HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-02 RMLD Board of Commissioners MinutesStart Time of Regular Session:
End Time of Regular Session:
Attendees
Commissioners:
RMLD Staff:
CAB:
Selectmen Liasion:
Attendee:
*Mr. Hughes arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Reading Municipal Light Board
Regular Session
230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867
April 2, 2001
7:39 p.m.
9:27 p.m.
_ i'LIVED
G N CLERK
READING, MASS.
2001 APO 2b P 2: 22
Messrs Pacino, Ames, Hughes*, and Swyter
Messrs. Rucker, Cameron, Blomley and Kazanjian
Mses. Bernat, Antonio, and Cavagnaro
Mr. Stevenin
Ms. Hoyt
Mr. Halloran, candidate RMLD Board
Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter to approve the minutes of March 20, 2001.
Motion carried 3:0:0.
The Chair noted that elections for the Town of Reading would take place tomorrow, April 3rd
Ms. Hoyt stated this was her final meeting as the Selectmen liaison. She thanked the Commission for its courtesies
extended over the last year. She also extended her compliments to the Commission for serving the town and RMLD.
Mr. Ames noted the Rate Subcommittee, which includes the RMLB and CAB members had met this evening. He
reported that the subcommittee felt that keeping rates predictable and stable is more important than cost cutting.
Tuition Reimbursement, RMLD Policy No. 17: Mr. Rucker noted the first revision of the Tuition Reimbursement
Policy was created to stimulate employees to work towards their minimum educational requirements. Mr. Rucker
pointed out the second revision of this policy is a more liberal approach as control systems are already in place.
Ms. Antonio updated the Commission on the revisions.
Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter that the RMLD Board approve Revision 2 of the Tuition
Reimbursement, RMLD Policy 17 on the recommendation of the General Manager.
Motion carried 3:0:0.
Installation of Carpet and Porcelain Tile: Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter that Bid 2001-4
Installation of Carpet and Porcelain Tile at the Office and Operations Center be awarded to Continental Floor
Company as the lowest qualified bidder for a total of $86,300.00 on the recommendation of the General
Manager. Motion failed 2:2:0.
Mr. Pacino noted the new bids came in $12,000 higher than the last time.
Mr. Rucker replied he has to do something; the carpet is stained and separating.
Mr. Hughes noted he had the same concern, as he is not comfortable with this price differential.
Extensive Commission discussion ensued about the prior bid protest, this bid and the viability of rejecting the bid
and re-bidding.
Mr. Hughes made a motion seconded by Mr. Ames to move to reconsider the preceding vote.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
Mr. Hughes moved, seconded by Mr. Ames, that Bid 2001-4, Installation of Carpet and Porcelain Tile at the
Office and Operations Center be awarded to Continental Floor Company as the lowest qualified bidder for a
total of $86,300.00 on the recommendation of the General Manager.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
2000 Department of Telecommunications and Energy Annual Report: Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr.
Hughes that the Board approve the 2000 Department of Telecommunications and Energy Annual Report on
the recommendation of the General Manager.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
Mr. Rucker provided a presentation on storm response in which he evaluated the department's response to storms.
Extensive Commission discussion ensued.
The sense of the Commission is to support the department in improving storm response time. The Board will leave
to the Department the means by which this gets done, but does not rule out increase in staffing.
Mr. Cameron noted that the report on Power Supply Market Exposure is the department's attempt to determine
where and when the RMLD stranded costs appear. The department can use this information when evaluating power
supply offers to determine which offers best suit the RMLD.
Mr. Rucker handed out a memorandum, which presents five options to address the issue of payroll signatures by the
Commission.
Mr. Pacino noted that in his field he sees the near future where all tax returns will be electronically filed.
Commission discussion ensued. Option One was selected for payroll in which one Commissioner will sign payroll
commencing after the Board reorganizes its subcommittees at its April 23r1 meeting. The Commission expressed
interest in the staff exploring Option Five also.
Mr.'Swyter inquired as to the position Brad White is taking relative to MMWEC dropping MMWEC membership.
Mr. Rucker replied this matter involves MMWEC and the Town of Mansfield.
At 9:18 p.m. Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter 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.
Motion carried by a poll of the Board members 4:0:0.
Mr. Ames - Aye; Mr. Hughes - Aye; Mr. Pacino - Ayes; Mr. Swyter - Aye.
At 9:27 p.m., Mr. Ames made a motion seconded by Mr. Swyter that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried 4:0:0.
The RMLD Board of Commissioner's next meeting will be held on April 23rd.
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