# board-of-assessors — 28 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 : 2024-04-22-minutes-6540.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-04-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-04-22-minutes-6540.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04222024-6540 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS APRIL 22, 2024 LOWER LEVEL, RITTER BUILDING 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VENUE Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS  Board There were no comments from the Board.  Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM ASSESSING CONSULTANT and NEW PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey started to review the 102 building permits from 2021 to 2023 to assure the information has been included in the Vision appraisal software. The first batch of motor vehicle abatements and trailer excise tax abatements totaled $11,218.36 for the month of March. Both Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey went through commitment number 2 of motor vehicle abatements. There were 889 bills of commitment totaling $285,816.11. There was one bill for commitment number 9 of 2022 totaling $77.98. A new zoning map was provided to the Police and Fire Department. The office now has access to NEAR map. The drawback is the data is from March of 2023. Both Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey have completed the abutters list starting in March until the current time. Brian Laffond states that most abatement applications for 2023 were kept in the office but there are three that were taken out of the office and are now missing. So far, 6 applications for abatement requests for 2024 have been received. Rena Swezey states there was 1abatement that included 140-150 parcels. Lynda McQuade has been receiving many calls relating to the Q4 bills. Brian Laffond discussed that the Board did not put an explanation letter in the Q4 bills but will do so as needed in the future. CURRENT BUSINESS ===PAGE 2===  Review and Approve Minutes of: Jan. 8, 2024, Jan. 22, 2024, Jan. 29, 2024, Feb. 5, 2024, Feb. 12, 2024, Feb. 26, 2024, March 04, 2024, March 12, 2024, March 18, 2024, April 01, 2024 There was a motion to accept the January 8, 2024, minutes with amendments by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the January 22, 2024, minutes as written by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the January 29, 2024, minutes as written by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the February 5, 2024, minutes as written by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the February 12, 2024, minutes as written by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the February 26, 2024, minutes with amendments by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the March 4, 2024, minutes as written by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the March 12, 2024, minutes with amendments by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the March 18, 2024, minutes with amendments by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the April 1, 2024, minutes with amendments by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. There was a motion to accept the invoices dated March 15, 2024, for the amount of $14,484.88 and the invoice dated April 9, 2024, for the amount of $2,632.89 for services provided by Vision Government Solutions for the completion of our 5-year reevaluation by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. Included in the invoices was a bill for three copies of the 5-year reevaluation from Vision. One copy is available to check out at the Assessor’s Office, one copy is ===PAGE 3=== available to check out by the Lunenburg Public Library, and the last copy will stay in the Assessors Office for office use. A bill from MFS was reviewed and signed for ATB cases totaling $1,800. There was a motion to accept the bill from MFS for the classification hearing and the ATB cases dated March 10, 2024, by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. A quarterly bill was received from MLS for account access from April 1 to June 30. There was a motion to pay the $87 invoice from MLS by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. The next bill is from CAI for the site index totaling $1,400. There was a motion to accept the bill totaling $1,400 by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. The warrant was signed to collect the motor vehicle excise for commitment number two totaling $285,816.11. There was a motion to accept the bill by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. Commitment 9 bill for 2022 was received totaling $77.98. There was a motion to accept the bill by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the abatement totaling $403.32 by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. A total of 98 motor vehicle abatements were processed totaling $11,283.12. There was a motion to accept the 98 motor vehicle abatements by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. An abatement settlement of $8,672.95 was received. There was a motion to accept by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor.  Review revisions to 'How to Read Your Vision Card” After reviewing there were some minor changes in the dates to be corrected. Sarah Cammer will get the document posted to the splash-page. John Rabbitt suggests creating a table of contents.  Status of Roll out of Website Improvements John Rabbitt was waiting for additional information from Brian Laffond and Sarah Cammer. ===PAGE 4=== John Rabbitt is hoping the website will go live by the end of the month. When it goes live there will also need to be tests to confirm all the links are working correctly. Originally, John Rabbitt thought this would be completed by the middle of April but confirms this will be done before the town meeting.  Progress on developing FAQ’s from Citizen’s Questions Multiple lists of questions have been created. The next step is to discuss what questions need to be forwarded to the consultants to answer and which ones the Board can answer. Rena Swezey suggests looking at frequently asked questions and answers on other town web-pages.  Status of the 5 Year Revaluation, including the 9 DLS Directives. o Determine how / when best to attack each of them (includes Neighborhood review, Cyclical and Interim reviews). Department of Local Services directives include:  Cyclical inspection through RFP  Income/expense data  Land schedule  Personal property/second homes  Sales verification  Neighborhood review Sarah Cammer will write up and draft a formal document stating what the intentions of a Neighborhood Review subcommittee will be. This will be reviewed at the meeting on May 6 along with the neighborhood review.  Lessons and potential solutions from 2023 experience – Jack Rabbitt John Rabbitt reviewed data dating back from January of 2023 and created a list that was sent to the Board members. There is some confusion because John Rabbitt did not provide any solutions and just gave historical observations. Sarah Cammer states what John provided is a reaccounting and speculation about what happened and is not based on a review of what has been done this year.  Clarification of our current situation regarding Exemptions. Lynda McQuade spoke with Jim Crowley who is an attorney for the Department of Revenue regarding 41C. For 41C to apply you must be 70 years old as of July 1 and the exemption amount is $750. For 2024 we must go by the income limitations which is $315 for single person and $396 for a married person. The asset limitation for a single person is $527 and a married person is $727. COLA must be adopted to have 41D as an exemption. That will then allow for COLA yearly and be able to follow the legislature income limitations. ===PAGE 5===  Investigations are ongoing so we are ready for ATM. We may want to do a full review / summary Brian Laffond has put together a calendar of important events and due dates. The investigation is still ongoing.  “White papers”: Board of Assessors Communication – Jack Rabbitt Both Brian Laffond and John Rabbitt spoke with the town’s legal counsel. John Rabbitt states there is a way to have the white paper process and make it work. White papers can be created individually, and it can be posted before the meeting as long as there is no debate and in a public place. Brian Laffond spoke to town counsel, and it was recommended to bring an item to a meeting if you want to share and then come back and discuss it at the next meeting to come to a conclusion. FUTURE TOPICS  “Work Breakdown Structure”  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  May 6, 2024  May 20, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public There was no public comment.  Board There was no Board comment. Motion to enter into executive session not to return to open session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. The public session closed at 9:33 PM. EXECUTIVE SESSION ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-05-06-agenda-6558.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-05-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-05-06-agenda-6558.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062024-6558 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84183038660 Meeting ID: 841 8303 8660 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 841 8303 8660 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORTS FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications  Omitted and Revised  MUNIS Error on bills CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of April 22, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, 2 MVE Commitment, MVE Abatements, etc.  Review and Approve Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar,  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D)  Status of Roll out of Website  Design Improvements: Insuring Links are Active/Current, Test Plan, Release Schedule  Process for Potential Content: e.g. Assessors Office Organization Chart, “Work Breakdown Structure”, “FAQ’s from Citizen’s Questions”, Assessing Calendar, etc. FUTURE TOPICS  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  May 20, 2024, Determine June Meeting Schedule CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-05-06-minutes-6558.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-05-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-05-06-minutes-6558.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05062024-6558 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MAY 6, 2024 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer Clerk John Rabbitt, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey Absent: Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:33PM. OPENING COMMENTS  Board John Rabbitt questions if there are any services that we offer to help people with their abatement. Rena Swezey says no, and the abatement must be in their own words and the office needs to remain impartial. Brian Laffond confirms that residents are welcome to come to the office to get the provided paperwork and Rena Swezey will provide the resident with a copy of their property card.  Public There were no public comments. STATUS REPORTS FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey have been working on 2024 real estate abatements and have completed 24 files. Since the last meeting Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey have completed 6 inspections. Rena Swezey and Brian Laffond were looking at a property today that had a site index of zero. There are a few parcels that have a site index of zero which is not a site index. Rena Swezey is going to run a report from Vision with all site indexes that are zero to address.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications The Assessor’s office is still receiving motor vehicle and real estate abatements. Sarah Cammer questions how long it takes for someone to file an abatement, get an inspection, and have the documents provided to the Board. Rena Swezey states once the inspection is completed the documents are reviewed at the next Board of Assessors Meeting. Rena Swezey states the Assessor’s office has 30 days to either approve or deny the abatement followed by a 3-month period to appeal to the Appellate Tax Board (ATB).  