# board-of-assessors — 29 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 : 2025-01-08-agenda-6949.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-01-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-01-08-agenda-6949.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082025-6949 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 08, 2025 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 nor terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. REMOTE PARTICIPATION From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: Join Zoom Meeting –https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194 # 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 2025 Abatement Applications. 8 of 58 update. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of December 18, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc.  Assessor Conference at Senior Center Feb. 3, 2025 (Jack)  Modification of Website POSTPONED TOPICS  BOA Policies.  Clause 41 and 17 Assets/income Level Adjustments for Exemptions (Brian)  Neighborhood / Site Index Review in response to DOR Directives - RFP Consultant outline (Sarah)  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  January 22, 2025, February 5, 2025 CLOSING COMMENTS  Public  Board ADJOURN LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-08-minutes-6949.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-01-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-01-08-minutes-6949.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01082025-6949 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS January 8, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VE. Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Clerk John Rabbitt, Assessing Consultant Rena Swezey Absent members: Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:33 PM. OPENING COMMENTS  Board There were no comments from the Board.  Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of 2025 Abatement Applications. 8 of 58 update. Other items as needed. There have been 2 applications for 8 of 58 processes for remediation for 2024 taxes. Once the abatements for this year are completed the Board will then review the abatements, including conducting inspections. Once those are completed the Board will make any needed adjudications about what changes should then be provided to Commissioner of Revenue. John Rabbitt states everyone has received their tax bills. Residents have 30 days to apply for an abatement. Rena Sweezey confirms there have been 3 abatements filed. Rena Sweezey suggests straightening out the site indexes/neighborhood maps and starting with the lakes. Public comment- Resident/Applicant has submitted questions in writing to the Board. She inquired about the length of days until she received an update or answer from the Board. Brian Laffond states there is a plan to decide and hold a vote at the next meeting on January 22nd. It is unclear how long the state will take to make a decision. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of December 18, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024. The minutes will be reviewed at the meeting on January 22nd.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Payroll, Billing Errors, etc. ===PAGE 2=== There were no documents to be reviewed or approved.  Assessor Conference at Senior Center Feb. 3, 2025 (Jack) John Rabbitt has confirmed with Margaret Scarsdale that a new Senior Tax Relief bill (H-3911) has been approved for the town. Lou Franco and Tom Alonzo both worked on this new tax relief bill. John Rabbit has been working with Deb Lincoln, Chairperson of the Lunenburg Council on Aging, regarding their presentation. There will be a presentation from Michael-Ray Jeffreys regarding the Senior Housing update. Brian Laffond provided his edits on the presentation that John Rabbitt completed. Please remove all pictures. He is requesting a copy of his presentation prior to the next meeting scheduled for January 22nd with enough time to adequately review the document.  Modification of Website There have been no modifications. POSTPONED TOPICS  BOA Policies.  Clause 41 and 17 Assets/income Level Adjustments for Exemptions (Brian)  Neighborhood / Site Index Review in response to DOR Directives - RFP Consultant outline (Sarah)  Discuss details and development of Assessing Calendar. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  January 22, 2025  February 5, 2025 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 Brian Laffond. All in favor. The meeting closed at 7:53 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-22-agenda-6965.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-01-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-01-22-agenda-6965.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222025-6965 ======================================================================================== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025 5:30 PM ASSESSOR’S OFFICE, TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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 : 2025-01-22-agenda-6968.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-01-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-01-22-agenda-6968.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222025-6968 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025 6:30 PM RITTER BUILDING, UPPER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 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/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 Passcode: 612808 From a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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 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 FY2025 Abatement Applications, CAI/Vision Property Record Cards Update. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS � Review and Approve Minutes of January 8, 2025, December 10, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Session of December 10, 2024. � Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. � Assessor Conference at the Senior Center, February 3, 2025. � Senior Means Tested Exemption. � Neighborhood/Site Index Review/Plan in response to DOR Directives � Policy and Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. � Assessor Website. POSTPONED TOPICS � Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustments for Exemptions (Brian) � BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: February 5, 2025, February 19, 2025, March 5, 2025, March 19, 2025 CLOSING COMMENTS � Public � Board ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-22-minutes-6968.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-01-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-01-22-minutes-6968.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01222025-6968 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS January 22, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, UPPER-LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VE. 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 PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of FY2025 Abatement Applications, CAI/Vision Property Record Cards Update. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade provided the following updates: - 6 abutters list requests were received. - 109 real estate exemptions were processed. There are an additional 6 real estate exemptions from the first of the year. - A total of 16 real estate and personal property abatements applications have been received. The deadline is February 3rd. - 16 motor vehicle excise tax abatements have been processed, and the office is currently up to date. - 490 forms of list have been mailed out for FY 26. Lynda McQuade confirms that the property cards online have been updated, and the CAI property card has been removed. Property record cards are updated once a year after the actual tax bill goes out. The goals for next month include: - Growth for FY 26 - Schedule inspections for FY 25 real estate and personal property abatements - Review fiscal 26-chapter lien applications The Interim Town Manager is working on the budget now. Lynda McQuade submitted the following documents on January 21: - Salaries, contracted services, maps, postage, office supplies, mileage reimbursement, dues and memberships, schooling o $17,000 for cyclical inspections to be completed by Vision. This is a 3- year contract. ===PAGE 2=== - $25,000 is budgeted for the neighborhood revision. Per Department of Revenue there are 500 lake properties that have site indexes to be reviewed. - $7,500 to update maps. - $22,000 for personal property appraisals by Real Estate Research Consultants (RRC). CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of January 8, 2025, December 10, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Session of December 10, 2024. The Board plans to review and approve all minutes at the next meeting on February 5, 2025.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Billing Errors, etc. This topic was skipped for this meeting.  Assessor Conference at the Senior Center, February 3, 2025. The Board reviewed the slides provided by John Rabbitt and discussed their edits. The Board thanked John Rabbitt for all his hard work preparing for the conference.  Senior Means Tested Exemption. There was discussion about creating a subgroup tasked at working on these exemptions.  Neighborhood/Site Index Review/Plan in response to DOR Directives. Lynda McQuade suggests using Rena Swezey and Denise McCue to complete the review in-house. Lynda McQuade suggests starting with the lake properties. Sarah Cammer asks if there is a document with a format or template that is submitted when a bid is put out. Additionally, she states that policy needs to be written down somewhere with characteristics that belong in a neighborhood.  Policy and Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. Lynda McQuade confirms there have been some issues regarding clarity with deeds. Lynda McQuade suggests creating a policy stating if the deed is unable to be understood then the homeowners need to reach out to the attorney who prepared it. The Assessor’s Office has spoken to 2 real estate attorneys, and they suggest contacting the BAR association. Sarah Cammer and Brian Laffond suggest reaching out to the registrar of deeds and find the policy regarding multiple properties and multiple parcels on a single deed.  Assessor Website. ===PAGE 3=== Brian Laffond sent over the old versus the new spreadsheet with a pivot table attached. Lynda McQuade added land use codes. If all members are in agreement, Brian Laffond would like to add this document to the website. Approved. POSTPONED TOPICS  Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustments for Exemptions (Brian)  BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: February 5, 2025, February 19, 2025, March 5, 2025, March 19, 2025 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 and enter into executive session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. The meeting closed at 8:42 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-05-agenda-6999.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-02-05 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-02-05-agenda-6999.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-6999 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS February 5, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER-LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VE. Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer (Zoom), Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board John Rabbitt spoke to an individual about the circuit breaker. Lynda McQuade confirms it is past the deadline to file an abatement. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. - Status of FY2025 Abatement Application, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade states that the abatement period has ended. A total of 34 abatements were received. Lynda McQuade and Denise McCue have inspected 12 properties already. There is an issue with the mapping update as there were 18 parcels that CAI did not receive plans for dating back to 2020 and 2021. The First commitment of the 2025 motor vehicle excise tax bills will be sent out on the 19th. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of January 22, 2025, January 8, 2025, December 10, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, January 22, 2025. There was a motion to approve the minutes from December 18th and January 8th by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Billing Errors, etc. There were 2 excise tax bills for $73.47 and $173.10. They were signed. There was a motor vehicle exemption tax for the blind and one for the Hero Act. Each was signed. There was an invoice from Near map that has been suspected because of budget issues. This tool is not used by the Assessor’s Office. ===PAGE 2=== - Assessor Conference at the Senior Center, February 3, 2025. John Rabbit stated there were 19 individuals that signed in at the meeting. Overall, he feels that it went well but he did not receive many feedback sheets. A video was taken of the presentation, but the video is dark, and visuals are difficult to see. There is a meeting tomorrow to convert all charts to pdf. There are intentions to keep the audio track but replace the visuals with the pdf documents. Brian Laffond asked John Rabbitt if he would follow up on the previously discussed conference to be held at the senior center to talk about the Circuit Breaker. Brian Laffond believes the conference should be sponsored by the Council on Aging. - Senior Means Tested Exemption/H.3911 Plan. A design committee for the senior means tested exemption has been created and will have their first meeting in 2 weeks. - Neighborhood/Site Index Review/Plan in response to DOR Directives Starting Point. Lynda McQuade confirms they are currently doing inspections for abatements and reviewing site indexes while inspecting. The Interim Town Manager proposed putting aside some money from the budget in the Capital Plan to get this review kicked off. It will most likely be a multi-year project. Brian Laffond believes that with the office being fully staffed it would be an ideal time to review. Lynda McQuade states Vision will not be looking at the neighborhoods when they start their cyclical review. John Rabbitt suggests statistical sampling to help define the neighborhoods. - Policy and Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. Lynda McQuade states there have been issues with deeds not having an address, Parcel ID, site area, etc. Brian Laffond created a document addressing these issues. Sarah Cammer questions if this document should be sent to the Town Counsel to review. There was a motion to have the proposed document sent to the Town Counsel to review by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. - Assessor Website. Lynda McQuade suggests simplifying the website as it can be difficult to navigate. John Rabbitt suggests creating a site index. - Annual Report. Brian Laffond created a drafted town report. The Board approves the document. - Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. Brian Laffond provided documents to the Board. Sarah Cammer questions if documents need to go to the Town Counsel. Brian Laffond confirms all warrant articles are reviewed by the Town Counsel. ===PAGE 3=== John Rabbitt questions if there is a chart that can be shared that will show the increase in COLA overtime. Brian Laffond confirms there is no way to predict what COLA will be. He believes he can get a cost estimate for the first year to present at the Annual Town Meeting. POSTPONED TOPICS - BOA Policies. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: February 19, 2025, March 5, 2025, March 19, 2025, April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS - Public There were no comments from the public. - Board John Rabbitt states the Governor just signed legislation to make the government more efficient and they mention terms of changes in relationship to allow for more zooming. He will bring the article to the next meeting. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn the open meeting and enter executive session not to return to open session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbit. Roll Call V ote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. The meeting closed at 8:03PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-05-minutes-6999.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-02-05 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-02-05-minutes-6999.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02052025-6999 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== RECEIVED & FILED LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS February 5, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER-LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 960 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. MAR 17 2025 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer (Zoom), Clerk John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS - Board John Rabbitt spoke to an individual about the circuit breaker. Lynda McQuade confirms it is past the deadline to file an abatement. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR - Status of FY2025 Abatement Application, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade states that the abatement period has ended. A total of 34 abatements were received. Lynda McQuade and Denise McCue have inspected 12 properties already. There is an issue with the mapping update as there were 18 parcels that CAI did not receive plans for dating back to 2020 and 2021. The First commitment of the 2025 motor vehicle excise tax bills will be sent out on the 19ih. CURRENT BUSINESS - Review and Approve Minutes of January 22, 2025, January 8, 2025, December 10, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, January 22, 2025. There was a motion to approve the minutes from December 18" and January 8' by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call Vote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Latfond aye. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. There were 2 excise tax bills for $73.47 and $173.10. They were signed. There was a motor vehicle exemption tax for the blind and one for the Hero Act. Each was signed. There was an invoice from Near map that has been suspected because of budget issues. This tool is not used by the Assessor's Office. ===PAGE 2=== - Assessor Conference at the Senior Center, February 3, 2025. John Rabbit stated there werę 19 individuals that signed in at the meeting. Overall, he feels that it went well but he did not receive many feedback sheets. A video was taken of the presentation, but the video is dark, and visuals are difficult to see. There is a meeting tomorrow to convert all charts to pdf. There are intentions to keep the audio track but replace the visuals with the pdf documents. Brian Laffond asked John Rabbitt if he would follow up on the previously discussed conference to be held at the senior center to talk about the Circuit Breaker. Brian Latfond believes the conference should be sponsored by the Council on Aging. - Senior Means Tested Exemption/H.3911 Plan. A design committee for the senior means tested exemption has been created and will have their first meeting in 2 weeks. - Neighborhood/Site Index Review/Plan in response to DOR Directives Starting Point. Lynda McQuade confirms they are currently doing inspections for abatements and reviewing site indexes while inspecting. The Interim Town Manager proposed putting aside some money from the budget in the Capital Plan to get this review kicked off. It will most likely be a multi-year project. Brian Laffond believes that with the office being fully staffed it would be an ideal time to review. Lynda McQuade states Vision will not be looking at the neighborhoods when they start their cyclical review. John Rabbitt suggests statistical sampling to help define the neighborhoods. - Policy and Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. Lynda McQuade states there have been issues with deeds not having an address, Parcel ID, site area, etc. Brian Laffond created a document addressing these issues. Sarah Cammer questions if this document should be sent to the Town Counsel to review. There was a motion to have the proposed document sent to the Town Counsel to review by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call Vote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. - Assessor Website. Lynda McQuade suggests simplifying the website as it can be difficult to navigate. John Rabbitt suggests creating a site index. - Annual Report. Brian Laffond created a drafted town report. The Board approves the document. - Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. Brian Laffond provided documents to the Board. Sarah Cammer questions if documents need to go to the Town Counsel. Brian Laffond confirms all warrant articles are reviewed by the Town Counsel. ===PAGE 3=== • John Rabbitt questions if there is a chart that can be shared that will show the increase in COLA overtime. Brian Laffond confirms there is no way to predict what COLA will be. He believes he can get a cost estimate for the first year to present at the Annual Town Meeting. POSTPONED TOPICS - BOA Policies. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: February 19, 2025, March 5, 2025, March 19, 2025, April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS Public There were no comments from the public. - Board John Rabbitt states the Governor just signed legislation to make the government more efficient and they mention terms of changes in relationship to allow for more zooming. He will bring the article to the next meeting. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn the open meeting and enter executive session not to return to open session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbit. Roll Call Vote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. The meeting closed at 8:03PM. ===PAGE 4=== RECEIVED & FILED MAR 20 2025 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS Minutes February 5, 2025 Executive Session Board Members: Brian Laffond and Jack Rabbit. Sarah Cammer attended via Zoom. Executive Session started at 8:55 pm Review of Exemptions and Real Estate Abatements FY2025 41C Senior $1000.00 exemption • 1 approved • 17D Senior $185.00 exemption • 2 approved • 22D Surviving Spouse 100% full exemption. Service connected to death • 1 approved 22E $1000.00 exemption 100% Disabled • 2 approved • 22 $400.00 exemption • 3 approved • Real Estate Abatements • 6 approved 7 denied Meeting adjourned 10:05 pm ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-19-agenda-7065.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-02-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-02-19-agenda-7065.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192025-7065 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-19-minutes-7065.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-02-19 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-02-19-minutes-7065.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02192025-7065 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS February 19, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER-LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VE. Present members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt (Zoom), Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Rena Swezey (6:40). CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:32 PM. OPENING COMMENTS -Board John Rabbitt anticipates the first deferral in circuit breaker will be delivered to the Assessor’s Office early next week. - Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR - Status of FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update with CAI. Other items as needed Updates from Lynda McQuade include: - There have been 4 abutters list during the last month. - 5 additional exemptions were approved on February 5th. - To date 121 real estate exemptions have been received. - 35 real estate and property abatements were received. 