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.
Contents
- 🔹 Public Comment
- 🔹 Town Liaison Updates
- 🔹 GM Search & Contract Committee Updates
- 🔹 Green Community Recognition
- 🔹 Ratification of Interim GM Contract
- 🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
- 🔹 ENE Board of Directors Appointment
- 🔹 ENE Presentation & Q&A
- 🔹 IT & Cybersecurity Update
- 🔹 Procurement Approvals
- 🔹 Scheduling & Future Meetings
- 🔹 Executive Session
- ✅ Key Outcomes
📝 RMLD Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary
📅 Date: August 27, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid (In-person at RMLD + Zoom)
⏰ Start Time: 6:00 PM
⏱️ End Time: ~8:14 PM
👥 Attending: Board of Commissioners, Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), Interim GM Paul Heanue, ENE Representatives, Staff
🚫 Absent: Rick Swanson
🔹 Public Comment
🕒 3:38–4:34
- No public comments were made at the start of the meeting.
🔹 Town Liaison Updates
🕒 4:34–8:57
- Discussion on improving coordination between RMLD and town engineering teams for major construction projects (Senior Center and Elementary School).
- Karen Herrick thanked RMLD for its support in Reading becoming the first designated Green Community in the service territory.
🔹 GM Search & Contract Committee Updates
🕒 8:57–12:47
- GM Search Committee continues reviewing applications and conducting internal listening sessions.
- GM Contract Committee recommended adding a previously omitted boilerplate clause to the Interim GM contract, pending Paul Heanue’s agreement.
- CAB member proposed joining both subcommittees to improve coordination between contract and search efforts.
🔹 Green Community Recognition
🕒 12:47–17:13
- Reading officially recognized as a Green Community.
- RMLD’s support was acknowledged during the ceremony.
- A commemorative plaque will be displayed at RMLD headquarters.
🔹 Ratification of Interim GM Contract
🕒 17:13–24:13
- Motion passed to ratify Paul Heanue’s contract as Interim GM.
- Clause regarding governance framework may be added, subject to Paul’s agreement.
- Board emphasized the importance of consistency with past contracts.
🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
🕒 24:13–28:10
- August 13, 2025 minutes approved.
- July 23, 2025 minutes held for revision to clarify comments on OPEB and pension liability strategy.
🔹 ENE Board of Directors Appointment
🕒 28:10–29:08
- Motion passed to appoint Paul Heanue as Class B Director to the Energy New England (ENE) Board for a one-year term.
🔹 ENE Presentation & Q&A
🕒 29:08–1:36:01
- ENE provided a comprehensive overview of its services, history, ownership structure, and strategic goals.
- Key topics included:
- Portfolio management and hedging strategies
- Shared services model and cost structure
- Legislative advocacy and policy updates
- ISO settlements and accuracy
- Comparison with other entities like MMWEC
- RMLD’s position on biomass and nuclear energy
- Future energy procurement challenges and goals
- RMLD is well-positioned for 2030 carbon goals but will need to double non-carbon resources by 2040.
🔹 IT & Cybersecurity Update
🕒 1:36:01–2:12:40
- Upgrades completed:
- Cloud-based phone system
- Unified security camera and access system
- SCADA server upgrades
- AMI project launched; 4 collectors ready for deployment.
- Expanded vulnerability management and staff training.
- Discussion on IT/OT budget structure and cybersecurity threats, including phishing and state-sponsored attacks.
🔹 Procurement Approvals
🕒 2:12:40–2:04:36
- Material Handler Trucks:
- One truck awarded to James A. Kylie Co. for \$451,182.
- Two trucks awarded to same vendor for \$893,764.
- Heat Pump & Weatherization Program:
- Contract awarded to Abode Energy Management LLC.
- New structure ties payment to customer participation.
- Estimated cost: \$600,000 over three years.
- Savings from negotiation: \$250,000.
🔹 Scheduling & Future Meetings
🕒 2:04:36–2:11:04
- September 17 meeting confirmed.
- September 24 meeting likely canceled due to travel conflicts.
- October and November dates discussed; November 19 confirmed as regular meeting, November 12 held as potential budget session.
🔹 Executive Session
🕒 2:11:04–2:12:40
- Motion passed to enter executive session to discuss cybersecurity strategy.
- CAB also entered executive session for the same purpose.
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ Interim GM contract ratified; clause addition pending GM approval.
- ✅ ENE Board appointment confirmed.
- ✅ ENE presented strategic and operational updates.
- ✅ IT upgrades and AMI rollout progressing.
- ✅ Procurement motions approved for trucks and rebate program.
- ✅ Meeting minutes approved (August); July minutes pending revision.
- ✅ Executive session held for cybersecurity strategy.
