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Recapping Everything in Reading, MA > News > πŸ›οΈTown Gov't > RMLD > πŸ’‘ RMLD Board of Commissioners 4-16-25 AI Recap
RMLD🧠AI Recap

πŸ’‘ RMLD Board of Commissioners 4-16-25 AI Recap

Editor
Last updated: April 17, 2025 9:46 PM
Editor - Admin
Published: April 17, 2025
12 Min Read
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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
Opening and Public CommentIntroduction of New MembersElection of Chair & Vice ChairAudit Committee AppointmentsSecretary AppointmentApproval of Meeting MinutesMarketing UpdateCommunity RelationsProcurement: EV ChargersClean Heat StandardGeneral Manager UpdateScheduling and AdministrativeAdjournment to Executive SessionOverall Key Outcomes

Opening and Public Comment

(7:04 – 9:25)

  • Speakers: David Talbot (Chair), Ray Porter, Commissioners
  • Summary:
    • The meeting began with the David outlining the public comment process, emphasizing the need for speakers to state their name and address (7:09 – 7:15).
    • Ray provided public comments (7:29 – 9:20):
      • Highlighted an election on May 13 for the Killam School and Recal Building in Reading, noting potential solar power opportunities for RMLD if approved (7:36 – 8:16).
      • Announced a bike recycling event on May 9-10, involving collaboration with Reading Cares and the Reading Climate Committee, with excess bikes donated to Bike Nut Bombs (8:25 – 9:08).
    • No other public comments were raised (9:20 – 9:25).
  • Key Outcome: Public informed about upcoming election and community events; no immediate action taken.

Introduction of New Members

(9:25 – 11:43)

  • Speakers: Vivek Soni, Charlie Protopapas, Rich Swanson
  • Summary:
    • Introduced new CAB member Charlie Protoapus from Wilmington (9:32 – 10:32):
      • Charlie, a 20-year lineman and current transmission planner for National Grid, shared his background and enthusiasm for learning the business side (9:48 – 10:26).
    • Introduced new Board of Commissioners member Rich Swanson from Reading (10:44 – 11:37):
      • Rich, a 20-year Reading resident, discussed his experience in utility consulting, including supply-side due diligence and regulatory training globally (10:50 – 11:31).
  • Key Outcome: New members welcomed, providing diverse expertise to the board and CAB.

Election of Chair & Vice Chair

(11:52 – 14:52)

  • Speakers: Unnamed Commissioner, Pam Daskalakis, Bob Coulter
  • Summary:
    • Discussion and nominations for new Chair and Vice Chair post-election (11:52 – 12:06).
    • Pam Daskalakis nominated and seconded for Chair (12:29 – 12:35); she accepted the role, acknowledging the need for patience as she learns (13:04 – 13:41).
    • Bob Coulter nominated and seconded for Vice Chair (14:09 – 14:14).
    • Both positions voted unanimously (5-0) (13:26 – 14:46).
  • Key Outcome: Pam Daskalakis elected Chair, Bob Coulter elected Vice Chair, effective immediately.

Audit Committee Appointments

(14:52 – 19:47)

  • Speakers: Pam, Ray, Dave, Commissioners
  • Summary:
    • Discussion on appointing members to the Town of Reading Audit Committee and RMLD Sub-Audit Committee (14:52 – 15:24).
    • Ray volunteered for the primary role on the Town Audit Committee, with Dave as backup; Dave took the primary role for the Sub-Audit Committee, with Ray as backup (15:35 – 18:20).
    • Motions moved and seconded to appoint Ray and Dave to the respective roles, both passing unanimously (5-0) (18:27 – 19:41).
  • Key Outcome: Ray appointed to Town Audit Committee (Dave as backup); Dave appointed to Sub-Audit Committee (Ray as backup).

