that would be um minimal impact to consumer bills. So what I responded is to take her through what we did about 18 months ago which was when we went through that exact analysis identified that if we moved from 28% I think we were at at the time to 55% um we could do that in one health loop
while having less than 70 cents per month impact to the average bill. Once you get past that point that number spikes pretty significantly at least based on our current portfolio. Um and so what I also said was every year when we go through the budgeting process and
um the policy process, we look at that allocation, we will continue to do that analysis every year. Um and where we see opportunities to continue to increase ahead of schedule at a reasonable level from a financial impact standpoint, we will do that. >> Good. And and I think that we have the
option of of individuals selecting the energy choice alternative. >> Correct. Uh, so that's >> I didn't include that in my response, but you're 100% right um that that is an option for individuals to take. I was I
know we'll have an update in January on the um website update, but I was really excited to see how simple it is for >> rateayers to go on to the website and find information about those options. >> Okay, good. >> Um that's been vastly improved from our prior website. So I think we'll get some
good feedback on that, but we'll learn more about that in January when we go through the review. Her other question had to do with um getting uh when there's a call that goes out um getting notified on that. Do you address that also or
>> I didn't address address that directly in her besides saying that we it is a topic that we have discussed in the past um have not made headway partly because Reading isn't the only um town that we serve. So it would need to be a multi-
town solution. question was around whether we could use the >> shave the peak shave the peak >> or shave the peak but there's a particular is it called red or some something >> some some kind of alert system for the town >> 911 is >> yeah and so when there are you know
>> serious >> communications that need to take place they distribute out out to the town um it would need to be something that we would do for four towns but only partial for some towns obviously so um it gets a little bit complicated I That's been a barrier before, but not but what I said
was um we would ask Jason when he came in as senior general manager to you know have that conversation as part of his onboarding with the town officials and see if that's if there's something else that we can do. >> Yeah. And and I think >> if if that's deemed appropriate by other parties
>> if you know because that that might not elevate to the >> concern that shade the peak >> is appropriate for that for that system >> the E911 >> the E911 system that's where that's for alerts that are for
>> right >> life there's a different >> fear of alert or something that could be >> well and I think what's I I mean I appreciate appreciate her asking. Um, but I think sometimes there's limits that people can actually achieve in
doing that. Um, and so to go through the effort to send out more notices to more people, are we going to get a incremental value back from that? and and we may not because we've seen already that although we do do alerts
uh it would be more effective if we go to our major users which are mainly our industrial commercial base rather than the residential base. So, so I think that's also part of the discussion in terms of whether the the bang for the buck or the the reduction that we're
seeking to achieve um can be realized because it's not just once a month, it could be four times a month. Um and then that becomes a lot of calls. >> Yeah. >> You've gotten them three days in a row, right? >> Because you can't predict the future. So, you make your best guess of of of
which uh the circumstances at the moment and that can be a lot to try to try to manage um for a homeowner. So, so I think there's two parts to that question. The technology part, can we do it? Should we do it? And then do we get the value that we're hoping to achieve by that process? And there might be
other ways to for people to um reduce their energy demand at peak periods through uh time of use programs rather than uh call fire drill four or five times a month.
Okay, thank thank you for that response. Um, sure. I think we need to be responsive to >> to the reverse 911. When I was in Hangingham, I don't remember what the situation was, but I felt it significant enough to try and use that reverse 911.
And in Plymouth County, where Hangum is, I was told that the sheriff runs it. And what I was looking for did not fall into what the kind of that system is for. So I don't know, you know, Bob, kind of to
your comment, I don't know that, you know, the shave the peak thing is going to fly as the people that manage that pro program see it. >> One more just quick Adam um is there was another question that you had answered I
think of the same resident about I believe and I'm paraphrasing you correct me. She asked if to go from 55 to 75% non-carbon what would be the impact on the average bill? I believe you sent back some math saying it would be about 60 bucks a year or five bucks a month.
