HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-22 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesReading Municipal Light Board
Regular Session
230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867
October 22, 2001
Start Time of Regular Session: 7:45 p.m.
End Time of Regular Session: 10:15 p.m.
Attendees
Commissioners:
Messrs. Ames, Hughes, Halloran, and Swyter
RMLD Staff:
Messrs. Rucker, Cameron, Blomley, and Fournier
Ms. Bernat
CAB Members:
Mr. Roger Lessard
Selectmen Liaison:
Mr. Matthew Cummings, Reading Selectmen Liaison
Guests:
Mr. Stone of Stone Consulting
Ms. Fletcher from PURMA
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Mr. Ames called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
Mr. Ames announced this was the first RMLD Board Meeting to be videotaped and introduced the Commissioners.
Minutes
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the minutes of September 24, 2001.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
The minutes of October 9, 2001, were distributed for review by RMLD members. Mr. Ames noted that these
minutes have been reviewed by the Department and RMLD General Council. Commissioners having amendments
shall submit them in writing in advance of our next meeting. Amendments will be discussed and moved
individually.
Selectman Liaison, Mr. Matthew Cummings, left the meeting after discussion of the minutes due to previous
commitments.
Citizens' Advisory Board, Selectmen Liaison and Customer Comments
Mr. Lessard complimented the Board on their decision to televise the meetings. Mr. Ames noted that the
videotaping of this meeting was for the subcommittee's evaluation only, it is not intended for these tapes to be
made public at this time. Mr. Hughes committed the Cable TV Subcommittee to bringing the results of the trial
videotaping to a future Board meeting, and indicated that the CAB would be fully informed of the results and any
future plans at that time.
Action Items
Actuarial Valuation (Stone Consulting, Inc.)
Mr. Halloran made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter to approve to transfer $720,614.00 from the Reading Light
Department's Employees' Retirement Trust fund in which $702,400.00 will be transferred to the Town of Reading
Contributory Retirement Board and $18,214.00 will be transferred to the Town of Reading for non contributory
retirement pensions on the recommendation of the Pension Trust Subcommittee.
Motion carried 4:0:0 by a show of hands.
Mr. Halloran made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter that the Board accept the Pension Trust Actuarial Valuation as
of January 1, 2001 from Stone Consulting, Inc., on the recommendation of the Pension Trust Subcommittee.
Motion carried 4:0:0 by a show of hands.
ENE Elections
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran that Thomas Whitney be and hereby is elected Director of the
Energy New England Board to serve in that capacity for a term as defined in section 3.2 of the Energy New England
Operating Agreement, and that in accordance with the Energy New England Operating Agreement, Mr. Thomas
Whitney be recommended to be designated as a Class C Director and as such will serve a term of three years having
completed an initial three year term, as defined in section 3.2 of the Energy New England Operating Agreement on
Motion carried 4:0:0 by a show of hands.
Regular Session Minutes
October 22, 2001
Page 2
ENE Elections
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran that Leonard D. Rucker be and hereby is elected Director of
the Energy New England Board to serve in that capacity for a term as defined in section 3.2 of the Energy New
England Operating Agreement, and that in accordance with the Energy New England Operating Agreement, Mr.
Leonard D. Rucker be recommended to be designated as a Class B Director and as such will serve a term of three
years, as defined in Section 3.2 and Schedule B of the Energy New England Operating Agreement.
Motion carried 4:0:0 by a show of hands.
Presentations
Mr. Cameron gave a presentation of the new Power Supply Deal informing the Board this new energy deal would
secure the future of RMLD for a number of years and it may further ensure rates remaining stable and possibly even
go down.
Mr. Lynde, RMLD Marketing Manager, presented an update on the Streetlight Maintenance business noting that the
RMLD has become the primary service vendor in the area.
Mr. Rucker noted that it had been a directive to the General Manager by the Board approximately two years ago to
diversify and find business opportunities for RMLD. Mr. Rucker said after looking into several business
opportunities this business made the most sense and has been the most successful.
General Manager's Report
Mr. Rucker noted that Braintree Municipal Light Board has decided not to pursue membership at MMWEC and
stated that he was not prepared to make that a recommendation at this time.
Mr. Rucker indicated that APPA is looking for equity partners in their Home Town Connections program and asked
the Board if they thought he should continue looking into it. Discussion ensued.
The Board indicated Mr. Rucker should continue his research and get back to them.
Mr. Rucker explained to the Board that he has set up a virtual office in his home and has been working from his
home one day a week on a trial basis. Mr. Rucker advised the Board that it is his intention to continue this practice
when practical. He also noted the Department has used this practice with employees for several years with good
results. Discussion ensued.
Board Discussion
Commissioners Ames and Swyter received their first training on computerized accounts payable.
Mr. Ames suggested that he is a member of this committee and would take forward any issues, concerns or
questions that any of the RMLD Commissioners or public have.
Mr. Halloran noted his concern that convicted felons might be elected or appointed to a municipal office or if
background screening was available on a municipal level. Mr. Rucker indicated that he has asked General Counsel
to review this issue and is waiting for a response. Mr. Swyter suggested this was a Town issue more than a
Departmental issue. Discussion ensued regarding the town's policies and practices.
Motion to Adjourn
At 10:15 p.m. Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to adjourn the Regular Session.
Motion carried by a poll of the Commission members 4:0:0.
Mr. Hughes - Aye; Mr. Ames - Aye; Mr. Halloran; and Mr. Swyter - Aye.
The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2001.
A true copy of the RMLD Board of Commissioners
minutes as approved by a majority of the
Mr. David M. Swyter
Secretary, RMLD Board of Commissioners