HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-15 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
Executive Session
February 15, 2000
The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines,
Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Paula Schena,
Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Assessor Dave Billard, Board of Assessors Members Bob
Nordstrand, David Nugent and Mollie Ziegler.
Litigation
Cedar Glen Associates - Assessor Dave Billard reviewed a chart showing the assessed value
from 1980-2000. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there was no change from 1982-1986.
Assessor Dave Billard noted that the agreement called for it to escalate with the average market
in the Town. The Town Manager noted that the Town did not evaluate every year back then.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the Town got 121A back from the State dollar for dollar.
Assessor Dave Billard indicated that we do.
Board of Assessors Member Bob Nordstrand asked if they can cancel the contract. Town
Counsel Ted Cohen noted that 12 cases are being challenged in the courts. The State will only
authorize termination if it is agreeable with the Town. The Town can amend the agreement and
-- get the State to approve it.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked the Board of Assessors if they have had any discussions
with the new owners. They indicated that they haven't -- they are asking the Selectmen to
authorize them to negotiate.
Bob Nordstrand noted that the new owners want it valued by what they paid for it. They feel the
property is worth $3 million. Selectman Matthew Cummings indicated that he feels this is
extortion because they got a depressed market price—it is assessed for$8 million.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that he felt that the market rate with an independent
appraisal was the best way to go.
Finance Director Beth Klepeis noted that the Town doesn't want to lose the low income housing.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor directed the Town Manager to work with Town Counsel to send
the tenants a letter reassuring them.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the Board
of Assessors to negotiate on the Town's behalf modifications to the 121 A agreement with Cedar
Glen Associates relative to the property tax assessment, with the primary goal of retaining value
of not less than market value and retaining the above development for affordable housing.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—Executive Session—February 15 2000—Page2
Any such settlement will not become effective without final approval by the Board of Selectmen
and, if applicable, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community
Development. On a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was
carried.
Corporex
The Town Manager noted that a letter has been drafted for Corporex to sign to terminate the deal
so the Town can work with Lincoln Properties. Town Counsel spoke with Corporex's lawyers
and they want their deposit back, or at least $25,000 to pay for attorney fees -- then they will go
away. The consensus among the Selectmen was no. Selectman George Hines will call Bill
Blackham.
Sprint
Town Counsel noted that Sprint has agreed to delete the item that we asked to be deleted. The
last issue is the Attorney General and the RFP. The Attorney General might want to see the
license.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the
Executive Session meeting of February 15, 2000 at 7:52 p.m. On a roll call vote, all four
members voted in the affirmative and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Secreta