Below is a summarized version of the RMLD Board of Commissioners and the Citizens Advisory Board 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.
๐๏ธ RMLD Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary
Date: June 17, 2025
Duration: ~1 hour
Format: Hybrid (in-person RMLD Conference Room + Zoom)
Chair: Robert Coulter
Main Topics: General Manager Greg Phippsโ resignation, interim GM appointment process, open meeting law considerations, and executive session for contract negotiations.
๐น Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
๐ 0:00โ1:29
- Meeting opened at 5:30 PM with Robert Coulter acting as chair and Pam Daskalakis participating online.
- Karla J. Doukas from KP Law and other participants were acknowledged.
- Public comment was limited to agenda items at the discretion of the chair.
๐น General Manager Employment Contract & Resignation Announcement
๐ 1:32โ2:21
- General Manager Greg Phipps announced his resignation effective June 27.
- The board expressed appreciation for his service and discussed the need for a succession plan.
๐น Discussion: Interim General Manager Appointment Process
๐ 2:21โ26:18
- Motion made and approved to add two agenda items:
- Appointment of an interim general manager
- Establishment of a general manager search committee
- Plan to appoint an interim GM at the June 25 meeting.
- Process includes:
- Soliciting internal and external candidates
- Submission of resumes by Monday at noon
- Equal interview process with standardized questions
- Interviews and selection to occur in a public meeting per Open Meeting Law
- Discussion on whether to limit candidates or screen based on qualifications.
- Consideration of external candidates, including retirees or semi-retired professionals.
- Estimated interim term: 3โ6 months.
- Posting to include clear qualifications, term, and start date.
๐น Open Meeting Law Concerns
๐ 16:26โ18:49
- Karen Herrick raised concerns about potential Open Meeting Law violations.
- Karla J. Doukas clarified that unanticipated topics can be discussed but significant actions should be deferred.
- Board agreed to proceed with planning but defer final decisions to a properly noticed meeting.
๐น Administrative Review of Candidates
๐ 19:02โ24:08
- Pam Daskalakis agreed to review applications to ensure minimum qualifications are met.
- Candidate names to be posted by 4:00 PM Monday for the Wednesday meeting.
- Posting will include time constraints, term, and qualifications.
๐น Motion to Solicit Applicants for Interim GM
๐ 24:11โ26:18
- Motion passed to post the interim GM position for up to six months or until a full-time appointment is made.
- Position open to both internal and external candidates.
๐น Executive Session
๐ 27:07โ28:44
- Motion passed to enter executive session to discuss strategy regarding Greg Phippsโ employment agreement.
- Clarified that the contract discussion would occur privately due to unresolved negotiation items.
๐ Key Outcomes
- Resignation: General Manager Greg Phipps will step down on June 27.
- Interim GM Search: Board will appoint an interim GM at the June 25 meeting.
- Application Process:
- Open to internal and external candidates.
- Resumes due by Monday at noon.
- Interviews and selection to occur publicly.
- Posting Approved: Interim GM position to be posted with clear qualifications and term.
- Executive Session: Entered to continue contract negotiations privately.
