HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-12-01 ad Hoc School Building Committee MinutesSCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 1, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by R. Sanstad.
Those in attendance were: M. Cowell, R. D'Antona, D. Farnham, R. Graham, J. Lupi, R. Grasso,
P. O'Leary, R. Sanstad and D. Williams. Also attending, at the Committee's invitation, were Jack
Delaney and Ellen Howland from Parker Middle School.
Dr. Delaney presented to the committee the results of an updated "needs" study dated November
23, 1992. This study contained input from teachers, custodians and the administration at
Parker. Included in the study were both educational and physical plant needs. Dr. Delaney
explained each subject in depth with additional supporting information provided by Ellen
Howland and David Williams. After considerable discussion and with all questions answered, it
was clearly evident to all that the needs identified were a "nd-frills" approach and very
significant problems exist which must be remedied. The conclusions reached resulted in a
motion to draft the RFP for Parker expansion and renovation. The motion carried and the task
was accepted by Don Farnham to draft the RFP for Dr. Munnelly's signature. This will begin the
process for selection of the architect. The committee appreciated the significant effort expended
by Dr. Delaney and his staff and the approach which they utilized which took into consideration
the Town financial situation.
The draft version of the Reading School Population Projection, dated November 29,1992, and
prepared by Dr. Dan Ensminger was then distributed to the committee. An overview discussion
then took place regarding the contents of the study and the potential impact on the school system.
It was then agreed that a sub-committee be established to analyze the voluminous amount of data
contained in the report and return to the full committee with some preliminary
recommendations. This sub-committee consists of Margaret Cowell, Don Farnham and Russ
Graham. They will report at the next meeting with their recommendations.
Robin D'Antona presented to the committee a proposed timeline of activities which must be
accomplished between now and the April Town Meeting. This timeline was intended to be a macro
view of these activities with each specific action consisting of numerous individual tasks. The
document was accepted and will be used as our guide for the next four months.
It was felt that we now have sufficient information to have a "get acquainted" meeting with the
SBAB. Don Farnham took the action to coordinate and set-up this meeting. The delegation from
Reading would consist of Don Farnham, Dr. Munnelly and Roger Sanstad. The purpose of the
meeting is to give the SBAB an awareness of our situation and let them know that our formal
request will be forthcoming. It will also provide us the opportunity to better understand their
requirements and the current fiscal situation.
In the interest of improving our communications with the community, briefing sessions will be
meld with the Chronicle and we will offer to be a willing participant in the periodic newsletter
prepared for the Suburban News by the Town Manager. R. Sanstad took this action, to be
assisted by R. D'Antona.
Several members expressed their concern regarding any potential location for the new Birch
meadow portable classrooms. In the event that we are successful in obtaining project approval
by Town Meeting, we did not want to be faced with the costly item of moving newly installed
portables to make way for any permanent construction. This would not only be fiscally
irresponsible, but would also be evidence of lack of coordination and planning. R. Sanstad took
the action to get a professional opinion from our architect. Input will also be requested from the
DPW to ensure no impact on them.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM>
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