HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-24 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesReading Municipal Light Board
Regular Session
230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867 e i CLERK
April 24, 2001
READING, MASS.
Start Time of Regular Session: 7:30 p.m.
End Time of Regular Session: 9:30 p.m. 2001 MAY - $ P 2' 1 q
Attendees:
Commissioners: Messrs. Pacino, Ames, Hughes*, and Swyter
RMLD Staff- Messrs. Rucker, Cameron, and Blomley
Messrs. Butler, Donahoe and Hodges (Facilities Staff)**
Mses. Bernat and Cavagnaro
CAB: Mr. Lessard
Guest: Mr. Jon D. Groussman, J.D., of Liability Consultants
Ms. Sally Hoyt, candidate for appointment to RMLD Board of Commissioners
*Mr. Hughes left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
**The Facilities staff was in attendance for the presentation by Mr. Groussman.
Board Reorganization: The consensus of the Commission was to reorganize the RMLD Board after the fifth
member was appointed at the May 1" meeting with the Town of Reading, Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter to approve the minutes of April 2, 2001. Motion
carried 4:0:0.
A presentation with recommendations was made by Security Consultant Jon D. Groussman, J.D., of Liability
Consultants. The presentation generated much discussion on the reason for changing security, and the
consequences of so doing. It was generally felt that one reason for improving security is to add to the morale
of employees, and it is therefore vital that employees be actively involved in security considerations.
Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Ames to accept the findings of the Liability Consultants.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
Report of the Chairman of the Board: RMLD Board will meet with the Reading Selectmen on May 1" to
determine who will fill the vacancy on the RMLD Board.
Mr. Pacino noted Mr. Halloran, Mr. Wood and Ms. Hoyt are interested in filling the vacancy on the RMLD
Board of Commissioners. Mr. Pacino stated a majority of nine votes are required to appoint the Commissioner
to fill the vacancy on the RMLD Board.
Mr. Hughes complimented the Department on the presentation made by Mr. Rucker to the Reading Board of
Selectmen on April 17"Citizens' Advisory Board Comments: Mr. Lessard noted that Mr. Rucker gave a presentation to the
Wilmington Board of Selectmen on March 12th. Mr. Lessard noted he had Mr. Rucker attend the CAB
meeting on March 28'' in the event ratepayers had concerns and was expecting a larger turnout. Mr. Lessard
noted Mr. Rucker had explained thoroughly the storm situation and future plans to be initiated by the RMLD.
Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter that the Board authorize the Department to transfer
the amount of $1,847,353.00 from the Operating Fund into the Rate Stabilization Fund on the
recommendation of the General Manager.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
Board-Level Risk Management Policy: Extensive discussion ensued and the consensus was to put this on
the next agenda for further, consideration.
Regular Session Meeting Minutes 2
April 24, 2041
RMLD's Public Information/Education Campaign: (Presentation previously made at the April 2"d Board
Meeting). After extensive discussion, the consensus was for the Department to proceed cautiously.
Electronic signatures by Commissioners on accounts payable and payroll warrants will require all
Commissioners to have access to a RMLD computer with Lotus Notes software. Mr. Rucker noted the
federal law accepts electronic signature and the DOR accepts this. Mr. Rucker noted it is not a cost factor.
Discussion ensued. The Commission would like to have a prototype demonstrated to them and have access
to one computer at the RMLD office.
Rubin & Rudman Opinion on Warrant Signing: Mr. Rucker noted this is a response to a request by the
Town Manager.
At 9:30 p.m. Mr. Swyter made a motion seconded by Mr. Ames that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried 3:0:0. Mr. Hughes was not present for this vote.
The RMLD Board of Commissioner's next meeting will be a joint meeting held on May 1" with the Town
of Reading Selectmen to appoint a new RMLD Commissioner to fill the current vacancy.
The subsequent RMLD Board of Commissioners meeting will be May 7" at the RMLD
A true copy of the RMLD Board of Commissioners minutes as
approved by a majority of the Commission.
Mr. Allan E. Ames
Secretary, RMLD Board of Commissioners