HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-23 ad Hoc Arts Center Task Force MinutesM=7 I i1T(::~ NQTES
Town of Reading Arts Center Task Force
Date: March 23, 1994 page 1 of 3
Place: Reading Municipal Light Department Conference Room
Present: Marc Guyott
Bill Crowley
Richard Radville
Carol Grimm
Bill Hughes
Bruce MacDonald
Len Rucker
Jim Blomley
Peter Hechenbleikner
Leslie McGonagle
Task Force Member.
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
Task Force Member
RMLD
RMLD
Town Manager
Chamber of Commerce
1. REPORT OF LAST MEETING
Meeting notes for 3/16/94 meeting were accepted as
written, except item 4 which Marc Guyott noted should
read as follows:
Jonathan Edwards has spoken to the Executive Office of
Community Development (EOCD) who apparen'tl`y have monies
available in grant form for-the conducting of feasibility
and market studies for the development of community based
arts centers. Jonathan is following up on this. In
addition,. Marc Guyott has ordered literature from the
National Assembly of Arts Agencies which addressed
economic impact issues. This info should be available
for the next meeting.
2. PREP FOR TOWN MEETING
Bruce MacDonald had prepared a 6 page 'summary' of his
understanding of where the task farce stand son various
issues to date. Various comments were offered, generally
of a minor nature. Bruce will update these sheets for
further discussion.
Peter Hechenbleikner asked that the task force be
prepared to present a report of progress to the selectmen
on April S. Peter also indicated that the task force
should be ready for the first night of town meeting.
It was agreed that the next meeting will be spent
summarizing the work accomplished so far and
agreeing/voting on what will be said to the selectmen.
MEETING NOTES
Town of Reading Arts Center Task Force
Date: March 23, 1994 page 2 of 3
3. INVITED GUESTS
Bruce welcomed Len Rucker and Peter Hechenbleikner who
offered various comments:
PETER H.
* Peter said that he felt there was great merit in the
idea of having an arts center in the central business
district.
* Peter said that in his opinion, unless the task force
can make an case that any town investment will produce
a reasonable payback, that Town Meeting would never
approve it.
* Peter indicated (with Carol Grimm) that town counsel
has stated that (legally) should the town 'donate' the
25 Haven property to any group that the town would
have to pay the RMLD the appraised value of the
property.
* Peter indicated that since the task force should not
limit its search to town owned property, as a
financial commitment could be (hypothetically) the
town purchase of a private property for lease to the
Arts Group.
* Peter indicated that the Selectmen and Fincom are on
record that the value of the 'investment' of the 25
Haven property shall revert to the RMLD Board.
LEN RUCKER
* Len indicated that the RMLD Board is firm in their
position that any proceeds from the sale of the 25
Haven property shall revert to the RMLD.
* Len indicated that should Town Meeting take any action
on Article 16 other than approval, the RMLD would
delay the sale process until such approval is voted.
* Len stated that the carrying costs for the vacant 25
Haven property will be in the range of $55,000 per
year.
When Bruce MacDonald suggested Town Meeting could be
asked (pending a vote of the task force) to vote to
defer approval until Fall or next Spring Town Meeting,
Len stated that the RMLD would ask who would be
responsible for the carrying costs of the property?
Bruce suggested that a delay until fall would in
reality create carrying costs for 3 months. Len
Rucker agreed that a case could be made for that
amount of time.
* Len indicated that the RMLD intended to follow the
rules of the Uniform Procurement Act. This involves
very strict regulations regarding bidding situations.
* Len indicated that the RMLD Citizen Advisory Board has
taken a similar position that the ratepayers should be
.compensated for their investment in the property over
its life.
MEETING NOTES
Town of Reading Arts Center Task Force
Date: March 23, 1994 page 3 of 3
Len indicated that should any legal action be taken
over the sale of the property, that in his opinion,
the DPU would not consider any community issues in a
decision, rather a decision would be based solely on
the rights of the ratepayers.
4. HISTORICAL INFO
Bruce MacDonald delivered a copy of the April 1990 Town
Meeting warrant article which addressed the vote to
authorize the RMLD to acquire the Ash Street property and
approve the bonding of the same.
Jim Blomley distributed copies of transparencies
presented at the same town meeting which were used as
part of the presentation prior to the vote.
5. OTHER PROPERTIES
Discussion had taken place concerning the Town's
commitment to study the condition of the Police station.
Peter H. indicated that this should not be construed to
imply that the Police might move to another location,
rather it was his opinion that the study will focus on
needed renovations at the existing station.
6. ECONOMIC IMPACT
Marc Guyott had received info from the National Assembly
of Arts Agencies which addresses economic impact issues.
Peter H. took the package, will ask his assistant to mail
copies to all members so it can be digested prior to the
next meeting.
7. NEXT MEETING
Will be 3/30, 7:30 PM in the Town Hall employee lounge.
notes prepared by RR
distribution:
all present
all task force members
Town Manager
J,