HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-28 RMLD Board of Commissioners Policy Committee Minutesa
MTown of Reading
eeting Minutes
Board - committee - Commission - Council:
RMLD Board of Commissioners
Date: 2016-07-28
Building: Reading Municipal Light Building
RECEIVED
TDWN CLERK
READING. MASS.
-fi% SEP 28 A Of 2! I
Policy Committee
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: R and C Conference Room
Address: 230 Ash Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: Regular meeting, general business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Messrs. Hennessy, Pacino and Talbot
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Mses. O'Brien and Foti
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Thomas O'Rourke,Chairman
Topics of Discussion:
Call Meeting to Order
Chairman Hennessy, Chair of the Policy Committee called the meeting to order at 6:45 pm.
Continued Review of Board Policies
PoIIcy13 Facilities Use Policy
Ms. O'Brien said that from a union perspective, the RML) does not have employees that fulfill the custodial duties required
for an outside group to use RMLD's facilities. Ms. O'Brien explained that it is easier not to rent out the Cafeteria. From a
security perspective, the new NERC regulations for the Control Room demonstrate that, RML) as a utility is not an open
public building. Mr. 5tempeck was in agreement with this. Ms. O'Brien said that as a utility she was trying to capture the
cost of the Cafeteria in the draft policy the committee has seen in the past. Also, there was vandalism with one outside
group. The few nonprofits that have used the Cafeteria have moved on. Any of the four town agencies that use RMLD's
facilities there is no charge, their liability is covered under the town's certificate. Ms. O'Brien said that the policy will be
revised to reflect that the RMLD will not rent out the Cafeteria. Mr. Talbot asked if the room use could be at the discretion
of the General Manager. Ms. O'Brien said that she does not want to use "at the discretion of the General Manager." The
next time the committee meets there will be no discussion, it will be revised to reflect the changes that RML) will only
allow the four town agencies to use Its facilities.
Policy 6 Drug Free Workplace
Ms. O'Brien said that the changes in Policy 6 are that it is more comprehensive to address the use of alcohol use,
prescription drugs and certain nonprescription drugs, medical marijuana and other drug related activities and uses that
could pose safety and/or operational changes. Consistent with the expansion of the policy, we changed the title to indicate
that the policy applies to alcohol as well as drugs. The proposed changes clarify that the policy is intended to comply with
the Drug Free Workplace Act regardless of whether the Drug Free Workplace technically applies to the RML). Also, the
changes clarify the authority of the General Manager to employ the services of professionals to facilitate compliance and
enforcement. The policy contains language that clarifies that the use of medical marijuana, even if prescribed for medical
purposes, Is a prohibited activity under the policy. The policy also covers all RML) officers, consultants and contractors, not
just employees. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has no standards for the medical use of marijuana.
Mr. Hennessy made a motion seconded by Mr. Talbot to approve Policy 6, Drug Free Workplace Act as presented.
Motion carried 3:0:0.
Ms. O'Brien then addressed the ICMA contribution: the policy needs to change where it is capped at $5,000. She would like
to increase the amount for nonunion employees to $7,000. Ms. O'Brien will send the policy to the Board.
Discussion
There was no additional discussion.
Schedule Next Meeting
No date scheduled.
Motion to Adjourn
At 7:10 p.m. Mr. Hennessy made a motion seconded by Mr. Talbot to adjourn.
Motion carried 3:0:0.
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