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 Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary
Date: June 25, 2025
Duration: ~3 hours 20 minutes
Format: Hybrid (in-person at the RMLD conference room + Zoom)
Chair: Pam Daskalakis
Main Topics: Interim General Manager interviews and appointment, separation agreement for outgoing GM Greg Phipps, annual report review, engineering project updates, and financial motions.
๐น Public Comment
๐ 3:04โ5:10
- Nick Massey, North Reading Select Board member, praised outgoing GM Greg Phipps for his leadership and collaboration.
- No additional public comments were made.
๐น Interim General Manager Interviews
๐ 5:18โ1:22:30
- Three candidates were interviewed for the interim GM position:
- Paul Heanue (remote) โ Former GM of Hingham Municipal Light Plant
- Anthony Ansaldi โ Municipal CFO and former town manager
- Michael OโNeill โ Current RMLD Director of Operations
- Each candidate was asked a standardized set of questions covering:
- Background and interest in the role
- Availability for the 6-month interim term
- Experience with union negotiations
- Emergency preparedness and storm response
- Leadership and management style
- After interviews, board members ranked candidates and discussed strengths and concerns.
๐น Candidate Ranking Discussion
๐ 1:29:05โ1:57:12
- Paul Heanue was praised for his extensive GM experience and neutrality as a non-competing interim.
- Michael OโNeill was valued for internal continuity and operational knowledge.
- Anthony Ansaldi was recognized for strong municipal leadership but lacked utility-specific experience.
- Final consensus: Michael OโNeill ranked first, Paul Heanue second, Anthony Ansaldi third.
๐น Separation Agreement for Greg Phipps
๐ 1:57:12โ2:10:09
- Board entered executive session to finalize the separation agreement.
- Upon return, the board unanimously approved the agreement, officially concluding Greg Phippsโ tenure.
๐น Appointment of Interim General Manager
๐ 2:10:23โ2:37:28
- Motion passed to appoint Michael OโNeill as Interim General Manager effective June 30, 2025.
- OโNeal will retain his current duties as Director of Operations during the interim period.
๐น Annual Report Review
๐ 2:37:33โ2:54:03
- Reviewed the narrative portion of the 2024 Annual Report.
- Audited financials are pending and will be appended upon completion.
- Board opted to defer final approval until the full report is available.
- Clarifications were made on:
- Greenhouse gas reporting lags
- Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- Use of the term โnon-carbonโ vs. โrenewableโ
๐น Engineering Project Update โ Station 6
๐ 2:54:03โ3:02:11
- Transformer installation and testing completed.
- Site work progressing; awaiting National Gridโs final timeline.
- Potential delay in commissioning to 2027 due to National Gridโs schedule.
- No major financial impact expected from the delay.
๐น General Managerโs Report
๐ 3:02:18โ3:16:15
- Staffing: IRD team fully staffed; four interns onboard.
- Retirement Classification: Five key positions restored to Group 4 status.
- Cost Savings:
- Overtime costs down 26% YoY (~\$250K savings)
- Line subcontractor costs down \$500K YoY
- Cash Flow: Strong financial position with \$62M in reserves.
๐น Motion: Transfer from Rate Stabilization Fund
๐ 3:07:04โ3:16:15
- Approved transfer of \$1.5 million from the Rate Stabilization Fund to the Purchase Power Fuel Fund.
- Will reduce July and August bills by ~\$8 per average residential customer.
- Fund balance will remain above the \$6M target after transfer.
๐น GM Goals Update
๐ 3:16:22โ3:17:02
- Progress continues on 2025 goals.
- Transition plan in place to maintain momentum under interim leadership.
๐น Executive Session โ Real Property
๐ 3:17:08โ3:18:33
- Board entered executive session to discuss real estate matters related to North Reading.
- Returned only to adjourn.
๐ Key Outcomes
- Greg Phippsโ Departure Finalized: Separation agreement approved.
- Michael OโNeill Appointed Interim GM: Effective June 30, 2025.
- Annual Report Review Deferred: Pending audited financials.
- Station 6 Update: Project progressing; potential delay to 2027.
- Financial Motion Passed: \$1.5M transferred to reduce summer bills.
- Strong Financial Health: Cost savings and reserve levels remain robust.