Omitted and Revised ===PAGE 2=== There were 2 commitments for the board to sign. The first was for personal property for the solar project that is under a 20-year agreement with the Town. Due to nonpayment this year there was a revised assessment of $21,493. The second commitment was a real estate omitted assessment of a house that was completed but not picked up. They will be getting a bill for the structure.  MUNIS Error on bills There was some difficulty getting all the bills out in time due to a communication issue between MUNIS and Vision. Vision has all the information correct. Exemptions under MUNIS were applied correctly to the bill amount, but incorrectly reduced the Valuations. After speaking with the Town Manager there will be another round of corrected bills for those affected. These need to be sent out prior to the new estimated quarterly bills being sent out on July 1st. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of April 22, 2024 The minutes for the April 22nd meeting have not been completed.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, 2 Motor Vehicle Excise (MVE) Commitments, MVE Abatements, etc. Commitment number 9 of 2022 totaling $77.98 was reviewed and signed. Commitment number 2 of 2024 totaling $285,816 was reviewed and signed. Motor vehicle abatements totaling $10,623.24 were signed.  Review and Approve Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) Sarah Cammer put together a brief outline for the Board to review. Brian Laffond suggests reaching out to the people who were looking to volunteer to get confirmation. Brian Laffond suggests between 8 and 10 neighborhoods be created. Neighborhoods should be no smaller that ~ 400 parcels and no larger than 1200- 1500 parcels. Once completed, a copy of the drafted document will be sent to our representative from DLS to review. Rena Swezey is going to contact local towns to get their neighborhood counts for comparison. This may be an 8-to-10-week process and Sarah Cammer will make up a potential calendar with dates. ===PAGE 3=== Sarah Cammer will make an announcement at the next Select Board meeting stating the Board is looking for volunteers to be on the neighborhood review team. The team should consist of: - Board of Assessors member (Sarah Cammer) - A lake resident - A non-lake resident - An active Realtor - Outside Assessor (Rena Swezey) The Board intends to have the members identified by the next meeting.  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar The Town Manager proposed a baseline calendar that the Board intends to use as their format. There is also a recommend baseline calendar that DLS provided.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D) The Town Meeting passed the suggested change in amendments for the age and the amount for the exemptions for the elderly under 41C. Brian Laffond wants to review all exemptions in the next coming months and have this completed by October. John Rabbitt wants a better understanding of 41A thus he will be researching that exemption. Brian Laffond will research 41C and 41D for possible recommendations.  Status of Roll out of Website o Design Improvements: Insuring Links are Active/Current, Test Plan, Release Schedule John Rabbitt has routinely been meeting with Kara McCarthy. Her suggestions include consolidating emails. There have been roughly 15 changes to the website per week. Process for Potential Content: e.g. Assessors Office Organization Chart, “Work Breakdown Structure”, “FAQ’s from Citizen’s Questions”, Assessing Calendar, etc. All new content should be vetted by the entire Board before implementation. John Rabbitt provided a printed-out draft to the Board for review and discussion. Sarah Cammer suggests reducing some of the topics as it is overwhelming. Rena Swezey recommends adding the tax information on the main page. ===PAGE 4=== John Rabbitt and Kara McCarthy have added a link that brings you to the meeting videos under the agenda and minutes link. John Rabbitt will consolidate and confirm the Board’s changes before asking Kara McCarthy for further changes. John Rabbitt suggests creating a site map. FUTURE TOPICS  BOA Policies John Rabbitt looked into information about open meeting laws and disagrees with the policy. John Rabbitt suggests creating a big list of topics and adding them to all agendas in case a specific discussion occurs. Brian Laffond states if you bring up a topic at a meeting we can communicate at the next meeting once the topic has been added to the agenda. Sarah Cammer likes the policy and agrees that if it’s important enough that we need to write about it to each other then it’s important enough to say we need to make this an agenda topic. Brian Laffond suggests if John Rabbitt has a suggestion or a way to have this run differently then he should run it by Town Council and then return to the Board with that info. There have been several “emergency” requests from Attorneys for signatures on non-standard documents. When an abutters list is requested, the Assessors have 10 business days to respond. Brian Laffond suggests adopting a similar policy for response to requests for signatures. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Brian Laffond proposes meeting once a month for July and August.  May 20, 2024 - Determine June Meeting Schedule  June 3, 2024  June 10, 2024 - Tentatively scheduled.  July 22, 2024 - Tentatively scheduled.  August 19, 2024 - Tentatively scheduled. CLOSING COMMENTS  Public There was no public comment.  Board John Rabbitt shares that the pancake breakfast at the Senior Center is being discontinued due to lack of attendance. EXECUTIVE SESSION ===PAGE 5=== There was a motion to suspend open meeting and enter into executive session not to return to open session after executive session by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. The meeting closed at 8:47 PM. ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-05-20-agenda-6579.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-05-20 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-05-20-agenda-6579.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202024-6579 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84183038660 Meeting ID: 841 8303 8660 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 841 8303 8660 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of April 22, 2024, May 6, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Brief Status of Roll out of Website - Test Plan, Release Schedule POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D,  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  May 20, 2024, June 3, 2024, June 10, 2024 (tentative), July 22,2024, August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-05-20-minutes-6579.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-05-20 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-05-20-minutes-6579.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05202024-6579 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MAY 20, 2024 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS  Board John Rabbitt congratulated Sarah Cammer on being voted in and thanked her for making a comment at the Select Board meeting regarding the neighborhood team. Sarah Cammer congratulated Brian Laffond for being voted in. Brian Laffond was sworn in this afternoon. Sarah Cammer states she will be participating in the meeting but is unable to vote because she must be sworn in by the Town Clerk first.  Public There was no public comment. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. o Lynda McQuade stated the abatement application period ended last Thursday.  There were 42 abatement applications received.  Rena Swezey and Lynda McQuade have completed inspections and recommendations for half of those abatements. o Lynda McQuade came across another omitted bill that is going to be mailed out on May 28th. o The state reimbursement for the motor vehicle veteran’s exemptions also known as MD1 was submitted. o Lynda McQuade is continuing to review the 102 building permits. o Rena Swezey and Lynda McQuade processed settlements for the 4 outstanding ATB cases from FY 2023. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of April 22, 2024, May 6, 2024 Brian Laffond provided a copy of the April 22nd minutes with amendments to the Board. Sarah Cammer found a few grammatical errors. ===PAGE 2=== There was a motion to approve the April 22nd minutes by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Brian Laffond aye, John Rabbitt aye. The minutes for May 6th were received this morning. Brian Laffond provided a copy of the May 6th minutes with amendments to the Board and there were no suggested changes. There was a motion to approve the May 6th minutes by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Brian Laffond aye, John Rabbitt aye.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. There was a bill from MLS for the set tlement of an abatements totaling $450 that was signed by the Board.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) Sarah Cammer confirmed there are curre ntly 3 volunteers aside from herself. The other members include Rena Swezey as the contractor, Carl Luck as a member at large that’s a lake resident, Ana Lockwood as a member at large that is a non-lake resident. The Board is still looking for a Realtor to volunteer for the team. If anyone is interested, please reach out to Sarah Cammer. The first meeting is expected to start the second week of June and the goal is to be completed by August. Sarah Cammer is creating a GIS map including site characteristics and classification of neighborhoods. Rena Swezey reviewed Groton’s database for lake front property. Groton uses the code 1013 and that signifies a single-family waterfront. Additionally, Rena Swezey spoke with an assessor in Littleton. All their properties are coded as 1 for waterfront specifically on the water or code 2 for a water view.  Brief Status of Roll out of Website ̶ Test Plan, Release Schedule John Rabbitt and Kara McCarthy ar e making progress on the temporary website. The topics on the side has been consolidated down to 7 and there is a site index/table of contents. John Rabbitt is having meetings with Kara McCarthy on a weekly basis. POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D).  BOA Policies Brian Laffond has started to write a policy to review and discuss. ===PAGE 3=== UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  June 3, 2024  June 10, 2024 (tentative)  July 22,2024  August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public There were no comments from the public.  Board John Rabbitt has been doing research into the 41A exemption. John Rabbitt believes the challenge is going to be with the banks and getting them to take a second position. John Rabbitt questions where to go to get additional information but will continue his research. John Rabbitt states the House bill for the Circuit Breaker Credit has passed. There is question among the Board if this bill was actually passed. This will be deferred as a future conversation item. Brian Laffond drafted a letter to be sent to the people who received bills that had exemptions where the property value was misstated. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was a motion to suspend open meeting and enter into executive session not to return to open session after executive session by Brian Laffond, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll call vote. Brian Laffond aye, John Rabbitt aye. The meeting closed at 7:15 PM. ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-06-03-agenda-6594.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-06-03 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-06-03-agenda-6594.