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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-12 School Committee Minutesf Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session November 12, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Dahl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were School Committee Members Dahl, McFadden, Russo, Spadafora and Webb. Also present were Superintendent Schettini and Associate Superintendent Richards. Mr. Carpenter was present prior to the call to order, but had to leave for a family emergency and he returned at approximately 7:30 p.m. Chair Dahl stated that this evening's agenda was brief with just a presentation on the high school. BILLS & PAYROLLS There were no bills or payrolls CITIZENS INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Superintendent Schettini updated the Committee on activities at the schools including the Barrows' craft show, Birch Meadow's clean up day, Killam's Pillars of Character assembly and Eaton's Veterans' Day assembly. He also notified the Committee that RMHS graduate Jacob Scott is a finalist to be a Rhodes Scholar and RMHS teacher Leo Kenney had work published in the MWRA Magazine regarding vernal pools. Chair Dahl stated that he would like to include on a future agenda an update from Bill Griset on the Charter Commission and an update from Mary Ann Kozlowski on the Recreation Committee. Superintendent Schettini stated that he would keep the Committee informed as to whether the meeting scheduled for November 18th with the Selectmen and the state legislators would be rescheduled due to the legislators being in session. Superintendent Schettini stated that Mr. Carpenter wanted to speak to the Committee regarding the RCTV contract when he returned to the meeting. Mr. Russo stated that on November 18th the Substance Abuse Committee of Reading was holding a workshop for parents regarding binge drinking. Regular Session 2 November 12, 2003 Mr. McFadden thanked RMLD and Vinnie Cameron for working with the school department on the high school and elementary school projects. PRESENTATION BY DPC Mr. Bell updated the Committee on the milestone schedule. He discussed the meeting with the Design Review Team. Mr. Bell updated the Committee on the cost adjustments. He stated that at this point they continue to work on cost reductions but do not have final figures on all items. He stated that even if they do not touch the pressbox during construction they would be required by code to make the press box ADA compliant. He discussed the cost of the synthetic fields, reviewed the landscape studies and the options for widening the entry. He stated that DPC was recommending Option A. Mr. McFadden asked if the administration had completed a count for the number of parking spaces actually needed and whether there would be a possible cost savings if some spaces could be eliminated. Superintendent Schettini stated that the count has not been completed yet but the administration is working with the architect. Ms. Webb stated that the Committee should be cautious about eliminating more spaces if the second gym is included in the project more spaces would be lost. Mr. Bell reviewed the fieldhouse lobby. He stated that the parking spaces would be perpendicular and not at an angle to allow maximum flexibility for traffic patterns. Mr. Dahl stated that in the future the Committee may discuss whether school should be closed on the day of a national election. Mr. Russo stated that any items not reimbursable by SBA should be reviewed to determine whether or not they should be included in the project. Mr. McFadden stated that the artificial turf actually saves the Town money. The Committee discussed the entry way to the fieldhouse. Mr. Bell discussed the atrium design. The Committee discussed their concern about the material being used in the atrium and asked that DPC provide them with locations for building projects that used similar material so they could visit the projects. Regular Session 3 November 12, 2003 Mr. Dahl asked that more information be provided to the Committee regarding how the exterior of the old building would be updated. Mr. Bell discussed the auditorium design. He stated that the walls were angled to prevent sight line issues. He discussed the slope of the seating and the need to maintain handicap accessibility. He stated that the Dave Bunten had reviewed the orchestra area and although the orchestra was not in an actual orchestra pit because of the required ramps, there are enough row of removable seats that there should not be an issue. Mr. Bell discussed the press box. He stated that to put storage area under the bleachers would be cost prohibitive because the area would have to have a sprinkler system and that would require heating that area. Mr. Spadafora asked if it was possible to get a waiver with regards to the ADA requirements. Mr. Bell stated that he did not believe that would be possible. Mr. Bell discussed the phasing. He stated that DPC was recommending that to minimize field disruption, the football field not be done first but rather the practice field. Mr. Bell discussed rebuilding the baseball diamond with fill from the high school project. Chair Dahl asked that the height of the baseball field be compared to the tennis court height to avoid any drainage issues. Mr. Dunlap stated that he had the opportunity to review the work with Design Partnership and he thinks they have done an excellent job thus far. He discussed the second summer of the project and the aggressive schedule proposed by DPC. He stated that DPC has been made aware of the other building projects and the need to coordinate materials and certain items such as keying, telephone system and lock system which the Committee needs to discuss whether they wish to make them sole proprietary. He cautioned the Committee that they must be able to present a clear and concise reason for any items they determine will be sole proprietary. Mr. Carpenter updated the Committee on the negotiation of the RCTV contract. He distributed information and asked that anyone with input contact him as soon as possible. Regular Session 4 November 12, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8:45 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to enter into executive session to discuss liti!ation stratei!y and to approve executive session minutes. Not to return to regular session. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo, Mr. Spadafora and Ms. Webb. ReWSchettini, , Patrc. r. Superintendent of Schools