1997-04-23 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes

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Board of Selectmen Meeting Executive Session April 23, 1997 The meeting was convened at 7:40 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectmen Sally Hoyt and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen. Dan Ensminger related that he had talked with Carol Shapiro from the Eastern Middlesex Board of Realtors, as well as their Attorney Chris Coleman. Coleman indicated that they are no longer interested in a swap. They would be interested in an outright sale and consideration for relocation costs. They have asked for a specific negotiating team consisting of Bruce MacDonald and Dan Ensminger. ,.Ensminger feels that the Town Manager should be involved along with at least one member of the Board of Selectmen, but that the Board of Realtors should not name the negotiating team. George Hines asked whether the addition of relocation costs to an acquisition package is legitimate. Cohen noted that if Federal or State monies were used, the Town will be required to consider relocation costs. He felt that this was an appropriate expense. Camille Anthony suggested that the Town try to complete negotiations by Town Meeting and that there is not much time. Dan Ensminger felt that we should have some preliminary discussions by Town Meeting but that the Town should not feel rushed to a conclusion. He feels the Town is in a very strong negotiating position. Sally Hoyt noted that an adverse eminent domain proceeding will delay the project. Town Counsel stated that there would be no delay - once eminent domain is voted by Town Meeting, the Board can file and own the property immediately. The only delay is in determining what the final fair market value is. Anthony felt that MacDonald should be involved in the negotiating team. Following discussion, the Board determined that George Hines, Dan Ensminger and the Town Manager will be involved in the negotiating team and report to the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on the 29th. At that time, if a change in the negotiating team is needed it can be made. Sally Hoyt felt that Ted Cohen should be on the negotiating team. The consensus of the Board was that Cohen would be available by phone during negotiations. The Town Manager will try to set up a meeting preferably on Friday afternoon, and will determine who is going to be the negotiating team from the Board of Realtors.