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032024-6594 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, JUNE 03, 2024 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81613478472 ? pwd=dFJjbTlraG95WUtqL3hpd0RGZWFnUT09 Meeting ID: 816 1347 8472 Passcode: 957771 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 816 1347 8472 # 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 DETERMINE BOARD OF ASSESSORS ORGANIZATION FOR NEXT FISCAL YEAR OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of May 20, 2024. Executive Session May 20, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Brief Status of Roll out of Website- Test Plan, Release Schedule POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D),  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  June 10, 2024 (tentative), July 22,2024, August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-06-03-minutes-6594.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-06-03 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-06-03-minutes-6594.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06032024-6594 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS JUNE 3, 2024 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. DETERMINE BOARD OF ASSESSORS ORGANIZATION FOR NEXT FISCAL YEAR There was a motion to nominate Brian La ffond as Chair by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to nominate Sarah Cammer as Vice Chair by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. There was a motion to nominate John Rabbitt as Clerk by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. OPENING COMMENTS  Board John Rabbitt was reviewing the gateway assessment management tool and Sheila is still listed. John Rabbitt questions if a form needs to be filled out to update the information. Lynda McQuade confirms that Becky Boucher had just sent an email to update the directory this morning. John Rabbitt thanks Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey for their compassion and kindness when dealing with taxpayers.  Public There was a resident in the audience that was looking to discuss an abatement. Brian Laffond states this will be discussed once we enter into executive session. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade states the Assessor’s Office has received 42 real estate and personal property abatements and has completed 39. Some of these were reviewed last meeting, some will be reviewed this evening and a few will be delayed until inspections can be done and recommendations made. An omitted bill totaling $8,688.42 was mailed out on May 28th for the building portion of a newly constructed home that was missed in FY 24. ===PAGE 2=== Lynda McQuade states there has been an unresolved issue relating to the responsibility of prelim and actual billing. There is conflict between whether this should be handled by the Assessor’s Office or the Tax Collector’s office. There is a consultant from MUNIS coming in next Friday, he will be assisting the town in the billing process. Rena Swezey states that in the past the Tax Collector has been the one who handles the billing. Sarah Cammer questions who usually handles the billing in other towns. Brian Laffond stated that Lynda and Rena looked into 10 other towns and found that all but one has the Tax Collector complete billing. Sarah Cammer questioned if the Tax Collector bill issue has been escalated and Lynda McQuade confirms that the Town Manager is aware. Last week interviews were conducted for the Administrative Assessing Assistant. There were 4 applicants who were then narrowed down to 2. A decision is expected in the next week. Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey have been continuing to review the 102 building permits from 2022 and 2023 to assure they are all included in Vision. The upcoming goals are to complete the 3 remaining FY 24 real estate and personal property abatements, review building permits, and work on FY 25 growth. Lynda McQuade will be attending the MAAO summer conference from June 24th to June 27th in Plymouth. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of May 20, 2024. Executive Session May 20, 2024 There was a motion to approve the amended regular meeting minutes by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. Executive Session minutes not yet available.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. There were no documents to review or sign.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) Sarah Cammer states she is still looking for a Realtor to join the Neighborhood Review Team. A Doodle Poll will be sent to the people who have volunteered to discuss potential meeting dates. Sarah Cammer anticipates these meetings will likely take place over Zoom. It’s anticipated that this review team will wrap up by the end of summer. The first few weeks of meetings will be an intense review of previous information. Between weeks 4 and 8 the team plans to review neighborhoods and make recommendations. ===PAGE 3=== John Rabbitt and Lynda McQuade will reach out to some Realtors that they are familiar with.  Brief Status of Roll out of Website – Test Plan, Release Schedule John Rabbitt wants to have a discussion next week regarding the website. The intentions are to get the approval from the Board to take the next steps. Brian Laffond requested that John Rabbitt send the link to the test site to the Board again. POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D)  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  June 10, 2024  July 22, 2024  August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public There were no comments from the public.  Board John Rabbitt is going to be meeting with Attorney Adam Costa to review the 41A deferral process and share gathered information. John Rabbitt will converse with Attorney Adam Costa to better understand communicating without violating any open meeting law privileges. John Rabbitt also spoke with Becky Boucher about Clause 41A. She is only aware of 1 Massachusetts town that has adopted the Clause 41A. According to John Rabbitt, Becky Boucher was unaware of House Bill 3911. John Rabbitt requests Brian Laffond speak to Heather Lemieux about how this is going to work. Rena Swezey and Lynda McQuade are going to the Worcester County Assessors Association meeting on Thursday in Shrewsbury. Attorney James Crowley, from the Department of Revenue, will be there giving a presentation about exemptions. They will look into getting up-to-date information, as well as further information on House Bill 3911. EXECUTIVE SESSION ===PAGE 4=== There was a motion by Sarah Cammer to suspend open meeting and enter into executive session not to return to open session after executive session, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting closed at 7:14 PM. ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION 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". ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-06-10-agenda-6604.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-06-10 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-06-10-agenda-6604.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102024-6604 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024 6:30 PM LOWER LEVEL, RITTER BUILDING 960 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81613478472 ? pwd=dFJjbTlraG95WUtqL3hpd0RGZWFnUT09 Meeting ID: 816 1347 8472 Passcode: 957771 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 816 1347 8472 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of June 03, 2024. Minutes of Executive Sessions of May 20, 2024, June 03, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Brief Status of Roll out of Website- Test Plan, Release Schedule POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D),  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  July 22,2024, August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-06-10-minutes-6604.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-06-10 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-06-10-minutes-6604.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06102024-6604 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS June 10, 2024 LOWER LEVEL, RITTER BUILDING 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VENUE Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board Brian Laffond states that during executive session if a member recuses themselves, they should be excused from the room. This will be the process going forward. John Rabbitt disagrees and believes as a member of the community you always have the right to voice your opinion. Brian Laffond disagrees as this is only for executive session purposes. A member may decide to participate in deliberations and abstain, but if recused, must vacate the room. The Board received a message from a citizen that was reviewed last week in executive session. They were concerned that interpersonal relationships in the neighborhood were not good. John Rabbitt assured the individual that no information is ever shared with anybody. There was a discussion about the topography of this individual’s neighborhood. John Rabbitt voiced his opinion that the resident goes to the ATB and plead their cause. Brian Laffond states that deliberations in executive session are not for public consumption and that it’s not appropriate for anybody to share any information on what is deliberated. Sarah Cammer suggests that if a resident has a question, they should schedule to come into executive session to ask their answer. The Board can then discuss among themselves. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. - Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade states there are 3 abatements left. 2 of those houses are scheduled for inspections. The other home did not provide their contact information and hasn’t responded to the documents left at their door. If no response is received by August 16th their abatement will be denied and no action needs to be taken. ===PAGE 2=== Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey are working on completing the new construction, adding the information to Vision, and completing inspections. Lynda McQuade provided LA-19 Equalized Valuation Report to the Board per request of Heather Lemieux. The equalized value is produced by law every 2 years and has been a variable in distributing some state aid accounts and factors into determining county assessments and other costs. The town gets reimbursed, and the amount of aid received is based on these numbers. Sarah Cammer confirms that these numbers must be created to determine at what level each community is at for state aid. The numbers and sales to assessment ratio are reviewed to determine the estimated full value. Rena Swezey and Lynda McQuade met with an attorney for the State, Jim Crowley, at a conference. He answered many questions, explained exemptions and what needs to be adopted. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of June 03, 2024. Minutes of Executive Sessions of May 20, 2024, June 03, 2024. There was a motion to accept the modified minutes from June 3, 2024, by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to approve the executive session minutes from May 20, 2024 & June 3, 2024, by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. ===PAGE 3=== The approved and processed real estate abatements and motor vehicle excise abatements were signed. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) There is a meeting scheduled for Friday via Zoom. This meeting will mainly be a meet and greet. Sarah Cammer has been in contact with 1 potential realtor and has contact information for another. - Brief Status of Roll out of Website- Test Plan, Release Schedule There were a few changes made to the website and work is still ongoing. Brian Laffond requests that John Rabbitt provide a discussed document with the pointer. POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. - Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22,37, 41C, (and potential 41D). - BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - July 22,2024 - August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board Sarah Cammer suggests adding exemption 18 to the list of exemptions to investigate. Rena Swezey states there is a Committee in Leominster through the Council on Aging that helps people determine if residents are eligible for any exemptions and helps fill out abatements. