# board-of-assessors — 42 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-01-31-agenda-22.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-01-31 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-01-31-agenda-22.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01312023-22 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-01-31-minutes-22.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-01-31 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-01-31-minutes-22.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01312023-22 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Minutes from the BOA (Board of Assessors) meeting held: January 31, 2023 Location: In person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel Members present: Interim Chairperson, Christine Higdon, Board Member, Kevin Fish. Also present Principal Assessor CJ Carroll and Rena Swezey. Rich Letarte in attendance by cell phone. Christine opened the meeting at 2:42 pm and stated before addressing items on the agenda, she will open for public comment. Open Meeting: • Christine had members introduce themselves. • Kevin Fish made a statement in regards to abatement procedures and communication with the public. • Lou Franco introduced himself and explained in advance that his statement to follow is entirely his own words and he is not speaking on behalf of the Select Board. Lou spoke of the abatement process and addressed recent incorrect information and innuendo that had appeared on various private town related social media pages. In closing, Lou asked that the BOA make liberal use of their ability to extend the deadline of filing abatements. • Several residents spoke stating their dissatisfaction, questions and concerns regarding tax bills and the abatement process. • Rich Letarte stated he does feel the assessments were done in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Revenue. • Kevin made a motion to approve the use of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board Three-Year Average Worksheet. Rich seconded. All in favor. • The BOA reviewed motor vehicle abatement applications. Adjournment: • Meeting adjourned at 3:53 pm. Sheila Craigen Administrative Assessing Assistant Office of the Board of Assessors ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-22-agenda-23.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-02-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-02-22-agenda-23.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02222023-23 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-22-minutes-23.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-02-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-02-22-minutes-23.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02222023-23 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Minutes from the BOA (Board of Assessors) meeting held: February 22, 2023 Location: In person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel Members present: Chairman, Richard H. Letarte, Board Members, Christine Higdon and Kevin Fish. Also present Principal Assessor CJ Carroll, Rena Swezey. and Administrative Assessing Assistant, Sheila Rich opened the meeting at 2:35 pm. Open Meeting: • Kevin made a motion to approve the December 7, 2022. All in Favor. • Kevin made a motion to approve the January 31, 2023 minutes, as amended. All in favor. Public Comment Phyllis Luck had questions and stated concerns regarding the abatement process. Carl Luck made comments to the BOA regarding the handling of the investigation. Carl also expressed concerns regarding the agenda and the abatement process. Dave MacDonald called with questions and comments directed to the members of the BOA. John Rabbit called with comments to the BOA and their handling of the investigation. John also had questions directed to the Principal Assessor as he is working on a 40 (forty) page analysis. CJ stated questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the investigation committee via email. John agreed to do this and he will copy CJ and the BOA members as well. Some questions from the public and discussion regarding executive session. Adjournment: • Kevin made a motion at 3:24 to enter into executive session. All in favor. Executive Session: • Executive session minutes will not be released respect ly suit i fe Sheila Craigen Administrative Assessing Assistant Office of the Board of Assessors ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-28-agenda-24.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-03-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-03-28-agenda-24.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03282023-24 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7663167607 Meeting ID: 766 316 7607 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 766 316 7607 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 7663167607 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER OPEN MEETING – Approve minutes of February 22, 2023 LIMITED PUBLIC COMMENT EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-28-minutes-24.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-03-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-03-28-minutes-24.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03282023-24 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel Members present: Chairman, Richard H. Letarte, Board Members, Christine Higdon and Kevin Fish. Also present Principal Assessor CJ Carroll, Rena Swezey and Administrative Assessing Assistant, Sheila Craigen Also present: Member of Lunenburg Select Board, Lou Franco Lou Franco opened the meeting at 3:02 pm. For clarification, Lou explained it was determined and announced at previous SB (Select Board) meetings that he will be serving as a facilitator of meetings of the Lunenburg BOA, relative to the lakefront tax situation. Lou explained his limited functions working with the BOA Chairman. Functions to include moving meetings through the agendas and moderating public comment. With permission from the BOA Chairman, Lou may respond to questions or give opinions if appropriate. Lou stated he does not have the power to make or second motions or to vote. Lou stated he will not be involved in any executive sessions. Christine spoke extensively with statements, questions and concerns regarding the decision of a moderator to the BOA. Ultimately, Kevin made a motion to appoint Lou Franco as a temporary moderator, to the BOA through the lakefront abatement process. Rich seconded the motion. Christine continued conversation with concerns regarding the agreement. A new vote ensued with the outcome of 2 (two) in favor and 1 (one) opposed to appoint Lou Franco as a temporary moderator with an amendment to the agreement. Open Meeting: • Christine made a motion to approve the February 22, 2023 minutes. All in favor. Public Comment • Phyllis Luck had questions, stated concerns and gave opinions regarding the abatement process. Carl Luck made comments to the BOA regarding the handling of the investigation. Carl also expressed concerns regarding the agenda and the abatement process. John Rabbit had questions concerning procedures and made suggestions for future handling. Adjournment: • Christine made a motion at 4:09 pm to enter into executive session and not to return into open session after exiting executive session. All in favor. Executive Session: • Executive session minutes will not be released. respectrully Submitted Sheila Craigen Administrative Assessing Assistant Office of the Board of Assessors ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-04-agenda-38.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-04-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-04-04-agenda-38.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04042023-38 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-04-minutes-38.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-04-04 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-04-04-minutes-38.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04042023-38 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS April 4, 2023 TOWN HALL, 17 Main Street and via Zoom Board of Assessors present: Kevin Fish, Christine Higdon, Richard Letarte (via ZOOM) Select Board Present: Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Chairman; Tom Alonzo, Vice Chairman; Lou Franco, Clerk; Heather Sroka Also Present: Heather Lemieux, Town Manager; Carol Archambault, Corrine Scouten, Donna Fortune, Sue Andrews, William Lakso, Jennifer Sanderson, Jacqueline Chabot, Christopher Sullivan Meeting was opened at 7:12 Mr . Jeffreys asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced in accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that thi s meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg public access channel and Facebook Live and it will be uploaded to the Lunenburg public access YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at this meeting and are those reason ab ly anticipated by the Chair . Votes may be taken as a r es ult of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by the Open Meeting L a w . PUBLIC C O M M E N T : Phyllis Luck, 50 Sunset Lane, inquired about the tax assessment in ves tigation, asking if Town Counsel had communicated with the Dept. of Revenue (DOR) regarding the mailin g dates of the tax bills as well as how the 135% assessment of the lake front properties was determined. Chip Gershew, Laurel Lane, reported he filed for an abatement , had an inspection but when he asked the BOA office what came next and if he could sit on his abatement r ev iew, he was informed he could not. He felt he h a d reasons for relief and wanted to expres s them. Mr. Jeffrey s stated those qu es tion s really s hould be addressed by the Board of Asses sors (BOA). Ms. Lemieux reported the company doing the abatement inspections has gone throu g h around 207 to date . They will be presenting their recommendations to the BOA possibly around April 23 rd . The conversation between Town Counsel and DOR resulted in finding there is a two part decision ; the date of the mailing, because the person responsible for the collection of tax es determines the date of mailing which determines when those tax bill s are due. The Treasurer/ collector has determined bas ed on the information provided there is enough doubt about the contradictory evidence between the postal service dates and the affidavit of ma iling from our billing company that she will be relying on the January 6 th date as the date of mailing. What that means in essence