TOWN OF WATERTOWN Office of the Town Manager Administration Building 149 Main Street ‘Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6465 Fax: 617-972-6404 ‘wwwaatertown-ma gov Michael J. Driscoll townmgr@watertown-ma.gov ‘Town Manager To: Honorable Town Council From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager Date: January 26, 2010 RE: Request for Confirmation — Appointments to the Former Branch Libraries Reuse Advisory Committee As a follow up to the Honorable Town Council’s action regarding the former branch libraries at the November 24, 2009 Town Council Meeting (see attached minutes), the attached Press Release was issued seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on a Former Branch Libraries Reuse Advisory Committee, am transmitting herewith a request for appointments to the Former Branch Libraries Reuse Advisory Committee, which requires Council confirmation. t intments will be as follow Rena Baskin 15 Franklin Street Neal Corbett 111 Chureh Street Emmett Finocche 14 Gilbert Street Maria Papadopoulos 780 Belmont Street Joseph Previtera 119 Spruce Street, Apt. 1 Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. ce: Steven Magoon, Director of Community Development & Planning John E, Flynn, Town Clerk8. November 24, 2009 Town Council Meeting Minutes UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PRIOR MEETINGS: ) Discussion and action on disposition of former branch libraries. Attorney Reich provided 2 brief primer on disposition of town property. He reviewed Chapter 30B, Section 16 of the procurement act, which dictates how a town can dispose of town ‘owned property valued over $25,000. Mr. Reich provided a thumb nail sketch of the RFP process which includes publication in a local paper of general circulation along with notice in the Central Register. Unlike an acquisition, the town cannot simply sell the property without going through this process, he indicated. ‘Councilor Sideris reviewed procedures which were followed in the lease of the Brigham House, formerly the East Junior. He suggested a Reuse Committee to study the branch libraries which would consist of the District A and C councilors who would co- chair the committee along with five other members appointed by the Manager. ‘The Manager also noted the RFP process used for Mitchell Properties, formerly the Coolidge School. Councilor Devaney suggested that the Council vote tonight whether we lease or sell. She indicated that she would never vote to sell the properties, Councilor Devaney requested that the Couneil President insure that her following statement be placed in the minutes as follows: Councilor Devaney stated the manner in which the branch libraries were closed without notice and without a plan was unconscionable. She stated that at the last council meeting Council President Younger, Councilor Kounelis and she voted against going into executive session that was requested by the Manager regarding branch libraries. There was discussion that it should be in Public. She stated that during executive session, She asked to be recorded in the executive minutes stating that everything discussed in executive session could have been discussed in open session- that itis a violation of open meeting law. She further stated the discussion did not fit the open meeting law criteria to mect in executive session. She farther noted that after discussion in executive session, Couneilors decided to bring this to the next council meeting, She said the Town Manager wanting to know what to do with a letter from St James’ pastor offering to buy the East library, was no criteria for executive session, She further noted this pastor’s interest has been public with letters from 2006, She noted that in executive session the attorney explained 30 B procurement procedures, public information, also discussion included; should we lease ot sell. She further said what was discussed at this council meeting was discussed in executive session, Councilor Devaney moved to lease the east branch library. The Chair seconded the motion for discussion purposes.November 24, 2009 Town Council Mee’ ing Minutes Councilor Lawn noted the prior sentiment to keep the buildings and keep them as community buildings, however, noting the current economic down tum. Councilor Lawn inguited of Attorney Reich if the town can put out a sale and lease RFP simultaneously. Attorney Reich stated that there is nothing in the law that would preclude that, noting that you must have separate advertisements. He indicated however, that generally you make the decision to sell or lease ahead of time. ‘The Chair indicated that he is opposed to that idea, Councilor Lawn indicated that