>> To be honest with you, I don't remember what the number was, but I know I >> 100% >> to 75. My recollection, she asked we're at 55 to go to 75, what would be the incremental addition to the average residential bill? I believe Paul
responded back. I >> I know I did respond to that, but I I don't remember the response. >> My memory was 60 bucks a year, which would be $5 a month. Anyway, >> okay. >> Um, okay. Any other public?
>> Hi Bob, by the way, welcome to the guys, I know, but he would know. Anyway, but go ahead. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Any other public comment? >> Okay. Thank you. I'm gonna pass it over to VC because we do have a new member of the cab that we want. >> Yeah.
>> So, we want to welcome Bob Castle, the North threading representative to the cab. Bob, welcome. >> Thank you. >> for 10 plus years, >> right? I know. I know. >> I've been in the business for 40 years
and I'm looking forward to making a contribution to the to the board and to North Readings. Appreciate uh appreciate really appreciate being here. >> Oh, no. Thank you. on the other side of the table now.
>> Nice to see things from all sides. >> There you go, Bob. >> Thank you. >> Excellent. Um, okay. Do we have any liaison select board or any updates from any of our No.
>> Um, so, um, yes and no. Um, so in terms of things going on in Reading, I think um the town charter was presented at town meeting and I think minimally so I they approved it. There wasn't as much fanfare as I think they were preparing
for. I certainly didn't present anything. So um I think the town charter is put to bed for maybe the next five or 10 years. Um, it's got a 10-year review requirement, but unless there's something that someone brings up that probably not much is going to change
there. I haven't heard anything more with the schools um or the or the uh senior center, the recal. Uh I think we've had some they've had the instructors had an interaction with
Megan in terms of what we can do or or solar panels but I haven't heard whether that uh has changed anything on their end. Um, as far as uh MLCA, Municipal Life Commissioners Association, um, they are holding a in-person meeting
as a part of the Mass Municipal Association conference which is happening in Boston. Um on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, and Friday the 23rd,
um the Massachusetts Light Commissioners Association will have an Inerson meeting from 11:30 to 1:30. You're all invited um to go though. However, Mass Municipal Association has
an entrance fee of uh $280 for participating members of the association which being a part of the town of Reading, I think we qualify. Um, and in in seeking how we might get compensated
for that, I was advised by our steam advisor, uh, Erica that we have a budget, a training budget that can be drawn upon to pay that kind of amount. And with proper paperwork submitted, we can get reimbursed for that $300 or so
dollar um, registration fee. Um, so this will set the agenda for the year for that association. And most of our meetings will be online. Um this is about the only time well not the only time we try we got together at NEPA and we may try to do that again. Um but there aren't many times that we get face
to face. So um you want to meet other commissioners and CAB also um participate in that. Um, there aren't many ways to find out how to do this job and the association is uh intended to try to give us some of the background
and and information that will help us understand what our role is and and job is. Um, and that's all I have this time. >> You're right. Um, committee updates. So, I don't know that we've had a lot of activity. Um but
do we have any updates on the contract or the um >> believe we could report that signed has been signed with the general manager. >> Okay. >> So as far as I know >> Jason it starts on the second.
>> So my question would be um do we want to move to um do we want to continue with these committees or are we >> I would think so. >> What do what's the word? >> Sunset. suns setting these committee. Thank you. >> Other jobs. >> Okay. Do we need to do anything official to sunset those two committees?
>> Um we do need to approve some minutes. So I was saying in January any outing minutes for any committee they just clean up and then we can do what we need to do to pause it or >> Okay. We'll do that January then. Okay. >> See if you want to replace it with anything else that's >> policy committee. Exactly. You know if
anybody wants to get over that we can divide and conquer. you know, any cab members and board members, we could take a look at Yes. >> policies that we want to adjust or >> Rich Rich did actually bring that idea as well, and I um agreed you would put that on the agenda for January.
