HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-20 School Committee Minutes - Executive SessionDate: March 20, 2013
Place: Superintendent' Office
Fincom Members Present
David Greenfield
Paula Perry
Paul McNeice
Mark Dockser
Jeanne Borawski
Hal Torman
Jeffrey Perkins
Karen Herrick
Reading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting of the Finance Committee
Executive Session
Arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Visitors:
John Doherty, Superintendent
Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent
Karen Janowski, School Committee
Hal Croft, School Committee
Chuck Robinson, School Committee
Chris Caruso, School Committee
Rob Spadafora, School Committee
Executive Session
A. Call to Order
RECEIVED
READING,
CLERK
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Staff Members Present
Bob LeLacheur, Town Finance Director
Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
James Bonazoli, BOS
Gary Brackett, Town Counsel
7:33 p.m.
Chairperson Greenfield called the Executive Session to order.
Litigation
Town Manager Hechenbleikner provided a brief overview of the status of the RMHS Building
Project litigation.
Mr. Caruso left the meeting at 7:34 p.m.
He indicated that the discussion this evening would be about the proposed settlement in the TLT
v. Harleysville v. Reading case.
Mr. Caruso returned to the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Town Counsel Gary Brackett provided an overview of this case that has been pending since
2007. He shared that a jury trial in Supreme Court for the Main Case will begin in October.
I
The Harleysville and Main Case are two separate cases. The Harleysville case centers on claims
related to HVAC work in excess of the scope of work. There are 26 items that make up this
case.
Ms. Herrick arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Mr. Brackett reviewed the proposed settlement amount versus the cost of a trial. The
recommendation is to resolve this case and focus on the Main Case.
Mr. Dockser asked if this settlement would have any impact on the Main Case. The answer was
no, it would not have an impact.
Mr. Perkins arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Fincom members asked clarifying questions.
Mr. Dockser feels this is a fiscally responsible course of action.
Mr. Greenfield moved, seconded by Ms. Borawski to approve the proposed settlement as
written. The roll call vote was 7-0-1. Mr. Greenfield, Ms. Borawski, Mr. Dockser, Mr.
McNeice, Ms. Herrick, Mrs. Perry and Mr. Torman. Mr. Perkins abstained
Real Estate
Mr. Greenfield recused himself from the meeting and left at 8:10 p.m.
Acting Chair Torman took over.
Mr. Hechenbleikner shared that there is a tentative agreement in place for the purchase of the
Woburn Street property and Town Counsel is drafting a letter of intent.
Mr. Robinson stated that the School Committee would like to get a press release out once the
agreement is approved in an effort to be transparent.
Mrs. Janowski said the purchase will provide a solution to our elementary space issues and the
ability to offer free full day kindergarten for all in the future. The School Committee has been
discussing the space issue since the fall.
Ms. DeLai shared that she had asked the OPM for the Woburn St. property to review the Locker
report to determine how realistic it would be to expand any of our elementary schools. She went
on to review that information.
Mr. Bonazoli asked what the status was of the Post Office sale. Mr. Hechenbleikner said the
Post Office would be making a presentation to the Board of Selectmen in April.
• Adjourn
Mr. McNeice moved, seconded by Mr. Perkins, to return to open session. The roll call vote
was 7-0. Ms. Borawski, Mr. Dockser, Mr. McNeice, Mr. Perkins, Ms. Herrick, Mrs. Perry
and Mr. Torman.
Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to return to open session. The roll call vote
was 5-0. Mr. Croft, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Caruso, and Mrs. Janowski.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Approved 4.8.13
Released 4.3.17