Secretary Appointment

(19:47 – 20:26)

  • Speakers: Pam, Dave, Rich
  • Summary:
    • Discussion on the secretary role, noting it rotates per meeting unless otherwise decided (19:47 – 20:00).
    • Dave volunteered to serve as secretary, with willingness to work with Rich to train him (20:06 – 20:13).
    • Pam appointed Dave as secretary without a formal motion, as per board policy (20:19 – 20:26).
  • Key Outcome: Dave appointed as secretary for the meeting, with plans to involve Rich in future rotations.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

(20:26 – 21:47)

  • Speakers: Rich, Commissioners, CAB members
  • Summary:
    • Motions to approve the December 17 and 20, 2024, meeting minutes for both the Board and CAB (20:32 – 21:13).
    • No discussion raised; both motions passed unanimously (5-0) (21:32 – 21:47).
  • Key Outcome: Minutes approved as presented.

Marketing Update

Logo Rebranding (21:47 – 49:40)

  • Speakers: Melissa, Bob, Ray, Pam, Charlie, Rich, Dave, Vivek
  • Summary:
    • Melissa presented an update on the RMLD logo rebranding, focusing on color palette and icon design (21:56 – 24:16).
      • Emphasized a modern, bold, and scalable design to reflect RMLD’s forward-thinking identity (22:26 – 22:56).
      • Addressed concerns about the light bulb icon resembling older technology; explained it balances tradition and modernity (24:35 – 25:17).
    • Cost estimates for the transition ranged from $10,000 to $20,000, with a soft rollout to minimize expenses (25:29 – 27:27).
    • Feedback from board members:
      • Bob questioned the light bulb’s outdated appearance (24:23 – 24:35).
      • Ray preferred the old logo’s starburst for its solar connotation, suggested public input (28:23 – 33:03).
      • Rich and Dave expressed concerns about the lack of external focus group testing, noting the logo’s retrograde appearance (34:38 – 36:40).
      • Charlie supported the light bulb for brand recognition among older residents (38:50 – 39:10).
      • Vivek suggested retaining black and gold colors but acknowledged reproduction issues (41:13 – 41:56).
    • Pam proposed a compromise: proceed with digital rollout and gather customer feedback via newsletters or surveys (48:41 – 49:29).
  • Key Outcome: Board agreed to proceed with digital logo rollout and collect customer feedback to address concerns, no formal vote taken.

Community Relations

Policy Review (49:40 – 56:25)

  • Speakers: Pam, Rich, Dave, Greg, Melissa
  • Summary:
    • Motion by CAB and Board to approve Policy 1 (Community Relations, Revision 6) (49:55 – 50:36).
    • Greg explained revisions aimed to streamline policies, removing procedural details (e.g., educational programs) to a marketing plan, and adding legislative engagement (50:49 – 51:33).
    • Dave questioned deletions of specific community engagement activities, concerned it might deemphasize efforts; Greg clarified these are covered in procedures (52:42 – 54:09).
    • Vivek asked about charitable contributions; Greg noted they cannot be passed to ratepayers unless benefiting the community (56:00 – 56:31).
    • Motion passed unanimously (5-0) (implied, no explicit vote timestamp).
  • Key Outcome: Policy 1 revised and approved, focusing on streamlined community engagement.

Procurement: EV Chargers

(Truncated Section, ~1:35:31 – 1:37:52)

  • Speakers: Megan, Commissioners
  • Summary:
    • Discussion on procuring two EV chargers, owned by RMLD, with a 5-10 year payback period due to low utilization (1:35:31 – 1:37:02).
    • Alternatives (third-party or town ownership) were explored but deemed less financially viable (1:35:55 – 1:36:20).
    • Motion to approve procurement passed unanimously (5-0) (1:37:42).
  • Key Outcome: Approval for RMLD to procure two EV chargers.

