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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-11 Board of Assessors MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: .Board of Assessors Date: 2013 -06 -11 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Frank J. Golden, Fred McGrane & Robert J. Quinn, Jr. Members - Not Present: None Others Present: Patricia Sullivan Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Robert J. Quinn, Jr. Topics of Discussion: 1. APPOINTMENTS:- NONE 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S): The Board last met on May 14, 2013. A copy of the draft minutes for the Board's November 20, 2012 meeting was circulated on May 22, 2013. No changes were proposed. A motion by Mr. McGrane seconded by Mr. Quinn to approve these minutes as written was approved by a vote of 2 -0 -1, with Mr. Golden abstaining. A copy of the draft minutes for the Board's May 14, 2013 meeting was distributed to and reviewed by all those present. No changes were proposed. A motion by Mr. McGrane seconded by Mr. Quinn to approve these minutes As written was approved by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Page I 1 A copy of the draft minutes for the Board's May 14, 2013 Executive Session was also distributed to and reviewed by all those present. No changes were proposed. A motion by Mr. McGrane seconded by Mr. Quinn to approve these minutes as written was approved by a vote of 3 -0 -0. 3. TOWN APPRAISER'S REPORT: Ms. Sullivan reported that Mr. Santaniello was unable to attend tonight's meeting due to ill health. She confirmed that Mr. Santaniello has been in close communication with Nate Cramer, Reading's MADOR advisor/liaison with respect to the FY 2014 revaluation. 4. OTHER SIGNINGS: The Board approved the payment of a $1,000 invoice from Real Estate Research Consultants, designated as Warrant T -1351. The Board also approved routine Motor Vehicle Excise Tax abatements totaling $4,160.55 ($2,984.19 +$1,176.36) and certain Veteran Exemptions totaling $1,200. The 3rd Commitment of the 2013 Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes totaling $267,165.43 was approved on June 4, 2013. 5. NEW BUSINESS: Release of Overlav Account Ms. Sullivan reported that the Town Manager had verbally requested that $350,000 of the Overlay Account be released to Overlay Surplus. Mr. Santaniello had drafted a letter to the Town Manager for the Board's approval and signature. This letter was accompanied by a copy of the FY 2013 Account Trial Balance Report showing the YTD activity in the relevant general ledger accounts. The Board noted that the balance in the Overlay Account is currently about $1,425,000. The proposed allocation of the $350,000 adjustment would eliminate the overlay balances for all years predating FY 2009. The current overlay balances for FY 2011 ($167,000) and FY 2013 ($435,000) would not be impacted. The Board discussed the Town Manager's request at length. Mr. Golden noted that Watertown uses codes to specifically identify the exemptions granted by its Board. He also noted the Overlay Account should be sufficient to absorb 100% of all past due personal property taxes. This rule does not apply to past due real estate taxes. A motion by Mr. McGrane to approve the Town Manager's request to release $350,000 of the Overlay Account to Overlay Surplus, as validated and approved by the Chief Appraiser, was seconded by Mr. Golden and approved by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Johnson Woods: Ms. Sullivan then called the Board's attention to an email received by Mr. Santaniello from the developer of the Johnson Woods Condominium. This email memorializes a proposed settlement of certain FY 2013 valuation issues. Ms. Sullivan explained that part of the problem was that some garage structures were misidentified as "houses" on the relevant Building Permits. The valuation of three townhouses would also be reduced. Ms. Sullivan confirmed that the valuation of the condominium's land, previously dealt with, is not at issue here. The Board found the email to be ambiguous. Specifically, the taxpayer requested an abatement of $1,222,125, which (he stated) would result in a final valuation of $3,600,875. The Board noted that these two figures total $4,823,000, the FY 2012 assessed value. However, the actual assessed value for FY 2013 was $4,426,500. The Board could not determine from the available information whether the parties intended an abatement of $1,222,125 (as stated) or $825,625 (_ $4,426,500 - $3,600,875). Accordingly, the Board decided to defer action on this matter pending further clarification from Mr. Santaniello. 6. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Quinn announced that he has successfully completed Course 101, Assessment Administration: Law, Procedures & Valuation. 7. CORRESPONDENCE: May 22, 2013 e-mail from Joanne Fitzpatrick to BOA Chairman Fred McGrane et al, transmitting the draft minutes for the November 20, 2011 meeting. June 3, 2013 e-mail from Ted Moore to Victor Santaniello, on behalf of Johnson Woods Realty Corporation. June 11, 2013 letter from Board of Assessors to Robert LeLacheur, authorizing the release of $350,000 from the Overlay Account. ADJOURNMENT: A motion by Mr. McGrane, seconded by Mr. Quinn to adjourn at 8:30 PM was approved by a vote of 3 -0 -0. 8. NEXT MEETING(S): TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2013 @ 7:00 P.M. 8a: Anticipated Topics: Conversion Revaluation ADJOURNED: 8:30 P.M. ATTEST: ROBERT . UINN, JR: ECRETARY