HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-08-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 27, 1984
Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell, Mary
Ziegler and Executive Secretary John Agnew.
Discussion/Action Items
Setting 1985 Tax Rate - Paul Landers read the legal notice for the public hearing with
the Board of Assessors pursuant to Chapter 369 of the Acts of 1982 to determine the tax
classifications for 1985.
Mr. Nordstrand reviewed the types of property: residential, open space, commercial,
industrial and personal property. The Board of Assessors recommended one tax rate for
all categories and explained how reduction in open space category of up to 25% would be
made up in the rate for residential. Residential exemptions may be set, calculated on
average value of all homes in Reading divided by 10%., Reading has a 92.8482%
residential factor. The Board reviewed the 5 page report. Last year's rate was $22.85.
With full residential value, factor of 1, the tax rate for 1985 would be $23.47. Towns
with larger commercial/industrial base split their rates but that category in Reading is so
low that a differential rate would be a penalty to those classes.
John Russell moved that a residential factor be established at 1 for Fiscal Year 1985.
The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
John Russell moved that the Town of Reading not adopt a residential exemption for
Fiscal Year 1985. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
John Russell moved that the Town of Reading not grant an open space discount rate. The
motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Common Victualler's License — John Russell moved that a one-year Common
Victualler's License be granted_ to Sophia K. Roumeliocin of SNRP Pizza at 2 Haven
Street subject to the approval of the Board of Health and the Building Inspector. The
motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Land- Gail Wood recommended that land in tax title go to the Board of Survey to ask for
a statement of buildability before being sold. If there are wetlands or floodplain, ZBA
and Conservation approval should be necessary.
Executive Secretary's Report -The Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant will close in four
weeks. Candidates for Dog Officer are due tomorrow.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 27, 1984—Page 2
Correspondence - Maureen O'Brien reported that the Personnel Board has issues they
would like to discuss with the Board of Selectmen. Paul Landers volunteered to be
liaison for the Right-To-Know issues.
Paul Landers moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the bill for the appraisal
services of Nicholas Hassad in the amount of$1300 for John Street and the Train Depot.
The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
A letter of interest was received from a Reading resident interested in purchasing the
Depot.
A letter was received from the Gilman family of Hamden Street thanking the Board for
bringing peace and harmony to that section of Town.
The American Cancer Society would like to hold a concert on the Common for the
purpose of fundraising from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The Selectmen felt Birch Meadow,
Memorial Park or Washington Park would be more appropriate locations. The pros and
cons of each location were discussed. John Russell suggested the Chairman call the
applicant and negotiate a site.
Mary Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen adjourn to Executive Session for the
purpose of discussing sale of land not to return to Open Session. On a roll call vote, all
five members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
The Board of Selectmen adjourned their meeting of August 27, 1984.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from one 90-minute tape
dated 8/27/84, provided by the Town of Reading, on December 26, 1999.