HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-21 Board of Selectmen HandoutDRAFT MOTIONS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 2010
Bonazoli, Anthony, Schubert, Goldy, Tafoya Hechenbleikner
la) Move that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing setting the tax rate
for fiscal year 2011.
Move that the Board of Selectmen not grant an open space discount for
the Fiscal Year 2011.
Move that the Board of Selectmen not adopt a residential exemption for
the Fiscal Year 2011.
Move that the Board of Selectmen adopt a residential factor of for
the Fiscal Year 2011.
Move that the Board of Selectmen not grant a commercial exemption
for the Fiscal Year 2011.
1b) Move that the Board of Selectmen accept the amended language to the
Home Rule Petition to grant one additional license for the Sale of All
Alcohol Beverages not to be Drunk on the Premises to Oaktree
Development LLC, located at 30 Haven Street.
Move that the Board of Selectmen adjourn the meeting at p.m.
0
LEGAL NOTICE
0
X
TOWN OF READING
To the Inhabitants of the
Town of Reading:
Notice is hereby given that, a
public hearing will be heid;.in
accordance with the
Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 369 of the Acts of 1982
on the issue of determining'` a
residential factor in assessing
the percentage of tax burden to
be borne by each class of prop-
erty for Fiscal Year 2011. The
hearing will be held on Tuesday,
December 14, 2010.at 8:00
p.m: in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room, - 16. Lowell - Street;
Reading, MA. r
Oral or written,information by
interested parties will be
received by the Selectmer -
the hearing, and will -Ve
received by email up to 5:0p
p.m. on December 14 to town-
manager @ ci. reading,ma.us.
The five classes of property
involved are residential, open
space, commercial, industrial
and personal property.
By order of
Peter 1. Hechenbleikner
Town Managgr
12/1; 12/7-
. .
i
20
Page 1 of 3
Hechenblefter, Peter
From: bladata@dor.state.ma.us
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2010 3:20 PM
To: Boatwright, Bill; Dudley, Penni; Reading - Selectmen; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; Sullivan,
Patricia
Cc: bladata@dor.state.ma.us
Subject: Notification of certification
Massachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services
Navjeet K Bal, Commissioner
Robert G. Nunes, Deputy Commissioner & Director of Municipal Affairs
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Reading Board of Assessors
Town Hall
16 Lowell St.
Reading, MA 01867
Re: NOTIFICATION OF CERTIFICATION - Reading
Dear Board Members:
The Commissioner of Revenue has determined that the locally assessed values of real and personal
property in your municipality represent full and fair cash valuation as of January 1, 2010 for fiscal
year 2011 and that these proposed property assessments satisfy the minimum requirements for
certification.
The Commissioner further certifies that:
1. all real property has been classified according to its use as of January 1, 2010 as
required by Chapter 59, § 2A(b).
2. a majority of the assessors have been qualified to classify property by their
attendance at a classification workshop conducted by the Department of Revenue
The community must now hold a public hearing on the issue of selecting a residential factor, which
will determine the percentages of the tax burden to be borne by each class of property for fiscal
year 2011. Prior to the hearing, we urge you to promote public understanding and discussion of the
options available to the town in regard to allocating the tax burden among major property classes.
The Selectmen or the City Council with the approval of the Mayor may elect a factor greater than
the minimum residential factor, or a factor of "1" which will result in a uniform allocation of the tax
burden among all classes of property. In addition, they have the option of granting an open space
discount, residential exemption and small commercial exemption.
It appears that you are progressing satisfactorily in complying with your responsibilities under the
classification law. It is important that you complete the final steps expeditiously so that tax billing
will not be delayed.
12/21/2010
(5)
Page 2 of 3
If you have further questions or require assistance in completing the final steps for a classified tax
system please contact the Bureau at (617) 626-2300.
Fiscal. Year 2014 Certification Recommendations:
In order to prepare for the next scheduled recertification of all real and personal property we are
enclosing your community's program recommendations. These recommendations were made by
your Bureau of Local Assessment advisor as a result of your FY 2011 certification review. You
should have a budget in place for any work that needs to be done two years in advance of the next
certification to avoid costly delays in obtaining timely certification from the Bureau.
As you plan and implement your next triennial certification, please consult the Bureau's Guidelines
for the Development of a Minimum Reassessment Program in the Division's website,
www.mass.gov/dls, in the Local Assessment section. If you need assistance please call your
appraisal advisor.
Sincerely yours,
Marilyn H. Browne, Chief
Bureau of Local Assessment
FY 2014 Recommendations
Town of Reading
Cyclical Reinspection
Maintenance of current and accurate property inventory data is a critical element in the
development of uniform, fair market values. Our last certification review indicated that the Board of
Assessors should continue with the cyclical reinspection program of all descriptive property data
already in place scheduled for completion FY2014, so that each parcel is inspected at least once in
every nine-year cycle. As part of this cyclical reinspection program, an on-going data quality
analysis would help identify recollection priorities for program planning. For further information on
cyclical reinspection programs and data quality analysis please refer to' "The Guidelines for the
Development of a Minimum Reassessment Program."
Income and Expense Data
Assessors need to implement a program to ensure a better return of Income and Expense data
from Commercial, Industrial and Apartment property owners.
Neighborhood Review
The Board of Assessors should review all residential neighborhood delineation and adjust them as
needed by the next certification.
Land Schedules
Assessors should review and analyze market influences of certain characteristics on the value of
land, such as secondary lots, and adjust the land valuation system as needed in a uniform and
equitable manner. Any and all land adjustments should be supported with current market evidence.
Land Schedules
Assessors should review and analyze the 111 & 112 class apartment land schedule to determine if
the market calls for separate schedules for each class rather than the one schedule currently used
for both.
Other Recommendation
All mix-use properties should consider the predominant use in determining the appropriate land
schedule.
12/21/2010
Tel. (781) 942-2233
December 15, 2010
Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
RE: Tax Classification
Dear Members of the Board of Selectmen:
As last night's hearing on consideration of tax classification of real
estate in our town was continued to December 21 I will not be able to
attend. However, as President of the Reading - North Reading Chamber of
Commerce, I would like to express the position of the Chamber which I
would have stated last evening on this matter.
0
a
0
c
%n
M
E5
C)
%n
Every property owner should pay the same rate regardless of the
nature of the use. As long as the assessed value of any property is
appropriate and reasonable, a level application of the tax rate for both
residential and commercial property is fair and equitable. As we know, the
amount of taxes that the town is allowed to collect cannot be increased, but
may only be distributed among various property classes. Given that our town
is more than 90% residential, a shift in the rate to impose a larger share
upon commercial property would result in commercial property owners
bearing a tremendously disproportionate share of the taxes. Yet, with such a
shift the residential property owner would realize only small savings. When
this matter was being considered in November, 2009, it was estimated that
if the tax rate was shifted by the maximum allowable 0 50%), a commercial
property valued at $ 477,500 Would see an increase in real estate taxes of
I. 1
$3,151, while the savings for a residential owner with property valued at
$406,100 would be only $251.
1
Iaw Office of
William F. Crowley
626 Main Street
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
wfeesq@a verizon.net
Fax (781) 942-0292
If taxes on commercial property go up, such an increase will ultimately
be passed on to customers and consumers of the goods and services of our
businesses. This is true whether the proprietor of the business is also the
owner of the property or not, as virtually every commercial lease includes a
provision that any increase in taxes will have to be paid by the tenant. It may
only mean fifty cents, here, or a dollar there, but I believe that ultimately, our
residents may end up paying more over a year in such increased prices than
any savings accorded by a shift in property tax application. And while real
estate taxes are currently allowable deductions on income tax returns, the
increase in the cost of goods and services is not, resulting in a net loss for
the taxpayer.
