🏗️ Capital Projects Public Forum (Killam & ReCal) 4-2-25 AI Recap

Below is a summarized version of the Capital Projects Public Forum (Killam & ReCal), organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.

Introduction and Overview

• 17:49 – Matt Kraunelis (Town Manager)
  • Welcomes attendees to the forum discussing two key projects: the Killam School and the ReCAL (Senior Center).
  • Notes a QR code for handouts and emphasizes the projects’ long history and priority status.
  • Announces a special town meeting on May 1, 2025, to prepare for decisions.
• Key Outcome: Sets the stage for detailed presentations on both projects, highlighting their significance and the upcoming May 13, 2025, debt exclusion vote.

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Permanent Building Committee

Overview

• 20:22 – Pat Tompkins (Chair, Permanent Building Committee)
  • Introduces the committee, formed in 2015 to oversee large-scale construction projects.
  • Highlights the committee’s diverse expertise (engineers, architects, builders) and their assessment of town buildings, noting aging infrastructure (average age: 29 years for schools, 35 for municipal buildings).
  • Supports both projects, citing the need to reinvest now to avoid stacking future costs, with a commitment to deliver high-quality, sustainable buildings under budget.
• Key Outcome: Establishes the committee’s endorsement of both projects and their strategic timing, given expiring debt and aging facilities.

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Killam School Project

Presentation

• 27:31 – Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent)
  • Outlines the need for a new Killam School due to physical plant deficiencies (built 1969, no major renovations) and programmatic limitations.
  • Mentions the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) process, with a $44 million reimbursement expected if approved on April 30, 2025.
• 29:26 – Joe Huggins (Director of Facilities)
  • Details physical issues: lead in water, ADA non-compliance, maxed-out electrical systems, water infiltration, and safety concerns (e.g., poor sightlines).
• 30:58 – Unnamed Speaker (continues)
  • Discusses programmatic challenges: lack of small-group instruction spaces, classroom access issues, and limited tech connectivity.
  • Highlights benefits for Killam, RISE preschool, high school, and district-wide enrollment growth.
• 38:21 – Carla Nazzaro (Chair, Killam School Building Committee)
  • Presents the proposed three-story design, featuring classroom neighborhoods, a cafeteria/auditorium, and outdoor spaces.
  • Explains the MSBA process: currently in Module 5 (schematic design), with a total cost of $130+ million, town share $85 million, vote on May 13, 2025.
• 48:33 – Shawn Brandt (School Committee Member)
  • Describes community engagement (visioning sessions, site visits) shaping the design, emphasizing preserving Killam’s “terrific values.”
• 52:02 – Sharon Angstrom (Town Accountant/CFO)
  • Breaks down costs: $130.1 million total, MSBA $44.1 million, town $85.5 million over 20 years, equating to $80.50/$100,000 assessed value ($716.45/year for an $890,000 home).
  • Notes offset from retiring debt ($386.80 reduction), netting $329.65/year increase.
• 56:13 – Carla Nazzaro
  • Outlines failure scenario: a renovation costs $61 million (town-funded), with no MSBA aid, requiring temporary student relocation.
• Key Outcome: The Killam project addresses critical needs, offers district-wide benefits, and relies on MSBA funding, with a clear financial plan and contingency for vote failure.

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Reading Center for Active Living

(ReCAL) Presentation

• 58:41 – Mark Dockser (Select Board Member, Permanent Building Committee)
  • Introduces ReCAL to replace the Pleasant Street Center, serving the 60+ community (29% of Reading, projected 30% by 2030).
  • Notes a decade-long need assessment and site selection at Symonds Way.
• 1:02:59 – Joe Huggins
  • Lists facility issues: aging HVAC, water infiltration, poor ADA access, no first-floor bathrooms, last renovated in 1993.
• 1:04:12 – Mark Dockser
  • Explains the need (space inadequacy, waitlists) and benefits (health, wellness, community engagement for all ages), housing Elder/Human Services, Veterans Services, and Recreation.
• 1:20:25 – Jenna Wood (Recreation Department)
  • Details design: social spaces (lounge, coffee bar), a multi-purpose room for 120, programming rooms (game, fitness, arts), a gym, and outdoor features (walking trail, pickleball courts).
• 1:27:26 – Sharon Angstrom
  • Costs $27.9 million over 15 years, $29.78/$100,000 assessed value ($265.04/year for $890,000 home), netting a $121.76 decrease with retiring debt.
• 1:30:57 – Matt Kraunelis
  • Discusses Pleasant Street Center’s future: appraised value $886,900 (new appraisal pending), options include town use, lease ($85,000-$100,000/year), sale, or gifting to Housing Authority.
• Key Outcome: ReCAL addresses a growing senior population’s needs with a modern facility, funded solely by the town, with plans to maximize revenue from the old center.

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Q&A Session

• 1:35:02 – Speaker from Precinct 7
  • Asks about modular classroom relocation. Joe Huggins and another speaker explain moving them to Reading Memorial High School by June 2025, for short- and long-term use (e.g., Innovation Pathways).
• 1:42:28 – Unnamed Speaker
  • Questions renovation costs ($61 million) and student relocation. Carla Nazzaro and Jenny (Architect) confirm modular costs are included.
• 1:45:13 – Marianne Downing (Precinct 4, Finance Committee)
  • Raises concerns about future overrides (e.g., $500-$600/home) alongside these projects, citing budget deficits by 2028.
• 1:48:38 – Margot Denoi (Precinct 1)
  • Asks about tariff impacts and ReCAL site choice. Pat Tompkins and Mark Dockser assure contingencies cover costs; Symonds Way chosen over central sites like Eastern Gateway.
• 1:57:57 – Karen Herrick (Select Board Vice Chair)
  • Reassures no operational override is planned, citing state funding (e.g., $1.6 billion from millionaire surtax).
• 2:00:16 – Ed Ross (Precinct 5)
  • Seeks clarity on Pleasant Street decisions (Select Board and town meeting) and supports transparency on future fiscal challenges.
• 2:05:07 – Linda Snow Dockser (Precinct 1)
  • Clarifies vote intent and kindergarten placement (stays local), asks about unused debt. Sharon Angstrom confirms $800,000 could offset borrowing.
• 2:08:51 – Chris Haley (71 Tennyson Road)
  • Praises transparency, notes Sharon’s override warnings (possibly by 2028, $500-$600/home).
• 2:11:11 – Nancy Ziemlak (Council on Aging, Permanent Building Committee)
  • Stresses maintenance urgency for town buildings, prioritizing Killam and ReCAL.
• Key Outcome: Community concerns focus on costs, future overrides, and logistics, with officials emphasizing transparency, contingencies, and no immediate override plans.

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Conclusion

• 2:14:59 – Matt Kraunelis
  • Announces a Zoom forum on April 16, 2025, and thanks attendees, adjourning boards.
• Key Outcome: Forum concludes with strong support for both projects, a clear path to May 13, 2025, vote, and ongoing community engagement.

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Overall Key Outcomes

1. Killam School: $130.1 million project ($85.5 million town share), MSBA-backed, addresses urgent needs, benefits multiple school groups, vote critical to avoid costly renovation.
2. ReCAL: $27.9 million town-funded project, enhances senior services, leverages Symonds Way site, with revenue potential from Pleasant Street Center.
3. Financial Impact: Combined net tax increase of $66.80/$100,000 assessed value, mitigated by retiring debt, with gradual borrowing.
4. Community Input: Extensive engagement shapes designs, with transparency on costs and future fiscal pressures (potential override by 2028-2030).

The forum successfully informed residents, setting the stage for the May 1 town meeting and May 13 vote.