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.
📝 RMLD Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary
📅 Date: September 24, 2025
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom) + Livestreamed on RCTV
⏰ Start Time: 0:59 (Recording began)
⏱️ End Time: ~12:33
👥 Attending: Ray Porter, Rich Swanson, Dave Talbot (acting chair), Peter Price (staff), Interim GM Paul Heanue
🚫 Absent: Chair and Vice Chair
🔹 Meeting Opening
🕒 0:59–2:24
- Meeting called to order by Dave Talbot as senior member due to absence of chair and vice chair.
- Roll call conducted for remote participation compliance.
🔹 Wilmington Substation Phase 2 Update
🕒 2:24–6:52
- Presenter: Peter Price
- Phase 2 includes assembly of the substation yard, installation of 15 KV switch gear, 115 KV and 15 KV equipment, and ground grid.
- Equipment awarded to Avail Switchgear and U Distr.
- Previous phases included land acquisition, transformer and switch gear procurement, and site preparation.
- Phase 3 will involve underground cable installation and interconnection to the 138 KV system via Ballard Bell Street.
- Final connection to National Grid’s transmission system expected in Q1 2027.
🔹 Bid Review & Award
🕒 6:52–11:46
- Six bids received; lowest bidder disqualified due to lack of relevant substation assembly experience.
- Recommended Vendor: State Electric LLC
- Bid Amount: \$3,048,791
- Other competitive bids ranged from \$3.5M to \$4M, indicating strong market alignment.
- State Electric has strong references and experience in substation construction.
- Winter conditions not expected to delay work; foundations for switch gear prioritized.
🔹 Motion & Vote
🕒 11:46–12:22
- Motion Passed:
- Award IFB 2025-03 to State Electric LLC for \$3,048,791
- Pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 30, Subchapter 39M
- Motion carried unanimously (3-0) with two absences
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ Phase 2 of Wilmington Substation project approved
- ✅ Contract awarded to State Electric LLC
- ✅ Timeline targets Q3 2026 for Phase 2 completion
- ✅ Phase 3 planning underway for spring 2026 execution
- ✅ Final energization expected Q1 2027