is that the third and fourth quarter bills will be due May 1 , 2023 an d no interest is due on third quarter taxes b etween th e period of February 1st and May 1 s t. Mr. Alonzo stated state law is silent on how abatement hearings are handled, so they are completely within the purview of the BOA about how they handle them and your desire to ===PAGE 2=== be in attendance is really up to their policy. But there's also no prohibition from the state that you can or can't be there for an abatement hearing. WORKSHOP: TAX ASSESSMENT INVESTIGATION R E V IE W Mr. Letarte called the Board of Assessors meeting to order. He reported 207 abatement applications have been reviewed . Discussion ensued about letters being sent to property owners by the BOA regarding extensions of their abatements and the time it would take for the BOA to review those abatement applications. Question was asked about public access to the BOA meetings. Mr. Letarte stated they would have to be limited to 20-30 minutes before the meeting due to the volume of applications . Our hands are tied currently because we are awaiting for site visit reports from the inspectors. Ms. Lemieux reported when she spoke with the owner of Municipal Finance Services today they said they've gone through 207 inspections so thus far; they're expected to do another 60 this Friday and Saturday. He's working on tables for recommendations and they're also working with Vision to create a dummy valuation table for those recommendations and those inspections. I think the expectation is the ones that have been done by April 23 rd . I want to make sure to clarify that versus the 400 applications; they haven't done 400 inspections so I wouldn't anticipate that they would have that done by April 23 rd . That's why extension letters are being sent out. So I think you're right they're halfway there. Question was asked in what order the inspections are being done. Ms. Lemieux stated they are going out in both order of receipt and mutual neighborhood areas. Mr. Alonzo asked for clarification on the question regarding property owners being able to attend the abatement hearings. Mr. Letarte stated it could be under a 30 minute public comment period at the beginning of their meeting. Mr. Alonzo stated he believed these owners wanted to attend the executive session portion that addresses their abatement application versus making a public comment. Mr. Letarte stated we had entertained doing that, but did not think it was possible due to time constraints. The BOA discussed the possibility of allowing property owners into executive session individually and noted even two or three minutes per owner, which is unrealistic, would amount to an additional 15 hours, thus extending time out needed to review all 400 applications. Their plan was to review 60-100 applications per week. Town Manager Lemieux advised whatever they decided to be consistent through the entire process. The Select Board concurred with her statement. Several scenarios were discussed on the abatement process according to the now assumed mailing date of the tax bills. The board moved on to the general framework of the investigation. Mr. Jeffreys read excerpts from a document detailing the investigation. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-25-agenda-26.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-04-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-04-25-agenda-26.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04252023-26 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-25-minutes-26.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-04-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-04-25-minutes-26.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04252023-26 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Channel: The meeting was opened at 3:02 PM Members Present: Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member Kevin Fish, Board Member Christine Higdon, Principal Access CJ Carroll, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen. Public Comment Phyllis Luck - 50 Sunset Lane- shared that she sent a letter to the board on April 14th with suggestions that may help the abatement process run smoothly. Some suggestions included making the inspection report and suggested property values be made available to the property owner. Phyllis raised questions about how the abatement process will be discussed/finalized, when will residents to informed on how the abatement process will work, and if there are any opinions about the suggestions listed in their letter. The board members stated that these questions will be addressed during the executive session today. Carl Luck - 50 Sunset Lane - has raised concerns that the above questions are not appropriate for the executive session. He believes the questions posed by Phyllis would violate open meeting law if discussed during an executive meeting and should be discussed in an open session. Unless there is discussion about a specific abatement information should be made available to the public and believes the executive sessions should be recorded and made available to the public. Carl did agree that the executive session should be used to discuss abatement on non-lake properties. The board doesn't have any response to the raised questions as they are awaiting the report and will investigate the open meeting laws. John Rabbitt doesn't believe that discussing the abatement process would constitute or divulge any personal data which would be the reason for going into executive session. John Rabbitt also expresses that he wants citizens to be able to patriciate and see as much information excluding any personal data. A motion to tape the executive session and be made available at a later point was approved by Kevin Fish, seconded by Richard Letarte. Carl thanks the board for making as much information available during the public comment. Lou Franco - Select Board Member - shares his information in relation to what should be discussed in the nonexecutive session versus the executive session. Lou states that anything that goes to procedure and any deliberations you have to the process is public discourse. He ===PAGE 2=== and discuss feedback with the Board of Assessors prior to the report being released. Lou Franco agrees that general impressions can be brought up without names and addresses and that general trends can and must be discussed. Richard Letarte agrees to discuss specific addresses only while they are in the executive session. Kevin Fish states the report will be made public once it has been finalized. Richard Letarte asks Nate Cramer several questions including whether the homeowners be issued a revised tax bill, whether the homeowners be advised of the new value prior to the subsequent abatement issue, and when will the full report be completed. Nate Cramer states after the edits from today's meeting are updated then the report will be complete. Previously, Nate Cramer wanted to submit the report to the Department of Revenue since they will be seeing the reports in the fall to review but doesn't feel that needs to be done prior. Dave McDonald - 155 Island Road - agrees that more information can be made available to the public while certain information should remain confidential. Dave thanks Christine, Nate, and the board for their hard work. He suggested that the public comments should be limited to 3 minutes and there should be some research done regarding rules. The signing of expense vouchers, motor vehicle abatements, and payroll by Richard Letarte and Kevin Fish. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by Richard Letarte. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 4:05 PM. Executive Session Executive session minutes will not be released. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-04-agenda-28.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-04-agenda-28.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05042023-28 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-04-minutes-28.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-04 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-04-minutes-28.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05042023-28 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member Kevin Fish, Board Member Christine Higdon, Principal Access CJ Carroll, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. • Open Meeting Veterans' exemption applications were signed by Richard Letarte and Kevin Fish but not shown to the public as they are confidential. Motor vehicle applications were signed by Richard Letarte and Kevin Fish. A 15-minute break was held for the board members to review the MES report independently. Report from MFS A brief discussion about the amount listed for question 2 regarding the circuit breaker. Additional information is needed from DOR regarding this discussion. The MFS reports will be available in the Assessors Office. This is only a general report with no specifics on individual properties. The report details the history, building values, land values, and recommendations. Public Comment Gina Marie Leone- 52 Pearl Street- inquiring to confirm that there is no private information available on the MFS report. Regarding the spreadsheet, Gina Marie Leone wants to know if Nate Cramer would be able to hide confidential information such as phone numbers, etc. That way the information will be available right away as opposed to the turnaround rate of editing out that information. Kevin Fish confirms there won't be any private information listed on the spreadsheet and the time frame for redated copies to become available is unknown. Phyllis & Carl Luck -55 Sunset Lane- wants to know what the effect of this report will be on the abatement process and when will the Board of Assessors meet to discuss how the abatement process will proceed. Richard Letarte believes there won't be much of an effect as the report explains how they came up with the numbers. Phyllis Luck asks if they still need to go to the abatement hearing or if they're happy with the adjustment do you still need to go to an abatement hearing. Richard Letarte reviews the 3 available options. The options consist of ===PAGE 2=== Dave McDonald - 155 Island Road - wants to know if the form will be available today in the Assessors Office. Kevin Fish shares that it will be posted online on the Assessors webpage but may take a little bit to get physical copies in the office. Dave McDonald has heard that recently people are finding assessors on their property and leaving blue cards behind. Kevin Fish confirms that has received similar information but hasn't had a chance to fully explore that information. Alex Yawer- 226 Sunset Lane- questioned whether the abatements will be done individually or across the board. Richard Letarte confirms that there will be a discussion on every single abatement and will use Nate Cramer's suggestions as a basis. Motion to Approve Report from MFS Kevin Fish makes a motion to approve the report from MFS for the town of Lunenburg Massachusetts waterfront properties, seconded by Richard Letarte. The motion is approved. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by Richard Letarte. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:43 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-16-agenda-21.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-16-agenda-21.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05162023-21 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 May 16, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telepho ne, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Approve minutes of March 28, 2023 ● To determine the procedure to be used with regards to the actual abatement process and to what degree the applicants will be able to participate. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-16-minutes-21.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-16-minutes-21.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05162023-21 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ. Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Board Member Christine Higdon, Chairman Richard Letarte, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Approval of Meeting Minutes Motion to review and approve minutes from the March 28, 2023, meeting. Motion to approve by Kevin Fish, seconded by Richard Letarte. The minutes have been approved. Abatement Process Update Currently, over 100 abatement applications have been received. There was a discussion to determine the procedure to be used regarding the abatement process. The 3 options available are: 1. Full executive session. 2. General meeting with public comment. This consists of new information only, a speaking limit of 2 minutes per person, and only to take place for 1 hour per meeting. If residents didn't have a chance to speak during the hour, then they will be moved on to the next meeting. 3. Participation in the executive session. Motion to proceed with option 2 by Kevin Fish, seconded by Richard Letarte. Public Comment Lou Franco - 260 Arbor Street- inquired how public comments can be made during public meetings since abatements are confidential. Kevin Fish states that only new information will be presented that was previously unknown and not on the application. Bill Hudson - 90 Hemlock Drive- wants to know if applications are currently being reviewed and how the applicants are going to know if they are 1 of the 100 applications being reviewed during the meeting. Richard Letarte states that if the parcel has been accessed an adjustment ===PAGE 2=== doesn't list the quality of the property. Renee states that homeowners need to know the value of their home and the information that led to that current assessment. Richard Letarte responds with if you are unhappy with the results you must go to the ATB. Renee inquires how people will know when their abatement hearing is being held. Richard Letarte says essentially individuals need to come to every meeting to get their public comments heard. Dave McDonald - questioned if Nate Cramer gave recommendations for individual houses for tax bills. The board does not know the answer. Dave McDonald responds that people are already getting their bills for next year and requested a letter be sent to homeowners to explain to the banks that there is an error. This wasn't done and the board doesn't intend to write letters to homeowners to then give to their banks. Dave McDonald inquires if Nate Cramer made a recommendation to the board for his specific property. Richard Letarte confirms there was a recommendation, and chances are those recommendations will likely be put into place. Dave McDonald wants to know why homeowners can't see the recommendations and wants to know when a copy of the report be available. The board responds that this isn't the way that the abatement process works. The abatement meeting comes first and once completed the results are presented to the homeowner. Lastly, Dave McDonald asks what the schedule will be, when will the hearings be held, and how many days during the week applications will be reviewed. Richard Letarte is unable to give an answer but states the abatements will start at 4 om and will conclude after 1 hour. Bill Hudson - 90 Hemlock Drive - wants to know which properties are considered good or average. The board states they already have the information and it's being reviewed. Richard Letarte confirms that the abatement process must first go through the Board of Assessors to be approved or denied. The homeowner will receive a letter containing the amount of the abatement. Rich Pearson - inquires if individual reports are available or if it's only general information. Also wants to know if the board is going by percentages and looking at the notes provided. Kevin Fish states that each property is being looked at individually. Tom Alonzo - believes that the homeowners should get their individual reports before their abatement hearing. Tom Alonzo wants to know how the process can be streamlined but also include the homeowner. Richard Letarte states the easiest way is to give the board time to review and get letters sent out. Homeowners should receive their letters within a month. Lastly, ===PAGE 3=== Kevin Fish, Seconded by Richard Letarte. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:31 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-23-agenda-27.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-23 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-23-agenda-27.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05232023-27 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 Time: May 23, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telepho ne, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-23-minutes-27.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-23 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-23-minutes-27.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05232023-27 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Board Member Christine Higdon, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Abatement Application Update The board will be accepting additional public comments today related to the abatement process. Each participant will be limited to 2 minutes per person. At the last executive session, there were 50 applications reviewed. For those applications, the homeowner will receive the certificates, a notice, and a copy of what is going to be sent to the Department of Revenue. The certificate will have the old tax and new tax information and the letter will include the new property values. If the board is unable to complete the applications by the end of the executive session, then a meeting will be held on May 30 to finalize. An additional batch of 250 abatement applications will soon be received. Public Comment No public comment. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:45 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-25-agenda-29.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-25-agenda-29.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05252023-29 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9091740347 Time: May 25, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting ID: 909 174 0347 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telepho ne, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-25-minutes-29.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-25-minutes-29.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05252023-29 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Minutes from BOA (Board of Assessors) meeting held: May 25, 2023. Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:02 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Abatement Application Update During the executive session on Tuesday, the board voted on 50 abatement applications. Notices will be going out in the mail tomorrow. The certificate will include the old tax, the new tax, and the abatement amount. The final batch of nearly 250 should be received from MFS soon. The Board hopes to complete the first 160 abatement applications by May 30. Public Comment No public comment. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:07 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-30-agenda-39.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-30 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-30-agenda-39.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302023-39 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7663167607 Meeting ID: 766 316 7607 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 766 316 7607 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Teleph one users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and enter back into Open Session after exiting Executive Session Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-05-30-minutes-39.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-05-30 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-05-30-minutes-39.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05302023-39 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Abatement Application Update Currently, the board is wrapping up the final batch of 250 applications. Upcoming Meetings Tentative remote meetings are scheduled for June 5 at 2:00 PM, June 6 at 3:00 PM, June 8 at 3:00 PM, June 13 at 3:00 PM, and June 15 at 3:00 PM. The goal is to have all abatements complete in order to have tax bills in the mail on time. Public Comment Mary Perkins - 62 Ruth Street - submitted additional information at 11:30 AM at the Assessors' Office. The original assessment did not include the information that Fire Road 15 runs through her property with rights of way. Additionally, she shares a driveway with number 66 Ruth Street. She inquired if those factors were taken into consideration with the categorization of her property received. J. Senja Morgan - 22 May Street - wanted to add that their home is used as a seasonal cottage and the land and building value has increased significantly over the past 3 years. She wants to know if these factors were taken into consideration. Kevin Fish states that each property is going to be individually reviewed. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by Richard Letarte. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:08 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-01-agenda-30.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-01 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-01-agenda-30.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06012023-30 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 11:00 AM BILOTTA MEETING ROOM, TOWN HALL 17 Main Street The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER EXECUTIVE SESSION - Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-06-agenda-35.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-06-agenda-35.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06062023-35 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7663167607 Meeting ID: 766 316 7607 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 766 316 7607 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte ● Reorganization of the Board of Assessors EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-06-minutes-35.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-06-minutes-35.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06062023-35 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Abatement Application Update The last batch of abatements applications has been received. The board has been able to review 20 to 25 applications per hour. They anticipate having all abatements completed by June 15th in order to have the tax bill in the mail on time. The tentative schedule for remote meetings is as follows; June 7 at 2 PM, June 8th at 3 PM, and June 15th at 3 PM. Reorganization of the Board of Assessors John Rabbitt nominates Richard Letarte for chair, seconded by Kevin Fish. All in favor. Public Comment Dave McDonald - inquires if the board is still making calls to residents. John Rabbitt states that calls were being made only to alert people that the rest of their paperwork was received. Dave McDonald wants to know what the process is if there is a discrepancy. CJ Carroll states that once the tax bill is received there is a 90-day window to apply the ATB. Within those 90 days residents can come and discuss with the board. Ken Kohlstrom - 16 Ruth Street - had submitted a possible error on the property card with the abatement. Inquires if that is going to be reviewed or if that is something separate. John Rabbitt confirms that it will be viewed. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by CJ Carroll, Seconded by Kevin Fish. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:20 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-07-agenda-36.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-07 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-07-agenda-36.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06072023-36 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023 2:30 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-08-agenda-37.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-08-agenda-37.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06082023-37 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-08-minutes-37.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-08-minutes-37.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06082023-37 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Abatement Application Update 250 abatement applications have been completed. The entire abatement process is expected to be completed by June 15. The objective is to have everything complete to get tax bills out on time. Public Comment Carl Luck - 392 Sunset Lane - strongly disagrees with MFS assessment. Carl Luck lists several factors that should have been considered and were pointed out to the MFS inspector. All those factors were not considered. When the inspection was done, it was March and there was no activity on the lake. John Rabbitt states that within 90 days a filing needs to be submitted if the homeowner disagrees with their assessment. John Rabbitt clarifies that if someone is declined, they can still have conversations with the board and can continue to bring data to reconsider. This will help us get closer to what is fair market or fair value. Tentative Upcoming Meetings June 13t at 3:00 PM, June 14th at 2:00 PM, June 15"h at 3:00 PM. Board Member Comment Adam Burney sent out an invitation to the master plan kickoff with all the consulting groups. John Rabbitt is planning to attend and will share the information with the group. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by John Rabbitt All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:11 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-13-agenda-31.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-13 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-13-agenda-31.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132023-31 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-13-minutes-31.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-13 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-13-minutes-31.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06132023-31 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Abatement Application Update 300 applications have been completed. On May 4*h, the Board of Assessors voted to accept the findings of MFS regarding property value. MFS members consisted of 3 qualified assessors that made site visits to each property. If there is a disagreement with the findings and the homeowner can find an error in the calculation of the values, then please contact the Board of Assessors. If there is no error, and this is just an opinion, the suggestion is to file ATB (Appellate Tax Board) within that 90-day window of the date the abatement was granted or denied. John Rabbitt confirms that if anyone is having any concerns come and meet with the board. Those concerns will be run by Nate Cramer, but his decision will be the final. Public comment Dave McDonald - raised concern that there are many residents who haven't received notification. The board confirms that a batch consisting of 100 applications were mailed yesterday and today. At this point, everything has been mailed. Upcoming Meetings Tentative remote scheduled meetings are June 14th at 2:00 PM and June 15th at 3:00 PM. The hope is to get everything completed in order to get the tax bills in the mail on time. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by John Rabbitt, Seconded by Richard Letarte. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-15-agenda-33.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-15 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-15-agenda-33.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06152023-33 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 3:00 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and a re those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● Update from the Chairman, Richard H. Letarte EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-15-minutes-33.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-15-minutes-33.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06152023-33 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 3:00 PM. Members Present: Principal Access CJ Carroll, Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Board Member Comment Richard Letarte states that the assessor's office ordinarily handles 20 to 30 abatements per year. John Rabbitt thanks Richard Letarte, CJ Carroll, and the rest of the board for their continued work. Public Comment No public comment. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:05 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-29-agenda-416.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-29-agenda-416.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292023-416 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 4:00 PM BILOTTA MEETING ROOM, TOWN HALL 17 Main Street The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING  Discuss upcoming 5-year Certification  Discuss Office Work Plan  Review and Approval of Expense Vouchers, Motor Vehicle Abatements and Payroll OPEN DISCUSSION EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-29-minutes-416.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-06-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-06-29-minutes-416.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06292023-416 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Channel. The meeting was opened at 4:00 PM. Members Present: Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Public Comment Unknown resident- inquiries about what procedural changes are being made to make sure this will never happen again. Questions who reviews and analyzes data prior to the DOR (Department of Revenue) receiving it. Expressed concern that the meetings are scheduled at unresponsible times. Appointment of the interim assessor - agreed with what occurred by CJ Carroll. Eric Pettus - 43 Hemlock Terrace- thanks the board for all the work to fix the mess. Eric Pettus wants to know who hired CJ Carroll and asks if the board members are the ones who will appoint the new assessor. Calls into question the competency of the town manager and wants an investigation into what occurred. When Eric Pettus bought his house in 2015 the acreage on is land card was 0.9 when in actuality it is .032. After a trio to the Assessors Office , prior to this meeting, the land card is still showing the incorrect acreage. Eric Pettus did provide the deed to his land with his abatement. Jonah Potter Kiola - 132 Hemlock Drive- thanks the board for their efforts regarding the abatement process. Expresses that she is opposed to Rena Swezey being appointed as the interim assessor because she was ineffective and unfairly over evaluating people's property in Groton and in other towns. Jonah Potter Kiola brings up a comment said by Rena Swezey to another member of the public and thinks if the board feels Rena Swezey is a good choice, then maybe they need to investigate getting new assessors or a new town manager. Dave McDonald - Island Road - explains that the public is outraged and believes that the town board needs to be reset with 3 new members. Dave McDonald also shares that he disagrees with Rena Swezey being appointed as the new assessor. Carl Derner - 291 Sunset Lane - questions why public comment takes place prior to the meeting agenda. Carl Derner wants to know why they are using a