he is in favor of selling the east branch library in order to fix up the north branch library to be used as a community building. Councilor Corbett concurred with Councilor Sideris in establishing a building committee, ‘The Chair indicated that we should use the Planning staff. Councilor Corbett continued by stating that management should be a part of that analysis; but we have not analyzed town usage as of yet. ‘The Manager indicated that the Planning Department would not be part of the policy decision. The Manager also cleared up the misinformation and noted that there is ho restriction on the deed regarding any sale or lease of the North Branch library as was previously indicated to the contrary in the local press. Councilor Kounelis concurred with Councilor Sideris on the stated mechanism. She noted her support to continue with members formerly serving with the Community Foundation committee which initially studied the matter. She supported forming an active working committee. Councilor Piccirlli stated that his concer is that the buildings have sat vacant for years and he would like to see them returned to use. He noted that he would hate to sell town property and it would be beneficial to find a lease agreement with someone else renovating the properties, He stated, however, that that may not be possible. He spoke in support of a committee to study the matter and indicated that the Council will not decide this issue tonight. Councilor Piccirilli moved to form a Branch Library reuse committee as suggested by Councilor Sideris to establish an RFP; the committee will begin after the new council is seated, seconded by Councilor Kounelis. Councilor Hecht suggested setting the date for the committee to report back to the Council.November 24, 2009 Town Council Meeting Minutes Councilor Devaney stated that the Council violated the Open Meeting law when it voted to go into executive session last meeting to discuss this issue. Attomey Reich indicated that no violation occurred and that according the Mass General Law the Council can go into executive session in order to discuss the value, lease or purchase of real property if such discussion would have a detrimental effect on the governmental body. A proper decision was made under the Open Meeting law, he stated, The Chair took up the first motion made by Councilor Devaney to lease the two branches. Councilor Falkoff offered a friendly amendment that leasing the buildings be a hon binding “preference” of the Council. ‘The amendment was accepted by Councilor Devaney. Upon a roll call vote the motion was adopted by a vote of 6 in favor and 3 against with Councilors Hecht, Sideris and Lawn voting no. ‘The Chair took up the second motion to set up a committee after January 1, 2010 with a deadline to report back to the council by April 30" the committee consisting of the ‘two district councilors as co-chair, with the Planning Director as a non voting member, and 5 other members appointed by the Manager and confirmed by the Council; to generate a REP. Councilor Hecht stated for the record that his preference is to see the buildings leased rather than sold. Upon a roll call vote, the motion was adopted unanimously.TOWN OF ‘WATERTOWN Office of the Town Manager Administration Building 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-972-6465 Fare 617-972-6404 wow. natertownema.gov townmgr@vatertown-magov Michael. Driscoll, Town Manager PRESS RELEASE FORMER BRANCH LIBRARIES REUSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DECEMBER 4, 2009 ‘Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on a Former Branch Libraries Reuse Advisory Committee. The Watertown Board of Library Trustees has determined that the East Branch Library and North Branch Library are no longer needed for Library Purposes. The Committee is being formed to evaluate and recommend reuse alternatives for the former East Branch Library located on Mount Auburn Street and the former North Branch Library located on Orchard Street, and to develop Request for Proposals for disposition of property in accordance.with G.L.c. 30B, § 16. Residents should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience to: Office of the Town Manager, 149 Main Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 or by email to townmar@watertown-ma.dov.Hand, JoAnna —— From: Rena Baskin {rena@renabaskin.com] Sen Monday, January 04, 2010 11:00 AM To: Townmgr Subject: Branch Library reuse committee Dear Mr. Driscoll, | am very interested in serving on the Branch Library Reuse Committee. !have a child in the school system here, and our family will be living here for many years to come. For this reason | have a serious interest