HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-03-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes March 17, 1986 continued
School C_ommittse: New Elemsntar~School
The Board discussed~-~'ether~o-o sup~he School Committee's town meeting articles for a
new elementary school. Several members questioned population statistics as a Justification
for a new school, while the Bob Mascola, Chairman of the School Committee reported that
another reason for a new school was to offer the same educational opportunities and services
throughout the system by improving library and music facilities. Discussion took place on
the projected cost to operate this facility, with Mr.Mascola estimating it to be in the
neighborhood of $450 - $650,000; design and construction estimated at $6 million, with reim-
bursement at 70% on the cherry sheet over 20 years. Chairman Salisbury added that his position
would be to support the library, as one of the capital expenditures this year, as he felt it
was more pressing. Ken Crouch questioned staffing of the new school, with Mr. Mascola re
that only a principal, asst. principal, 3 custodian& and perhaps one teacher would be added
during the first year of operation. Selectman Smith suggested putting an addition on the
Atkinson School, and grouping the 8th grade with the High School, and the 5th grade with the
Middle School; to which the School Committee reported that this concept would Not be a
good configuration. Mr. Mascola further reported that they looked at population statistics
in grades K-5 at 3-5-7 year intervals. Chairman Salisbury suggested that a School Building
Committee be formed, as in the past, and added that it is premature to bring it to Town Mtg.
this year. Selectman Bahrawy commented that the issue was not one of basing the need on
population statistics, but basic need. Upon a motion by Graham, seconded by Crouch, it was
voted f~-I (Bahrawy opposed) that the Selectmen take the position, at the present time, to
not support the request for a new elementary school, and to make their position known at town
meeting. GRaham added that he would monitor the numbers, and if they indicate a change, he
would look at the situation again. '
The Board voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss town counsel's quarterly
litigation report, and a union grievance.
Catherine J. Hicks, Secretary ********************************~zZ~,/,~/~___~_%.~ Clerk
March 24, 1986
The Board held their regular meeting on this date with all members present: Chairman Charles
A. Salisbury, John W. Graham, Christine M. Smith, Kenneth C. Crouch, Ramsay A. Bahrawy; Exec.
Secretary, Keith A. Bergman. The warrant was approved as submitted. The minutes of March 17
were approved with correction; minutes of March 4th tabled for further correction.
The Board met in executive session at 7 p.m. to discuss strategy with respect to pending
litigation involving the Conservation Commission.
Library Trustees' Proposal for Library Expansion
The Board held discussion with members of the Baord of Trustees of Stevens Memorial Library
concerning the proposed expansion, at an estimated cost of $1.9 million for design and con-
struction and $40-$50,000 for annual operating cos'ts. The Trustees reported on three possible
funding sources to defray the net cost to the Town: federal LSCA Title II, Stevens Foundation,
and state grant monies. Russ Reeve, Exec. Director of the library, reported that this is the
last year for LSCA grants, and that it looks good that the Town could be reimbursed at up to
75% of the project cost through the state program proposed by Senator Bulgar. He added that
these fumds could be available on July 1, if they are placed in the fiscal 87 state budget.
Upon a motion by Crouch, seconded by Smith, it was voted unanimously to support the library's
endeavors for expansion and refer the decisian on the maximum level of the town's share to be
establsished by the Advisory Board.
Appointments.to 01d Center Historic District Study Committe~
The Board unanimously appointed the following individua~ to the above-named committee:
Eugene Avrett, DAvid Minicucci, Martha Larson, Mary Pat Mendonca. The Board voted 4-1 (Crouch
opposed) to appoint Samuel Phillips Thomas to the Committee.
Reopen, Close, and Post 1986 Annual Town Meetin8 Warrant
The Board heard the reqeusts of the School Committee, Michael Smolak, Elizabeth Pendak, Martin
Grasso, and Town Treasurer to reopen the warrant for the purposes of inserting and/or with-
drawing certain articles. Upon a motion by Graham, seconded by Smith, it was voted 4-1 (Crouch
opposed) to reopen the warrant. Upon a motion by Graham, seconded by Smith, it was voted unan-
imously to amend article #6, to. include Authorization for the TWeasurbr toienTer into banking
s~rvioes; motion by Bah.rawy:,~seconded by.S~lth ~to.-inhlude ~endak article (discontinuance of
pubIic way),'hnd'Smolak article (zoning bylaw amendment). Upon a motion by Smith, seeoneded by
Graham, voted 4-1 (Crouch opposed) to withdraw article #53 (school committee-town farm property
for elementary school) and replace it with state forest property. Upon a motion by Bahrawy,
seconded by Smith, motion defeated to withdraw Bahrawy article for property address change.
Upon a mot/on by Bahrawy, seconded by Smith, motion defeated 3-2 (Graham, Crouch, Salisbury
opposed) to permit withdrawal of article by N.A. Realty Trust for zoning change. Motion by
Smith, seconeded by Graham, unanimously to close the 1986 ATM warrant, and post.
Also discussed was a proposal to change the location of annual town meeting to the High School
gymnasium. Mark DiSalvo, member of the School Committee, stated that the acoustics are very
desirable, but that comfortable seating could be a problem. Robert Masoola, Chairman, added
that the gym has a seating capacity of 1600 with chairs placed on the floor. Upon a motion by
Smith, seconded by Crouch, voted unanimously to leave the location at the Middle School