HomeMy Public PortalAbout20130315 - Elementary School Building Committee - Meeting Minutes
03/15/13 Approved - Page 1 of 3
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
Thursday, March 15, 2013
7:00 AM
Administrative Conference Room
MINUTES
Dr. Hiersche opened the Elementary School Building Committee meeting at 7:00 AM with the following
present:
Voting Members:
Mr. Rob Nickerson
Mr. Jonathan Graziano
Mr. John Weaver
Ms. Pam Waxlax
Mr. Joe Markey
Mr. Mike Shepard
Mr. John Mosher
Members:
Dr. Steven Hiersche, Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Ralph Dumas, Director of Finance
Mr. David Daltorio, Town Engineer
Mr. Greg Martineau, Principal Hopkins Elementary School
Mr. Norman Khumalo, Town Manager
Mr. Scott Aghababian, School Committee
I New Business
A Organization
Dr. Hiersche welcomed everyone and proceeded by having committee members introduce
themselves with a brief synopsis of their background. Dr. Hiersche followed by reviewing
the items on the agenda as well as the meeting packet which included the charge and make
up of the Committee, the Recommendation to the BOS of the appointments to the
committee, a draft timeline, and draft Statement of Interest (SOI) for Center School as well
as a draft SOI for Elmwood.
Dr. Hiersche explained that a decision was made to draft an SOI for each school so that all
possible solutions could be explored, although the Center SOI would be considered the
primary. A submittal date for the SOIs is set for April 10, 2013 before which a joint meeting
of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee must be held to review and approve of
the submissions. Approved meeting minutes from both committees must be included as a
part of the submission by the April 10, 2013 deadline.
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The committee discussed the importance of community participation in the process as well
as the measure of the MSBA force in driving the process. Of particular importance, it was
stressed that the ESBC communicate with the community on the progress and process.
Next, Dr. Hiersche directed the committee to begin the formation of its infrastructure.
● John Mosher nominated Joe Markey for Chair, seconded by Rob Nickerson. The
committee voted in favor of the nomination.
● Mike Shepard nominated John Mosher for Vice Chair. John Mosher in turn
nominated Mike Shepard for Vice Chair. The latter was seconded by several
committee members and was voted favorably by the committee.
Discussion then moved to the Secretary /Clerk for the committee. A definition of the role
and responsibilities of the position was provided by Mr. Khumalo. Dr. Hiersche clarified that
a school staff member would assist with minutes and other mechanics of this role. The
ability to manage communication of information with the public and press was a key asset
for the individual who took on this role.
● John Weaver nominated Rob Nickerson for the role of Clerk/Secretary. Mr.
Nickerson expressed some hesitation due to unfamiliarity with taking minutes.
● Ralph Dumas nominated Greg Martineau for the Secretary / Clerk. Mr. Martineau
gratefully declined citing a very the heavy time demand of his role as Hopkins
Elementary Principal.
It was reiterated that school support staff member would be of assistance with the
mechanics of Secretary /Clerk role.
● Mike Shepard, amongst others, seconded the motion for Mr. Nickerson for Clerk/
Secretary to the committee. The Committee voted in favor of the nomination.
B Orientation
Mr. Markey and Mr. Khumalo provided an overview of Public Meeting Laws and guidelines
for the committee. Mr. Khumalo added that no project items should be discussed amongst
committee members via e-mail. All postings of meetings inclusive of an agenda must be
completed a minimum of 48 business hours in advance of the meeting. Remote
participation of meetings was also reviewed.
C Next Steps
Conversation moved to the venue and frequency of ESBC meetings. Morning versus evening
meeting time was contemplated to balance committee members’ schedules and the
availability for public attendance. Given the rapidly approaching April 10, 2013 submission
deadline and subsequent Town Meeting, it was decided that weekly meetings were
necessary. It was noted that ESBC members also serve on Appropriation Committee (which
is meeting both Mondays and Wednesday evenings between now and Town Meeting),
Board of Selectmen (which meets on Tuesdays), and School Committee (which meets on
alternate Thursdays). Friday and weekend meetings posed challenges for members. A
schedule was agreed for Thursday evenings when there is no conflict with scheduled School
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Committee meeting, and Thursday mornings when School Committee is already scheduled
for the evening. The committee further agreed that the location most available and
conducive to public attendance would be the training room at the Hopkinton Fire
Department.
Moving forward the committee will review the draft SOIs carefully and provide feedback to
Dr. Hiersche for the next scheduled meeting. Joint meetings of the Board of Selectmen and
the School Committee will be established to complete requirements for the timely
submission of the SOIS. The subsequent vote for a capped $600,000 for a Feasibility Study
at the upcoming Town Meeting was also discussed. A web presence for the committee to
facilitate communication with the public will be established.
II OLD BUSINESS
None
III NEXT MEETINGS
Thursday, March 21, 2013 – 7:00 AM Hopkinton Fire Department, Training Room
Thursday, March 28, 2013 – 7:00 PM Hopkinton Fire Department, Training Room
Thursday, April 4, 2013 – 7:00 AM Hopkinton Fire Department, Training Room Thursday, April 11, 2013 – 7:00 PM Hopkinton Fire Department, Training Room Thursday, April 25, 2013 – 7:00 AM Hopkinton Fire Department, Training Room
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and, seconded. The motion passed and the meeting
adjourned at 8:15 AM.