HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-09 Board of Assessors MinutesAPRIL 9, 2013
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rowH LOWELL STREET
READING
I0I3 MAT Is RAVING, MA 01867 -2693
MINUTES
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
TEL.: 781 - 942 -9027
FAX: 781 - 942 -9037
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
IN ATTENDANCE:
BOA PRESENT: FRED MCGRANE AND ROBERT J. QUINN, JR.
BOA ABSENT: NONE.
OTHERS PRESENT: VICTOR SANTANIELLO, BOB NORDSTRAND
AND ELLEN LAMARCHE.
1. APPOINTMENTS: -
NONE
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S):
The Board last met on March 12, 2013.
The Board elected to defer action on the December 19, 2012 draft minutes at
its previous meeting. A complete copy of same was circulated on March 13,
2013. No changes were proposed. A motion by Mr. McGrane seconded by
Mr. Quinn to approve the minutes as written was approved by a vote of
2 -0 -0.
3. TOWN APPRAISER'S REPORT:
Pat Sullivan is on vacation until next week.
As previously noted, a total of 46 Abatement Applications were received for
FY 2013. The total consists of 29 residential, 12 commercial and 5 personal
property applications. By comparison, a total of 76 Abatement Applications
were received for FY 2012.
The Board has previously acted on 34 Abatement Applications. There are 12
Abatement Applications still pending, coming into this meeting.
Mr. Santaniello said that he has not heard from any of the property owners
who have been impacted by the Board's previous abatement decisions.
Patriot Properties ( "Patriot ") is now collecting data in the last school district
(Wood End). Mr. Santaniello estimated that the data recollection effort is
about 70% to 75% complete and the related data entry is about 50%
complete. He plans to discuss the results of this project with Nate Cramer,
Reading's MADOR liaison.
Mr. Santaniello also plans to talk to RRC about a revaluation project. The
total cost will not exceed $12,500 and the necessary funds have already been
budgeted.
Mr. Quinn noted that he attended the first session of Course 101 on April Wh.
4. OTHER SIGNINGS:
The Board approved some routine Motor Vehicle Excise Tax abatements
totaling $11,582.99 (_ $8,527.85 + $3,055.14).
5. NEW BUSINESS:
118 Prospect Street:
A property owner with a pending Abatement Application came by without
an appointment. Mr. Santaniello explained that the usual procedure was to
try to resolve the matter with department staff first.
Mr. McGrane told her that the Board would listen to what she had to say.
However, the Board would discuss and vote on her Application in Executive
Session later in the evening. Mr. McGrane invited the Applicant to remain
for the balance of the open session.
The Applicant explained that she had recently purchased the subject
property and briefly outlined the key points contained in her Abatement
Application. She responded to some questions and then left the meeting.
Executive Session:
A motion by Mr. McGrane to go into executive session to discuss some of the
pending applications for tax abatement and/or exemption was seconded by
Mr. Quinn and approved on a roll call vote with both members voting in the
affirmative; the Chair having previously declared that the purpose of the
executive session was to comply with the confidentiality requirements of
MGL c. 59 Section 60.
While in Executive Session, the Board voted to grant partial Tax Abatements
totaling $1,006,300 to the owners of eight (8) parcels. The total tax impact of
these abatements was $15,034.12. The Board also voted to deny two (2) other
Abatement Applications and to grant a hardship exemption to another
applicant.
The Board did not reconvene in open session due to the late hour.
6. OTHER BUSINESS:
Reading Town Election:
Local elections were held on April 2. Mr. Colorusso chose not to stand for re-
election and is no longer a member of this Board. A resignation letter is not
required.
Francis J. Golden received eleven (11) write -in votes and has been declared
the winner by the Town Clerk. However, the Board understands that Mr.
Golden has not "officially" agreed or declined to fill the vacant seat. Mr.
Golden has many years of experience in the field and would be an asset to
this Board.
The Board then discussed what would happen should Mr. Golden decide not
to serve. The consensus was that a panel consisting of the Selectmen and
remaining members of this Board would appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
The runner -up (with six (6) write -in votes) would not automatically be
appointed.
Mr. McGrane stated that the appointment process (if required) should be
open and transparent. No other potential candidates were suggested.
Associate Member Bob Nordstrand stopped by to say that he had decided to
retire from the Board due to personal reasons. All those present thanked Bob
for his many years of dedicated service to the Town and wished him and his
family well. Mr. Nordstrand then left the meeting.
Mr. McGrane and Mr. Quinn agreed to continue on in their current roles as
Chairman and Secretary.
7. CORRESPONDENCE:
2013 Election Results — Board of Assessors.
March 13, 2013 e-mail from Joanne Fitzpatrick to BOA Chairman Fred
McGrane et al, transmitting the draft minutes for the December 12, 2012
open meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion by Mr. McGrane, seconded by Mr. Quinn to adjourn at 8:57 PM
was approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0.
8. NEXT MEETING(S):
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013 @ 7:00 P.M., UNLESS
CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE THAT THE BOARD MEET
SOONER.
8a: Anticipated Topics:
T.B.D.
ADJOURNED: 8:57 P.M. ATTEST:
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