Clean Heat Standard

and Transition Statement (1:37:52 – 2:06:53)

  • Speakers: Greg, Ray, Bob, Rich, Vivek, Dave, Pam
  • Summary:
    • Greg introduced a proposed letter addressing the Clean Heat Standard, Large Building Reporting, and Advanced Clean Trucks regulations (1:37:52 – 1:39:00).
      • Clean Heat Standard: Encourages heat pump adoption; RMLD exceeds 2026 targets (50 systems vs. 40 required) but opposes penalties ($6,000-$10,000 per installation) that divert funds from territory (1:39:22 – 1:41:54).
      • Large Building Reporting: Opposes mandatory data sharing without owner consent due to privacy concerns (1:48:46 – 1:49:34).
      • Advanced Clean Trucks: Delayed to 2027, but included to highlight future concerns (1:39:05 – 1:50:04).
    • Discussion:
      • Bob questioned the standard’s objective, noting it penalizes utilities, not customers (1:41:54 – 1:42:28).
      • Vivek suggested capturing value from exceeding standards (e.g., credits) to benefit ratepayers (1:50:38 – 1:52:09).
      • Rich and Pam requested more data on RMLD’s specific impacts to inform the letter (1:59:15 – 2:01:08).
      • Dave emphasized the need for alternatives in the letter, similar to the building reporting section (2:02:25 – 2:03:40).
    • Greg committed to providing a data package by Monday and incorporating feedback by month’s end (1:50:11 – 2:01:40).
  • Key Outcome: Board and CAB to review and edit the letter, with a goal to finalize by end of April; no vote taken.

General Manager Update

(2:06:59 – 2:20:45)

  • Speakers: Greg, Vivek, Dave, Rich
  • Summary:
    • Greg provided updates on:
      • New hires (system engineer, marketing communications) (2:07:07 – 2:07:21).
      • Legislative engagement, including a rescheduled ribbon cutting (2:07:27 – 2:07:38).
      • Grant applications (e.g., OCED with Burbank, CA for battery storage) (2:07:47 – 2:08:23).
      • Innovation projects (thermal storage, demand response) (2:08:28 – 2:09:27).
      • Substation 6 progress (transformers by June, full transfer by 2027) (2:10:26 – 2:10:43).
      • AMI replacement (phase 1 summer/fall 2025, phase 2 2026) (2:10:49 – 2:11:28).
      • Lynfield Center solar/battery project (2.2-2.5 MW solar, 5 MW battery, fall 2027) (2:11:44 – 2:12:24).
    • Vivek asked about project capacities; Dave requested customer communications audit summary; Rich inquired about AMI data usage (2:12:17 – 2:19:56).
  • Key Outcome: Updates noted; Greg to resend communications audit summary.

Scheduling and Administrative

(2:20:45 – 2:23:41)

  • Speakers: Pam, Commissioners
  • Summary:
    • Scheduled future meetings: June 25, July 23, August 13, 2025 (2:20:58 – 2:22:34).
    • Assigned Dave to APM payroll (orange) and Rich to train for June warrant (green) (2:22:41 – 2:23:30).
  • Key Outcome: Meeting dates set; administrative roles assigned.

Adjournment to Executive Session

(2:23:41 – 2:25:37)

  • Speakers: Charlie, Rich
  • Summary:
    • CAB and Board moved to executive session to discuss real property in Wilmington and Reading, contract negotiations, and personnel matters (2:23:49 – 2:25:27).
    • Motions passed unanimously (5-0) (2:24:28 – 2:25:37).
  • Key Outcome: Meeting adjourned to executive session, to return for adjournment only.

Overall Key Outcomes

  1. Leadership and Membership: Pam Daskalakis and Bob Coulter elected as Chair and Vice Chair; new members Charlie Protopapas (CAB) and Rich Swanson (Board) introduced.
  2. Audit Committees: Ray and Dave appointed to Town and Sub-Audit Committees.
  3. Logo Rebranding: Decision to proceed with digital rollout and gather customer feedback to address board concerns.
  4. Policy Approval: Community Relations Policy (Revision 6) approved, streamlined for clarity.
  5. EV Chargers: Procurement of two EV chargers approved.
  6. Clean Heat Letter: Board and CAB to refine letter with additional data and alternatives, targeting end-of-April finalization.
  7. Future Meetings: Scheduled for June 25, July 23, and August 13, 2025.

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