is not a feasible solution in any organization- There needs to be one person in
charge. Mr. Cameron had many years of experience, and appointed Mr. Sullivan m the Interim General Manager. She is comfortable
moving forward with Mr. Sullivan as Interim General Manager until there is a permanent General Manager.
Kegular Session Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2013
Appointment of Interim General Manager
Ms. West said that she sees the budget bias concern as low risk because budgets are presented to the Board of
Commissioners a.0 Citizens' Advisory Board for review and approval. Mr. Soli added that 5% or 10% may be a small increase; howe
department budget, but a troika would lessen this risk. ver, could impact a
Ms. West reiterated she cannot support three people working together to be in charge. Mr. Soli said that from his vantage point the
Department is operating smoothly and the troika would provide a learning experience. Chairman Pacino said that you need one
Person in charge, and Mr. Cameron is willing to consult during the transition period. Chairman Pacino stated that Kevin Sullivan
should be appointed Interim General Manager.
Mr. Soli made a motion seconded by Chairman Pacino that the RMLD Board of Com umioners mmusnt to Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, General Laws Chapter 164, Section 56, appoint the troika of Bob Fournier, Jane Parcateau and Kevin Sullivan to the
position of Interim General Manager.
Motion failed 1:2:0. Chairman Pacino and Secretary West voted against the motion.
Ms. West made a motion seconded by Mr. Soli that the RMLD Board of Commissioners pursuant to Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, General Laws Chapter 164, Section 56, appoint Kevin Sullivan to the position of Interim General Manager.
Motion carried 3:0:0.
Mr. Capobianco asked if the terms of Mc Cameron's consultancy, are open ended or will be in effect for a set period. Chairman
Pacino responded that the consultancy will not be open ended and will be fully disclosed at the meeting on February 27.
Adjournment
At 7:55 p.m. Ms. West made a motion seconded by Mr. Soli to adjourn the Regular Session.
Motion carried 3:0:0.
A true copy of the RMLD Board of Commissioners minutes
as approved by a majority of the Commission.
Mande West, Secretary
RMLD Board of Commissioners
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