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: July 23, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid (In-person at RMLD + Zoom)
⏰ Start Time: 7:00 PM
⏱️ End Time: ~9:45 PM
👥 Attending: Pam Daskalakis (Chair) Robert Coulter (Vice-Chair), Ray Porter, Dave Talbot, Rick Swanson, Michael O’Neal (Interim GM), Susan, Erica Oliver, Karen Herrick (Reading Select Board), Audit Representatives (Scott McIntyre, Ed Boyd), Vivek Soni, Tim Woods
🚫 Absent: None noted
🔹 Committee & Liaison Updates
🕒 2:10–5:36
- MLCA Update: Upcoming meet-and-greet at NEPA; sustainability committee at Killam School moving into design phase.
- Senior Center: Timeline unclear; RMLD remains engaged.
- Action: No formal votes; informational updates only.
🔹 Presentation of 2024 Financial Audit Findings
🕒 5:43–49:29
- Presenter: Scott McIntyre & Ed Boyd, CBiz CPAs
- Highlights:
- Clean audit with unmodified opinion; no adjustments required.
- Strong asset position; proactive management of long-term liabilities.
- Net pension liability decreased by ~$2M; OPED liability increased slightly but remains well-managed.
- Operating income: \$13.8M (2024) vs. \$15.2M (2023).
- Net change in cash: +\$950K.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Karen Herrick (Zoom) raised questions about kilowatt sales and town contributions.
- Clarified that contributions are based on a rolling 3-year average of kilowatt sales.
- Action:
- ✅ Audit report accepted unanimously.
🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
🕒 49:35–51:47
- Dates Approved: May 29 and June 25, 2025
- Action:
- ✅ Minutes approved by both CAB and Board of Commissioners.
🔹 Logo Update Discussion
🕒 51:54–1:05:44
- Survey Results: 141 responses; 76% approval of new logo.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Concerns over color scheme and lack of side-by-side comparison.
- Debate over reverting to black lettering and original light bulb design.
- Website redesign depends on finalized logo.
- Action:
- ⏸️ No vote taken; Megan to explore alternate color options and report back.
🔹 Annual Report Approval
🕒 1:05:50–1:12:31
- Changes Made:
- Updated emissions data and chart labels.
- Clarified scope 1 vs. scope 2 emissions timelines.
- Confirmed report is from outgoing GM Greg Phipps.
- Action:
- ✅ Annual report approved by both CAB and Board of Commissioners.
🔹 Procurement Request – Fork Truck
🕒 1:12:31–1:14:12
- Purchase: Fork truck for \$34,770 from WD Matthews Machinery Co.
- Action:
- ✅ Purchase approved unanimously.
🔹 ENE Board of Directors Appointment
🕒 1:14:19–1:25:43
- Appointment: Michael O’Neal (Interim GM) appointed as Class B Director for one year.
- Discussion Highlights:
- ENE overview requested for August or September meeting.
- Questions raised about ownership, fees, and services.
- Action:
- ✅ Appointment approved unanimously.
🔹 Interim GM Update
🕒 1:25:54–1:32:12
- Staffing:
- Director of Finance recruitment on hold; Patty acting in role.
- Materials Manager position to be posted.
- Projects:
- AMI pilot launching with 500 meters in August.
- Station 6 transformer testing ongoing; awaiting radiator parts.
- Fleet:
- New material handler received; second unit expected soon.
- Union Contracts:
- Mediation with IBW underway; executive session planned.
🔹 GM Search Process
🕒 1:32:31–2:35:39
- Subcommittees Formed:
- Screening Committee: Ray Porter, Bob, CAB member
- Contract Committee: Dave Talbot, Rick Swanson
- Timeline Adjusted:
- Extended screening and interview phases by 2–3 weeks.
- Target final candidate selection by November 1, 2025.
- Job Advertisement & Description:
- ✅ Approved with edits:
- Added “peak load management” to strategic planning.
- Clarified legal references (Chapter 164 and others).
- Salary range retained: \$225K–\$275K.
- Added expectations for off-hour commitments.
- Action:
- ✅ Advertisement and job description approved.
- ✅ Posting authorized for July 28, 2025.
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ 2024 Audit Report accepted.
- ✅ Annual Report approved.
- ✅ Fork truck purchase approved.
- ✅ Michael O’Neal appointed to ENE Board.
- ✅ GM Search and Contract Committees formed.
- ✅ GM job ad and description approved for posting.
- ⏸️ Logo redesign discussion continued; no final decision.