principal accessor as opposed to an ===PAGE 2=== her prior troubled history with Groton. Sue Joel suggests that an outside contractor should have been hired as the town had previously done. John Rabbitt - informs residents that Zoom was turned off at the start of the meeting. An additional meeting will be held to include the other members who were on Zoom to give comments. Dave McDonald- states the agenda was posted without the Zoom link. All prior meetings have had a Zoom option. John Rabbitt says this was just an error and an oversight. Appointment of Interim Principal Assessor Heather Lemieux has submitted a notice of appointment to ratify Rena Swezey as interim principal assessor. A full-time replacement has been advertised but hasn't been filled and someone is needed to take over until someone is found. There has been contact with MFS regarding municipal finance service. Heather Lemieux assures residents and the board that checks and balances are being put into place. Rena Swezey's qualifications include 30 years as an assessor and has provided prior assistance to the town. John Rabbitt refers to the town charter. The appointment of the principal assessor by the town manager shall be effective on the 15th day of the following day of the notice. Unless a board of assessors shall within that period by a majority vote all its members reject such appointment or appointment sooner and reject the appointment. If it's rejected, we are back to ground zero. The board has received the resume and CV for Rena Swezey and thinks in advance the board should be able to ask her questions. John Rabbitt raises the issue of why members aren't granted the option to question potential employees. John Rabbitt believes if the process is trying to be improved then residents and board members should be given time to interview the individual. In John Rabbit's prior experience on boards the process to hire someone there needs to be a technical review. This would consist of bringing all the employees who are going to work with them to sit down, and express concern. The job description of the principal assessor is that they work under the direction of the Board of Assessors to serve the taxpayers. Heather Lemieux agrees to consider the suggestions, but it goes against the processes that are in the charter. There is a shortage of assessors. John Rabbitt says that based on all of the factors they really don't have much of a choice but to hire Rena Swezey. There was a discussion about Nate Cramer agreeing to come and assist the town and Heather Lemieux agrees that there is a verbal agreement. Heather Lemieux also wants to investigate a hybrid model to bring in professional consultants to assist office staff and provide additional oversite. ===PAGE 3=== Hic licchis au vulicu al v•te l lvi. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-07-18-agenda-394.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-07-18 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-07-18-agenda-394.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07182023-394 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023 2:30 PM REMOTE PARTICIPATION MEETING AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos ) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. To Participate Remotely: From a computer , please use the Invite Link below to join the public meeting webinar: Time: Jul 18, 2023 02:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353 Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 One tap mobile +19292056099,,7663167607# US (New York) +13017158592,,7663167607# US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keEQiMHAD5 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter the Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. No te: No participant ID is needed , just press # when asked. Teleph one users may dial “9” to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER LIMITED PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING ● DISCUSS OFFICE FUNCTIONS ● DISCUSS OFFICE WORK PLAN ● REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF EXPENSE VOUCHERS EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in- aid requirements" "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-07-18-minutes-394.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-07-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-07-18-minutes-394.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07182023-394 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting was opened at 2:30 PM. Members Present: Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Public Comment Carl Luck -50 Sunset Lane- questions whether inspections are primarily to confirm or certify that the information collected for every house is correct. Also, questions about what the outline is and how the tiers for a property are being determined. Rena Swezey states that the site index used by Nate Cramer will be put into place. Going forward they must determine what the dollar per square foot on the waterfront properties will be and whether they have increased or decreased by the 2022 sales. The options for grading will be good, average, and below average. John Rabbitt inquires if there are policy statements that can be provided for the public to read. Carl Luck states that not all lakefront properties were looked at only the ones who requested an abatement. Carl Luck wants to know how a rating can be made without an inspection since there is no baseline. Rena Swezey says Vision will be doing a full field review that includes driving down every street, but they won't be going into houses. Discuss Office Function Richard Letarte states that the main function of the BOA is to review payments for accounts payable for payroll, abatement requests, excise tax abatements, and exemptions such as low- income, elderly, and veterans. John Rabbitt has a question related to town mapping. Residents have said that their property line is off or inaccurate. Rena Sweney state mapping company is only for tax purposes. If there are discrepancies, then residents need to hire a land surveyor. If residents know it's incorrect, they need to contact Rena Swezey. Discuss Office Work Plan Rena Swezey wants the board to make a motion and take a vote to send out third-quarter estimated tax bills. This needs to be completed by August. Motion to send out estimated 3rd ===PAGE 2=== states that there is a comment section on the property cards that Vision completes. Rena Swezey wants to get ready for recertification. This includes any new houses that have been built in the last year. This information needs to be added to the system since homeowners will eventually have supplemental tax bills for the building only. Sales verification forms are going to be sent to everyone who bought a property in 2022 since that is the target year. Rena Swezey anticipates having all the forms mailed out by the middle of September. Rena Swezey has started a data card collection program that includes post-sales inspection. The data collection manual will also include the guidelines for house type, conditions, and grading. This will at some point need to be turned over to the Department of Revenue. Rena Sweezy will work with Vision to review all the building permits and properties sold last year.. Review and Approval of Expense Vouchers Kevin Fish and Richard Letarte reviewed and signed the expense vouchers. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-08-01-agenda-352.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-08-01 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-08-01-agenda-352.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08012023-352 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2023 2:30 PM REMOTE MEETING VIA ZOOM FOR OPEN SESSION In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live over the Lunenburg Public Access channel, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be uploaded to the LunenburgAccess YouTube after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to attend the meeting remotely: To Access the Meeting Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/7927370353 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 792-737- 0353 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN MEETING  Review and Approval of Expense Vouchers, Motor Vehicle Abatements and Payroll  Discuss Office Functions EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to enter into Executive Session and not to return into Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements" ===PAGE 2=== "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURNMENT ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-08-01-minutes-352.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-08-01 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-08-01-minutes-352.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08012023-352 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Location: In person at the Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access Channel. The meeting opened at 2:30 PM. Members Present: Administrative Assessing Assistant Sheila Craigen, Board Member Kevin Fish, Chairman Richard Letarte, Board Member John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. Board Member Comment John Rabbitt nominated Kevin Fish for Vice Chairman, but Kevin Fish declined. John Rabbitt then nominated Kevn Fish for the Clerk position. John Rabbitt nominated himself for the Vice Chair position. John Rabbitt suggests creating a meeting protocol and wants to discuss the frequency of meetings. John Rabbitt also recommends getting more help or resources to fix the mess. There are only 1 and a half people in the office while there should be 4. Public Comment Dave McDonald - 155 Island Road - Inquires as to why the evaluation of the house went up and whether it was town-wide or based on the type of property. Dave McDonald also inquires if an official judgment has been made on his property. Richard Letarte explains that the increase was townwide based on the type of property and the square footage. The reason given by the board for the increase is the price of construction per square foot has risen. Dave McDonald confirms there has been no construction since 1995. The Board states he should receive an answer by the end of the week regarding the abatement decision. Rena Swezey has a brief discussion regarding the depreciation schedule. The problem is that his property changed from conventional to contemporary. All conventional properties' prices per square foot went from 129 to 155 dollars. Dave McDonald wants to know how they come up with estimated taxes. Rena Swezey states that they are based on the previous year's tax rate and the previous year's value. Meeting Protocol John Rabbitt suggests an update to the meeting protocol. After reviewing other boards John Rabbitt feels their meetings are run differently. Suggestions for additional items to be added to ===PAGE 2=== as placeholders but meetings can be canceled if they are not needed. Review and approval of expense vouchers, motor vehicle abatements, and payroll from July. Signed by Richard Letarte and John Rabbitt. Discuss Office Functions Rena Swezey confirms that everything is proceeding as normal. Rena Swezey says the sales verification letters are ready to be sent out and the sales questionnaire is ready to be emailed. John Rabbitt inquires if property cards are available, collected, and completed. Adjournment Motion to adjourn and enter into executive session and not return to the open meeting by Kevin Fish, Seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-09-27-agenda-346.