HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-13 ad Hoc - RMLD Governance Advisory Committee MinutesR\ K
Ad Hoc RMLD Governance Advisory Committee Meeting r L E
November 13, 2002 C M SS.
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Senior Center, 49 Please iij filet 11: 35
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Dan Ensminger, Members John
Carpenter, Jim Francis, Doug Cowell and George Theophanis. Also present was Town
Manager Peter Hechenbleikner.
Members of the Advisory Committee reviewed the October 30th meeting with the CAB.
The concern was expressed about the opinions given by RMLD Counsel Ken Barna, and
specifically whether he was representing the RMLD or the Towns and why he was there.
One common theme from the CAB meeting was a request for improved communications.
The RMLD Advisory Committee also reviewed comments from the November 6th Board
of Selectmen Meeting, the November 1 lth RMLD Meeting and the November 12th Town
Meeting.
Jim Francis suggested that we ask the Board of Commissioners if there is any other
information. He is also interested in the procurement policy including who establishes
the policy.
John Carpenter feels that the Advisory Committee needs to address the issue of the
difference between the administrative and governance. The Advisory Committee is here
to establish new patterns and ways to control the administration through policy. The
visibility of the Light Department and their process is important. There needs to be
separate control of the finances from the control of operations. He would like to see the
CAB expand their budget review. He would like to see the audit under the same
umbrella as the Town.
Dan Ensminger noted the delicate situation with the other communities. They are innately
suspicious. The CAB views some of the assets of the RMLD as theirs. He also indicated
that Cameron had called him and asked that Counsel be present at the CAB meeting.
Dan Ensminger noted that in the next meeting, he hoped to have a body of
recommendations to date and have them reviewed by outside counsel. If there are
changes in the recommendations, they need to be re-voted. The Advisory Committee
needs to be retained for monitoring purposes.
Doug Cowell felt that the recommendations submitted are a good body of work. They
should be discussed again in light of what they learned at the CAB meeting. The
Advisory Committee's job was to make recommendations.
Dan Ensminger noted that the General Manager's Search Committee is looking for
direction from the whole board on whether or not to proceed.
George Theophanis entered the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
RMLD Governance Advisory Committee Meeting - November 13, 2002 - Page 2
Doug Cowell expressed concern about suggestions at the CAB meeting that the Board of
the RMLD be expanded to include a CAB member or member from other communities.
Dan Ensminger suggested that the Ad Hoc Committee consider meetings in other towns.
Opening a voting roll to those from other communities opens up a lot of issues that the
Town of Reading should not open.
Doug Cowell expressed concern that the recommendation on expanding the membership
came predominately from the Reading representative on the CAB.
George Theophanis noted that the issue of participation of other towns is up to the
Reading Municipal Light Board they are free to meet with other communities.
John Carpenter noted that the Advisory Committee needs 100% attendance to be able to
function.
Jim Francis noted that we should only take votes when the full membership is in
attendance.
George Theophanis identified the problems as follows:
1. There are demotivated personnel at the RMLD
2. Certain employees used funds for their personal use
3. There was to be some bid laws
4. There was a lack of oversight by the Board
5. The Light Department lacks clear strategy
He felt that the causes were as follows:
1. Improper management
2. Inadequate oversight
3. Lack of enforcement of policies
4. Inadequate oversight by the Town
Reading bears the risk - the biggest risk is communities leaving the service area. The
bond rating is also at risk.
He feels we need to bring the CAB, the RMLB, the RMLD and staff together. Legal
issues relate to ownership, authority of the General Manager, and what are the
appropriate checks and balances.
The Advisory Committee talked about strategy. They feel that they need to put together a
chart of problems; invite the Boards of Selectmen in to talk with them separately or go to
their meetings; then go to the CAB; then go to the Light Board; then talk with staff.
RMLD Governance Advisory Committee Meeting - November 13, 2002 - Page 3
John Carpenter noted that the most obvious thing that would solve the problems
i identified would be the separation of operations from financial matters. Jim Francis
disagreed - he feels more structure is needed.
The Advisory Committee will meet on November 20th to review the problem statement,
meet on November 25th with other Boards of Selectmen or the RMLB or staff, meet on
December 4th with one of the other groups, and meet on December 11th with one of the
other groups.
On motion by Cowell seconded by Carpenter, the RMLD Governance Advisory
Committee voted to adjourn their meeting of November 13, 2002 at 9:40 p.m. by
vote of 5-0-0.
e pect ly s bmitted,
Secretary