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was a motion to suspend open meeting and enter into executive session not to return to open session after executive session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll call vote. The meeting closed at 7:33 PM. ===PAGE 4=== ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-06-14-agenda-7148.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-06-14 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-06-14-agenda-7148.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06142024-7148 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS NEIGHBORHOOD AND SITE INDEX SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024 12 PM ONLINE ON ZOOM In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and may be broadcast at a later date on facebook and youtube . This meeting will be held on zoom,. at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting on zoom. REMOTE PARTICIPATION From a computer, please us e the link below to join the public meeting: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7663167607?omn=82199035509 Meeting ID: 766 316 7607 Passcode: 957771 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475 -4499 and enter Webinar ID: 816 1347 8472 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS • Board • Public NEW BUSINESS ⚫ Introductions ⚫ Sub-Committee Charge and Needs ⚫ Examination of Current Neighborhood Site Map ⚫ Schedule next meeting CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-06-14-minutes-7148.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-06-14 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-06-14-minutes-7148.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06142024-7148 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS NEIGHBORHOOD AND SITE INDEX SUBCOMMITTEE MeeƟng Minutes MeeƟng Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2024 12 PM ONLINE ON ZOOM AƩendees: Sarah Cammer BOA Lead Ana Lockwood, Resident at Large Carl Luck, Resident at Large Rena Swezey, Outside Assessor/Contractor Not present: Jackie Favreau, Resident/Realtor member OPENING COMMENTS: Sarah thanked the members for volunteering to serve *Board * Public NEW BUSINESS * IntroducƟons: Each member introduced themselves and shared a liƩle about their history in Town and experience * Sub-CommiƩee Charge and Needs: Sarah shared the charge from DOR. It was emphasized that DOR indicated a need to review all the neighborhoods and the waterfront neighborhoods (1,1a,1b). * ExaminaƟon of Current Neighborhood Site Map It was asked if the Neighborhood map could be incorporated into an overlay on the Town’s GIS map. It was stated that this would require acƟon by the BOA to iniƟate such a contract with CAI. Long term to do, potenƟal BOA recommendaƟon: See if we can get overlay and GIS cards combined. Rena is going to speak to Vision to see if there is a way to get neighborhood data/report lisƟng. Sarah is working on a data base that would provide all the Town assessment data based on neighborhoods. The members were was very interested in this as data is the key to our work. ===PAGE 2=== There was a brief discussion on the Vision card and perhaps the need to change some land column headings as well as show the site index/neighborhood designaƟons and adjustment factors in a different place. AcƟons for next meeƟng: Sarah will make sure all members get the informaƟon that Becky from DOR has provided as well as site maps and indices. Reading for next meeƟng, with the goal for developing understanding how site Factors and neighborhoods are reviewed: IAO reading; Standard on Mass Appraisal; CerƟficaƟon Standards; NB definiƟons * Schedule next meeƟng: Next meeƟng will be on July 8th at noon via Zoom only. CLOSING COMMENTS: None * Public * Board Adjourn: approx. 1:30 PM Minutes prepared by: Carl Luck ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-07-29-agenda-6681.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-07-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-07-29-agenda-6681.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07292024-6681 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. 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/ The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85219795770?pwd=k1zFfkpDhAdsbHjmhwp6wrMZdzWKZO.1 Meeting ID: 852 1979 5770 Passcode: 418944 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 852 1979 5770 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Discussion about request from Carl Luck: “to understand the details of how each of the considered, and not considered adjustment factors effects the assessment. This could be a simple as looking at the Vision factors/tables applied and/or doing some real time, one by one, impact analysis by methodically changing factors and noting what part of the Vision card calculations are effected and by how much.”  Review and Approve Minutes of June 10, 2024. Minutes of Executive Session of June 10, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Brief Status of Roll out of Website- Test Plan, Release Schedule POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22, 37, 41C, (and potential 41D),  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  August 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-07-29-minutes-6681.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-07-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-07-29-minutes-6681.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07292024-6681 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS July 29, 2024 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board There were no comments from the Board. - Public Carl Luck, 50 Sunset Lane, requested a meeting last month with the Principal Assessor, Lynda McQuade, to determine the specifics of the abated value of his property at 30 Sunset Lane. Additionally, Carl Luck wants to get an explanation of how the final 2024 tax amount was determined. He states that the main area of interest was clearly aligned with the Principal Assessor’s job description under essential functions. Carl Luck is hoping to schedule a working session with the Board and look into the details of his tax assessment calculations. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. - Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. o Below are updates from the Principal Assessor  Inspections for the 3 remaining real estate and personal property abatement have been completed and are awaiting approval from the Board.  The FY 24 omitted and revised values and roll back taxes in gateway were submitted to the Department of Revenue.  The excise tax commitment number three has been processed. This consisted of 626 bills totaling $130,636.42. These bills were mailed out on July 22nd.  115 motor vehicle excise tax bills abatement applications were received.  7 abutters list requests were processed.  6 supplemental bills totaling $26,452 were completed and are awaiting approval from the Board.  Review of building permits is ongoing.  Both Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey interviewed an Administrative Assessing Assistant and a Data Collector. ===PAGE 2=== John Rabbit questions if the Board will be able to interview the candidate for both jobs. Lynda McQuade states they can bring the 2 candidates in to meet the Board. As it related to interviews, Sarah Cammer suggests the Chair of the Board be included in making recommendations. Brian Laffond refers to the people who are managing the office and their ability to make recommendations on a candidate. Brian Laffond doesn’t believe the Board should be involved in hiring candidates. CURRENT BUSINESS - Discussion about request from Carl Luck: “to understand the details of how each of the considered, and not considered adjustment actors effects the assessment. This could be as simple as looking at the Vision factors/tables applied and/or doing some real time, one by one, impact analysis by methodically changing factors and noting what part of the Vision card calculations are affected and by how much.” Brian Laffond refers to Mass General Law Chapter 59 Section 52C that states we do not provide behind-the-counter access to the public. The request to review the software cannot be fulfilled. Brian Laffond called the Town Counsel and confirmed that cannot be fulfilled and they are also concerned about setting a precedent about potentially providing access to confidential town data. Brian Laffond is awaiting a written opinion from the Town Counsel. Carl Luck agrees with the Town Counsel and states that he just wants to know what the impact of certain factors that would only require viewing the output of the system. Carl Luck doesn’t want access to the town data. He is inquiring about the impact of factors such as gas stove versus fireplace, old kitchen versus new kitchen. Carl Luck believes those updates should have a reasonable influence but only had a 0.9% impact. He just wants to know what factors contribute to the calculations. Brian Laffond sent the entire thread of emails to Town Counsel and awaits their response. Lynda McQuade agreed to go through Carl Luck’s property record card individually and show the values. Lynda McQuade states that the email seemed like he was talking about the Vision appraisal which would fall under the scope of the Board. Carl Luck is asking to review the updates and enter them one at a time to see if there is any impact. He only wants to know what the incremental impacts are. The Board will await a response from the Town Counsel. ===PAGE 3=== - Review and Approve Minutes of June 10, 2024. Minutes of Executive Session of June 10, 2024 There was a motion to accept the minutes as written and amended from the June 10th executive session meeting by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the minutes from June 10th with John Rabbitt’s addition by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. . 4 invoices were approved and signed  Vision Government Solutions had a bill for a report review of the LA3 totaling $1,000.  Annual software support fee from RRC for $2,000.  2 Invoices from MFS for $600 and $1,500. Rena Swezey shared a document from the Law Office of Thomas Gibbons relating to 3 parcels on Kilburn Street. The parcels are going to be coming out of 61B and going into residential property. Sarah Cammer would like to hear from the Open Space Committee before deciding. This was tabled to the next meeting. Motor vehicle excise tax abatements were signed for commitment number 3. 42 real estate and personal property abatements were processed and signed by the Board. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) So far, there has been one meeting. Sarah Cammer will reach out to the team to schedule the second meeting. - Brief Status of Roll out of Website- Test Plan, Release Schedule John Rabbitt is currently working on a site map. Brian Laffond suggests putting the 3 issues (organization chart, work breakdown structure, and the site map) aside and start rolling out the website. The 3 issues will be revisited. There was a motion to publish the website as soon as possible and pull out the 3 components by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. - Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22, 37, 41C, (and potential 41D) ===PAGE 4=== John Rabbitt has been researching exemption 41A and has contacted the town of Plymouth and their lead assessor has provided a pile of information. John Rabbitt plans on building a flow chart and continuing research. - BOA Policies Brian Laffond has been creating the agendas for meetings for the past year. He believes this is the function of the Principal Assessor and suggests that Lynda McQuade start making the agendas in September. This would also include the logistics for arranging the meetings, i.e. room, Zoom, video. Brian Laffond suggests having meetings 2 times a month starting in September. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - August 19, 2024 - September 16 -Tentatively scheduled - September 30 -Tentatively scheduled CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board There were no comments from the Board. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was a motion to suspend open meeting and enter into executive session not to return to open session after executive session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting closed at 8: 23 PM. ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-08-19-agenda-6715.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-08-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-08-19-agenda-6715.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08192024-6715 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024 6:30 PM UPPER LEVEL, RITTER BUILDING 960 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE 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/ The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85219795770?pwd=k1zFfkpDhAdsbHjmhwp6wrMZdzWKZO.1 Meeting ID: 852 1979 5770 Passcode: 418944 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 852 1979 5770 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of July 29, 2024. Minutes of Executive Session of July 29, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal  Brief Status of Roll out of Website- Test Plan, Release Schedule  Feedback on Financial Policies document (15 Minutes?) POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions: including 17C, 22, 37, 41C, (and potential 41D),  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  September 16, 2024 (tentative) September 30, 2024 (tentative) CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-08-19-agenda-6716.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-08-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-08-19-agenda-6716.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08192024-6716 ======================================================================================== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024 6:00 PM ASSESSORS OFFICE, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. CALL TO ORDER ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-08-19-minutes-6715.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-08-19 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-08-19-minutes-6715.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08192024-6715 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS August 19, 2024 UPPER LEVEL, RITTER BUILDING 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VENUE Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey Absent members: Vice Chair Sarah Cammer CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 7:14 PM. OPENING COMMENTS -Board Brian Laffond states there were techni cal issues, and Zoom was unable to be utilized. John Rabbitt questions if anything needs to be done or followed on the state issuing a new IGR for smart growth on July 11th. The Board is unaware of any update or discussion. -Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR - Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. The new data collector, Denise McCue, was present. Denise McCue has 20 to 27 years of appraiser history and has run her own real estate company. The only area that she does not have a lot of experience with is commercial real estate. Denise McCue will start her position on August 20, 2024. Lynda McQuade provided the following updates. - The remaining real estate abatements that were previously approved were processed. - In the past month there have been 125 motor vehicle tax abatements received. - Ongoing: reviewing of 102 building permits from 2022 and 2023 to confirm all new construction and information is in Vision. - 5 abutters lists have been processed in the past month. - 5 supplemental bills were sent for FY 24 new construction totaling $22,508.55 - 130 exemption applications have been sent to residents that includes veterans, elderly, blind. ===PAGE 2=== - There is continuous review of building permits to determine percentage of growth as of June 30. - The individual who interviewed and was offered the Administrative Assessing Assistant did not accept the offer. The hiring process will restart. John Rabbitt questions how Munis has been working. Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey have confirmed that there have been some issues, but Randy Mercier has been providing help. Brian Laffond and Lynda McQuade spoke to the Town Manager. There was a request to provide the amount of money in the overlay account that could be moved elsewhere and what the amount of excess overlay is. Rena Swezey provided a document from an attorney who is awaiting a response from the Board regarding property on Leominster Road and Gilbert Street. Brian Laffond makes a motion to withdrawal from chapter 61b, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. Rena Swezey states an application for a real estate abatement and the letter was received after the deadline. Those residents can file again if Fiscal 25. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of June 29, 2024. Minutes of Executive Session of June 29, 2024 John Rabbitt provided a statement regarding the June 10 th meeting. John Rabbitt made an incorrect statement and said that executive session minutes would never be released. That is incorrect and there have been Executive Session minutes that have become public. Once the matter discussed under Executive Session has been resolved, the minutes can be released. There was a motion to approve the June 29th minutes as amended by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. Rena Swezey confirms she has completed the minutes from the Executive Session from June 29th but didn’t have a copy at the meeting. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Error, Etc. There was a utility appraisal received from Real Estate Research Consultants (RRC) – for the completion of 504s, 505s, and 506s. This bill totaled $9,000. An invoice was signed from J&S for 250 business cards for Lynda McQuade. The bill totaled $35. There was a bill for the yearly dues for MAAO, Massachusetts Association of Assessors Officers, totaling $75. Motor Vehicle abatements were signed. ===PAGE 3=== John Rabbitt requests tracking of abatement amounts and the approved amounts. Rena Swezey can provide a printout report from Munis with information. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team Proposal Sarah Cammer has not been available and will provide an update when she can. - Brief Status of Roll out of Website-Test Plan, Release Scheduled John Rabbitt requests a table of conten ts or site map to be added to the website. Brian Laffond wants the website to be released ASAP and wants to push off a sitemap/table of contents. Modifications can be made after the site has launched. Brian Laffond states this website is already late and started 8 months ago. - Feedback on Financial Policies Document John Rabbitt requested an electronic c opy of the financial policies document. Brian Laffond states he had previously provided an electronic copy. John Rabbitt had some questions about the document. Due to the questions not being related to feedback it’s suggested that John Rabbitt reach out to the Finance Director. John Rabbitt wants to know what is happening at the finance meetings and wants to see minutes from the meetings. Lynda McQuade confirms that minutes are not taken for those meetings. It’s a meeting between Principal Assessor, the Finance Director, the Tax Collector, and the Town Manager. POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of assessing calendar Lynda McQuade confirms that she does have a calendar. Brian Laffond questions the steps that are not listed on the calendar such as creating a budget. There are things on the calendar that have dependency, and he doesn’t want those to be forgotten. - Update status of investigation regarding Exemptions including: 17C, 22, 37, 41C, (and potential 41D) John Rabbitt has contacted other towns about exemption 41a. He is suggesting that the Board go before the Town and ask them to change the state mandated regulation to an 8% interest rate change. John Rabbitt wants to change the rate to 6%. John Rabbitt will draft a document and review it at the next meeting. Rena Swezey confirms nothing needs to be completed for Exemption 22 or 37. ===PAGE 4=== John Rabbitt will continue to research and focus on Exemptions 17C, 41C and 41D. - BOA Policies Brian Laffond would like Sarah Cammer to be present for the policy discussions. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - September 16, 2024 (Tentative) - September 30, 2024 (Tentative) CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board There were no comments from the Board. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn by Brian Laffond, seconded by John Rabbitt. The meeting closed at 8:53 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-09-04-agenda-6733.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-09-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-09-04-agenda-6733.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09042024-6733 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 7:00 PM SENIOR CENTER, EAGLE HOUSE 25 MEMORIAL DRIVE 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting –https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84138478899?pwd=MAZRnx1NI3T7SD39PN3W42LTxZmJ2u.1 Meeting ID: 841 3847 8899 Passcode: 499098 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 841 3847 8899 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of August 19, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Review of Overlay Surplus  Finalization of Exemption Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting  Suggested Modification of Website POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  September 18, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-09-04-minutes-6733.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-09-04 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-09-04-minutes-6733.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09042024-6733 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS September 4, 2024 SENIOR CENTER, EAGLE HOUSE 25 MEMORIAL DRIVE Present members: Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade Absent members: Chair Brian Laffond, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 7:10 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board Sarah Cammer states that Zoom is not working and can’t be utilized for the meeting. John Rabbitt says he was approached by a resident who asked the status of his abatement. The abatement was signed off on July 3rd, but they still haven’t received a check. Sarah Cammer suggested the resident to contact our tax collector's office/finance department as the release of checks is out of the assessor’s hands. Lynda McQuade says the Tax Collector will send out the checks and she may be running behind. John Rabbitt heard that the Assessor’s Office in the future may be responsible for generating the bills for exemptions as well as cutting the checks for car abatements. Lynda McQuade confirms this is related to the billing file and will be discussed further during the meeting. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR - Status of Abatement and Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. In the past month: - A batch of roughly $10,000 Motor Vehicle abatements were received. - 7 abutters lists were completed. - The motor vehicle excise tax abatements were up to date. - All the Chapter Land Application and all exemption applications have been sent out. - Denise McCue started 2 weeks ago, and she has been out in the field completing sketches. - Rena Swezey is up to date with deeds paperwork. A future project to be completed is adding all the building permits into Vision. Lynda McQuade states there has been some issues with the excise check billing. The ===PAGE 2=== Assessor’s Office is now being asked to take the motor vehicle excise tax file. This is not what typically has been done in the past. The Interim Town Manager has weighed in and requested the Assessor’s Office take the file and upload it into Munis. He also indicated that they should be receiving help and assistance with this new task. The board expressed concern that this plan removes checks and balances that prevent the person making assessments from also creating accounts. Lynda McQuade reported that the DOR rep contacted considered this outside of the realm of the Assessor department. Sarah Cammer wants to have a discussion with the full board at a future meeting to make a plan, as this was not on the agenda for the evening and would be helpful to do with the entire board. The Board suggests drafting a letter for the next meeting to discuss further the conflict of interest. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of August 19, 2024 Sarah Cammer suggests skipping over the approval of minutes from August 19th and add them to the next meeting’s agenda. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. The Board signed the motor vehicle commitments and an invoice for sales postcards. An invoice from RGIS Integration and NearMap Oblique totaling $8,100 was signed. There was an invoice from Real Estate Research Consultations (RRC) relating to personal property totaling $10,100 that was signed. Abatements for a previous commitment totaling $4,006.92 were signed. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) The Review Team has been unable to meet but will scheduled a meeting in the near future. Lynda McQuade reported some property index review needs to be done for a set of parcels. - Review of Overlay Surplus The Town Manager is looking for a review of what is in the surplus account. Lynda McQuade and Brian Laffond sat down and figured out the 5-year average taking out 2023. The 5-year average was based on 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. The total from 5 years of abatements granted was $138,981. So far for FY 2024 $181,726 has been granted for abatements and a set of exemptions. 4 ATB cases from 2024 that were estimated to be $20,000 bringing the FY 24 total up to $201,726. Sarah Cammer and John Rabbitt discuss the overlay. Sarah Cammer suggests that while it does seem to be reconciled, include the potential liability of senior tax work-off as it likely comes out of overlay. Seniors can apply all the way through Nov 1 so declaring surplus in the overlay may need to wait until mid to late Nov. ===PAGE 3=== - Warrant articles Sarah Cammer and Lynda McQuade have only seen the warrant draft for articles 41A and 17F. John Rabbitt states there will be a total of 4 warrant requests. Lynda McQuade states the DLS database states 41C income limit is $31,500 for single person and $39,600 for assets. Under 41C for married is $52,700 and their assets cannot exceed $72,700. After reviewing annual reports, it was determined that the last adoption of 41C was back on May 6, 2006. At the town meeting the income adjustments for single persons were adjusted to $24,000 for single persons and the asset limits were $40,000 and married couples to $30,000 and the asset limits were $55,000. At that time the amount of abatement was raised from $600 to $750. At the town meeting in May, 2024, the age was decreased from 70 to 65 and the reimbursement amount was up to 100% (essentially double the State reimbursement) of the exemption. The board discussed that 7 residents are not eligible for 41C due to asset limits. They may be eligible for a 17D exemption. Lynda will look into it. The Board edited a draft to create a warrant article to look to adopt 41D. This would include a cost of living and adjustment and raise the amount of assets and income people are allowed to have and still qualify for 100% of the exemption. There was a motion to accept the adjusted income and asset limits for Clause 41D as amended today by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. Sarah Cammer will type the edits and send to Lynda McQuade for submission to the November town warrant. There was a motion by John Rabbitt to accept the modification to 41A consistent with General Law 59 Section 5 Mass General Law Subsection 5, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. This will authorize a reduction in annual interest rate accrual of 6% from 8% on deferred funds. The amendment will be applicable to taxpayers who qualify for personal exemptions under Mass General Law 59 Subsection 5. Sarah Cammer and Lynda McQuade want to contact the Interim Town Manager and check with Town Counsel to see if an amount for assets and income can be set and have COLA added for 41D and for 17D, E and F. Additionally, The Board wants to see if the Town Council can draft the warrant article to adopt 17E and 17F, as it requires determining the base value of income and assets to be adopted. Lynda McQuade will work on this task. - Suggested Modification of Website John Rabbitt proposes making an amendment to the existing site to essentially add a table of contents. The website will stay the same but will create a more streamlined approach to finding certain documents. Sarah Cammer stressed that there is too much information on the front page for residents to easily access the items they need. The front page needs ===PAGE 4=== to be an overview of the Assessors organization. There is also some worry across the Board that the form section brings up every single form in Massachusetts. The Board wants to make the website straightforward. Board agreed that under the first tab, directly under agendas&minutes, the  following tabs would be placed: 1.  Motor vehicle abatement (with a link directly to only the form residents will use) 2. Tax abatement forms (with links to only the forms that can be used in Lunenburg) 3. Maps POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. - BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - September 18, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board There were no comments from the Board. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. The meeting closed at 9:36 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-09-18-agenda-6767.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-09-18 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-09-18-agenda-6767.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09182024-6767 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Revised to Remove Executive 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting –https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84138478899?pwd=MAZRnx1NI3T7SD39PN3W42LTxZmJ2u.1 Meeting ID: 841 3847 8899 Passcode: 499098 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 841 3847 8899 # 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of September 4 and August 19, 2024, Executive Sessions of August 19 and July 29, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Finalization of Exemption/Deferral (41A) Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting  Suggested Modification of Website POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  Tentative October 2, 2024 and October 16, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-09-18-minutes-6767.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-09-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-09-18-minutes-6767.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09182024-6767 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS September 18, 2024 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer (Zoom), Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade Absent members: Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:40 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board Brian Laffond was approached by a member of the Budget Committee inquiring about the split tax rate. It was discussed that a split tax rate would not change the total tax levy, but it would change where the burden is distributed. The Committee agree to meet and discuss further with the Board. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. - Status of Exemption Applications. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade provided the below updates:  There has been a decrease in motor vehicle excise tax abatements received in the past couple weeks.  A review of the 2022 and 2023 permits has been completed.  4 abutters lists have been processed.  The office has been working on continuing the inspecting of new construction properties and building permits.  Lynda McQuade attended an Assessing Clerks Conference in North Chelmsford last week. There was discussion about new legislation called the Hero Act. This would allow veterans with 100% disability rating or if they are unemployable due to their service-connected disability to receive a full motor vehicle abatement for the entire year for 1 year. This would apply to the 22e exemptions. Currently, there are 27 veterans in town that would receive abatements on 1 vehicle.  Lynda McQuade provided a copy of her recertification from the Massachusetts Assessors Association.  An offer was made for the administrative assessing assistant position. Currently, Lynda McQuade is unsure if the position has been accepted. If the position is ===PAGE 2=== accepted the tentative start date is October 22. John Rabbitt shared his disapproval of the existing interview process. John Rabbitt believes the elected employees are bypassed regarding the interview process and voicing their opinion. Lynda McQuade confirms that herself, Rena Swezey, and Carter Terenzini completed the interview. The goals for next month include:  Finalizing the LA4 in Gateway and the FY 25 growth.  Prepare for the classification hearing in November.  Prepare for training of the new administrative assessing assistant position. Brian Laffond shares that there has been an inconsistency found in the zoning for the community. Zoning Building Officials, the Planning Board, and Town Clerk are conducting research to determine if the zoning needs correction. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of September 4 and August 19, 2024, Executive Sessions of August 19 and July 29, 2024 The approval of minutes from August 19th and September 4th were postponed. The approval of executive session minutes from July 29th and August 19th were postponed. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. There was an invoice from Vision totaling $2,000 for the interim adjustments was signed. An invoice totaling $35 for Denise’s business cards was signed. Motor vehicle abatements were signed. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) Sarah Cammer states that th e review team hasn’t been able to meet. After reviewing information, the team is seeing a bunch of properties that are blank. Assigning numbers to those properties is a priority and anticipate having those completed by November 7th. The next step is to look for inconsistencies in the neighborhoods and make recommendation to the Board. - Finalization of Exemption/Deferral (41A) Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting The Board requests that 17e be added to the drafted document. The Board suggests adding 17e to allow the increase in assets. Lynda McQuade states that 17e would increase the asset amounts every year. Lynda McQuade confirms that whatever is voted on at November town meeting wouldn’t be effective until 2026. ===PAGE 3=== Last year, there were 21 applications that qualified for 41c. After looking at income, social security, and deductions there were 2 applications that did not qualify. Sarah Cammer questions if the values previously adopted in 2006 should be written or published in the article. Brian Laffond will work on a document and provide it to the Board. - Suggested Modification of Website John Rabbitt had no update. POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. There is a classification hearing coming up in early November. The Assessors Office needs to complete Interim and submit it to the Department of Revenue. The interim needs to be approved by the end of October. The first step is to get the LA4 submitted and then submit the new growth which is almost complete. - BOA Policies John Rabbitt questions if the DLS file has been updated by the Town Clerk. Lynda McQuade has a certified and notarized letter from the Town Clerk for Article 32. There was discussion about executive session meetings being make public when the issue is resolved. Brian Laffond states we need to get them publicized but it’s not the priority. