HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-24 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesReading Municipal Light Board
Regular Session
230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867
September 24, 2001
Start Time of Regular Session: 7:30 p.m.
End Time of Regular Session: 9:15 p.m.
Attendees:
Commissioners Messrs. Ames, Hughes, Halloran and Swyter
RMLD Staff: Messrs. Rucker, Cameron, and Blomley
Mses. Bernat and Cavagnaro
Selectman Liaison: Mr. Veno
At 7:30 p.m. Mr. Ames called the Regular Session to order.
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Report of the Chairman of the Board
Mr. Pacino contacted Mr. Ames and indicated he was unable to attend the meeting this evening.
Meeting Minutes
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the meeting minutes of
July 30, 2001.
Motion carried 3:1:0. Mr. Hughes opposed.
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the meeting minutes of
August 13, 2001.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to approve the minutes of August 27, 2001.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
Citizen's Advisory Board, Selectmen Liaison and Customer Comments
Mr. Veno stated a concern of a North Reading Selectman regarding the double poles from new North Reading
Selectmen. Mr. Rucker said traditionally a report is sent monthly to the Town Manager, he would send Mr. Veno
the latest report showing the status of double poles.
General Manager's Report
MMWEC Board - 2002 open positions and potential voting results
Mr. Rucker informed the Board that Reading, Braintree, Littleton, West Boylston and Danvers are all in agreement.
Discussion ensued.
Customer Annual Report Comments
Mr. Rucker informed the Board the RMLD's Annual Report received the Award of Excellence (top APPA award).
The award is to be received by Laurie Cavagnaro at a Customer Service & PR Conference. Several RMLD
employees were recognized for their efforts.
Reading Municipal Light Department Community Sponsorships
Mr. Rucker reviewed the contributions RMLD made to each town, the amounts and reason for the contribution.
Electronic Signatures on A/P Warrants
The Board discussed implementation of this new process. The Board is ready. The Board decided to start with a
dedicated computer in the GM Conference Room, all Board members expressed a willingness to use the electronic
signature process. Mr. Swyter requested access be set up for use from his home as originally intended.
Ongoing discussions
Mr. Rucker said the RMLD is ready to offer electronic board books. Board discussion ensued, depending how the
electronic signatures on A/P Warrants goes, the board books may be the next advancement.
Regular Session Minutes
September 24, 2001
Page 2
Televise Board Meetings
Mr. Hughes reported on the results of the Subcommittee meeting with regards to televising Board meetings. The
Subcommittee recommended two dry run tapings.
The Subcommittee reviewed the proposal from J.C. Marketing Associates determining the costs to be $3,300 for a
pilot program and about $10,000 to $15,000 per year for the full program.
The Subcommittee said they would like a decision tonight. The Subcommittee recommended it be tried and
evaluated.
Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran that the next two Board meetings be taped as trial
recordings.
Motion carried 3:1:0, Mr. Swyter opposed.
The Board agreed to authorize J.C. Marketing to tape the 2 meetings and then give the tapes to the Chair for future
determination.
New Discussion Items
Mr. Ames noted based upon the monthly financial reports he wasn't seeing any signs of recession with regards to
the RMLD.
Mr. Rucker said the RMLD is doing very well.
Executive Session
At 9:04 Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran that the Board go into Executive Session to
discuss strategy with respect to litigation, and to return to Regular Session for the sole purpose of
adjournment.
Motioned carried 4:0:0.
At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Halloran to adjourn the Regular Session.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
A true copy of the RMLD Board of Commissioners minutes as
approved by a majority of the Commission.
Mr. David Swyter
Secretary, RMLD Board of Commissioners