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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-11 RMLD Board of Commissioners Mintues-4 Reading Municipal Light Board Regular Session V 230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867 February 11, 2002 3 rt fl p : 50 Start Time of Regular Session: 7:30 p.m. End Time of Regular Session: 8:15 p.m. Attendees Commissioners: Messrs. Pacino, Ames, Halloran, and Hughes RMLD Staff. Mr. Cameron, Acting GM, Mr. Blomley, Ms. Cavagnaro and Ms. Gottwald Selectmen Liaison: Mr. Joe Veno Reporter: Mr. Bob Turosz, writes for North Reading Transcript and Lynnfield Villager Mr. Ames called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Ames noted the agenda for this meeting was posted on www.rmld.com. Report of the Chairman of the Board Mr. Ames asked the Board for a recommendation, or volunteer, to take over the position of Secretary. Mr. Hughes volunteered and was named Secretary Pro Tem. This position will be in effect until reorganization of the Board, after Town Election on 2 April. Mr. Ames announced Mr. Rucker had been put on paid administrative leave on January 21, 2002 due to the two audits being done; the RMLD and Task Force audits. Mr. Cameron announced Mr. Boyan and Ms. Bernat were put on administrative leave on January 28, 2002 due to the audits. Mr. Ames asked Mr. Cameron to give an update on the Reading Selectmen's Meeting. Mr. Cameron stated he informed the Reading Selectman of the changes he made and insured them the power supply is fine and reliable, bills are getting out and they should see no change in the department services. Mr. Ames said he asked the legal counsels of the RMLD and the Town of Reading to decide together who is responsible for auditing the RMLD. This meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2002 and will not be a public meeting. Mr. Ames said the purpose of the meeting would be to resolve the issue of both audits going on at the same time Meeting Minutes Mr. Hughes asked if there were any questions or changes with regards to the minutes: Mr. Pacino asked if the letter noted in the November 27, 2001 meeting minutes could be attached to the minutes. Mr. Cameron said he would take care of it. Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Pacino to approve the meeting minutes of November 27, 2001, with the letter attachment. Motion carried by a show of hands 4:0:0. Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the minutes of December 17, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried by a show of hands 4:0:0. Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Pacino to approve the minutes of January 7, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried by a show of hands 4:0:0. Regular Agenda - February 11, 2002 Page 2 Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the minutes of January 18, 2002, with a time correction. Motion carried by a show of hands 4:0:0. Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the minutes of January 28, 2002, as submitted. Motion carried by a show of hands 4:0:1. Mr. Pacino abstained, as he was not at the meeting. Mr. Ames noted the CAB had submitted a partial recommendation on the budget which he gave to the RMLD Board Budget Subcommittee. Acting General Manager's Report Mr. Cameron handed out a letter and motion regarding the General Manager's Leave of Absence. Mr. Cameron explained the letter was from Mr. Rucker's attorney requesting an additional thirty-day leave. Since no decision has been made Mr. Ames said the leave would need to be extended. Mr. Hughes said he would comply with the paid leave of absence with reservation. Mr. Pacino indicated Mr. Rucker's attorney is very powerful and successful in suits against utilities; he also said they would potentially violate Mr. Rucker's contract to do anything differently. Motion Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Pacino that the Board of Commissioners approve an additional thirty day, paid leave of absence requested by Leonard D. Rucker in his letter dated February 8, 2002, on the terms contained in that letter on the recommendation of the General Counsel. The Acting General Manger will give the Board forty-eight hours notice before expiration of the leave of absence as to the issue of continuation. Motion carried 4:0:0. Mr. Cameron's appointment on January 18, 2002 Mr. Hughes asked Mr. Cameron how he would be indemnified during his term as Acting General Manager which begins January 18, 2002. Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Pacino that the Commission authorize the Subcommittee consisting of Mr. Ames and Mr. Pacino to meet with Mr. Cameron to work out his indemnification and identify his role as Acting General Manager. Purchase Power Adjustment (Update) Mr. Cameron said the adjustment could be applied to rates or it could be used in the form of a credit. Mr. Cameron said he met with La Capra & Associates and they will be sending him an engagement letter. Mr. Cameron said he hopes to give a presentation, along with La Capra & Associates, sometime in March to give the Board a good idea how this mechanism works. Mr. Cameron said they have approximately twelve and one-half million dollars in the rate stabilization fund now and feels eight to ten million dollars is a reasonable amount for this fund. Mr. Cameron said the difference could be credited to ratepayers over the next couple of years. Mr. Cameron noted the rates cannot just be changed; there has to be an explanation. Mr. Hughes said he wanted to be sure the employees are complimented for the extra hours they have worked. Mr. Cameron said he mentioned it at the Selectmen's meeting last week and noted the RMLD has many good employees who know their jobs and have kept things running smoothly. The next meeting was scheduled for February, 25, 2002. Mr. Hughes noted there would be a Budget Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday evening. Regular Agenda - February 11, 2002 Page 3 Mr. Ames announced Mr. Halloran had given him a letter saying he would not be a candidate for the Board at the next election. Motion to Adjourn At 8:15 p.m., Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Pacino to adjourn the Regular Session. Motion carried by a show of hands 4:0:0. A true copy of the RMLD Board of Commissioners minutes as approved by a majority of the Commission. /0 14 Mr. William J. ?Jr. Secretary pro to of Co ssi oners