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-09-27 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-09-27-agenda-346.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09272023-346 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-09-27-minutes-346.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-09-27 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-09-27-minutes-346.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09272023-346 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS P .O. BOX 135 LUNENBURG, MA 01462 September 27, 2023 Present Members: Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Chair Brian Laffond, Clerk John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. 1. Call to order The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. 2. Board Comment  Two additional members are welcomed on the board: Sarah Cammer and Brian Laffond. Brian Laffond has been on multiple local boards and committees for about 20 years. Sarah Cammer has previously been on local town boards. Public Comment  Michael Ray Jeffreys – 1170 Massachusetts Ave.- briefly discussed the recent excise tax issue. Michael Ray Jeffreys states the first steps include prioritizing and communication. He believes the board should look at taxes as assessed from the previous year and compare them to what’s being suggested to find any potential problems. Regarding communication, Michael Ray Jeffreys states that the Select Board had to step up and answer the public’s concerns when this is the role of the Board of Assessors. Michael Ray Jeffreys believes the number 1 priority is to do the job everyone was elected or appointed for. Additionally, there must be support for staff to better support the community.  Tom Alonzo- 284 Lancaster Ave. – states that the task in front of you is significant. Urges members to make a list of everything that needs to be addressed and then prioritize those lists. Tom Alonzo expressed emphasis that everyone needs to as a unit. Tom Alonzo believes the lack of response back in January made the community more anxious and angrier that they weren't getting answers. 3. New Business  Reorganization of the Board to elect a Chair, Vice-chair, and Clerk There is a brief discussion regarding the roles of each member, and everyone is in general agreement. The role of the Chair is to organize the group and facilitate discussions to identify the board’s goals. The Vice-Chair helps run the meetings if the Chair is not available, and the Clerk is responsible for administrative tasks. Sarah Cammer states that she is unable to be Chair currently because of prior obligations and her full-time job. Brian Laffond is willing to be the Chair and has had prior experience being the Chair of the Financial Committee for 4-5 years. John Rabbitt expresses that he doesn’t want to be the Chair or Vice Chair. John Rabbitt also recommends a new chair be elected with a rotation on a yearly basis. Sarah Cammer nominated Brian Laffond for Chair, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. ===PAGE 2=== John Rabbitt nominated Sarah Cammer for Vice Chair, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. John Rabbitt nominated himself for Clerk. All in favor.  Discuss Regular Meeting Schedule and Next Meeting Dates Based on everyone's schedule there is a discussion to move the meetings to Monday nights at 6:45 PM. Someone from the board will reach out to Sheila to see if she is able to make it to 1 meeting a month. Brian Laffond will investigate how to officially change the meetings to Monday nights and what the process is. Rena Swezey believes a monthly meeting is appropriate until it starts to get to the busier months. Sarah suggests they have bi-weekly meetings.  Status Report from Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey provides a general update and shares that she has been very busy. There are between 15 and 20 new homes that need to be inspected, sketched, and entered into the system. Rena Swezey states the kickoff meeting with Vision took place the prior day. There was a discussion about starting to review all sales. Once preliminary values and certifications are received, they will be put onto the website. These values and certifications are usually due in October and classification hearings are in November/December. There was a discussion about making impact notes which are required by the DOR during re-eval. This would then be provided on the webpage and hard copies will be made available to the public at a location such as the library. Project updates: o All the chapter land and senior exemptions are returned. A meeting for both topics will have to take place at an upcoming time. o Numbers for sales are being looked at by Nate Cramer and Vision. o Personal property assessment has been completed for the year. o The mapping company, CAI, is updating property cards. Land maps are getting updated and are due by January 1st. If a resident needs a copy of their record card, call the town and one can be mailed or can be picked up. The website info isn’t as up-to-date. o All sales verification letters have been sent to anybody who just bought a house, and some have already been received back. Rena’s goal for this month is to collect data manuals and figure out how to gain access to documents that were on CJ's computer. John Rabbitt previously asked CJ about post-sales inspection, and he stated they haven’t had time to work on them. Sarah Cammer suggests a book be created of granted abatements for reference. There were also questions about whether the abatement will or has been added to the property record cards. Motor vehicle abatements were signed. ===PAGE 3===  Discuss Community Meeting to Update the Public on Q3 & Q4 Tax Bills 3rd quarter estimated bills will be sent. The re-eval actual bills won’t be received until February 1st. The deadline for filing an abatement is March 1st. The board wants to be as transparent as possible regarding information to the public. The main goal is to work on communication with the public. The plan is to Invite the town manager to an upcoming meeting to discuss how to communicate with and address the public.  Future Agenda Topics - John Rabbitt suggests creating a policies manual that includes land grading policy and a key to better understanding factors. - Agenda policy review will be added as a regular topic on the agenda. - Sarah Cammer suggests creating an organization of terms that are being used to assess. The 3 terms are good, bad, and poor. - Create procedures and charts for info that is being sent out and when deadlines are due. 4. Comments Board Comments  The board agrees that there needs to be communication with the office. If documents or letters are being sent out the board needs to be made aware and have documents date stamped  John Rabbitt suggests whoever makes the meeting agenda do a little research and bring essential materials to provide a basis for discussion.  Sarah Cammer is going to review the assessment and the DOR database to familiarize.  Rena Swezey will look at other communities for ideas/references regarding the webpage as the new webpage is being launched soon. Public Comment Nate Cramer will work with the IT department to save the valuations and billing values. 5. Upcoming Meeting Schedule The next meeting is scheduled for October 11th at 6:45 PM. 6. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. The meeting closed at 9:00 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-10-11-agenda-298.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-10-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-10-11-agenda-298.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10112023-298 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023 6:45 PM LIBRARY ROOM, EAGLE HOUSE 25 Memorial Drive This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/7663167607 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 766-316- 7607 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER OPENING PUBLIC COMMENT  Board  Public OLD BUSINESS  Approve Minutes of:  May 4, 2023,  May 16, 2023,  June 6, 2023,  June 29, 2023,  July 18, 2023,  August 1, 2023,  September 27, 2023  Review and Approve Expense Vouchers and Payroll  Status Report from Interim Principal Assessor ===PAGE 2=== NEW BUSINESS  Regular Meeting Schedule and Next Meeting Dates  Community Meeting to update public on Q3 & Q4 Property Tax Bills  Insert to be included in Q3 Property Tax Bills  Outreach  Seniors  Veterans  Lake Group(s)  Other  Building Value Policy.  Discussion – Add Seasonal Use Cottage  Off ground construction, no central heat, etc.  Other  Community Meeting to update public on Q3 & Q4 Property Tax Bills  Insert to be included in Q3 Property Tax Bills  Other Outreach. FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS  Review and Approve Senior / Veterans Exemptions  Review and Approve Chapter Land Exemptions  Software – Xembly discussion  Policy Establishment / Review  Land Value Policies / Propose Criteria. (i.e.: ◦ Topography ◦ Waterfront Quality ◦ Rights of way, Roadway, etc. ◦ Other)  Building Value Policies / Propose Criteria. (i.e.: ◦ New Categories  Data Storage. (i.e. Reason for previous approval of abatement)  Document Control CLOSING PUBLIC COMMENT  Public  Board ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to Adjourn, enter into Executive Session and not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. Enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements". "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the Commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the Commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited. ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-10-11-minutes-298.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-10-11 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-10-11-minutes-298.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10112023-298 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS P. O . B OX 1 3 5 LUNENBURG, MA 01462 October 11, 2023 - Minutes Present Members: Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Chair Brian Laffond, Clerk John RabbiƩ, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. 1. Call to Order The meeƟng opened at 6:45 PM. 2. Opening Public Comment  Board: No board comments.  Public: No public comments. 3. Old Business  Approve Minutes o MoƟon by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John RabbiƩ to approve the following meeƟng minutes: April 25, May 4, May 16, May 23, June 29, and July 18.  The below meeƟngs were amended for each listed reason. o May 25, June 8, and June 13: Removal of ChrisƟne Higdon from the members present list. o May 30 and June 15: AddiƟon of John RabbiƩ to the present members list. o June 6: Removal of ChrisƟne Higdon and addiƟon of John RabbiƩ to members present list. o August 1: CorrecƟon under board member comment secƟon relaƟng to who was nominated, voted for, and posiƟon. o MoƟon by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John RabbiƩ to approve the minutes above with the amendments.  Review and Approve Expense Vouchers and Payroll o Timesheets and expense vouchers from 9/12 to 10/4 regarding mileage by the Interim Assessor approved. All in favor. Table Interim Principal Assessor’s report unƟl Rena arrives. 4. New Business  Regular MeeƟng Schedule and Next MeeƟng Dates o MeeƟngs will be held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month unƟl the end of December. Upcoming meeƟngs are as listed: November 6, November 20, December 4, and December 18.  Community MeeƟng to update public on Q3 & Q4 Property Tax Bills The Q3 tax bills will be esƟmated and the Q4 tax bills will be actual. Rena Swezey to confirm the dates exact dates. o Insert from the Treasurer to be included in Q3 Property Tax Bills ===PAGE 2===  The board will follow up with the town manager regarding the contents of the insert. The board votes that all members sign this insert. John RabbiƩ votes to have Chair Brian Laffond be the point of contact person to work with the town manager regarding the insert, seconded by Sarah Cammer. o Outreach  John RabbiƩ wants to work with Rena Swezey regarding outreach programs. Sarah Cammer inquired about how much Ɵme should be alloƩed to work on this project. The board agrees for John RabbiƩ and Rena Swezey to spend an hour per week on this project. Rena Swezey states that all exempƟons need to be submiƩed between January 1 and April 1.  Seniors:  Ms. Cammer states that while she is not opposed to increasing the amount of exclusion value for Seniors, it is not pracƟcal for this year, as it will require working through Town MeeƟng. She suggests working with current values.  Veterans:  Must have a service-connected disability to qualify for this program. John Rabbit suggests bringing in the veteran admissions officer to gain addiƟonal informaƟon.  Lake Group(s)  Tabled unƟl a future meeƟng. A discussion can be had once preliminary evaluaƟons are reviewed so that residents are aware of what to expect. Resume Old Business  Status Report from Interim Principal Assessor o Rena Swezey has emailed the board members inspecƟon reports of the new construcƟon that has been entered into the computer system. Sketches of the houses are not yet completed, and lot splits have not yet been added to the computer system. o Currently awaiƟng P&S for 2 parcels. MoƟon by Brian Laffond, seconded by Sarah Cammer to table discussion unƟl those are received. o Reopen discussion about Interim Principal Assessor Report of 9/27/2023  John RabbiƩ wants more involvement in acƟviƟes of outsourced product. Brian Laffond stated that if JR is making a moƟon to insert the BOA into regular working sessions, he would not second it as we must allow our hired agents to do their work.  JohnRabbiƩ suggested that the Interim Principal Assessor should aƩend the monthly Finance MeeƟng with the Town Manager. Brian Laffond will invesƟgate if that is necessary. ===PAGE 3===  John RabbiƩ asked if the Town is providing all the contracted requirements for the Vision contract. Rena Swezey stated yes to all requirements. o John RabbiƩ stated that Vision Property Cards and CAI Property Cards are out of date and don’t match. Rena Swezey stated that while the Vision cards are being updated and are done through the year, the CAI cards are AS OF January 1st each year, so they will not match for anything that changed throughout the year. o John RabbiƩ stated that there is a lot of informaƟon n the Vision Property Cards, but asked if we can add fields as we need for more detailed capability. Rena Swezey that we cannot add fields that do not already exist in Vision, but that Vision has many factors that Lunenburg is not currently using. We can work with Vision on most addiƟonal fields we choose to use.  We returned to some addiƟonal (RRC) bills that were overlooked earlier in the meeƟng. o There seemed to be some confusion on the dates on the bills and potenƟal duplicaƟon. The bills were not signed and will be returned to the office for clarificaƟon.  Building Value Policy. o Discussion – Add Seasonal Use CoƩage  Off-ground construcƟon, no central heat, etc.  Rena Swezey will draŌ a proposal for next meeƟng. 5. Future Agenda Topics  Review and Approve Senior / Veterans ExempƟons  Review and Approve Chapter Land ExempƟons  SoŌware – Xembly discussion  Policy Establishment / Review o Land Value Policies / Propose Criteria. (i.e.:  Topography  Waterfront Quality  Rights of way, Roadway, etc.  Other)  Building Value Policies / Propose Criteria. (i.e.: New Categories)  Data Storage. (i.e. Reason for previous approval of abatement)  Brian Laffond asked how we can see copies of Contracts and Service Proposals from our agents. Rena Swezey stated that those documents are not in the BOA office and we would need to ask the Town Manager. o Sarah Cammer made a moƟon to ask for copies of exisƟng Contracts and Service agreements. JR Second. Unanimously approved. o John RabbiƩ suggested that we ask for future involvement in development of RFPs and/or Contract deliverables and VerificaƟon of Performance.  Sarah Cammer stated we could review current data for exisƟng deliverables and Ɵmelines.  Brian Laffond cauƟoned that we need to make sure not to overstep the procurement process  Brian Laffond took acƟon item to follow up with Town Manager ===PAGE 4=== o John RabbiƩ also wants the BOA to have more say in personnel-related decisions  Brian stated that while BOA has raƟficaƟon authority, we can invite the Town Manager to discuss having a larger role in wriƟng job descripƟons for future openings  Document Control o Discussion about dates and stamping documents to create a record. o John RabbiƩ pointed out that he has discovered three different job descripƟons for the Principal Assessor. Brian Laffond will invesƟgate with Lunenburg’s HR person. 6. Closing Public Comment  Public Comment o Carl Luck suggests that all communicaƟon be added to the website and a noƟficaƟon is sent out when something new is posted. Carl Luck quesƟons why the vision cards aren’t updated to reflect the abatements and new assessments. There is expressed concern by Carl Luck that the taxes will rise again.  Board Comment o John RabbiƩ expresses that the board should be involved in preliminary meeƟngs for new hires. John RabbiƩ suggests having Julie Belliveau come to a future meeƟng to discuss job descripƟons. o Brian Laffond suggests having Nate Cramer come to the next meeƟng in November . There are some quesƟons regarding what services Nate provides. o John RabbiƩ inquiries about a discussion that will take place during the execuƟve session. ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – MoƟon to Adjourn, enter into ExecuƟve. MoƟon by Sarah Cammer to adjourn and enter into execuƟve session at 9:14 PM, seconded by John RabbiƩ. MoƟon to adjourn to enter into execuƟve session and not to return to open session aŌer the execuƟve session and were entering execuƟve session under purpose 7 to comply with or act under the authority of any general or special law or federal grant aid requirements quote applicaƟons for abatement or exempƟon under this chapter shall accept in proceedings before the County Commissions the appellant tax board or court of the Commonwealth be open only to the inspecƟon of the assessors the commissioner, the depuƟes, clerks, and assistance of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditor of the Commonwealth which is chapter 59 secƟon 60 of MGL and that’s the law being cited. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-11-06-minutes-2617.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-11-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-11-06-minutes-2617.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062023-2617 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== MINUTES LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. Present Members: Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Chair Brian Laffond, Clerk John Rabbitt, Interim Principal Assessor Rena Swezey. CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING PUBLIC COMMENT  Board Comment: o John Rabbit inquires if there is anyone admitting people into the Zoom meeting. Eric states he wasn’t provided a Zoom link and there wasn’t one on the agenda. Ultimately, a Zoom meeting was successfully created. o John Rabbitt shares DLS has a new tax reform bill. This will raise the maximum senior work off for abatements from 1,500 to 2,000 starting in 2025. Additionally, DLS Tax Reform also includes assistance for Low Income Housing Property Owners. o John Rabbitt shares that the state has guidelines to create compelling and comprehensive tax rate and classification presentations.  Public Comment: No public comment. OLD BUSINESS  Approve Minutes of September 27, 2023, and October 11, 2023 o The minutes from September 27, 2023, were amended as follows:  Corrected the spelling of Sarah Cammer’s last name under the future agenda topics.  Corrected spelling of Brian Laffond’s last name under board comment.  Corrected spelling of Nate Cramer’s last name.  