HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-06 RMLD Operating and Capital Budget Pension Legal Services Committee MinutesReading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Board of Comr(i~iFgE-0
Operating and Capital Budget Pension Legal Services CQWJk IWy_C L E R K
November 6, 2008 , (F tom, i r
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Start Time: 7:30 p.m. r _ `s
End Time: 7:45 p.m.
Attendees:
Committee Members: Ms. Kearns and Mr. Pacino
RMLD Staff: Messrs. Cameron and Seldon
Commissioner Kearns called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and asked Mr. Cameron to explain the
issue of engaging new legal representation.
Mr. Cameron explained that the RMLD has been exploring the possibility of obtaining an entitlement to
the Taunton Municipal Light Plant's (TMLP) proposed combined cycle generating plant. The plant that is
proposed will be located in Taunton adjacent to the Cleary Generating Station also owned by TMLP. Mr.
Cameron educated the committee members on the legal resources that the RMLD usually relies on for
representation in power supply contract negotiations. Mr. Cameron provided an update on legal counsel
that is being used by TMLP, who owns the lands. Mr. Cameron said that there are legal resources that
will be representing other prospective owners of the plant.
Recently, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) contacted the RMLD and asked if the RMLD was
interested in joining with NHEC in order to share their legal representation. NHEC is no longer
interested in being an owner in the TMLP project. Mr. Mark Dean, a lawyer located in Concord New
Hampshire, had been representing NHEC in the TMLP project.
Mr. Cameron said that it makes sense to engage the legal services of Mr. Dean because he has been
involved in the TMLP project from the beginning and is well versed in the contractual issues. Mr.
Cameron did point out that Mr. Dean is not admitted in Massachusetts, however, if there is a need for
Massachusetts legal representation he could rely on Devine, Millimet, a law firm he previously worked
for, that have lawyers who are admitted to practice law in Massachusetts.
Ms. Kearns said that she likes the fact that there is back up representation in case of the possibility of
future legal issue in Massachusetts.
Mr. Pacino made a motion seconded by Ms. Kearns to recommend the appointment of Mr. Mark Dean to
represent the RMLD with regard to the contract negotiations and other issue related to the Taunton
Municipal Light Plant.
Motion passed 2:0:0.
At 7:45 p.m. Ms. Kearns made a motion seconded by Mr. Pacino to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed 2:0:0.