HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-05-13 Board of Public Works Minutes - Executive Session Executive Session Meeting of May 13, 1965 Page 1
The Board of Public Works convened in Executive Session at 7:30
P.M. in Root 11, Community Center, Reading, Ma. Present were Chairman
Barker, Secretary Hampson, Board Members Polychrones, Griffin and Boucher
and Supt. A.V. Fletcher, P.E.
Also present was Town Counsel, H. Theodore Cohen.
Atty. Cohen stated regarding the Vining situation, the status is
that you approved a settlement on certain terms several months ago. That
same settlement was agreed to by the Selectmen and the Law Committee. He
added that there was a meeting with the D.A. and Vining last Thursday, and
they are talking along the lines that Vining's Corp. would plead guilty to
nine counts of criminal. activity. They will pay a fine of 4500-5600 per
count. A proposal was then made to me by their attorney that the 425,000
was just too much for the Vining's to afford, I immediately said "no".
I am therefore proposing this to you, but I do not recommend it.
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Mr. Polychrones asked if the $25,000 includes the Police
investigation.
Mr. Cohen replied yes.
Mr. Boucher stated in light of some of the things that came up
last week, I think the Finance Committee feels we are being too secretive
about this. I don't think there is any way we should consider letting
Vining off the hook, they are getting very lenient treatment.
Mr. Polychrones asked are you aware of the Finance Committee's
problems with this case?
Atty. Cohen replied I have spoken with the Chairman of the
Finance Committee and told him I would be happy to speak with the members
of the Finance Committee. The Chairman thought that was a fine solution.
Mr. Griffin inquired if you are requested to go before the
Finance Committee, how will you handle that?
Executive Session Meeting of May 13, 1985 Page 2
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Atty. Cohen stated I will ask to go into Executive Session and
explain to them what has transpired thus far.
Mr. Griffin stated it seems to me this is a very delicate issue.
When the contractual arrangements have been settled, how do we go about
arrangements for the contract for the succeeding two or more years.
Atty. Cohen replied we will sign the existing contract of
Vining's over to Hiltz Co. and they will be required to provide a bond.
The present contract provides that it can be assigned.
Mr. Griffin asked is there any way we can provide you with
additional clout?
Atty. Cohen replied I have indicated that if this matter is not
negotiated by the end of this month, we will go out to bid with the
contract and countersue Vining. Virtually all the delays have been coming
from the D.A. 's office.
Mr. Griffin moved that we request Town Counsel not to consider an
amount less than 425,000 with the agreement that it proceed expeditiously
with the reaffirmation that the timetable of the and of this month be
remembered. The motion was seconded and voted 5:0.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5:0 to go out of Executive
Session at 7: 50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Secret C
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