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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-13 Select Board Minutes - Executive Sessiono�F orxr�o . �., Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED TOWN CLERK oP.o. READING, MA. 1u� Board - committee - commission - council: 2022 JUN 30 PM 5: 19 Select Board Date: 2019-02-13 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Conference Room Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Executive Session Purpose: Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: Andy Friedmann, Barry Berman, Vanessa Alvarado, Dan Ensminger, John Halsey Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Counsels Ray Miyares and Bryan Bertram, Executive Assistant Caitlin Saunders Minutes Respectfully Submitted Topics of Discussion: Mr. LeLacheur explained that the Zanni's are interested in selling two parcels in the Symonds Way area. One has relatively low value because it is not buildable, but the other is buildable and could have a much higher value. They would prefer to sell both parcels to the Town as good neighbors. Mr. Miyares explained that back in the 50's the Zanni's owned a lot of the land in the Symonds Way area, but the federal government took it for national defense purposes. After they no longer needed the land, they sold some of it back to the Zanni's and sold the rest to the Town. The legal paperwork dating back seventy years is Imperfect. Mr. LeLacheur described that at the Select Board's January preview of the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting, an attorney representing the Zanni family asked the Board to add an Article for an easement. Such an easement would greatly increase the value of the buildable lot - likely by about $1.2 million according to a previous independent appraisal conducted. Mr. LeLacheur explained that after that meeting, when the Board was not totally supportive, he contacted the Zanni family and set up a meeting which included their attorney, Town Counsel, and two Board members. He selected members Vanessa Alvarado and John Halsey for the meeting since they were working as a subcommittee on capital projects. There are a couple options to approach this. Asking Town Meeting for an easement, If approved, would allow anyone to come in and buy the property and develop it. The $1.3 million appraised value from 2017 assumed four single family lots - a multi -family project under 40B could increase that price. Or the Town could step up as the buyer, because as the abutter the Town does not need an easement. The best way for the Town to express interest as a buyer is through an RFP process, which was explained by Town Counsel. Page 1 1 Mr. Berman felt we need to have a purpose for the land before asking Town Meeting to purchase it. Mr. Halsey asked if they cannot get this done before Town Meeting can they just postpone the Article until the next town meeting. It was noted yes, it would be postponed until the sale is done. Once the RFP goes out and the Zanni's come back with a number they want for the land, the town can say yes or no. If the town thinks the number is too big and declines the offer; the article would not get presented to town meeting. Mr. Friedmann feels it should be presented to Town Meeting as an option for the town. Mr. Berman noted his concerns about asking Town Meeting to approve us to buy land that we don't have a purpose for at the moment. Mr. LeLacheur noted they would be asking Town Meeting to buy land and that is was likely that Town Meeting would have a say in what the land is used for presuming that use cost money. He then noted there are other funds available to use besides free cash to purchase the parcel. Ms. Alvarado explained she thinks it will be Important in how they present it to Town Meeting. Mr. Berman asked what he can say to people if they ask what this article is about. Mr. Miyares noted once the RFP process is complete, they can speak about it, but not until then. Ms. Alvarado moved that the board authorize the Town Manager to move forward constructing an RFP to purchase a parcel or real property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and approved with the following roll call vote: Berman - Yes Ensminger- Yes Halsey - Yes Alvarado - Yes Friedmann - Yes. Ms. Alvarado moved that the board return to open session at 8:35 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Halsey and approved with the following roll call vote: Berman - Yes Ensminger - Yes Halsey - Yes Alvarado - Yes Friedmann - Yes. Page 1 2