HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-07 RMLD Board of Commissioners General Manager Committee Minutes " C E
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
RMLD Board of Commissioners General Manager Committee
1 Date: 12-7-2017 Time: 8:00 AM
Building: Reading Municipal Light Building Location:
General Managers Conference Room
Address: 230 Ash Street Session: Open Session
1 Purpose: General Business Version:
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Attendees: Members - Present:
Philip B. Pacino, Chair
David Hennessy, Vice Chair
Dave Talbot, Commissioner
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Members - Not Present:
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Others Present:
Tom O'Rourke, Commissioner
John Stempeck, Commissioner
RMLD Staff:
Coleen O'Brien, General Manager
Tracy Schultz, Executive Assistant
I Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Philip B. Pacino, Secretary Pro Tem
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Topics of Discussion:
Call Meeting to Order
Chair Pacino called the meeting to order.
Review of General Manager, Coleen O'Brien
The Commissioners decided that each member would quickly summarize their review of
i Ms. O'Brien with their numerical calculations, and then general discussion would ensue.
Chair Pacino began, stating he felt that Ms. O'Brien achieved everything on the
evaluation forms. Chair Pacino stated that he gave Ms. O'Brien the top possible rating:
T 00.
Mr. O'Rourke stated that the result of the audit speaks for itself, as do RMLD's highly
competitive rates. RMLD's response to the recent storm was met with positive comments
from the community. The Safety Committee shows Ms. O'Brien's commitment to safety.
Mr. O'Rourke said he gave Ms. O'Brien 99 out of 100. Mr. O'Rourke explained that he
gave Ms. O'Brien four out of five for Board Relations, in the hope that a system will be
developed to communicate with the Board on important issues when there is no
scheduled Board Meeting. Per his calculations, Mr. O'Rourke stated that Ms. O'Brien had
saved the Department$2.4 million in cost avoidance and a half a million in hard savings.
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Review of General Manager, Colleen O'Brien
Mr. Talbot stated that it was a great year and Ms. O'Brien did a great job. Mr. Talbot
stated that he rated Ms. O'Brien 98 out of 100. Mr. Talbot said that one area both the
Board and Department need to work on is adopting proactive measures to attract --
customers and foster economic development.
Mr. O'Rourke reiterated communicating with the Board between meetings and asked
how that can best be facilitated. Ms. O'Brien asked that, going forward, the Board tells
her what they want to know. Ms. O'Brien said she communicates issues that would have
the potential for an immediate impact. Other issues, which are operational, may be
mentioned at meetings. Any serious concerns of large customers would be brought
forward should it be rate-related or regarding reduction in usage.
Mr. Talbot expressed his wish to develop an RMLD environmental policy. It was decided
that topic is best reserved for a different meeting.
Mr. Stempeck lauded the fact that the financial audit did not result in a management
letter, the success of the capital and operational budgets, the development of a 6-year
plan, and the installation of the 25-megawatt generator. RMLD's maintenance program
is best in class. Additionally, Mr.Stempeck noted the time and the personal toll it takes to
successfully negotiate three union contracts. Ms. O'Brien hires competent people and
increases their skill set and is tolerant of Board demands. Mr. Stempeck stated that Ms.
O'Brien does a great job balancing long-range strategic requests with short-term issues,
and that his evaluation score is 100 points.
Vice Chair Hennessy said that he gave Ms. O'Brien 99 out of 100. The financial audit was
perfect, safety is always being improved, and Wendy, Jane, and Hamid are confident in
their roles. Board relations are excellent and Ms. O'Brien is not afraid of conflict with
Union. Vice Chair Hennessy suggested that Ms. O'Brien utilize layman's terms when
making presentations to the Towns.
Mr. O'Rourke stated that per the calculation sheet in the evaluation packet, Ms.
O'Brien's overall score of 99.2 entitles her to CPI plus 2 percent, and whatever else the
Board decides based on merit. The Board debated the details of the increase to Ms.
O'Brien's compensation, ultimately deciding on a 4.5 percent salary increase, and an
additional$5,000.
Chair Pacino made a motion that the General Manager Committee recommend a 4.5
salary increase for Ms. O'Brien, and a$5,000 bonus.
Motion Approved.
3:0:0.
Adjournment
Vice Chair Hennessy made a motion,seconded by Mr.Talbot,to adjourn.
Motion Approved.
3:0:0.
A true copy oft e.RMLD Board of Commissioners minutes
as approv a majority of the Commission.
ili B. .acino,Secretary Pro Tem
MC Board of Commissioners
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