HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Executive Session Joint Meeting of the
Finance Committee,
Board of Selectmen, and School Committee
Executive Session
February 13,2013
The meeting convened at the Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. The Finance Committee called to order at 7:07 p.m. Present were
Selectmen Ben Tafoya, Richard Schubert, John Arena, James Bonazoli; Finance
Committee members Barry Berman, Jeanne Borawski, Hal Torman, Paula Perry and
Karen Herrick, Jeffrey Perkins and Paul McNeice; School Committee members Karen
Janowski, Rob Spadafora, Chuck Robinson, and Harold Croft; Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur,
Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mary
Delai, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, and Office Manager Paula Schena.
Elementary Space Planning
Superintendent of Schools John Doherty noted that this is a continuation of the meeting a
couple of weeks ago on the Woburn Street property. The Town Manager noted that the
business restrictions are that we cannot sell for a large profit with five years, and the
property cannot be used as an abortion clinic. Three property appraisals were done.
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They met with the sellers and they want$1.4 - $1.5 million.
John Doherty noted that St. Agnes said they would not take the appraised value of
$950,000. The School Committee voted to spend up to $1.1875 million which is an
additional 25% of the appraised value. There are space issues at the elementary level and
families want all day kindergarten. There is a 6% increase in full day kindergarten and
additional classrooms are needed. They have taken rooms from art/music rooms. They
are also looking at integrated classes by mixing %z day with full day. The Woburn Street
option addresses all issues with minimal disruption to students and it is an optimal
location.
Paula Perry asked if this location will be enough space and Barry Berman asked if this
facility will give back the music and art rooms. The answer to both questions was yes.
Mary Delai noted that the construction estimate cost today is $6 - $10 million and they
don't know what it will be years from now.
The Town Manager noted that St. Agnes has a renter in that property. Bob LeLacheur
noted that the church seemed more interested in the cash flow than a lump sum. The
Town Manager noted that St. Agnes needs parking spaces on the weekends and we don't.
That's why they are interested.
John Arena asked what the rental income is on that property and Mary DeLai noted they
receive $64,000 per year.
Board of Selectmen Finance Committee and School Committee Executive Session
Minutes—February 13, 2013 —page 2
Barry Berman suggested going up to $1.2 million.
Richard Schubert noted there are no other choices and suggested going up to $1.4 million
but try to negotiate a lower price.
The Town Manager noted that once the deal is approved we have to disclose the
appraised value and explain to the residents why we paid more.
John Doherty noted that they will start lower than $1.8 million. Chuck Robinson noted
that $1.875 million is the top amount and then it would have to go back to the School
Committee.
Jeanne Borawski noted she had a problem with going over 25%of the appraised value.
The Town Manager noted that there will be neighbor issues at this location. There will
also be issues with other daycares and some taxpayers will not want a tax increase.
A motion by Torman seconded by Herrick to adiourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. was
approved on a roll call vote with all seven members voting in the affirmative.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Arena to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. was
approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative.
A motion by Croft seconded by Spadafora to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. was
approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
2cretary