50% have already been inspected. - 4 motor vehicle excise tax abatements have been received. A total of 12,599 bills are being mailed out on February 20th for commitment number 1 of 2025. - The last commitment number 7 of 2024 has an additional 326 bills being mailed. - Robin Nano mailed out 225 FY2026 income and expense forms to businesses last week. There have been some mapping issues in MUNIS and CAI linking maps. Goals for next month include: - Continue working on new growth for FY 2026 - Continuing to schedule inspections -Complete more real estate abatements - Review FY 2025 chapter liens CURRENT BUSINESS ===PAGE 2=== - Review and Approve Minutes of December 10, 2024, November 20, 2024, November 6, 2024, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024. Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, January 22, 2025. Brian Laffond sent out his revision for the meeting on October 2, 2024. There was a motion to approve the minutes from October 2, 2024, with revisions by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. There was a motion to approve the minutes from November 6, 2024 by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote: John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. There was a motion to approve the minutes from November 20, 2024 by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote: John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. There was a motion to approve the minutes from January 22, 2025, by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. There are several outstanding executive session minutes that need to be completed and filed. - Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Billing Errors, Etc. A motor vehicle refund totaling $767.68 was signed. Motor vehicle commitments were signed. The first commitment of 2025 for motor vehicle excise tax totaled $1,745,393.70 consisting of 12,599 bills. The final commitment for 2024 totaled $14,563.51 consisting of 326 bills. There is a motion to use the signature stamp to sign the individual certificate for motor vehicles by Brian Laffond, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll Call V ote. John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. Commitment still requires individual signatures. - Senior Means Tested Exemption/H.3911 Plan John Rabbitt and Lynda McQuade did some research and found that in towns like Concord and Westford have different applications and forms related to the means tested exemption. There were questions about the qualifying age and whether it was age 70 or age 65. Due to the changes we made to 41C it was determined the minimum age would be 65. Lynda McQuade provided the Board with a copy of the law that was signed by Governor Healey on January 6th. The qualification list includes: - Resident must be 65 or older. - Resident must have lived in the town and occupied a home for not less than 15 consecutive years. ===PAGE 3=== - If they haven’t received a circuit breaker then they do not qualify. - Total exemptions cannot exceed 1% of the tax levy. Update expected in 2 weeks. - Neighborhood/Site Index/Plan in response to DOR Directives Lynda McQuade and Rena Swezey spoke to Mike Tarello from Vision. They reiterated the intend to start with the lake neighborhood. Mike Tarello states that he would not start with this as the first neighborhood because it’s a huge project. Due to the completion of the recent evaluation he suggests this task could be something to add to the next revaluation. Sarah Cammer disagrees and believes the neighborhoods were overlooked and nothing was modified. Lynda McQuade has been trying to get bids for outside consultants to work on this project. Based on difficulty getting bids and the fact we are now fully staffed, she suggests we might want to do the Neighborhood revisions in house. Brian Laffond states there is $27,500 in the proposed budget under capital and suggests these funds could be used as a good starting point. - Status of Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds Brian Laffond drafted and modified a letter based on conversations with the Town Counsel. Town Counsel suggests an option would be to pay for a title search, but these can be very expensive. In order to make any changes to the property record, database, or billing software the deed needs to be clarified. There was a motion to approve the letter regarding deed issues by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll call vote: John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. - Assessor Website John Rabbitt will inquire with Kara McCarthy about having the presentation from the conference at the senior center added to the website. The policy section is still blank, and Brian Laffond confirms nothing has been written up yet. John Rabbitt suggests adding a dedicated section on circuit breakers to the Assessors Website. Brian Laffond disagrees. John Rabbitt wants to discuss Clause 18. Brian Laffond suggested that John Rabbitt bring a proposal to the Board defining the criteria we should use. Brian Laffond volunteered to help Lynda McQuade create the application for an “8 of 58” that the board previously agreed to submit. ===PAGE 4=== - Annual Report Lynda McQuade added the financial information, and it was submitted yesterday. - FY 2026 Overlay Ezequiel Ayala confirmed the total in the overlay account is $790,000. The Board needs to put a recommendation forward to the Town Manager about the suggested amount to put aside in the overlay account for next year. Last year there were 44 applications for real estate/personal property abatements and this year there are 35. - Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant Brian Laffond sent a proposed copy of the warrant to the Board and received several suggestions from Town Counsel. Brian Laffond will re-write and provide a copy to the Board prior to the March 14th deadline. POSTPONED TOPICS - BOA Policies UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: March 5, 2025, March 19, 2025, April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025 There is a tentative meeting scheduled for March 12th in case there isn’t a quorum on March 5th. 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 into executive session not to return to open session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Roll call vote: John Rabbitt aye, Sarah Cammer aye, Brian Laffond aye. The meeting closed at 8:32 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-12-agenda-7091.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-03-12 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-03-12-agenda-7091.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03122025-7091 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 Passcode: 612808 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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 FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, January 22, 2025, February 5, 2025, February 19, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ Senior Means Tested Exemption/H.3911 Plan. ⚫ Neighborhood/Site Index Review/Plan in response to DOR Directives Starting Point. ⚫ Status of Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. ⚫ Assessor Website. ⚫ Tax Billing Issue. ⚫ FY 2026 Overlay. ⚫ Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. POSTPONED TOPICS ⚫ BOA Policies. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-12-minutes-7091.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-03-12 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-03-12-minutes-7091.