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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-08-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 21, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Hanitunian, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Jim and Jeamlette O'Rourke, Thomas Ryan, Ellen Mounteer, Jacquelyn Mandell, Susan Cavicchi, Pete Dahl, Andrew Grimes, David Tuttle, Paul Feely, Frank Orlando, Emerson Tucker, Russell Graham, Tim Twomey, Paula Perry, William Carroll, Dennis Lacroix, Warren Cochrane, Ray Porter, Alexander McRae, Richard Radville, Michael Scarpitto, Jeff Struble, Michael Wong, Connie Wong, Gene Nigro, Bill Pierce, Linda Phillips, Sid Bowen. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the sale of real estate (landfill) to come back into Open Session at approximately' 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all five members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. The Board reconvened from Executive Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. Chainnan Camille Anthony announced that the Town had received a letter from the Inspector General's Office regarding alleged gifts from vendors accepted by the former General Manager, the existing Acting General Manager and the Chief Engineer of the Reading Municipal Light Department. Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectman Matthew Cummings along with the Town Manager met with RMLB Chairman William Hughes earlier this evening. He will be calling a special meeting of the Light Board as soon as possible to address these issues. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Emperor's Choice Renovations — Secretary Richard Schubert read the hearing notice to alter the premises at Emperor's Choice Restaurant located at 530 Main Street. The Town Manager noted that any time a licensed premises is modified, it requires the approval of the Board of Selectmen. If there is additional space being added to the licensed premises, it also requires approval of the State. Emperor's Choice is adding approximately 750 square feet to their facility. This is space that was previously used for other retail use and is not an addition to the building. They are also requesting approval to add nine bar stools to the existing service bar in accordance with Section 3.2.3 of the Liquor License Policy of the Town of Reading. ;r Board of Selectmen Meeting —August 21, 2002 —Paye 2 Proprietor Michael Wong and associate Connie Wong noted that the existing facility has 100 seats and is expanding to 128 seats. In response to a question by Selectman George Hines, Mr. Wong noted that when the function rooms are not used for functions, they will be used for general restaurant seating. Resident Gene Nigro spoke in favor of this expansion. He noted that this is an excellent local business and serves a real need. On motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert, the Board voted to close the hearing on approval of the liquor license application to alter the premises of Emperor's Choice Restaurant located at 530 Main Street by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board voted to approve an all alcoholic beverage license application by Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street, to alter the premises by adding two functions rooms of approximately square feet in accordance with the sketch dated 8/21/02, and allowing up to nine bar stools at the service bar pursuant to Section 3.2.3 of the Liquor License Policy of the Town of Reading, and subject to all conditions of the existing license. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. School Building Presentation/Discussion - The Board of Selectmen welcomed the School Building Committee consisting of the following members to the meeting: Chairman Russell Graham, Tim Twomey, Paula Perry, William Carroll, Dennis Lacroix, Warren Cochrane, Ray Porter, Alexander McRae, Richard Radville, Michael Scarpitto and Jeff Struble. Bill Pierce from Flansburgh Associates laid out the process of developing the schematics for the renovation of the Reading Memorial High School. The work began in June. They have completed the building assessment phase for the building in site, and are moving into the phase of the development of the program. This will take through September. They will have alternatives to the committee at the end of September and will have public input through October. They will then focus on a single schematic with the School Building Committee and will develop a schematic through December. They have looked at all of the issues with regard to the existing building and have developed and presented to the School Building Committee tonight an existing conditions analysis. Chairman Camille Anthony asked for elaboration on the existing conditions, and Mr. Pierce indicated that it had just been given to the Committee this evening and they have not had a presentation on it yet. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the building conditions looked unusual for a building of this age. Mr. Pierce noted that it was generally well maintained. Parts have reached the end of their useful life particularly the organizational function of the building, and lighting were mentioned. The building is very spread out. Board of Selectmen Meeting —August 21 2002 —Paas Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked what he meant by being spread out. Mr. Pierce noted that, for example, the art areas are very much separated from the rest of the academic building. The library mezzanine is not useful. The building is organized as an additive process, not designed as a whole building. Selectman George Hines asked if the academic people see the building being spread out as a disadvantage. For example, he noted that most college campuses are organized like that. Mr. Pierce noted that they have not developed alternatives yet -- the alternatives need to balance the cost for changing versus the benefit. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that it seems like we are not in an unusual situation with the type of building that we have. The architect noted that it is typical of high schools built in this era. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if, when looking at the High School site, are there areas of activities that the School Building Assistance (SBA) will not be covering. Russ Graham, Chairman of the School Building Committee, noted that the phasing of this project will be difficult. SBA seems to be ambivalent about all projects. Their regulations are changing quickly, and they have indicated that they are not in favor of the addition to the building but if convinced otherwise, they could bend that rule. The building is larger than they would allow for a new construction for the number of students but they understand that it is an existing building. Russ Graham stated that he would like to be definitive about the reimbursement rate, etc. but they could not be definitive at this point. They may not know all the details of this until they have a plan. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian noted that the track is in the plan to be renovated. If they touch the press box near the bleachers, they will need to be made handicapped accessible. He also noted that he held a three-hour meeting with Town Engineer Joe Delaney, and further research will need to be done to determine ownership of the property in the area. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked what, if anything, the School Building Assistance Bureau will not fund that might be considered. Russ Graham noted that one idea they had was to turn the former Grove Gym into an assembly hall. SBA indicated that they would not be interested in doing that. They also thought about enlarging the cafeteria in order to reduce the number of lunch periods, and SBA indicated that they would not be interested in doing that. They would not build a new Field House but it appears that they would renovate the existing one. Dr. Harutunian noted that SBA has told them that they would not increase the footprint of the building. They view their role as to fix buildings and would not do anything excessive. i Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 21, 2002—Page 4 Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked if this means that they would be amenable to fixing the Field House but not expanding it. Dr. Harutunian noted that they will tell us exactly when they see a plan in a pre-building conference. _ Russ Graham noted that there is a lot of information on the Department of Education's (DOE) policy but some changes are possible. He also noted that the Governor wanted to set up a system of"floating" priorities for school projects but the legislature overrode the proposal. Therefore, there may be some changes to the political process to what DOE has proposed as policies. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about the land ownership and the meeting with the Town Engineer. Dr. Harutunian noted that a significant amount of land in the area was taken for a park. It looks like this may include the Field House, track and football field area. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about the timeframe for addressing this issue. Dr. Harutunian asked if the park land or change would require Town Meeting and legislative approval. The transfer would need to be done or a 99-year lease would need to be done by Spring. The Town Manager noted that the School Committee would have to make a decision as to whether or not they wanted to pursue this issue at the Special Town Meeting probably scheduled for October, or to defer it until the Subsequent Town Meeting in November. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that if the option selected does not touch any of those properties, then a transfer will not be needed. Bill Brown noted that he has gone back to Town Meeting Reports in 1930 and 1955, and they reference a plan of the area. He also noted that both the Birch Meadow and Coolidge Schools were built on land that was owned by the Town and there was no transfer needed. Russ Graham indicated that the School Building Committee needs to make some assumptions as to the ownership, and they are assuming that the Field House would be part of the school project. He had consulted with the Town Manager on this matter. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she has a problem in giving feedback to the School Building Committee because she does not have information. She knows there has been discussion on the Field House and Title 9. She feels that the problem is not that the women have a different facility than the men at the High School, and that one is located in the High School and one is located in the Field House. She feels that the women's facility is "a pit" and the quality is not the same for the men's locker room and the women's locker room. A fitting space is needed for the girl's locker room wherever it is located. If there is an intent to provide equal women's locker room facilities at the Field House to men's locker rooms, she would need to know the cost. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 21, 2002 —Page 5 - Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the land ownership is an important piece that needs to get resolved. With regard to phasing, he asked if there is another facility in another town that could be used. The architect noted that they have not gotten into that but they are assuming that they would relocate students on site. Russ Graham noted that one of the issues is whether the facilities should have broad community use. In considering that, one of the questions that has risen is whether or not the Auditorium should be air conditioned. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the community needs to decide if it is a community facility. She feels that it should be considered a community facility in order to maximize the community's assets. She is in favor of air conditioning the Auditorium. She indicated that rumor has it that the bathrooms at the High School do not have doors on the stalls, do not have soap and towel supplies, and do not have working smoke alarms. She feels that this is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Bathroom facilities should be useable and indestructible. The architect noted that he cannot guarantee indestructibility but the bathrooms would have to be done in the alternative. Russ Graham noted that if we are going to do a renovation to make this into a "new building," then the community must be committed to maintain the building and the system such as technology system including having the people in place to maintain and operate them. i Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked that the School Building Committee document in their proposals the estimated cost of maintenance and operation of any proposal. He also asked about the issue of the proximity in programs. He wanted to know what factors are used to determine what should be next to what. The architect indicated that they are working with the School Department on this issue. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked if this was being built around what we now offer, or what we will be offering in ten, twenty or thirty years. Dr. Harutunian noted that we would like to build as much flexibility into the building as possible. He talked about the potential for ninth grade cluster, and noted the need to make the building technologically complete. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked what criteria will be used to evaluate the options. Russ Graham stated that the criteria would be developed after more discussion with the administration, the School Committee and public input. Economics is certainly a major part of it. The architect will submit the cost and benefit of each alternative. This will be done during October. Chairman Camille Anthony recommended that the School Building Committee do a community information outreach on the existing conditions survey. Russ Graham noted that this was a draft but as soon as it is finalized, they would get the information out to the community. He also noted that certain items in the building would need to be addressed whether or not a frill renovation is done. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Auizust 21, 2002 —Paye 6 Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the biggest hurdle on this or any project would be - to get the inforination out to the public. Newspapers only get out to about 25% of the population and the effort needs to be multi-faceted. This is one of the charges that the School Building Committee will have to address. It was noted that the Board of Selectmen would be doing some effort of outreach on the budget, and they do not believe that citizens don't care. We need to deliver the information directly to them. Selectman George Hines made several points: 1. The existing conditions report should be released immediately. It does need to be closely held. The existing conditions are what they are. 2. He advocates that we research durable and easily maintained materials throughout the building. 3. He advocates for the High School being a community facility. Given the cost of the project and the fact that people who have gone to that school tend to remain in Reading, it should be a community facility. It needs to be a good academic facility and functional for community use including air conditioning key areas. 4. He is a strong advocate that the women's facilities be equal to men's facilities including locker rooms, reflective of that equality. 5. He is looking forward to working with the School Building Committee on the rest of the process. Richard Radville from the School Building Committee asked what other community facilities should be included within the High School project. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings suggested meeting space with separate public accessibility. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about a banquet hall, and Selectman Gail Wood agreed. Other suggestions were a good, accessible Auditorium available all year round and recreation space for Summer programs. Selectman Gail Wood suggested that there be no carpet in the building — it is too hard to clean and maintain, and we should avoid educational fads. Chairman Camille Anthony asked when community input would be requested, and how long and how late community input could be taken. The architect indicated that community input should be done during the month of October. Jeff Struble noted that it really should be done in September while we are still in the formative stages. Russ Graham expressed concern about trying to do this in September — that is only a week away. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that when we do our community input, the - School Building Committee should talk directly with the Library Board and Library staff. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 21, 2002 —Paye 7 Frank Orlando noted that they are having meetings with all departments at the High School. At his previous High School, they went through a building process and this process in Reading is at least as thorough. Jeff Struble noted that we are trying to get the word out about this project, and wondered about piggy back and any direct mailings that the Town is doing. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Chairs of the Finance Committee, School Committee, Board of Selectmen (and hopefully School Building Committee) are talking about ways to get the word out. Jeff Struble noted that there is no money available to the School Building Committee for direct mailings and outreach, and the Town Manager noted that the Town does not have any money for this purpose either. Selectman George Hines asked about the status of the Flansburgh contract, expressing concern about community perceptions. Russ Graham noted that the contract is signed, having been reviewed by Town Counsel. Chairman Camille Anthony opened the meeting to public questions and comments. Linda Phillips noted that she does not feel that the SBAB reimbursement is really up in the air. She has gone to the website and it looks like reimbursement for Reading should be 53-55%. Their intent was to give additional credits for things like maintenance records and construction managers but it is not clear that this will be done. r Jackie Mandell indicated that the reimbursement of the Field House is in question. Sid Bowen stated that the reimbursement schedule would be "with exception of the Field House." The community, therefore, needs to know that the Field House may not be reimbursable. Russ Graham noted that Ms. Mandell's opinion of what Mr. Bowen stated and his are not the same. Linda Phillips noted that the School Cornrnittee and the School Building Committee have voted that they will not do any project that is not reimbursable. She also noted that she does not feel that three weeks is adequate for public information. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if air conditioning in the Auditorium would be reimbursable. Russ Graham noted that if it were part of the program, it probably would be. Whether or not to put air conditioning in any or all of the buildings would be more of a community issue than an SBAB issue. Tom Ryan asked how much additional cost would there be for making the building earthquake proof. The architect noted that to the extent that areas were modified, they would have to be earthquake proof. If we are using basically the existing footprint, walls, etc., then the earthquake proofing would be less. The more aggressive the _. renovation, the higher the cost. Board of Selectmen Meeting August 21, 2002 —Paye 8 Russ Graham noted that the Town will need to spend some money in some manner just to bring the building up to code. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that bringing the building up to code is a positive and not a negative thing. --- The Board of Selectmen thanked the School Building Committee for meeting with them. On motion by Hines seconded by Wood, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of August 21, 2002 at approximately 9:30 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, 0 CIL- S ecretary