>> So, what what's the >> uh that was a a committee to subcommittee to focus on policies. >> Okay. >> More of a deep dive review, bring recommendations to the board and cab review. So, we'll talk about that in January.
Okay. Nothing else from committee updates. >> Um, okay. So, uh, my the bittersweet part of today, which is, um, recognizing Paul for, um, so I did want to just take a couple
minutes to thank Paul Henu for your contributions as interim general manager. Um, you came in at a time of change and and we really needed steady leadership. Um, you know, a calm presence, an experienced presence. Um, you know, we asked you to support and
listen to our RMLT team members. Um, to certainly support the VOCC as we were searching for a new general manager. Um, and you did all that and more. You know, you provided experience, insight, guidance, um, the occasional humor,
which is always welcome as well. Um, so we really sincerely appreciate your your time and your service to this organization and the rate payers. Um, we wish you the best as you return to your retirement. >> Thank you. Thank you. You know, it's
been a great truly a great experience. Um, >> you know, the people here were all fabulous, very welcoming, friendly, you know, uh, I didn't have I didn't have a, you know, near a bad word, you know, in fourish months. It was a great
experience, you know, kind of gratifying, you know, I was kind of out of the game for four and a half years. Okay, I still got this. I don't know. But uh no, it was uh it was a great experience and thank you for giving me the opportunity to >> we really appreciate it and uh hope you
don't be a stranger. You know, >> I sh >> come visit us. >> Thank you. >> Happy January meeting. >> And um so 6 o'clock, 3 o'clock, as long as the 18th we'll be zooming in from wherever.
>> Um we could always bring our meeting there if you'd like. >> There you go. >> There you go. You got a budget. It's a tutorial. >> Um, anything else on that one? >> Paul, uh, just wanted to say thanks to, um, sorry I'm not there in person, but
this way you can see me like I'm the Wizard of Oz behind Pam's head. Uh, anyway, wanted to say thanks from a distance. So, really appreciate all your work and, uh, it's great working with you. >> Great. Thank you. You're welcome. It was a great experience.
>> Yeah. No, I I think that CL appreciates everything. Thank you. >> Oh, you're quite welcome. It was good. It was a good four months >> and I think we're going into 2026 with excitement and stability and >> Yeah, we're really >> as it goes. The train is on the tracks.
>> Yeah, >> Jason's got your direct line. Not >> sure if I gave him my new gonna need you to leave that with everybody actually. Um, okay. Well, thanks everyone. Um,
approval of meeting minutes. So, let's move on to that one. First, cab. Can someone >> move that the RMLD Citizens Advisory Board approve the following 2025 open session meeting minutes as presented on the recommendation of the interim
general manager and the board secretary August 27th, September 17th, October 23rd, November 6th, November 12th, and November 19th. >> Any discussion?
Okay. All in favor? Thanks. >> Want to read the uh next one? >> I'll read it. >> Move that the arm and the board of commissioners approve the following 2025 open session meeting minutes as
presented on the recommendation of the interim general manager and the board secretary. June 17th, September 17th, September 24, October 2, October 23, October 24, November 6th, November 12th, and November 19th. >> Second. All those in favor?
