HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-23 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes 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.
Board of Selectmen Meeting, Executive Session, April 23, 1997 - page 2
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn at 7:15 p.m., on a roll
call vote with three members present voting in the affirmative. (Anthony left before the end of the
meeting.)
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary