HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
March 20, 1995
The meeting was convened at the Reading Municipal Light Department Meeting Room, 230 Ash
Street, Reading, Massachusetts at 7.30 p.m. Present from the Board of Selectmen were Chairman
Dan Ensminger, Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Camille Anthony
and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,Len Rucker and Jim Blomley.
The General Manager of the Light Department, and Jim Blomley from the Light Department,
outlined the issue of the previous Town Meeting approval for the sale of the Light Department
building at a minimum of the appraised value, and indicated that this project had been bid twice
and not had any successful bidders.
The 25 Haven Street Task Force has advised that Town Meeting be requested to modify their
previous action to allow the sale of the property for the highest price but not less than 80% of the
appraised value. George Hines asked if this was the unanimous recommendation of the Advisory
Board, and it was indicated that it was unanimous opinion of those who were present. Ensminger
asked if there was an update of the appraisal, and it was indicated that there was not. Bill Burditt
noted that holding the property is costing the Town in tax revenue, and costing RMLD
approximately$60,000 per year.
The Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, RMLD Board, and RMLD Advisory Board broke
into separate discussions, and came back with the unanimous opinion that the Warrant Article
should be modified to allow for 80% of the assessed value and require additional commercial
marketing efforts. The Board of Selectmen had suggested a floor of$375,000 which was the last
highest bid, rather than 80%. The consensus of all present was to go with the 80% figure and
requirement that there be additional marketing. The Town attorney will draft a motion for review
by RMLD legal staff and then review by all bodies present.
All the bodies adjourned. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted to adjourn to
Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of labor relations not to return into Open Session.
On a roll call vote all five members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. The
meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
F
- J
Secretary