>> I I think we have to do a roll call because Rich is um remote. So Rich, can we start with you? >> Yeah. Swanson. Yes. >> Uh Ray Porter. Yes. >> Talbert. Yes. >> Cold. >> I think our only regret is that we couldn't have had a few more, but >> Well, I was going to say that's
resolution more meetings, right, Erica? >> All right. Paul, IGM update. >> Sure. So, we're still slogging along uh trying to integrate our floor systems so we can get started on the AMI thing. Uh
you know, the once weekly calls are now happening two or three times a week. Uh one of the vendors, uh is continuing to be slow to respond. Um so, we're just, you know, h we're having
at it. And um they uh had a call today and um now they're talking about an earlyish like January 12th um date. It's going to be confirmed on
Friday as to a re redesign of the bill to you know capture potentially capture you know something with solar toou you know all that stuff. So, um, not through lack of trying, but you know, that that was one of my hopefuls that we would be
in a position to start, you know, installing meters, but just it has it hasn't happened, but you know, we're still having at it. >> Um, you know, the negotiations, we'll talk about that in the executive session. That has taken a bunch of my,
you know, taken up a bunch of time the last since the last meeting. U think that's about it. >> So, so from a timing point of view, Paul, what does that mean for the roll out? I mean, was this this was going to be done in two stages, right? There was
going to be some AM some meters installed and then the rest, right? So, could you give us some sense? >> Yeah. So, until we get the system so that they can talk and build, we can't start putting the new meters in. >> Okay. So, uh, I had a conversation with
Megan today and, you know, Cogdale, the company that's kind of standing between us and installing these new meters, is talking about a later January as a earliest date.
>> Thank you. >> Another question. >> Um, okay. Okay. So, just looking at upcoming meeting schedules, we have uh Tuesday, January 20th at 6. And then are these other proposed the 17th of February and 17th of March
>> on the high holiday? You mean March 17th? >> Yeah. >> Well, what's up with that? I shake. See the shake? I see a shake there. >> Averages at that meeting. >> We can push either of these Tuesdays,
but this is just if we're going by the third week. Yeah, I'd prefer the 20th of January. >> 20th of January is all set. >> Okay. You're saying the 17th is >> Yep. So that's just the third week of the month. I just did the two um
So if you wanted to do the fourth week, it would be February 24th and it would be March 24th. I >> I don't think the February one's the issue. Well, do we have a preference? Do we want to move the March one to the March
24th? >> And my thought, so just so you all know, my thought was to just do a consistent day week. So if you >> Yeah, >> I'm okay not where if it's not consistent, that's fine. If you want to do some months or second, some months are third or if you want to just go all
third or fourth week, that's fine. think I think like a general rule would probably be nice, but an occasional adjustment if it falls on a conflict or something. >> So, it sounds like February 17th should be fine
>> if we >> But wait, yeah, I thought we just said the 24th in February. >> Oh, did we say that? Okay. >> Yeah. And then go back to that >> and then March 24th as well. Um, I'm I'm I'm okay with the 17th in March. Just
>> Oh, excuse me. Um, reverse. I apologize. >> Okay. >> Apologize. The 17th. I apologize. >> Bob, what are you doing now? So, what what what are we saying? >> The 24th and on March, but the 17th >> February 17th is >> is Okay.
>> Okay. All right. >> So, now I got a Tuesday, January 20th. Tuesday, February 17th. Tuesday, March 24th, all at six o'clock. >> Yes. >> Does that work for you guys? >> No problem.
>> Yeah. >> Great. >> Um, and then any questions or concerns with warrant schedule not? >> Um, >> okay. I think that covers our agenda for this evening, at least for the cab. And
then um you want to adjourn and we'll go to a quick second. >> Yeah. So can we get a motion please? >> Me motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Okay. >> Wow. All in favor?
>> I Okay. Thank you. >> That was a record. >> I'll move. >> Well, we're going to an executive session. Okay. >> Can you would you mind reading it? >> I would mind at all. um move that the uh RLD board of commissions go into executive session pursuant to mass
general laws 164 section 47D exemption from public records and open meeting requirements in certain instances under purpose six. They consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property relative to 232 Ash Street in Reading, Mass. And under purpose three
to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for the ASME, LMS and and CP unions and return to open session for the sole purpose of agreement. >> Second. >> And all those in favor, roll call. >> Swanson, yes.
>> Uh, Ray Porter, yes. >> Cal, yes. >> Cter, yes. >> Yes. Thank you all. >> Did that happen? >> What >> was that? 25 minute meeting. cooking.