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - October 2, 2024, at 6:30 PM - October 16, 2024, at 6:30 PM CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board Brian Laffond states he wants to review minutes from prior meetings to get them approved and posted. Sarah Cammer is going to review the September 4 th minutes since Brian Laffond was unable to attend that meeting. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. The meeting closed at 8:11 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-09-19-agenda-6775.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-09-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-09-19-agenda-6775.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192024-6775 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 3:00 PM 4:00 PM ASSESSORS OFFICE, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN ST. Revised to earlier Ɵme. CALL TO ORDER ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Suspend open meeting and enter into Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session. 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". EXECUTIVE SESSION "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 : 2024-10-02-agenda-6797.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-10-02 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-10-02-agenda-6797.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10022024-6797 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024-REVISED 6:30 PM RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL 960 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE 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/). The recording can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 us e the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting –https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88142663258?pwd=ObaJbQDbr1yJ5n28izrDvCMOUXuBTS.1 Meeting ID: 881 4266 3258 Passcode: 972011 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 881 4266 3258# 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 OPENING COMMENTS  Board  Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of Exemption Applications and Hero Act Motor Vehicle Abatements. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Discuss the potential change in roles and responsibilities of the Assessor’s office and the Tax collector’s office in preparing items for Munis with the Interim Town Manager  Review and Approve Minutes of September 4, September 18 and August 19, 2024, Executive Sessions of August 19 and July 29, 2024  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge)  Exemption Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting  Suggested Modification of Website POSTPONED TOPICS  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar.  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  Tentative November 6, 2024 and November 20, 2024, Tentative Classification Hearing November 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-10-02-minutes-6797.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-10-02 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-10-02-minutes-6797.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10022024-6797 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS October 2, 2024 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VE. Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:39 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board There were no comments from the Board. - Public Ron Cohan, 232 Vine Street Everett, MA, was present. He was a past president of Massachusetts Assessors Association and Middlesex and Essex County Assessors Association, and a current member of the Legislative Committee of the Massachusetts Assessors Association. He is present to observe and provide comments. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. - Status of Exemption Applications and Hero Act Motor Vehicle Abatements. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade has entered in all the abatements for the Hero Act. There were 26 abatements processed that totaled $3,600. There was a motion to approve the abatements by Brian Laffond, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. Lynda McQuade completed the new growth totaling $516,074. Lynda McQuade is requesting that Ezequiel Ayala come to the next meeting to discuss an abatement. An administrative abatement was made and approved back in June or July for a property that had a fire that destroyed more than 50% of the building. There was a discrepancy in the date of the fire and what was charged. The administrative assistant that was interviewed did not accept the position. CURRENT BUSINESS - Discuss the potential change in roles and responsibilities of the Assessor’s office and the Tax collector’s office in preparing items for Munis with the Interim Town Manager ===PAGE 2=== Carter Terenzini the Interim Town Administrator, Ezequiel Ayala from the Finance Department, and Adam Costa, Town Counsel (via Zoom) were present. Ezequiel Ayala states that after being with the town for 7 months he has determined there needs to be a segregation of duties within Town Hall between the Treasury Department and the Assessor’s Department. The Treasurer department oversees the billing process however they need a commitment from the Assessor’s Department to process the bills. Ezequiel Ayala believes the assessors should create the commitment and upload it to MUNIS. Carter Terenzini confirms the obligation to print and publish the bills is unclear in statues. Adam Costa completed independent research and found that the statues themselves aren’t specific. It was cited in the 2022 DLS local tax collection guidance document that the collector is responsible for sending proper notice of the local tax or excise tax. General laws do not specifically state who is responsible for the production of bills. There is discussion that is left up to municipalities, but Lunenburg is governed by a charter. The Towns charter places the authority in the hands of the Town Manager. Essentially the data file is created by the Assessors’ Office and Tax Collector creates the Tax Bills. Sarah Cammer asks for clarification from Adam. Is he is saying the data file is created by Assessors’ Office and then handed off to Tax Collector? He indicated the legislation is not that specific. It is done differently in different communities. Brian Laffond questions where the cut off lies and how far the Assessor’s Office needs to get into MUNIS. Ezequiel Ayala states that setting up the accounts annually is completed by the Finance Department. Brian Laffond questions how the warrants and commitment files created by the Assessors get uploaded into MUNIS. Rena Swezey states that in her past 30 years working with Vision her job has been to get the file ready, install the file, then turn the entire file over to the tax collector. Ron Cohan confirms in his past 30 years of experience that once the Board of Assessors votes on the values for real estate and personal property it’s then turned over to the treasurer. The motor vehicle excise files come from the RMV , and nothing is done from the Assessor’s Office aside from the warrant and signature. Carter Terenzini states in his experience it’s the responsibility of the assessors to turn the file over by uploading it into the system. The treasurer then prints a proof, compares it with the assessors, and they resolve the differences that appear. From there it is in the hands of the treasurer. Brian Laffond stated that in at least one of those communities (Boxboro) that was not the case, confirmed by discussions with the current tax collector there. Carter stated that he does not agree based on his knowledge from the Assessor there. ===PAGE 3=== Lunenburg is considering replacing the Finance Software. There is concern with the possibility of switching software compounded by the under staffing in the assessor’s office. Carter Terenzini believes it will take 6 months plus or minus to implement the decision on potentially new Finance Software. Brian Laffond stated it makes the most sense to make a discussion once there is a Town Manager. Sarah concurred. Jack Rabbitt stated that before any process change, the current should be fully understood and documented before implementation. We should have a work breakdown structure. Tom Alonzo, 284 Lancaster Ave, is on the Select Board but reiterates that the standard operating procedure should be documented. Also, any new software should automatically hand-off a standard file from the CAMA System (Vision) to the Financial System. Ron Cohan stated that based on the budgeting process, implementation of the new software could take until FY2027. Carter Terenzini stated that it is more like 6 to 9 months before a decision must be made. - Review and Approve Minutes of September 4, September 18 and August 19, 2024, Executive Sessions of August 19 and July 29, 2024. There was a discussion about executive session minutes and what can be released to the public. John Rabbitt suggested creating a policy stating that the Board would respond to executive sessions inquiries within 30 days. Sarah Cammer confirms there is a policy to respond in 30 days and states what can and cannot be released. There was a motion to approve the minutes from August 19th with amendments by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor aside from Sarah Cammer who was not present for the meeting The minutes from September 4th were not approved and will be added to the next agenda. There was a motion to approve the minutes from September 18 with modifications by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. There was a motion to approve the executive session minutes from June 10th of 2024, July 29th of 2024, and August 19th of 2024 by Brian Laffond, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. There was a request to release $25,000 from the overlay account. Currently there is $309,716 balance. This was for the 24 and 25 abatements. There was a motion to transfer $25,000 by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. A release of a chapter lien and roll back tax totaling $16,561.81 was signed. The Board signed the MLS bill for the quarterly membership. ===PAGE 4=== Motor vehicle abatements and 3 settlements for ATB cases were signed. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge). Sarah Cammer sent the Board access to a tool that highlights all residential areas. The group’s first focus is on the 0 and 1 neighborhoods. Sarah Cammer anticipates coming back to the board with recommendations. There is an upcoming meeting on Wednesday and possibly a meeting the following week. - Exemption Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting There was a discussion with the Interim Town Manager, Carter Terenzini, about exemptions 41D, 14E, and 14F. Carter Terenzini confirmed that 14D, 17E and 17F are on the town warrant. Brian Laffond confirms that 41A was not communicated to Carter Terenzini. Sarah Cammer wanted to review and discuss exemption 41A. After further discussion it was determined that 41A was not needed because it was already in the statute. There was a motion to increase the current charge from 4% to 6% on 41A by John Rabbitt but it was not seconded. - Suggested Modification of Website Sarah Cammer questioned if the previously discussed tabs were added under agendas and minutes on the website. The specific tabs were for motor vehicle and tax abatements with direct links to the correct forms. John Rabbitt confirms the links were made but they are under the FAQ section. John Rabbitt will make those corrections. John Rabbitt wants to add a table of contents to the front page and a helpful term section. Brian Laffond suggests fixing the current issues on the website before adding anything additional. Brian Laffond suggests adding research relating to exemptions 41D, 17E, and 17F to the website. There was a motion to add a 4th tab under the agenda section that is just for exemption by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Brian Laffond is going to look in exemptions 17E and 17F for information that can be added to the website. POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. - BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - October 16th ===PAGE 5=== - Tentative November 6, 2024, and November 20, 2024 - Tentative Classification Hearing November 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board John Rabbitt reiterates that he is going to request a meeting summary related to Finance meetings with Carter Terenzini. