2005-03-28 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session -2- March 28, 2005 Mr. Scott Dunlap gave an overview of the Reading Memorial High School Building Project. He stated that the high school project is on schedule for the first phase. The classrooms are being finished complete with ceiling and floor tiles. There is a high level of completion of Phase I. The culvert is 95% complete. There are two sections due to arrive any day. TLT is now pricing out the kitchen area. Mr. Dunlap stated that he walked the site with Mr. Shaughnessy. He asked when the steel would arrive for the bridge. He was told during April vacation. Mr. Capaldo gave an overview of the football field lighting. He stated the lighting would be state of the art lighting at a reasonable cost. Superintendent Schettini stated the field lights would enhance the field and would extend the use of the field. He stated that we must be mindful of the surroundings. If we are to proceed with the lights, the lights should be done properly. The Superintendent recommended moving ahead with the lights and doing it properly. Superintendent read a letter from the Police Chief in support of lights on the field. Mr. Dahl asked if they had spoken to Fran Fink. Mr. Capaldo stated the process would be presented to her. Superintendent Schettini stated it is important for us to procure the right type of lighting for the field. The lighting should just light the field not the surrounding areas. He explained that the lighting at Jordan's Furniture is designed to be seen for miles. That is not what we are trying to do. Once the project is funded, `it is necessary for the Administration and the School Committee to work with the stadium abutters to hear their concerns and work to develop a set of guidelines for night usage of the stadium. Ms. Webb stated she has significant concerns about doing this right and doing it at the proper time with the proper funding. Superintendent Schettini clarified that they are not using funds from the building project or operating budget for the lights. Once the project is funded, it is necessary for the administration and school committee to work with the stadium abutters to hear their concerns and work to develop a set of guidelines for night usage of the stadium. The Superintendent made it clear that there would be rules governing the times the lights would go on and be turned off. Mr. Carpenter arrived at 9:00 p.m. Mrs. Gibbs move to authorize the installation of stadium lighting for the new Reading Memorial High School Stadium of the type and quality of lighting expressed in the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 23, 2005. Further move that such installation shall be solely funded by private donations and not from the School Department operating budget or the Reading Memorial High School Building Proiect. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Dahl moved to amend the motion on the table to further move that the project cannot commence with out a report of maintenance costs and the neighborhood workforce group selected by the Superintendent. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 5-1 Mr. Dahl, Mrs Gibbs, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Carpenter voting for and Ms Webb voting against Chair McFadden called a few minute recess at 9:25. Chair McFadden called the meeting back to order at 9:40 p.m.