All in favor needed to be added under the reorganization of the board. o Motion by Sarah Cammer to approve amended minutes from the September 27, 2023, meeting, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. o Due to a technical issue, there is a large gap in the meeting minutes from October 11, 2023. Brian Laffond and Rena Swezey will try to recreate and fill in those gaps.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, etc. o Motion to approve annual membership fee for Massachusetts Associates of Assessing Offices by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor o Motion to approve RRC personal property software for fiscal 2024 by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. ===PAGE 2=== o Motion to approve fee from Vision Government Solutions for fiscal 2023 by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. o Motion to approve the bill for advertising the principal assessor's position by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor o Motion to approve two invoices from MFS by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. o Motion to approve WB Mason bill for office supplies by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. o Brian Laffond signed the postage fees for the Vision cards. o Motor vehicle abatements signed.  Status Report from Interim Principal Assessor  Discussion – Add Seasonal Use Cottage, Determine rate. o Rena Swezey suggested to CJ last winter that seasonal cottages should be added to the database. A seasonal cottage is defined as minimal, seasonally used with interior walls that aren’t finished. Brian questions if one of the criteria included is lack of central heat and Rena Swezey confirms. John Rabbitt pointed out the team voted and approved a definition of a Cottage to include dimensions (600 SqFt as well as lack of central heating. Team was to add this into Policies Definitions. o Rena Swezey contacted other communities to gain additional information. The seasonal cottage price per square foot locally is as follows: Groton is $63 per square foot, Littleton is $68.50 per square foot, and Ashburnham is $95 per square foot. o Rena Swezey spoke with Nate Cramer, and they agreed that $65 per square foot is a fair number for fiscal 2024. o Motion to approve the $65 per square foot rate for seasonal cottages by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor.  Discussion on Estimated New Growth for FY24 o Rena Swezey has finished all building permits for new construction. The final number for new growth is $33,190,000 with total tax dollars being $484,203. o Motion by John Rabbitt to support the 400,000-dollar actual bill to get the new growth proposed by Heather Lemieux, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor.  How to handle minutes of Executive Sessions. There was a brief discussion with Heather Lemieux regarding the minutes from the executive session. The motions to approve minutes are made during the executive session.  Status of Community Outreach  Senior Center Status of requests for improved collaboration with the Town Manager. ===PAGE 3===  Insert for Q3 Property Tax Bills Contact needs to be made with DOR about the third quarter billing. Heather Lemieux was put in touch with the town administrator who put her in touch with their treasure collection. A sample language was provided to Heather Lemieux to utilize to create a draft insert. This would need to be submitted by the beginning of December. This topic will be put on the agenda for November 20th to discuss further.  Existing Contracts An electronic folder is being created. This would include the contracts with Vision for the certification of values project, Vision camera software, Near Maps software.  Future RFP Development The board shares an interest in and wants to participate in future RFP developments. APPOINTMENT - 7:00 p.m.  Intros/ Updates – Vision /MFS: Mike Tarello, Nate Cramer, Heather Lemieux o Mike Tarello from Vision Government Solution has started to go through databases pulling records, sales information, land tables, building tables, depreciation schedules, and cost rates. Tarello has worked on the LA4 report and has been adding the data to the master file. o Once preliminary values are approved there will be a field review. The team will then review sales and then compare rates to the current values then compare rates to sales. o John Rabbitt questions the market value and asks to add granularity to the report. o Brian Laffond questions if there is a list of criteria that explains what is good, better, and best. Mike Tarello will set up a data collection guide that includes descriptions and field review guidelines. o Sarah Cammer asks Mike Tarello how his company will determine qualifying and non-qualifying sales. Mike Tarello gives several examples of unqualified sales: family sales, court settlements, estate sales, multiple parcels, intercorporate, and significant additions. o John Rabbitt shares that CJ was unable to keep up with taking off non-qualified sales from 2022. The board is to review the MLS and then give a list to Mike Tarello of any properties not showing up on MLS. o Sarah Cammer asks, when there is variation in quartiles percents, how will it be reconciled. o Brian Laffond asks if the folder previously referred to by Mike Tarello is a physical folder or virtual. Mike Tarello confirms both are made and a virtual appraisal file will be made available to the board. o John Rabbitt reviewed the “5 Year Assessment Year Review Agreement”, specific to Project Commitments made by the Twon of Lunenburg to Vision. Based on ===PAGE 4=== Mike’s and Rena’s confirmations; the project is on schedule and Lunenburg has provided all the agreed information required in the contract. NEW BUSINESS  Meeting with Nate Cramer of MFS o The board needs to prepare questions for an in-depth meeting with Nate Cramer of MFS on November 20, 2023. Currently, Nate Cramer has been working on a few ATB cases that were filed and working with Rena Swezey to get documents submitted to Gateway. o John Rabbitt has questions related to traffic adjustments and agrees to research examples from other towns. Nate Cramer expressed that these adjustments are sometimes listed on the site index. o John Rabbitt asks if Nate Cramer and MFS have a manual or portfolio. Nate Cramer states they do almost anything related to assessing but will give a list to Rena Swezey to distribute. o Nate- there is a webpage. Do almost anything related to assessing. Nate can give a comprehensive list to Rena to distribute. o Brian Laffond plans to get a copy of questions to Nate Cramer prior to the next meeting on November 20th.  Discuss responses to extensive citizen questions. - i.e. Carl Derner. o There have been many questions and inquiries submitted by citizens. The board will consolidate questions and put the answers on the webpage. Further discussion is tabled for another meeting. FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS Review and Approve Senior / Veterans Exemptions  Discuss implications for FY2024  Investigation 41C regarding seniors exemptions. o Review and Approve Chapter Land Exemptions o Software – Xembly discussion o Policy Establishment / Review  Land Value Policies / Propose Criteria.  Building Value Policies / Propose Criteria: New Categories  Data Storage. (i.e. Reason for previous approval of abatement.)  Document Control MEETING SCHEDULE The next meeting is November 20, 2023. CLOSING PUBLIC COMMENT ===PAGE 5===  Public Comment: o Carl Luck- Sunset Lane- thanks the board and is happy that a new category regarding cottages was created.  Board Comment: No board comments. ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to Adjourn by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt to enter into Executive Sessions not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Sessions. All in favor. ADJOURN The meeting closed at 9PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-11-20-agenda-4149.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2023-11-20 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2023-11-20-agenda-4149.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11202023-4149 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. This meeting will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. REMOTE PARTICIPATION From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/7663167607 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 766-316- 7607 # If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. In accordance with the requirements of the Open Law Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public OLD BUSINESS  Approve Minutes of: October 11, 2023, November 6, 2023  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, etc.  Status Report from Interim Principal Assessor  Status of Community Outreach  Senior Center  Status of requests for improved collaboration with Town Manager  Insert for Q3 Property Tax Bills  Existing Contracts  Future RFP Development  Discuss response to extensive citizen questions. - i.e. Derner, Lucks. APPOINTMENT - 7:00 p.m.  Questions for MFS: Nate Cramer ===PAGE 2=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA NEW BUSINESS  Website improvements  Melrose vs Lunenburg review  Other suggestions  Field Inspection Manual / Data Collection Manual draft review  Potential for ad-hoc citizen committee(s) to aid board members FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS  Review and Approve Senior / Veterans Exemptions  Discuss implications for FY2024  Review and Approve Chapter Land Exemptions  Software – Xembly discussion  Policy Establishment / Review  Land Value Policies / Propose Criteria  Building Value Policies / Propose Criteria: New Categories  Data Storage. (i.e. Reason for previous approval of abatement)  Document Control CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Motion to Adjourn, enter into Executive Session not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. ADJOURN EXECUTIVE SESSION 1 Motion to enter executive session under Purpose 7: "To comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements". "Applications for abatement or exemption under this chapter shall, except in proceedings before the county commissioners, the appellate tax board or a court of the Commonwealth, be open only to the inspection of the assessors, the commissioner, the deputies, clerks and assistants of either the assessors or the commissioner and such other officials or designated private auditors of the Commonwealth." CH59 S60 of MGL is the law being cited.