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. The meeting closed at 9:15PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-10-15-agenda-6825.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-10-15 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-10-15-agenda-6825.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152024-6825 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURGBOARDOFASSESSORSNEIGHBORHOODANDSITEINDEXWORKINGGROUPMEETINGNOTICEANDAGENDATUESDAY, OCTOBER15, 20246:30-7:30PMONLINEONLY:ZOOM Inaccordancewiththerequirementsof theOpenMeetingLaw, pleasebeadvisedthat thismeetingisbeingrecordedandmaybebroadcast at alater dateonfacebookandyoutube. Thismeetingwill beheldonzoom, at thelocationprovidedonthisnotice. Membersof thepublicarewelcometoattendthismeetingonzoom. REMOTEPARTICIPATIONFromacomputer, pleaseusethelinkbelowtojointhepublicmeeting:JoinZoomMeeting–https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81521505682?pwd=6JMqa9I6OaNJUD2iwrweIUuQaKw88B.1MeetingID: 81521505682Passcode: 159714Fromatelephone, dial thetoll freenumber (888) 475-4499andenter Webinar ID: 81613478472# If youhavenotregisteredwithZoomyouwill beaskedfor your nameandane-mail address. Note: Noparticipant IDisneeded, justpress#whenasked. Telephoneusersmaydial *9torequest tospeak after joiningthemeeting. Computer andappusersmayusethe“raisehand” featuretorequest tospeak. Theagendalistsall thetopicswhichmaybediscussedat themeetingandarethosereasonablyanticipatedbythe Chair. Votesmaybetakenasaresult of thesediscussions. Not all itemslistedmayinfact bediscussedandother itemsnot listedmayalsobebrought upfordiscussiontotheextent permittedbyOpenMeetingLaw. CALLTOORDEROPENINGCOMMENTSBoardPublicNEWBUSINESSDiscussneighborhoods0-5Proposemodificationsof current neighborhoodsCompilerecommendationstotheBOACLOSINGCOMMENTS ===PAGE 2=== Public andBoardADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-10-15-minutes-6825.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-10-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-10-15-minutes-6825.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10152024-6825 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS NEIGHBORHOOD AND SITE INDEX WORKING GROUP, ZOOM MEETING Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Meeting Minutes Attendees: Sarah Cammer BOA Lead Ana Lockwood, Resident at Large Carl Luck, Resident at Large Not present: Rena Swezey, Outside Assessor/Contractor Jackie Favreau, Resident/Realtor member The meeting was called to order at 6:30. There was no board or public comment. The working group discussed the need to review neighborhoods 0-5. Sarah Cammer shared a visualization of the parcels with the indexes listed 0-5 and reported the board was concerned with identifying parcels that were not yet in the tax role, and discerning what the site indexes seemed to stand for based on site locations and how they were coded, as well as trying to re-evaluate site index 3, which was a large group of parcels. The group decided they needed to first clarify what the neighborhood classification appeared to be based on. The working group reviewed parcels and identified descriptors of the neighborhoods based on the location and the parcel information. The working group confirmed that there were neighborhoods listed 0-5, and hypothesized that the neighborhood characteristics seemed to be: 0-Land held in common, public and private 1,1a,1b-Lake 2-Newer colonials buil t in the 90’s 3-default 4-Lake access but not lake adjacent 5- Homes near very busy roads Based on discussions with the board of assessors, Sarah Cammer reported that 0’s also could contain some properties that may contain parcels that should be on the tax roles. The working group desired to examine a spreadsheet of the properties to attempt to classify properties in 0’s. They divided the list to share the work to do separately prior to their next meeting. There were no public board comment or comments from the public. A motion to adjourn was made at 7:30, accepted unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-10-16-agenda-6826.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-10-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-10-16-agenda-6826.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10162024-6826 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-10-16-minutes-6826.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-10-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-10-16-minutes-6826.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10162024-6826 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS October 16, 2024 BILOTTA ROOM, TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:32 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board John Rabbitt questions if the Q3 tax bill will be delivered on time. Lynda McQuade states the Vision appraisal will be coming tomorrow, and they hope to get the LA3 entered. She confirms are a lot of towns that have not submitted in Gateway because the vendor is behind. John Rabbitt asks if the new growth has been certified. Lynda McQuade states the growth can’t be entered until the LA3 is submitted. John Rabbitt inquires if there will be any more information provided to residents about the HERO Program. Lynda McQuade confirms that a letter was sent to everyone that qualified for 22E exemption and were granted an abatement for 1 vehicle. All that’s available was the flyer that was mailed. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR - Status of Exemption Applications, Interim Adjustments/LA3. Other items as needed. 3 real estate abatements for FY 23 were settled and processed totaling $4,970.36. There are no outstanding ATB cases. Motor vehicle abatements letters and certifications for the HERO act were processed. Lynda McQuade has received a few canceled plate receipts without the applications. She has been mailing them back with the application that needs to be filled out. The FY 25 growth is complete. Vision will be coming tomorrow to finalize. 30 motor vehicle tax abatements have been received in the past month. The data collector has been following up on the building permits. Once Vision completes their adjustments the data will be added to the database. ===PAGE 2=== John Rabbitt states there was a building that wasn’t picked up and hasn’t been inspected for some time. There is question if any type of back payment can be received or billed. Lynda McQuade has notified the building inspector. Goals for rest of month and November include: - Prepare and complete the classification hearing. - Submit LA3 and LA4 (LA15 and LA13) in Gateway. - Interview and hire an administrative assessing assistant. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of October 2, 2024 and September 4, 2024 Sarah Cammer wanted to clarify some of the numbers that were on the September 4th meeting minutes. The approval of minutes from September 4,2024,4 and October 2, 2024 were postponed. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, Etc. Below are highlights from the LA4 document review. o There is a total of 5,266 parcels. Of those parcels 3,635 are residential properties and 452 are condominiums. o The preliminary total property tax was valued at $42,393,589,780 for class 1. o There was a 6% adjustment made on the land curve. o There was no increase on the site index. o The assessment to sales ratio for class 1 is 94%, 3 family homes are 95%, and apartment buildings are 96%. o The median single-family sale price is $540,000 and the median appraised was $502,800. o 2 family median sale price is $457,500 and the median appraised is $468,000. o 3 family median sale price is $574,000 and the median appraised is $542,002. There was an invoice signed from Vision totaling $800. The motor vehicle commitment number 5 for 504 motor vehicle bills totaled $71,201.89. The Board reviewed and discussed a property that was damaged by a fire. There was a supplemental bill and based on instructions from the tax collector there was an administrative abatement completed. It turned out that didn’t need to be done. The Board signed a void administrative abatement and reversed the abatement. - Follow-up of Modification of Website - Complaints received on difficulty finding information on property record card. John Rabbitt added the 3 previously suggested tabs (motor vehicle excise abatement application, property abatement application and the GIS map). ===PAGE 3=== Brian Laffond suggests that Lynda McQuade bring the changes to Kara McCarthy to update the website. Sarah Cammer is receiving feedback that people are having a hard time finding the “How to Read Your Vision Card” article. Brian Laffond states there are forms from 2023 on the website that need to be removed or updated. John Rabbitt suggests adding a table of contents or site index. Brian Laffond does not believe there is a table of contents on any of the town pages. John Rabbitt made a motion to put in a table of contents. There was a motion to add a table of contents to the lower part of the webpage by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye, John Rabbitt abstained. The vote was 2 yeses and an abstention. John Rabbitt submitted his resignation to Brian Laffond. Brian Laffond is going to be away for a few days and suggested John Rabbitt resubmit his resignation to the Town Clerk at that time if he still wants to resign. - Update on Neighborhood Review Team proposal (schedule, membership, charge) Sarah Cammer confirms that the group met and reviewed the site index 0. There are 570 properties that fall under site index 0 and Sarah Cammer will provide a list and map of these properties. Many appear to be open space and condominiums. There will be a meeting next Tuesday at 6:30 PM. The agendas are posted, and meetings are on YouTube. Lynda McQuade will inquire with Mike Tarello tomorrow to discuss whether or not there should be a site index 0. - Exemption Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting John Rabbitt watched the recent Select Board meeting, and it seems there needs to be more clarity about the warrant article. Adopting 17D, 17E, 17F will allow for COLA adjustments. Once COLA is accepted the Town will not have to come back to town meeting for an increase. The State COLA will be accepted by the Town by default. Every year the State will tell us what COLA is and it doesn’t need to be continuously be brought in front of the Town. Sarah Cammer states the point is to try to adjust the cost of living on a regular basis for the community. Lynda McQuade suggests editing the wording to make it more straightforward and simpler. There is also an option of having a separate handout with a summary that could be distributed at the Town Meeting. She also suggests adopting the wording in the IGR. Rena Swezey will work on a 1-page summary for the article and the handout will be made later. ===PAGE 4=== POSTPONED TOPICS - Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar - BOA Policies Brian Laffond has suggested the following policy: Any action initiated by any other Town Department where the Assessors need to act, or vote must be accompanied by a written request and explanation. There was a motion to add this suggested policy by Brian Laffond, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE - Tentative November 6, 2024, and November 20, 2024. - Tentative Classification Hearing November 5, 2024, or November 19, 2024 CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board John Rabbitt thanks the Board for their work. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. The meeting closed at 8:35 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2024-11-06-agenda-6865.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2024-11-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2024-11-06-agenda-6865.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11062024-6865 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1===