in the reuse of the branch libraries, and in all things related to the town. | served on the Watertown Cultural Council for 3 consecutive terms, and I'm a member of the Hosmer PTO, where I introduced and am spearheading a new community fundraising campaign there for 2010. | have many Ideas for saving and raising funds for the town, and hope to contribute to making Watertown a destination for Our own residents and residents of surrounding communities. | believe we can attract businesses that will enhance our image and bring revenue to our town. | have always been a lover of libraries, and, although | hated to see these branches close, understand that they were in bad repair and that, with our beautiful, newly renovated main library, were no longer needed. | feel we can find good use for these buildings at little or no cost to the town. |1am an enthusiastic worker for causes in which I believe, and Watertown is high on my list. | hope you will take into account my sincere interest and willingness to contribute my time, energy, and ideas to the cause of the Branch Library Reuse. ook forward to meeting with you tomorrow evening at 6:30. Sincerely, Rena Baskin 15 Franklin Street 617-393-1720CN TRSon aR nD January 21, 2010 Michael J. Driscoll Office of the Town Manager Town of Watertown 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 Re: Former Branch Libraties Reuse Advisory Committee Dear Mr. Driscol: ti eters to express my interest in serving on the Branch Libraries Reuse Advisory Committee for the Town of Watertown. 1 believe that my personal and professionel experience can be valuable in this opportunity to be of service for the Town. As a recent trensplant to the area by way of Texas, | have come to quickly appreciate the tremendous anse of community and passion for being actve.and trying to make a difference. Even though | have only been in the area for a lite over a year, | feel thal our decision to live in Watertown ever other nearby cities was by far the right choice. 1 also strongly believe in giving back to your Community, trying to improve our quality of life, and strengthening what we leave behind for our children, ‘MMached you will find my professional resume, slighty altered, that wo use on specific job folettations. it will hopefully demonstrate my experiance across a wide range of planning and bulging projects that have exposed me to a variety of levels of concerns, chellenges, and ulimately Solutions that have been formulated on a consensus basis. {ook forward to this opportunity to share @ fresh perspective on our Town's issues, and answering ‘any questions you may have, Respectfully Submitted, linkior— Neal Corbett, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP. Managing Principal HOR Architecture, Boston, Ma. 695 Al Are Prone 387.700 Fee? Fact 97.798 Rosin, i ari. 226 orwbaneconNeal Corbett, AIA, ACHA, LEED-AP "anasing rnc 111 Church St; Watertown Ma, 62472 CURRICULUM VITAE,» Educato Bachelor of Architecture, Univeriyof Texas at fustin 986 ~ Ucenses/ Certifications / Meinbershipi Registered Architect ~ Massachusetts, Texas ‘American Coitege of Healthcare Architects Nelional Council of Architectural. Registration Boards ANIA Academy of Architecture fof Health, Committee Member Contig Ector ‘Tors Society of Architects Boston Secety of Archives Private Pilot's License General Architecture Healthéare Experience: 2ayears HOR tenure: 5 years Past Employment: Mertiman Associates Architects, Dallas 1 2000-2004 IML Asso’, Bots, 1992-2609 esitne Dols Te 5986:1992 fothman+ Rothman Boston, Ma, 1985 ‘Mr. Corbett, Managirig Principal of the Boston office of HDR Architecture, a global design arid {ull service consisting firm specializing in Healthcare and Science and Technology, is responsible for dally pfoject and client coordination throughout the duration of engagement. ‘Mr. Corbett has successfully produced, coordinated, and maftaged numerous complex projects ‘across a broad range’ of departmental typologies, iichiding facilities focused in Healthcare, ‘Multi-Family, High Techriotogy, Civie, and Recreational / Sports functions. He has experience i ‘every aspect of project development, from Concept and Regional Master Panning, design inception and maintenance, Construction Document production, through Construction ‘Contract Administration. Neal initiates. consistent, qualitative, proactive directives and relies on - bis experience with a wide variety of project deliyery models to ensure lent satisfaction. Hs ‘specialization in healthcare architecture, board-certified by the American College of Healthcare: Architects includes initiatives in eviderice-based design concépts, healing environments and future