HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-29 School Committee Minutes - Executive SessionOFk
Town of Reading
A. Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2015-09-29
Building: School - Memorial High
Address: 82 Oakland Road
Purpose: Executive Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:00 PM
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MASS.
1011 FEB 23 P 1=l*
Location: Conference Room
Session: Executive Session
Jeanne Borawski, Elaine Webb, Linda Snow Dockser, Julie Joyce, Gary Nihan
Members - Not Present:
Chuck Robinson
Others Present:
Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Martha Sybert, Town
Manager Bob LeLacheur, Fincom chair Mark Dockser, Fincom Vice Chair Paul
McNeice, BOS Chair Dan Ensminger, BOS member John Arena, Attorney
David Doneski
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair
Topics of Discussion:
Executive Session 7:04 p.m.
A. Call to Order
Vice Chair Borawski called the Executive Session to order in the Superintendent's Office.
TLT Litigation
Mr. Doneski provided an overview and update of the TLT litigation. He said he had spoken to
TLT attorney Sullivan regarding the settlement offer discussed at the last meeting. He received a
lukewarm reception.
The Master is due to issue his ruling on the asbestos portion of the case. Mr. Doneski feels that
this ruling will influence how willing TLT is to settle. Mr. Arena asked Mr. Doneski on his
thoughts of this outcome. He responded that he is not sure. Mr. LeLacheur asked how strong
the liquidated damages claim is. Mr. Doneski feels there is some merit and perhaps half the
claim would be justified.
Mrs. Borawski asked about the appeals process if we get to that point. Mr. Doneski said this
process could take 12 — 18 months.
Dr. Nihan asked about the SBA reimbursement to offset some of the expense. Mr. LeLacheur
indicated that any SBA reimbursement would go back to the taxpayers and could not go toward
the settlement.
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There was continued discussion of settlement offers. The group asked Mr. Doneski to make
TLT aware that there is a short timeframe to add warrant articles for the November Town
Meeting.
C fDr. Doherty wanted clarification that the remaining contract amount of $2.3 million is correct
and if it is perhaps that should be the high for an offer pointing out that is what we owe them for
work performed.
Mr. Dockser feels a concerted effort to settle should be made.
Mr. Doneski feels an offer between 1 and 2 million may get their attention.
Mr. Doneski will go to TLT with an offer of $1.2 million and ask for a response within 5 — 7
days.
Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to approve the executive session minutes
dated September 21, 2015 with correction. The roll call vote was 5-0. Mrs. Webb, Mrs.
Joyce, Dr. Nihan, Mrs. Borawski and Mrs. Snow Dockser voting in favor.
Adjourn
Mrs. Joyce moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to adiourn. The roll call vote was 5-0.
Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Borawski, Dr. Nihan, Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Snow Dockser.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Approved 1. 12.17
Released 1.12.17
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