The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2001-11-27 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesY Reading Municipal Light Board Regular Session 230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867 November 27, 2001 Start Time of Regular Session: 7:35 p.m. End Time of Regular Session: 9:23 p.m. Attendees Commissioners: Messrs. Pacino, Swyter, Ames, Halloran, and Hughes RMLD Staff: Messrs. Rucker, Blomley, Cameron Ms. Bernat CAB Members: Messrs. Bartlett, Lessard, Stevenin, Corbett, Gehret Selectmen Liaison: Mr. Veno Guests: Ms. Lawrence from Rubin and Rudman Mr. Ames called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. L i..1 ~~.E RK n3. MASS. Mr. Ames announced the agenda was published and this meeting was the second RMLD Board meeting to be videotaped on a trial basis. The Commissioners introduced themselves for videotaping purposes. Report of the Chairman of the Board Mr. Ames noted the agenda is more streamlined. Items not previously approved by the Chair will not be discussed during the course of the meeting. Meeting Minutes Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the meeting minutes of October 9, 2001. Motion carried 4:0:1; Mr. Hughes abstained. Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the meeting minutes of October 22, 2001. Motion carried 5:0:0. Mr. Pacino read a letter from Mr. Hughes and asked the letter be included in the minutes of October 9, 2001. Mr. Ames asked the Commission if there were any objections to adding this letter to the minutes of October 9, 2001. There were no objections. The letter is as follows: "To the Members of the conspiracy group of RMLD, G.M., Board Members, etc.: I am replying to the minutes of 9 Oct. 01 as directed by Board Chair to reply to him directly via written statement as to disagreement of 9 Oct 01 minutes. I do note numerous exclusions, and wrongly worded opinions, etc. At this time I desire to withhold my opinions as to corrections to minutes, but if in any future discussions or further requests of resignation of me as a member on the Board, I then will implement my corrections. I do have one inquiry, why wasn't I ever asked by the Chair as to my involvement or opinion, it was determined very underhandedly that I was wrong, no explanation allowed, and my resignation should be forthwith, As noted, I didn't comply." R/S W.J. Hughes, Jr. Board Member Citizens' Advisory Board, Selectmen Liaison and Customer Comments Mr. Veno indicated the North Reading Selectmen received a CAB letter regarding RMLD providing cable television services. A letter is forthcoming from North Reading Selectmen to the RMLD stating their interest. Regular Session Meeting Minutes Page Two November 27, 2001 Citizens' Advisory Board, Selectmen Liaison and Customer Comments (Continued) Mr. Bartlett commented on a Cable Television presentation, which was made by the RMLD to the CAB. He thought perhaps the letter to the North Reading Selectmen might have originated as a by-product of further discussion. Presentation Mr. Ames gave an introduction to Mr. Rucker's presentation regarding Hometown Connections noting the RMLD has the right to set up cooperatives with Hometown Connections. Mr. Rucker informed the Board how AMEA and APPA are affiliated with Hometown Connections. He explained the RMLD could not form a partnership directly with AMEA or APPA but they can through a cooperative. Mr. Rucker explained in order to have a cooperative they must have other municipal involvement and is considering participating with Taunton. Mr. Rucker compared the differences between ENE and this new cooperative, adding the new cooperative would be used as a sales affiliate for Hometown Connections in New England. The Board gave Mr. Rucker a blinking green light on this issue. General Manager's Report Commissioner Qualifications (Diedre Lawrence, Rubin and Rudman) Mr. Ames introduced Ms. Lawrence from Rubin and Rudman who gave a report on the results of her research into Commissioner qualifications and what background checking procedures exist. Ms. Lawrence informed the Board that all elections are to be free and all inhabitants have an equal right to be elected. She also said voters have the right to vote for whomever they choose. Ms. Lawrence asked the Board what the goal of a background check would serve and stated as a general rule, convicted criminals who are not in jail can run for elected office and said she was unable to find any cases where this issue was fought in court. Discussion ensued. Action Items Mr. Pacino made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran that RFP 2001-18 for Repair and Painting of RMLD Truck 25 be awarded to Complete Collision Center as the lowest qualified bidder for a total of $9,893.12 on the recommendation of the General Manager and the RMLD staff. Mr. Pacino asked that all future motions of this kind include the budget amount. Motion carried 5:0:0. Mr. Pacino made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter that RFP 2001-16 for Boiler Replacement at RMLD Station One be awarded to George T. Wilkinson, Inc. as the lowest qualified bidder for a total of $38,533.00 on the recommendation of the General Manager and RMLD staff. Motion carried 5:0:0. With regards to Policy 13, Use of Conference Rooms, Revision Number Two. No motion was made to approve Revision Number Two. Mr. Pacino requested that "after hours" be defined and that a final version be submitted at the next meeting. General Manager's Report Purchasing Company Vehicles Mr. Rucker explained the current policy, which results in company vehicles costing more money. The Board determined that this is an operational issue and they will defer to the Department. The Department's goal is to make purchases on an economic, lowest owning cost. Discussion ensued regarding the Town Meeting. Mr. Pacino stated he received compliments relative to Mr. Rucker's presentation. Regular Session Meeting Minutes November 27, 2001 Page Three Review of questions and answers at Town Meeting (Commissioner Pacino) (Continued) Mr. Pacino also informed the Board that Mr. Ernie Doucette had just recently passed away. Mr. Pacino said he wanted to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Ernie Doucette for his efforts with regards to his part in creating the RMLD Twenty-Year agreement. Commissioners' Reports Policy regarding one monthly RMLD Board of Commissioner Meeting (Commissioner Hughes) Mr. Hughes questioned the possibility of reducing the number of Board meetings to one meeting per month. Mr. Ames agreed once a month, or as needed, was fine with him considering the Subcommittees have been highly involved in other work. The Board decided to hold meetings once a month with the option to add a meeting as needed. Mr. Hughes said he would like to go to the Annual NEPPA Meeting on December 7 h, as an RMLD representative. Mr. Rucker stated the Commissioners should let Jeanne Foti know if they are planning to attend the NEPPA and APPA Annual Meetings and/or the Legislative Rally. The Commissioners are on the list of invitees and need no formal approval. Meeting notes and agenda on the Website (Commissioner Swyter) Discussion ensued regarding Mr. Swyter's request to include historical agendas on the RMLD website. Mr. Ames requested he receive a copy of the videotape to review this meeting. Mr. Pacino noted the seating in the room was reorganized after watching the first taped meeting, as they did not like to view staff members from the back. Motion to Adjourn At 9:23 p.m., Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to adjourn the Regular Session. Motion carried by a show of hands 5:0:0. Next meeting was scheduled for December 12, 2001. A true copy of the RMLD Board of Commissioners minutes as approved by a majority of the Commission. Mr. David M. Swyter Secretary, RMLD Board of Commissioners TVILL MJ HUGHES J.R. Coasts bit. NOTARY'VUBLIC INC, -1 _ bx'~5s* ,mss f 4 ~qn- der - Till- r r r & Ar - w _ t F G, t