Higher rents due to real estate taxes are a disincentive for businesses
to locate here, or to stay here. We have been fortunate in Reading to have
actually seen several new businesses open over the past few years. Some of
those businesses have purchased the property in which they are located, but
many more are tenants. One of the attractions of Reading is reasonable rent,
which of course includes real estate taxes. For an economically healthy and
vibrant town, we should strive to keep it affordable to do business here. The
goal should be to attract more businesses which will employ more people,
who will hopefully also spend more locally. This will generate additional
income for the town by way of meals taxes, in restaurants, and excise taxes
on business equipment and personal property.
The Board of Selectmen has wisely chosen to keep the tax rate level
over the years. By my observation, the strategy is working. I urge this Board
to maintain the course and keep the rate equally applied to all classes of real
estate. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
William F. Cro resid~
Reading - North Reading
Chamber of Commerce
December 21, 2010
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
James E. Bonazoli, Chairman
Camille W. Anthony, Vice Chairman
Richard W. Schubert, Secretary
Stephen A. Goldy
. Ben Tafoya
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
(781) 942-9043
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
Chairman Senator Michael W. Morrissey
Chairman Representative Theodore C. Spelliotis
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
State House
Boston, MA 02133-1053
Dear Senator Morrissey and Representative Spelliotis:
At its meeting on December 21, 2010, the Reading Board of Selectmen approved the following
motion regarding the liquor license for Oaktree at 30 Haven Street, Reading:
"That the Board of Selectmen accept the amended language to the Home Rule Petition to
grant one additional license for the Sale of All Alcohol Beverages not to be Drunk on the
Premises to Oaktree Development LLC, located at 30 Haven Street:"
Thank you so much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
James E. Bonazoli, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
PIH/ps
cc: Representative Brad Jones
Representative James Dwyer
Senator Richard Tisei
0
The Commonbneartrj of A.aoarbuotto
PRESENTED BY:
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of the accompanying bill:
An Act authorizing the Town of Reading to Grant One Additional License for the Sale of All
Alcoholic Beverages Not to be drink on the Premises
PETITION OF:
NAME: DISTRICT/ADDRESS:
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. 20th Middlesex
Richard R. Tisei ( Middlesex and Essex
James Dwyer
30th Middlesex
191je COMMOnweaftrj of Alan ndju.5etto
In the Year Two Thousand and Ten
An Act authorizing the Town of Reading to Grant One Additional License for the
Sale of All Alcoholic Beverages Not to be drunk on the Premise in the Downtown
Smart Growth District.
Be it enacted by the Senate and Hoarse o f Representatives in General Court assembled, and by,the authority
of the sane, as follows:
1 SECTION 1. Notwithstanding Section 17 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, or any other general or
2 special act to the contrary, the licensing authority of the Town of Reading may grant an additional license
3 for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises to Oaktree Development LLC.,
4 located at 30 Haven Street in the Town of Reading wider Section 15 of said Chapter 138. The licensing
,5 authority shall riot approve the transfer of the license to any other location but it may grant the license to a
6 new applicant of the same location if the applicant files with the licensing authority a letter from the
7 Department of Revenue indicating that the license is in good standing with the Department and that all
8 applicable taxes have been paid.
9 SECTION 2. If the license granted under this act is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use, it shall be
10 returned physically, with'all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto to the
11 licensing authority, which i»ay then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location and under
12 the same conditions as specified in this act.
13 SECTION 3. The license shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said Section 17
14 SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
l.~
c~
N
'11
v
d
0
C
d
~VA
Cl)
Rf
a
co
Ir
O
N
a
C,
vS
c
O
O
ca
N
U
O
LL
O';I d N
LC'.0: ai
E
oo :o
Zoo ~ y
-
o
.
,
:n
O
W p 6> L?
.
O
C
i
.