delivery trends. [RELEVANT EXPERIENCE. ‘Mats Eye and Ear Infirmary Master Plan Boston: Massachusetts North Shore Medical Center Bed Expansion ‘Salem, Massachusetts ED/Inpatient Christus Spohn - South Campus ED “Expaniion and Master Plan Corpus Chast, Texas University Medical Center at Brackenridge "Master Plan and ED Expansion study ‘Austin Texas EDS Corporate Headquarters Plano, Texas ‘Beth israel Hospital, MAl Expansion Boston, Massachusetts Kootenai Medical Center ~ ED and ‘Outpatient Entry renovation and ‘expansion Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Florida Hospital Waterman Replacement Hospital «Tavares, Florida Cancer lnsitute of Dallas | Dunéahvite; Texas Rangers Ballparkin Arlington Adlington, Texas ‘The Summit at Flatirons, Multi-Fami ‘Apartments Broome, Colorado Solana Corporate Office/Multi- Use Westake, Texas ‘Greyhound Realty Corporation Headquarters Building Phoenie Arizona interurban Building, Multi-Family Historical Renovation Dallas, Texas Northside Cherokee Master Plan Replacement Campus Canton, Georgia Tandy (Radio Shack) Corporation Fort Worth Texas ‘Trarimell Crow Healthcare Services, Baylor Diagnostic imaging Center ‘Keller, Texas Kaiser Permanente Medical Office Building Cuter City California - Portneuf Medical Center Expansion Pocateto, eho Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County ‘Sheridan, Wyoming ARHand, JoAnna Driscoll, Michael Friday, January 22, 2010 10:38 AM Hand, JoAnna Subject: FW: Branch Library Reuse Committee Attachments: EFF profile. doc From: Emmett F. Finocche [mailtozemmettfinocche@flessasfinocchelaw.com) Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 8:13 AM To: Driscoll, Michael ‘Subject: Branch Library Reuse Committee Good Morning Mr. Driscoll, Lam writing to you to express interest in being appointed to the Branch Library Reuse Committee. I am not sure how formal a process you employ for such appointments, so please excuse me if 1 am too informal. I have lived in Watertown continuously for about the last 10 years. [ have two children who attend the public schools here and I have very much enjoyed living here. I am an attorney with extensive experience in evaluating and drafting contracts concerning business transactions and long term business relationships, such as commercial reai estate leases, which 1 hope would be useful to the committee, Ihave attached a copy of a brief professional profile for your information. I have been interested in getting more involved in the community and when I became aware of this opportunity I decided to pursue it. Hopefully my experience as an attorney and my commitment to the community would be useful to the committee. Thank you for your consideration. Best Regards, Emmett Emmett F. Finocche Flessas & Finocche, LLP P.O. Box 504 Watertown, MA 02471-0504 Tel. 617-440-7660 Fax. 617-208-2971 Applicable U.S, Treasury Regulations require that we inform you that any Federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or Gi) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. This is @ private message. If it is not intended for you, please do not read, copy, or use it and do not disclose it to others. Please notify us of the delivery error by replying to this message and then delete it from your system. Thank you.Emmett Finocche concentrates his practice in the area of real estate law, business law and estate planning, his specialty is representing small to medium scale developers in all phases of both redevelopment projects as well as the development of vacant land. He also has extensive experience with commercial leasing and has represented some of the larger commercial property investment and property management companies in Massachusetts He graduated from Bennington College with a degree in Political Science in 1995, and in addition, studied architecture in depth within the school’s architecture program. From there he went on to graduate from Temple University School of Law in 2000. He was an associate with a small Boston firm during his first few years of practice, after which he maintained a solo practice concentrating on real estate transactions for two years prior to Joining Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP where he remained for three years before becoming a partner in the firm Flessas & Finocche, LLP.Hand, JoAnna mariapap@comcast.net Friday, January 15, 2010 11:37 AM Townmgr Library Reuse Committee My name is Maria Papadopoulos and | am interested in joining this committee. | am a Watertown resident at 780 Belmont St. and currently manage a real estate office in cushing square in Belmont. | have 3 children all have gone through the Lowell School. The ages are 8,12 &14. Sincerely, Maria Papadopoulos 817.571.8883Century 21 Adams Arlington Division 75 Park Avenue Arlington, MA 02476 (781) 648-6900 Belmont Division 486 Common St. Belmont, MA 02478 (617) 489-6900 ———=— 10999900 —$—$_—_ Corporate Objectives: Service Area: Present Staff: Services Provided: To render the highest level of quality service to all clients in the comprehensive marketing, sales and management of real estate. Century 21 Adams strictly adheres to all State & Federal Fair Housing Laws. Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Lexington, Cambridge, Medford, Newton, Woburn, Burlington, Waltham, Winchester. 34 full-time Sales Associates 4 part-time Sales Associates 6 Rental Agents 7 Support Staff Residential Sales ~ Commercial Sales Rentals Property ManagementHand, JoAnna : Joe previtera (joseph. previtera@gmail.com) Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:58 PM Townmar Library Reuse Committee December 2, 2009 Michael J. Driscoll Town Manager's Office 149 Main Street Watertown, MA, 02472 ‘Dear Mr. Driscoll: I write to humbly request your appointment to the library reuse committee. I believe that I would be an excellent candidate, because I have both experience and perspective that could be utilized by the committee. With a three year-old daughter, I am very invested in seeing the libraries used in a fashion that is in the best interests, in the long-term, of the entire community. 1 currently sit on the parent advisory board for the Watertown Family Network and am a member of the ‘Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety. Being a member of both of these groups allows me to hear from and interact with a unique and varied cross-section of Watertown and informs my knowledge and sensibilities as a resident. Among other qualifications, when I lived in the town of Westwood, I participated in the town hall meeting where the community voted to purchase a church to convert into a community center, so Thave directly seen the advantages of'a community center. I graduated magna cum laude from Boston College and have experience with government as an elected delegate to the state Democratic convention from the town of Westwood, as a former inter for Senator John Kerry. 1 thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, joe previteraJoseph E. Previtera, Jr. 119 Spruce St., Apt. 1 Watertown, MA 02472 (617) 953-2299 EXPERIENCE Order Taker/Server, Taj Boston Jan 2007-present ‘+ Manage guest request process ftom initiation of order through execution in a high- paced, demanding environment * Officially represent members of the hotel union as an elected liaison (“shop steward”) * Train new employees on departmental policies and procedures Guest Services Agent/Night Auditor, Ritz Carlton Boston Feb 2006- Jan 2007 ‘+ Formed relationships with guests in order to fulfil and anticipate their needs Resolved guest concerns by problem solving and multi-tasking Collaborated with other departments to create an intimate environment for the guest, ‘Completed all daily, weekly, and financial reports during the overnight audit ‘Cross-trained in the telecommunications department Front Desk Agent, Embassy Suites Chicago Lakefront Jul 2005- Dec 2005 * Facilitated guest reception and coordinated check-in and check-out procedures * Managed, balanced, and filed daily financial transactions + Ensured the success of the Hilton Honors, frequent guest, program + Cross-trained in room service cashier and bellman positions ‘Summer Intern, Alternatives for Community and Environment Jun 2004- Aug 2004 * Assisted the T Riders Union in coordinating community meetings to increase member participation and to establish future campaigns, and by participating in field surveys of ‘transit riders Identified ways to organize and plan community meetings, develop a strategy, build and work within coalitions, and recruit and initiate citizen involvement in a campaign ‘Medical Equipment Technician, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 2004 * Worked with multiple teams in order to fulfill inventory requests + Liaised between different departments to guarantee seamless operations EDUCATION Boston College, College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor of Arts in Theology, magna cum laude, May 2005 * Minor in Philosophy GPA: 3.81/4.00 Member of the Order of the Cross and the Crown, the oldest honor society at Boston College COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT * Serve on the Parent Advisory Board for the Watertown Family Network + Member of the Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety INTERESTS Traveling, Bicycling, Reading, Meditation SKILLS —_Proficient Spanish; Elementary Arabic