Table of Contents
Hybrid meeting – recorded
LWVM observer: Maggie Smist
Members in attendance:
Chairman Jean Jacques Yarmoff, Michael Hull, Simon Frechette, Matt Harrington and Adam Smith
Staff: General Manager Jon Blair
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m. No public comments were offered, and the land acknowledgment was read.
Minutes for July 14, July 22, July 28 and Sept. 9 meetings — including both public and executive sessions — were approved. Outstanding minutes from three additional meetings will be approved at the next session. Recordings have been posted promptly, though written minutes remain delayed.
The Town Charter Committee’s replies were distributed to the commission. Comments should be directed to chairman Yarmoff.
General Manager Jon Blair
In his first four weeks on the job, Blair said he has met one-on-one with board members, employees and members of the public. He feels the department is in good shape to make progress, with a motivated team and strong finances.
Over the next six months, Blair said, MMLD will establish a clear vision and measurable structure, aligning goals among staff, the board and the public.
Safety was discussed, especially with the end of daylight saving time approaching. There have been many reports of streetlight outages, and information has been shared publicly on how to report them. Blair noted that the recreation and parks department recently praised MMLD’s work at Gatchell Park.
Projects and Operations
A meter technician is retiring, and the department has posted for an experienced replacement.
Blair reported that MMLD received a noncompliance notice from the state Department of Environmental Protection regarding gas storage. The department is now back on schedule and in compliance.
Wilkins testing is being prepared for a three-year state test, coordinated with MEMWIC for early December.
The Village 13 substation schedule has begun to slip due to mobilization issues and parts backorders, though weekly updates are being received. The final phase of the switchgear project is expected by the end of February 2026.
An insurance appraisal is underway due to new projects. Questions were raised about ransomware coverage; Blair confirmed that coverage exists, though the policy continues to evolve.
A Clean Energy Center grant project remains confidential while MMLD awaits an official announcement. The project involves replacing the department’s transmission feed lines.
Strategic and Capital Planning
Strategic and capital planning are priorities as MMLD evaluates its sustainability programs and organizational strengths and weaknesses. Blair said he wants to engage both the commission and the public in determining priorities: affordability, reliability or other values.
He emphasized the need to plan three to five years ahead while remaining able to pivot as necessary.
Policy Development
Blair said the board can be highly effective in articulating public-facing policies such as electric-vehicle charger standards. Discussions should be formalized, documented and opened for public comment.
He suggested taking up one policy discussion per meeting and will solicit feedback before the next.
Projects
Blair noted that investment tax credit changes affect the battery energy storage project, which will need further evaluation. The board must decide within 10 weeks whether to proceed or postpone for up to three years.
The general manager is also working with two internal teams to prioritize overhead and underground distribution system projects. Outside bids will be issued if the work cannot be completed internally.
Goals for the General Manager
Chairman Yarmoff distributed performance goals based on Blair’s contract. The yearly objective proposal is to adopt current objectives through March 2026 and have the general manager develop a new set for April–September 2026.
The discussion included how raises and bonuses would be determined under this structure.
Objectives include ensuring financial stability and competitive rates, decarbonizing the power supply, communicating with stakeholders, improving customer service and education, strengthening safety and human resources, and advancing infrastructure projects.
The board approved the objectives and performance goals.
Vote
The board voted to support MMLD’s application for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Climate Testing and Demonstration Program through InnoVenture Labs. The grant provides substantial funding for shared infrastructure that must be built before April 29, 2026.
Members discussed the potential benefits and possible locations for the project. There is no penalty if the grant is received but cannot be executed. Discussion will continue.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m. MMLD then entered executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation.
