Below is a summarized version of the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Board of Commissioners and Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB) joint meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Meeting Overview
Date: March 26, 2025
Chair: Phil Pacino (last meeting after 38 years of service)
Key Attendees: Greg Phipps (General Manager), John, Dennis Kelly (retiring from Citizens Advisory Board), Rebecca Lieberman (public commenter), Bill, Megan (team member), Melissa (Marketing Manager), others unnamed.
Opening and Recognition
(0:09 – 5:58)
- 0:09 – 0:53
- Speaker: David Talbot
- Content: Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM. Acknowledges Phil Pacino’s final meeting after 38 years and hands over chairing duties to him. Thanks expressed for his service.
- Outcome: Phil bangs the gavel to officially start his last meeting.
- 3:26 – 5:58
- Speakers: Greg, Dennis Kelly, Bill
- Content: Recognition of retiring members: Dennis Kelly (10 years on Citizens Advisory Board) and Phil Pacino (38 years on Board of Commissioners). Both receive meter lamps as tokens of appreciation. Bill provides a brief history of the board’s commissioners since its inception.
- Outcome: Dennis and Phil honored with gifts; historical context of board seats shared.
Public Comment
(1:12 – 3:26)
- Speaker: Rebecca Lieberman
- Content:
- Thanks board for prior response but requests a general RMLD email for all board members by April 1.
- Asks for faster posting of meeting minutes (latest posted were from August as of Monday).
- Inquires about the number of Renewable Choice customers (residential and commercial).
- Suggests a small bill increase for all to fund greener options rather than a few paying more for Renewable Choice.
- Questions the disappearance of Solar Choice and its potential return.
- Confirms receipt of a group letter she co-signed and seeks answers to its questions (e.g., truck stickers).
- Outcome: Comments noted, with a response promised later but not provided during this segment.
Board History Recap
(5:58 – 11:46)
- Speaker: Bill
- Content: Detailed chronology of board seats, highlighting gaps in records, longest-serving members (e.g., Herb Evans, 27 years), and transitions (e.g., expansion to five members in 1987). Mentions the “Dream Team” of diverse skills in the past.
- Outcome: Historical insight shared; no immediate action taken.
Liaison Updates
(12:56 – 23:21)
- Speaker: Ray Porter
- Content:
- Home Rule Charter Update (13:06 – 16:18): March 3 meeting finalized charter changes (except Section 3.5). A vote abstained on 3.5 per prior guidance. Charter review not required for 10 years unless driven by extraordinary circumstances.
- MLCA Meeting (16:26 – 18:54): Upcoming discussion on clean heat requirements (March 28). Wakefield Gas and Light’s letter noted, advocating exemption from penalties for responsive municipal utilities.
- Recal Meeting (19:48 – 21:46): Reading Continuing Active Life Center budget nearing approval; building is all-electric, no solar yet. Suggests RMLD view the area (ice rink, Recal, Kellum) as a potential energy generation site.
- Bike Recycling Event (21:46 – 22:17): Planning underway for May event.
- Outcome: Updates provided; no formal decisions. Suggestion to explore energy generation site noted for future consideration.
Home Rule Charter
Discussion (23:21 – 34:05)
- Speakers: Greg, Dennis, Jason, Tim, Bill
- Content:
- Proposal to recognize Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) role in charter (advise on strategy, programs, budgets, rates).
- Dennis and Jason support joint meetings over charter changes, citing improved CAB voice. Tim favors legal recognition. Bill opposes charter inclusion, citing perception risks (e.g., Reading dominance) and state law (Chapter 164) precedence.
- Outcome: No motion passed; discussion documented in minutes for future reference when charter reopens in 10+ years.
Approval of Minutes
(34:40 – 35:54)
- Speakers: Phil, unnamed board members
- Content: CAB and Commissioners approve minutes from September 24, October 22, November 13, and November 26, 2024.
- Outcome: Minutes approved unanimously.
Email Update
(36:02 – 36:35)
- Speaker: Greg
- Content: Transition to RMLD group email by April 1 confirmed, addressing Rebecca’s request.
- Outcome: Commitment to implement group email upheld.
Green Communities
Program (36:35 – 44:22)
- Speakers: Greg, Rebecca, others
- Content:
- RMLD collects funds for Reading’s Green Communities program (not an RMLD initiative). Lynnfield and Wilmington considering participation. Billing system updated to apply to Reading meters only. Select Board to finalize on April 22.
- Rebecca asks about fifth criterion (20% energy reduction in 5 years) and AMI’s role. Clarified it’s town assets only; AMI shifts peaks, not total usage.
- Outcome: RMLD’s administrative role clarified; no policy changes.
Heat Pump Incentive
Program & Emissions Inventory (44:37 – 1:07:59)
- Speakers: Megan, Dave, others
- Content:
- Heat Pump Program (44:37 – 51:41): New program offers three options: whole-house heat pump, zero-interest loan via Reading Cooperative Bank, or revised tonnage-based incentive. Weatherization now mandatory. 40% application increase since March 5.
- Weatherization Debate (51:41 – 58:27): Dave suggests standalone weatherization like other MLPs. Concerns raised about using ratepayer funds for oil-heated homes. Data and recommendation promised for May meeting.
- Emissions Inventory (1:01:59 – 1:07:59): Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) emissions reported for 2022 (152,000 short tons). Scope 3 excluded. Non-carbon portfolio increased since 2020 (55% today).
- Outcome: Program updates shared; weatherization analysis scheduled for May. Emissions data to be refined in annual report.
Understanding Your Bill
Update (1:07:59 – 1:09:51)
- Speaker: Greg
- Content: Website updated with clearer bill categories (standard charges, credits, additional charges) and tips to reduce usage, addressing prior feedback.
- Outcome: Customer resource improved; no further action needed.
Marketing Communications
Audit & New Logo (1:09:57 – 1:39:05)
- Speakers: Melissa, Dave, Greg, others
- Content:
- Audit (1:10:26 – 1:28:37): Reviewed email (100,000+ sent, high open rates), social media (small but engaged following), events (Power Week success), website (performing well, content updates ongoing), and outreach (art contests, safety resources). Goals: promote electrification, enhance brand, engage customers.
- New Logo (1:28:53 – 1:39:05): Proposed logo replaces 1987 design with a modern, bold light bulb icon. Internal effort, minimal cost (soft rollout). Dave requests cost details and color options.
- Outcome: Marketing progress shared; logo feedback to be reviewed next meeting (no approval yet).
Procurement Approval
(1:39:49 – 1:41:24)
- Speaker: Phil, unnamed
- Content: Approval sought for four pickup trucks ($319,109 net, with $39,000 trade-in) via state pricing.
- Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.
Project Updates
& Scheduling (1:41:43 – 1:44:48)
- Speaker: Greg
- Content: AMI contract executed March 17; Station 6 transformer work begun. Next meetings: April 16 (short, board reorganization) and May 29. Greg notes a personal conflict but keeps April 16 at 6:00 PM.
- Outcome: Updates noted; schedule confirmed.
Key Outcomes
- Recognition: Phil Pacino (38 years) and Dennis Kelly (10 years) honored for service.
- Public Input: Rebecca’s requests (email, minutes, renewable data) acknowledged; responses deferred.
- CAB Role: No charter change; joint meetings favored, documented for future.
- Approvals: Minutes and truck procurement approved.
- Programs: Heat pump incentives updated; emissions inventory completed; weatherization analysis set for May.
- Marketing: New logo proposed (review next meeting); outreach efforts advancing.
- Scheduling: April 16 (short) and May 29 meetings confirmed.
