The board’s meeting primarily revolved around the evaluation of two candidates, Jason and Mary, for the general manager position. Both candidates were acknowledged for their respective strengths, with board members expressing admiration for their unique skills and contributions. Jason was highlighted for his extensive domain knowledge and experience in power operations, backed by a Master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. His familiarity with the organization and commitment to the power sector were seen as significant advantages. One board member noted Jason’s eagerness to learn and grow within the organization, emphasizing that his overall body of work outshone other skills.

Mary, on the other hand, was recognized for her excellent communication skills, strong marketing acumen, and ability to maintain robust relationships with the board. Her transparency and creative solutions were appreciated, though there were concerns about her less technical background.

The decision-making process involved a discussion among board members, who weighed the candidates’ qualifications and feedback received from the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB). All CAB members had scored Jason higher than Mary, which played a role in shaping the board’s consensus. While one member expressed a preference for Mary, the majority favored Jason, citing his relevant utility experience and demonstrated leadership. The board ultimately proposed a motion to appoint Jason Small as the general manager, contingent upon successful contract negotiations.

The discussion also addressed the importance of maintaining leverage during contract negotiations. The board reflected on past experiences where announcing an appointment before finalizing negotiations had weakened their negotiating position. To prevent a repeat, the board carefully considered the wording of the motion. The final motion, which was unanimously approved, was, “move that the RMLD board of commissioners, subject to the successful completion of employment contract negotiations and required contingencies, appoint Jason Small as general manager of Reading Municipal Light Department.”

Following the resolution of the general manager nomination, the board focused on scheduling meetings to facilitate the upcoming contract negotiations. There was consensus on the urgency of the matter, with members expressing a desire to expedite the process and avoid unnecessary delays. Various dates were proposed, with the 28th and 29th of October suggested as potential meeting times to accommodate Jason’s availability. The board emphasized the importance of coordinating all communication through a designated HR representative.

The logistics of the negotiations were a concern, with suggestions for both in-person and remote participation options to maximize flexibility.