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03122025-7091 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS March 12, 2025 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present members: Chair -Brian Laffond, Vice Chair -Sarah Cammer, Clerk -John Rabbitt, Principal Assessor -Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. OPENING COMMENTS  Board John Rabbitt shared that Rep. Margaret Scarsdale shared a helpful flyer at the circuit breaker conference. This flyer identifies why a circuit breaker is used. John Rabbitt is also working with the Ledger to get the conference reported. John Rabbitt has started to develop an Organizational Metrics format for future review. Brian Laffond states the Town Caucus on Monday nominated him for the 1 year open position on the BOA. There is still no nominee for the 3 year position.  Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed.  Status of FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed.  Lynda McQuade provided the following updates: -2 abutters list were received. - An additional 4 exemptions are awaiting approval from the Board - To date 126 real estate exemptions have been received. - 125 motor vehicle excise tax abatements have been received. A total of 37 real estate and property abatements have been received. Of that a total of 11 have been granted totaling $8,796.66, 9 have been denied, 13 to be reviewed tonight in Executive Session and 4 are awaiting additional information. Approved Sept. 3, 2025 ===PAGE 2=== 3-chapter land applications were signed. There was a motion to approve the chapter land application for Highland Road by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Sarah Cammer aye, John Rabbitt aye, Brian Laffond aye. Lynda McQuade states that cyclical inspections begin on March 18th. A letter has been uploaded to the website and the police with the representative’s vehicle information. Brian Laffond questions why the Board did not approve or have any involvement with the letter. This letter will not be mailed to homeowners. The inspection includes measuring and looking at the home exterior. If the homeowner does not want them to enter for an interior inspection that is their decision, and they are not required to. The DOR requires cyclical inspections to ensure that the property record cards are correct. We will be notifying homeowners when these inspections are expected. There have been issues linking parcels from Vision to CAI. Currently, the office is unaware of how many parcels have been affected. RE: Chapter Lands (land previously held in Chapter 61): Second Request letters have been sent by Robin Nano to property owners of Chapter Lands who have not yet applied for this year. Original deadline was March 1, 2025. New deadline of April 10, 2025. If no response, the land will revert to full valuation. John Rabbitt suggested a written policy. Brian Laffond stated this is the de facto policy, but agreed we should document the policy. We have also reviewed Chapter Lands for liens as every parcel in Chapter should have a lien. There are several new applications for Chapter Lands. Motion by Sarah Cammer to approve 8.9 acres on Island Road for Recreational purposes (61B). Second John Rabbitt. All in favor. Farm land (61A) approval delayed: Not eligible until June, 2026. Lynda McQuade spoke to the DOR representative regarding HERO Act abatements. The Town needs to issue a physical bill and subsequently execute an abatement in order for the town to be reimbursed by the state. Goals for next month include: - Continue inspections - Track the FY 2026 growth - Scheduled abatement inspections - Finalize real estate abatements - Update FY 2025 chapter land applications in vision CURRENT BUSINESS ===PAGE 3===  Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, October 16, 2024, October 2, 2024, and Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, January 22, 2025, and February 5, 2025, February 19, 2025.  There was a motion to approve the minutes from October 16, 2024, by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor.  There was a motion to approve the minutes from February 5, 2025, by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor.  There was a motion to approve the minutes from executive session from February 5, 2025, for release by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor.  There was a motion to approve the minutes from executive session from February 19, 2025, for release by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Billing Errors, etc. There were 2 invoices from CAI that were signed by the Board. $3,000 for support renewal and an additional $3,400 for the revision of the maps that were recently submitted. The quarterly renewal subscription for MLS was approved and signed. Abatements for motor vehicle excise taxes were signed totaling $16,063.18.  Senior Means Tested Exemption/H.3911 Plan. Lynda McQuade provided an application. A time will need to be scheduled for the Board to vote on income and asset limits. Additionally, it needs to be determined if the average is going to be a single-family home.  Neighborhood/Site Index Review/Plan in response to DOR Directives Starting Point. There is a plan in place to get money into the capital plan that will be used to start correcting the neighborhood situation that the state mandates to be fixed.  Status of Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. Lynda McQuade provided a new letter addressing incomprehensible deeds. This was reviewed by the Town Council and gives the Assessor’s Office the ability to send back any deeds with errors. There was a motion to approve the letter as policy by John Rabbitt, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor.  Assessor Website. Sarah Cammer is in the process of revising “How to Read your Vision Card”. LA 15 for 2024 and 2025 needs to be added to the website.  Tax Billing Issue. Lynda McQuade spoke to Counsel from DOR, and they referenced a statue that ===PAGE 4=== states the assessor should not be involved in the collection of taxes. In the past, the office receives the data from vision, a file is created and submitted to the DOR. That file is then emailed to the tax collector and added to MUNIS. John Rabbitt proposes having a joint meeting with the attorneys, the Assessing Board, the Town Manager, and the Finance Director.  FY 2026 Overlay. So far this year the exemptions and abatements total $128,967.40. Brian Laffond suggests an amount between $175,000 to $200,000. This would ensure enough money to support abatement applications and exemptions. There was discussion about possible outstanding ATB, none are currently expected. There is a motion to approve the overlay amount of $175,000 by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor.  Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. The warrant is still in front of the Town Council and no response has been received. POSTPONED TOPICS  BOA Policies. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  March 19, 2025, April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS  Public There were no comments from the public.  Board John Rabbitt spoke to a resident about the deferral process. The applicant has completed the circuit breaker and filed taxes with the circuit breaker. They are still working with their mortgage holder. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn the meeting and enter executive session not to return to open session after exiting executive session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. Unanimous approval. The meeting closed at 8:55 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-19-agenda-7109.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-03-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-03-19-agenda-7109.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-7109 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025 6:30 PM RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 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/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 Passcode: 612808 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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 FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, March 19, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ BOA Policies ⚫ Senior Means Tested Exemption. ⚫ Assessor Organizational Metrics. ⚫ Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. ⚫ Assessor Website. ⚫ Tax Billing Issue. ⚫ FY 2026 Overlay. ⚫ Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. POSTPONED TOPICS ⚫ BOA Policies. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-19-minutes-7109.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-03-19 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-03-19-minutes-7109.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03192025-7109 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS March 19, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER-LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 960 MASSACHUSETTS A VE. Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:34 PM. OPENING COMMENTS  Board There were no comments from the Board.  Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR.  Status of FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update, Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade states that the Vision appraisal for cyclical inspections will start next week. So far, 108 postcards have been mailed out. Vision will be leaving a card on the resident’s door if nobody is home. The resident should call the office to schedule an appointment. If the appraiser is unable to enter the home, he will just measure the exterior. The Assessors’ Office will be notifying residents within 1 to 3 weeks prior to inspections for scheduling purposes. There are 500 properties that need to be completed by June 30th in order to be in compliance. There was a motion to add the appraisers schedule to the website once a schedule has been created by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. CURRENT BUSINESS  Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, Executive Sessions of December 10, 2024, March 19, 2025. There was a motion to approve the executive session minutes of March 12, 2025, by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor.  Review and Approve Invoices, Expense V ouchers, Billing Errors, etc. There were no documents to review or approve. Approved Sept. 3, 2025 ===PAGE 2===  BOA Policies Lynda McQuade put together a policy list for the Town Manager that was then provided to the Board.  Senior Means Tested Exemption. Lynda McQuade created a new brochure with updated income levels. State and federal applications have also been made available. There was a discussion about the proposed limits of $72,000 for single person, $91,000 if an individual is the head of household, and $109,000 for joint or married. The Board agrees that these numbers seem high. Sarah Cammer suggests obtaining the town census to get a better idea of income levels.  Assessor Organizational Metrics. John Rabbitt states that the lead Assessor is now reporting to the Finance Director as opposed to the Town Manager. This topic will be added to the next agenda and more discussion will take place on April 2, 2025.  Homeowner Letter for Issues with Deeds. Lynda McQuade confirms that the letter relating to issues with deeds has been approved and reviewed by the Town Counsel. This letter will be sent to applicants who have a deed that the Board is unable to interpret. If it can’t be interpreted, then the office is unable to add the information to the maps and it can’t be put into the system.  Assessor Website. Lynda McQuade states that the cyclical information has been posted to the Assessor website.  Tax Billing Issue. Ezequiel Ayala is going to be setting up training for MUNIS soon. Lynda McQuade strongly suggests that the Board maintains a contract with MUNIS expert, Randy Mercier. There have been issues in other towns with the switch over to the cloud. Lynda McQuade confirms there has been a bridging issue between the numbers of digits in the IDs between Vision and MUNIS.  FY 2026 Overlay. The Assessors Office received an email from Ezequiel Ayala confirming that the overlay amount of $175,000 has been approved.  Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. The Board is awaiting a response from the Town Council with the edited article language. POSTPONED TOPICS ===PAGE 3===  BOA Policies. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE  Upcoming Meetings: April 2, 2025, April 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS  Public There were no comments from the public.  Board John Rabbitt created a letter regarding chapter liens. This discussion will continue once this topic has been added to the agenda. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn the open meeting and enter Executive Session, not to return to Open Session after exiting Executive Session by Brian Laffond, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. The meeting closed at 8:12 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-02-agenda-7136.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-04-02 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-04-02-agenda-7136.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022025-7136 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2025 6:30 PM RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 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/81152002194 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3020039690?omn=81178320758 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 Passcode: 612808 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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 FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, Executive Sessions of March 19, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ BOA Policies ⚫ Senior Means Tested Exemption. ⚫ 41A Deferral Exemption. ⚫ Assessor Organizational Metrics. ⚫ Cyclical Inspection Program. ⚫ Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant for Town Meeting. POSTPONED TOPICS ⚫ DOR Directives. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: April 16, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 21, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-02-minutes-7136.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-04-02 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-04-02-minutes-7136.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04022025-7136 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS Minutes April 2, 2025 Executive Session RECEIVED & FILED OCT 0.6 2025 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE Board Members: Brian Laffond and Jack Rabbit in attendance. Executive Session started at 8:00PM Review of Exemptions and Real Estate Abatements FY2025 • 422 to 22E Brian signed, only Sarah needs to initial approval. • 22E $1000.00 exemption 100% Disabled • 2 approved 1 exemption needs clarification-new or revised reimbursement of $600.00 • 22 $400.00 exemption • 3 approved • Real Estate Abatements • 3 admin abatements granted, land cost error. Total $6001.38. 