Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-13 Board of Assessors Minutes- cLt kr-TOWN OF READING rl E C'E 1 E_!" 16 LOWELL STREET : O 4IV' CLERK READING, MA 01867460 2010 HM -b P 1: H BOARD OF ASSESSORS TEL.: 781-942-9027 FAX: 781-942-9037 MINUTES APRIL 13, 2010 MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM. IN ATTENDANCE MR ROBERT L NORSTRAND, MR RALPH A. COLORUSSO, MR FRED A. MCGRANE, WILLIAM BOATWRIGHT & ROBERT LELACHEUR. ROBERT LELACHEUR LEFT AT 7:47PM. 1. APPOINTMENTS APPLICANT & FAMILY MEMBER FOR CLAUSE 18 ARRIVED AT 7:48PM AND LEFT AT 8:10PM. 2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING MARCH 30, 2010 - APPROVED 3-0. APRIL 7, 2010 - APPROVED 3-0 AS AMENDED. 3. SIGNINGS WERE COMPLETED. 4. OLD BUSINESS NONE NOTED. APRIL 13, 2010 PAGE 2 5. NEW BUSINESS MINUTES CONT. There was significant discussion on the issues relating to the Town's ability to comply with the certification as required by the Department of Revenue. As had been noted in the Minutes of previous meetings, the Town is mandated to address certain open issues such as market- driven and economic adjustments to the value of the forthcoming mass assessment. Towards that end, the Town had previously hired Mike Flynn to assist in these efforts. Mr. Flynn has been working on a part-time basis (approximately 10 hours per week). Mr. Boatwright states that the discussions that he has had with Mr. Flynn reveals that he (Mr. Flynn) anticipates completing his assignment by the end of July. While acknowledging the importance of Mr. Flynn's work, Mr. LeLacheur distributed information regarding the balance of the FY 2010 budget for the Assessor's Office and following a review of the same, brought a number of important issues to the attention of the Board. Mr. LeLacheur noted that while it may be possible to accommodate the costs associated with Mr. Flynn's current assignment, he made it very clear that any and all funding for Mr. Flynn would terminate on July 1St (the beginning of the new fiscal year). The Board speculated on Mr. Flynn's ability to accelerate his time-table so as to complete his work by June 30th. However, it was subsequently learned that Mr. Flynn had recently assumed a position with the Town of North Reading Board of Assessors and, as such, could probably not accelerate his work for the Town of Reading. Several additional options were discussed pursuant to arranging budget allocations which could possibly extend into FY 2011. Mr. Boatwright agreed to contact Mr. Flynn and discuss his availability to complete the assignment before the end of the fiscal year. Mr. ~aF.y LeLacheur left the meeting at 7:47 PM. APRIL 13, 2010 PAGE 3 6. GENERAL BUSINESS MINUTES CONT. Mr. Boatwright and Mr. Nordstrand briefed the Board an the recent meetings held with at the DOR (at which Patricia Sullivan was also present). Mr. Boatwright also briefed the Board on separate meetings that he has had with Linda Bradley of the DOR at the Town Assessor's office. Each of these meetings was intended to brief the Town on the DOR revaluation certification process. Mr. Nordstrand made it a point to highlight that one of the (unnamed) speakers at the April 8 DOR meeting emphasized that towns were strongly encouraged to include narrative explaining the reason for any apparent "outlier" data that normally would include market adjustments. Next, Mr. Boatwright briefed the Board on his April 12th meeting with Attorney Mark Witkin regarding the abatement application of the so- called Addison-Wesley site. It should be noted that there are two years (2009 and 2010) in dispute. Following Mr. Boatwright's presentation, the Board voted 3-0 to approve the resolution of the 2009 tax obligation only and instructed Mr. Boatwright to continue to negotiate 2010 with an eye towards resolution. However, there is a point at which the Town will welcome the opportunity to go to the Appellate Tax Board (ATB). Next, Mr. Boatwright briefed the Board on the abatement application for 212 Woburn Street. Following some discussion regarding the facts and the presumed merits of the application, the Board voted to authorize Mr. Boatwright to negotiate an acceptable resolution. APRIL 13, 20 10 PAGE 4 MINUTES CONT. 6. GENERAL BUSINESS.CONT. Next, Mr. Boatwright briefed the Board on the merits of the abatement application for a vacant lot on Summer Avenue. Following some additional discussion, it was voted that the abatement application be deemed denied. 7. CORRESPONDENCE WAS NOTED. 8. NEXT MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 AT 7:OOPM ADJOURNED: / 0 , ~.M. ATTESTZRRE ASECRETARY