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 & CAB Joint Meeting Summary
📅 Date: December 17, 2025
📍 Location: RMLD Office + Livestreamed on RCTV
⏰ Start Time: ~5:38
⏱️ End Time: ~28:02
👥 Attending: Board of Commissioners, Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), Interim GM Paul Heanue, Staff
🚫 Absent: None noted
🔹 Public Comment
🕒 5:38–12:03
- Resident inquiry on impact of increasing non-carbon energy from 55% to 75%:
- Prior analysis showed moving from 28% to 55% added <$0.70/month to average bill.
- Beyond 55%, costs rise significantly; estimated $60/year (~$5/month) for 75%.
- Discussion on Energy Choice Program:
- Website improvements make opting for higher non-carbon energy easier; full update scheduled for January.
- Peak Shave Alerts:
- Question on using reverse-911 or town alert systems for peak notifications.
- Barriers: multi-town coordination, appropriateness of E911 for non-emergency alerts.
- Board noted diminishing returns for residential alerts; focus remains on major commercial/industrial users.
- Alternative strategies: time-of-use rates and behavioral incentives.
🔹 CAB Member Welcome
🕒 12:10–12:41
- New Member: Bob Castle (North Reading representative).
- Brings 40 years of industry experience; expressed commitment to contributing to CAB and community.
🔹 Liaison Updates
🕒 13:03–15:55
- Town Charter: Approved at Reading Town Meeting; minimal changes; next review in ~10 years.
- Senior Center & Solar Projects: No major updates; discussions ongoing.
- MLCA (Massachusetts Light Commissioners Association):
- In-person meeting scheduled during Mass Municipal Association Conference:
- Dates: Jan 22–24, 2026; MLCA session Jan 23 (11:30 AM–1:30 PM).
- Registration: $280; reimbursable via training budget.
- Purpose: Networking and policy agenda setting for 2026.
- In-person meeting scheduled during Mass Municipal Association Conference:
🔹 Committee Updates
🕒 16:02–17:29
- GM Contract Committee: Completed; Jason starts Jan 2, 2026.
- Discussion on sunsetting GM Search & Contract Committees; formal action and minutes cleanup planned for January.
- Proposal for Policy Review Subcommittee in 2026 to modernize and streamline RMLD policies.
🔹 Recognition of Interim GM
🕒 17:35–20:09
- Board expressed appreciation to Paul Heanue for leadership during transition:
- Provided stability, guidance, and humor during GM search and organizational changes.
- Paul reflected on positive experience and team collaboration; returns to retirement but remains available for support.
🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
🕒 20:28–21:40
- CAB Approved: Aug 27, Sept 17, Oct 23, Nov 6, Nov 12, Nov 19.
- BOC Approved: Jun 17, Sept 17, Sept 24, Oct 2, Oct 23, Oct 24, Nov 6, Nov 12, Nov 19.
🔹 Interim GM Update
🕒 21:51–24:00
- AMI Integration:
- Vendor delays persist; weekly calls increased to 2–3 per week.
- Earliest projected milestone: Jan 12, 2026 for billing redesign (solar-ready).
- Full meter rollout contingent on successful system integration; likely late January start.
🔹 Scheduling
🕒 24:06–26:30
- Upcoming Meetings:
- Jan 20, 2026 (6 PM)
- Feb 17, 2026 (6 PM)
- Mar 24, 2026 (6 PM)
- Warrant schedule confirmed; no conflicts noted.
🔹 Executive Session
🕒 27:14–28:02
- Entered executive session under M.G.L. Ch.164 §47D:
- Purpose #6: Real estate (232 Ash Street).
- Purpose #3: Collective bargaining (ASME, LMS, CP unions).
- Returned to open session for adjournment only.
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ Public inquiries addressed on non-carbon energy targets and peak alerts.
- ✅ CAB welcomed new member Bob Castle.
- ✅ GM contract finalized; Jason begins Jan 2, 2026.
- ✅ Committees to sunset; policy review subcommittee proposed.
- ✅ Interim GM recognized for service; AMI integration update provided.
- ✅ Meeting minutes approved; future meeting schedule set.
- ✅ Executive session held for property and labor negotiations.
