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: August 13, 2025
📍 Location: Hybrid (In-person at RMLD + Zoom)
⏰ Start Time: 6:00 PM
⏱️ End Time: ~7:02 PM
👥 Attending: Pam Daskalakis (Chair) Robert Coulter (Vice-Chair), Ray Porter, Dave Talbot, Rick Swanson, Vivek Soni, Tim Woods
🚫 Absent: Mike O’Neal (former Interim GM)
🔹 Public Comment
🕒 5:04–5:20
- Discussion Highlights:
- A resident raised concerns about Shred the Peak alerts, asking why all customers aren’t automatically opted in.
- Suggested reversing the opt-in model to default all customers in, with an option to opt out.
- Board acknowledged the issue and committed to follow up with marketing and legal teams.
- Action:
- ✅ Staff to investigate opt-in rules and customer participation rates.
- ✅ Response to be provided at the next meeting and via email.
🔹 Full-Time GM Search Committee Update
🕒 5:20–5:35
- Discussion Highlights:
- Committee has finalized a set of standardized interview questions.
- Resume screening is underway.
- Interview schedule will depend on the depth of the candidate pool.
- Action:
- ✅ Committee continues screening and will adjust timeline as needed.
🔹 GM Contract Committee Update
🕒 5:35–5:40
- Discussion Highlights:
- Rich and another member scheduled a meeting at the Reading Public Library to review GM contract models.
- Action:
- ✅ Informational update; no vote taken.
🔹 Interim General Manager Appointment
🕒 5:40–6:15
- Discussion Highlights:
- Mike O’Neal resigned as Interim GM.
- Paul Heanue, previously the runner-up candidate, was invited to be reconsidered.
- Board and CAB expressed unanimous support to proceed with contract negotiations.
- Action:
- ✅ Motion passed to enter executive session for contract negotiation with Paul Heanue.
🔹 Executive Session & Appointment
🕒 6:15–61:55
- Discussion Highlights:
- Board negotiated terms with Paul Heanue.
- Upon return to regular session, motion passed to appoint Paul Heanue as Interim General Manager effective August 25, 2025, until a permanent appointment is made or the board takes alternative action.
- Action:
- ✅ Paul Heanue appointed Interim GM.
- ✅ CAB joined regular session and approved the appointment.
✅ Key Outcomes
- ✅ Public comment raised awareness about Shred the Peak alert opt-in practices.
- ✅ GM Search Committee finalized interview questions and continues screening candidates.
- ✅ GM Contract Committee scheduled a review session.
- ✅ Paul Heanue appointed Interim General Manager, effective August 25, 2025.
- ⏸️ Further updates on candidate pool and recruitment timeline expected at next meeting.
