HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-23 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
Executive Session
December 23, 1996
The meeting was convened at 8:15 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony,
Selectmen Sally Hoyt and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner. Selectman
Bruce MacDonald arrived at 8:40 p.m.
The Town Manager reviewed conversations that took place between Mr. Molyneaux and Bruce
MacDonald, and between Mr. Molyneaux's attorney David Latham and Town Counsel. He is
feeling too frail and upset to consider selling the property at this time. It does not appear that it is
a question of money, or a matter of pressure from the neighbors. All four members present
agreed that Molyneaux is the first choice. George Hines presented the issue of whether or not we
could secure an option or write a first refusal. The Town Manager noted that if we pay money
for that then Town Meeting approval would be required. Hines thought that if we did that then
maybe we could proceed with design and get it to a high level of completion prior to stopping and
waiting for the Town's ability to exercise the option or write of first refusal.
Bruce MacDonald joined the meeting. He thinks that Molyneaux either thought about the
complexities of the transaction and particularly its effect on Medicaid that his wife is receiving or
received neighborhood pressure.
George Hines reported on a discussion that he had with Chris Coleman who is Counsel to the
Eastern Middlesex Board of Realtors. He had called Mr. Hines and revisited the idea of a swap of
the Eastern Middlesex Board of Realtors property on Union Street for the original part of the
Police Station Building on Pleasant Street. He had indicated to Hines that they might have some
money to spend. We would need to know the value of the Police Station. The Board discussed
the likely market value and what would happen if there was a difference between the value of the
Eastern Middlesex property on Union and the value of the Police Station. The Town Manager
was directed to get appraisals for the Police Station building which would be for the original
building and five deeded parking.spaces. He should try to get this appraisal by January 16, 1997.
If the appraisal can be secured earlier then the Board of Selectmen would consider an earlier
meeting. Camille Anthony left at 9:36 p.m.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald the Board voted to adjourn at 9:40 p.m. on a
roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
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Sec etary