41A Discussed application and letter that Jack drafted for Adam Costa to review. Meeting adjourned 9:30PM ===PAGE 2=== Board, 2,826 Breaker) it would Lynda McQuade will send over the paf format of the minutes to be posted by Ellen. The other minutes are still being reviewed for approval. • Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Voüchers, Billing Errors, etc. • There were no invoices, vouchers, or billing errors to address. • BOA Policies Lynda McQuade provided a new document that will be reviewed when full including, Sarah Cammer, is present. • Senior Means Tested Exemption. Lynda McQuade states some changes have been made to the application: The brochure that she created is going to be made into a tri-fold. Lynda McQuade inquired with the Town Clerk: They determined there are residents 65 years of age or older. She will try to find out how many of those residents are homeowners. Lynda McQuade confirmed that 1% of the Tax Levy (at 100% of Circuit amount would support 117 parcels: If more people qualify than that, reduce the amount avallable per application for this exemption. • 41A Deferral Exemption. Brian Laffond spoke to the Town Counsel regarding the deferral document created by John Rabbitt. There were some edits/corrections made. Lynda McQuade spoke to Ezequiel Ayala and was told an account has been set up specifically for deferrals. • Assessor Organizational Metrics. John Rabbitt believes this tool would be imperative to stay on track. This topic will be added to the next meeting's agenda. • Cyclical Inspection Program. The inspection program is going on its 2nd week. The street hames that are anticipated to be inspected for the week have been posted: .. ... There is a list of residents that have called and do not want the inspection, or they don't want anybody on their property. Lynda McQuade states the purpose of the cyclical inspection is to verify the data on the record card for accuracy. This inspection needs to be completed ===PAGE 3=== Board, 2,826 Breaker) it would Lynda McQuade will send over the pof format of the minutes to be posted by Ellen. The other minutes are still being reviewed for approval. • Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. • There were no invoices, vouchers, or billing errors to address. • BOA Policies Lynda McQuade provided a new document that will be reviewed when full Including, Sarah Cammer, is present. • Senior Means Tested Exemption. Lynda McQuade states some changes have been made to the application: The brochure that she created is going to be made into a tri-fold. Lynda McQuade inquired with the Town Clerk: They determined there are residents 65 years of age or older. She will tryto find out how many of those residents are homeowners. Lynda McQuade confirmed that 1% of the Tax Levy (at 100% of Circuit amount wouid support 117 parcels: If more peóple qualify than that, reduce the amount avallable per application for this exemption. 41A Deferral Exemption. Brian Laffond spoke to the Town Counsel regarding the deferral document created by John Rabbitt. There were some edits/corrections made. Lynda McQuade spoke to Ezequiel Ayala and was told an account has been set up specifically for deferrals. • Assessor Organizational Metrics. John Rabbitt believes this tool would be imperative to stay on track. This topic will be added to the next meeting's agenda. • Cyclical Inspection Program. The inspection program is going on its 2nd week. The street names that are anticipated to be inspected for the week have been posted. There is a list of residents that have called and do not want the inspection, or they don't want anybody on their property. Lynda McQuade states the purpose of the cyclical inspection is to verify the data on the record card for accuracy. This inspection needs to be completed • ===PAGE 4=== every 10 years at the directive of the Department of Revenue. There are 500 inspections that need to be completed by June. • Warrant motion for Town Meeting on Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption. Town Counsel revised the document that the Board sent to them. There may be some push-back from the Department of Revenue and/or the Attorney General's Office because we are resetting the baseline. Town Counsel confirms there may be another way to get this accomplished, but they are unsure how. There was a motion to proceed with the documents as amended by Town Counsel by John Rabbitt, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. POSTPONED TOPICS • DOR Directives. Robin Nano is working on and organizing the chapter land files. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: April 16, 2025, May 7, 2025, May 21, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public There were no comments from the public. • Board There were no comments from the Board. ADJOURN There was a motion by Brian Laffond to adjourn the open meeting and enter the executive session, not to return to the open session after exiting executive session. Seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. The meeting closed at 8:00 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-16-agenda-7166.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-04-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-04-16-agenda-7166.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-7166 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2025 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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/81152002194 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3020039690?omn=81178320758 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 Passcode: 612808 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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 FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update Issue with CAI. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025 and March 19, 2025 and April 2, 2025, Executive Sessions of April 2, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directive ⚫ Deed/Plan Issues. ⚫ Cyclical Inspection Program. ⚫ FY 2026 Overlay. ⚫ Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. POSTPONED TOPICS ⚫ UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: May 7, 2025, May 21, 2025, June 18, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-16-minutes-7166.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-04-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-04-16-minutes-7166.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04162025-7166 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== Minutes Approved Date BPL April 8, 2026 LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS April 16, 2025 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade, Rena Swezey. CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:31 PM. OPENING COMMENTS • Board John Rabbitt states he only has 1 or 2 meetings left. He has put his name in to be elected on the Council on Aging. • Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. • Status of FY2025 Abatement Applications, Vision Property Record Cards Update. Issues with CAl. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade provided the following updates: 6 abutters list requests were received in the last month. 14 additional exemption applications for review later this evening. To date, 132 real estate exemptions have been received. There are 37 real estate and personal property abatements. 20 have beer granted totaling $18,083.12. 13 were denied. 2 were withd awn as the residents did not want to proceed with inspections. 2 inspections are being reviewed after this meeting. Settlement for pending only ATB Case will be reviewed later this evening. 41 motor vehicle excise tax abatements have been received. Denise McCue is continuing to follow up with building permits and inspections. The office will soon start working on new growth. Lynda McQuade met with the Building Department and Board of Health to set up a plan for notifications of ANR plans and map changes for the Assessing dept. Andrea ===PAGE 2=== Schnepf from BoH volunteered to work with Lynda to improve communication flow and interpret deeds. There are 8 parcels that aren't linked properly in CAl. Vision has sent a revised contract for the first year of appraisals. Currently there have been 112 appraisals completed. The appraisals are anticipated to be completed by June 30t. There will then be a break before another round of inspections starts in Augus:. A $500 credit was reimbursed for the cost of mailing that the office provided. There was a discussion abcut chapter land applications. There are 3 classes of chapter land- Forestry Chapter 61, Agriculture Chapter 61A, Recreation Chapter 61B. The benefit of having chapter land is a significant discount on value that reduces tax owed. Robin Nano has sent 2 letters, an initial letter and a follow up letter asking residents to send in their applications. Applications were originally due on December 1, 2024. If ar application is not received the property will be brought back to full value. There