O
N
l
W ;
d
E
co
LIJ
j co
n
rMo
M
rn
CL t
E
(
n
co a
C
:
rn rn c
~
,
a
i
h
ccl)
m
co
Z W E
E
H a:
r-
M
2
v
a 0
a
0`-'
~
rn
cc
.
n
p
w i
CL
F.o0
0do
_ o
_
a
~
C
c °
'
(
e
W cA E
c O c
m m
c
n
:
a
i E
o
p
J
sz
0
.
n
W
d
c
o
0cc00.9CL -
U
1
1
;
1
J
n
10
~
N
°
N
M
d
h
d
'
O)
c
D
6
1
(D
d
(n
4
CC)_
Ti
r
~
c0
6i
6
N
N
N
C
co
dn'
OMD
U
N
O)
N
N
W
(nD
M
d
T
T
CO
T
n
M
m
.
N
T
O
~
do
MM
Ut
N
(°0
N
m
cn0
o
d
V
M
d'
ui
2
1
CO
n
T
c0
6)
6i
N
15
E
m
,t
0
W
co
0
m
M
a
p
M
N
n
0
0
a
r
~
(6
<P
+
-
Q'
M
C2
M
CM
CM
CM
('7
N
C*)
C2
17
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
co
M
co
R
M
R
[O
M
M
M
M
R
M
cQ
M
O
t0
(O
M
(O
M
R
i0
O
!O
o
!
p
t
!0
Ot
0
~
~
lot
Ot
N
(D
f
[D
t
CO
~
(0
M
(
(0
CO
CD
(O
(C
O
M
.
ce
1
n
M
N
N
6)
:
(0
c
O
N
o.
CA
Q.
M
0
M
0
i
M
(D
(0
CNO
LO
M
0
N
h
n
tc
W
m
W
co
a°'o
m
(N6
co
Co
0
cv
h
co
C
O
Ni
C7
O
n
c!
0
(D
M
(A
t0
E
4
Cl)
M
O
M
CO
d'
co
!2
M
M
CD
M
M
n
a
n
(0
M
(V
6)
N
O)
J
E
to
N
O
CC'
V'
M
t0
n
R
0
•M-
cr
Cr~~
(0
°
V
Nt0'
C\j
CC
co
d
O
N
W
r
a
r
CCl
(0
,It
It
v
(n
cD
(D
(D
Cn
co
(D
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
h
n
1-
h
M
co
N
co
co
co
co
n
N
(C
M
CO
M
(O
(0
t0
O
CO
-
(0
O
N
~
7
N
m
n
M
M
N
V
C
D
N
to
M
O
r L
y
•
ct
0)
(0
(
n
O
cl
M
M
M
M
M
~
~
~
~
d
'
V
V
'
V
'
V
'
V
V'
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
0
0
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
o
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
o
O
O
O
O
O
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
O
O
O
O
O
O
o
O
O
O
O
't
co
C',
o
a
00
N
0
0
M
-
O
l
0.
N
N
C
7
-
C
7
-
V
'
-
CQ
-
L~
-
-
C
O
ti
cD
,
r
co
0
)
O
C
0
C
N
N
q
N
N
M
M C
)
N
p
>
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
v
E
n
O
M
f0
m
O
N
n
In
m
0
co
O
co
N
co
(6
M
V
p
N
co
N
(A
M
n
cl'
O
M
N
(C9
(0
CO
O
co
N
M
D)
o
M
M
n
d
V
cm
Ch
CO
O
O
N
CV
0-
co
0
M
M
`
(v
I--
CD
N
o
0
0
O
0
O
0
O
0
O
0
o
0
O
0
O
0
O
0
O
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
d
h
N
n
N
M
O
O
O
d'
Cp
0
O
0
M
.0
0
O
0
O
(CJ
00)
O
O
i
6
O
Cn
O
N
r
O
r
M
r
O
rn
o°'o
a°'o
aMO
o0°o
ro
m
~
~
m
cMo
`o
v
w
a
0o
rn
rn
I
n
n
M
(n
d
M
°o
coo
m
6n'
c~
(
T
LD
°
0
ao
n
o
°
M
0)
rn
1
0
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
M
0
IL
_
V
O
O
O
M
N
N
C
d0.'
d
W