must be a lien on these properties. Some parcels do not have an existing lien. The office is following up to correct this. The state approved the Lunenburg battery energy storage facility planned for 485 Leominster/Shirley Road. MDM1, veterans' exemptions, and motor vehicle exemption reimbursements need to be submitted by April 30*. Currently we have $128,951 in exemptions and expect reimbursement of roughly S103,237. CURRENT BUSINESS • Review and Approve Minutes cf February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, and April 2, 2025, Executive Sessions of April 2, 2025. The minutes from the open sessions were not reviewed. There was a motion by Brian Laffond to approve for release the executive session minutes of April 2, 2025. Seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. • Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. There were no invoices, vouchers, or billing errors to review or approve. © Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directive Rena Swezey has been investigating the neighborhood/site index plan. Sarah Cammer is suggesting changing the lakefront to waterfront and including indexes. Rena Swezey is going to look into each lake and review the codes. All neighborhoods will need to be addressed. One focus will be to remove as many of the subjective factors ===PAGE 3=== as possible. There is a feature in V sion that will allow us to compare similar properties. Rena Swezey will provide an update in another month. • Deed/Plan Issues. Lynda McQuade states that a letter has been sent to the homeowner requesting they contact their attorney regarding a discrepancy in their deed. Andrea Schnepf from the Board of Health has offered to assist the office with interpreting some of the deed issues. • Cyclical Inspection Program. Lynda McQuade will update the website with the new start date of May 12th and will also indicate the streets that the inspector will be on that week. Postcards will be going out in the rext week and a half for homes on the inspection list. • FY 2026 Overlay. $175,000 was submitted by the Board of Assessors to be voted on. So far this year $168,000 has been used from the overlay. • Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant Article. John Rabbitt provided a 30-slide presentation about clause 41 that will be reviewed at the next meeting. Brian Laffond created a letter with Information that can be sent to 41A applicants. He will submit the letter to the Town Counsel for their feedback. All exemptions need to be submitted and completed by April 1st. If the application is denied residents have the option to go to the ATB. POSTPONED TOPICS UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: May 5, 2025 Tentative) May 7, 2025, May 14, 2025 (Tentative), May 21, 2025, June 18, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public There were no comments fom the public. • Board Brian Laffond read a document about Clause 41 and 17 that he plans to present at the town meeting, if needed. ===PAGE 4=== Sarah Cammer confirms there will be openings on the Board and names can be written in during elections. ADJOURN return to Rabbitt. ALL There was a motion to adjourn the open meeting and enter the executive session, not to the open session after exiting executive session by Brian Laffond, seconded by John in favor. The meeting closed at 8:31 PM. ===PAGE 5=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS Minutes April 16, 2025 Executive Session Board Members: Brian Laffond, Sarah Cammer and Jack Rabbitt in attendance. Executive Session started at 8:30PM Jack recused himself on the 41A application. Brian Laffond, the Chair, and Sarah Cammer, Vice Chair, denied the 41A application for being incomplete as; only one of the owners was on the application and the property is owned jointly and there was no letter or indication of bank approval of the lien. Review of Exemptions • Reviewed and approved an additional $600 for one application for a Clause 22 veteran that was converted to a Clause 22E. Review of Abatements • The Board of Assessors approved 2 abatements for properties that had fires. • One is a real estate abatement • The other is an administrative real estate abatement • The new application Chapter land lien for was approved by the Board of Assessors • The Board of Assessors denied 2 real estate abatements for refusal to schedule inspections which is a part of the abatement process • The Board of Assessors approved 2 real estate abatements for changes after 2nd inspection was requested by the attorney for misinformation during the first inspections • Settlement of ATB case for 39 Round Rd for approval of FY2024 abatement and withdrawal of FY2025 real estate abatement Meeting adjourned 10:25PM ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-05-agenda-7202.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-05-05 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-05-05-agenda-7202.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-7202 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA Monday, May 5, 2025 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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/2878544906?omn=85269773632 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 287 854 4906# 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. ⚫ FY2025 Abatement Update, Chapter Land Application/Lien Issues. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025 and March 19, 2025, Executive Sessions of March 19, 2025, April 19, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directive. ⚫ Reading Your Vision Card ⚫ Town Meeting-Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. POSTPONED TOPICS UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: May 21, 2025, June 11, 2025, July 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-05-minutes-7202.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-05-05 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-05-05-minutes-7202.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05052025-7202 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== ! SUNCHURI MATE RECEIVED & FILED TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS Minutes May 5, 2025 Executive Session OCT 06 2025 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE Board Members: Brian Laffond, Sarah Cammer and Jack Rabbitt in attendance. Executive Session started at 8:15PM FY2025 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements • 1 abatement denied due to withdrawal from attorney for ATB settlement. Denial of abatement application was signed by Brian Laffond, Chair and Board Members, Sarah Cammer and Jack Rabbitt. 8 of 58 PY2024 Abatement • The 8 of 58 application was approved by the Department of Revenue for an abatement of $5,054.85 by the Board of Assessors. Board of Assessors signed 2 liens for new Chapter 61A. Lynda McQuade reviewed 8 Chapter Land properties with either no applications or liens, with 4 Chapter land properties being sales. For the chapter land applications that do not have liens, it was discussed sending an additional letter to the property owners allowing 15 days' notice to initiate request for liens. If no response occurs, the properties will be brought back to full value and taken out of chapter land with a Meeting adjourned 9:18PM ===PAGE 2=== • INCO TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS Minutes May 5, 2025 Executive Session RECED ELEP 000T00622025 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE- Board Members: Brian Laffond, Sarah Cammer and Jack Rabbitt in attendance. Executive Session started at 8:15PM FY2025 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements • 1 abatement denied due to withdrawal from attorney for ATB settlement. Denial of abatement application was signed by Brian Laffond, Chair and Board Members, Sarah Cammer and Jack Rabbitt. 8 of 58 FY2024 Abatement • The 8 of 58 application was approved by the Department of Revenue for an abatement of $5,054.85 by the Board of Assessors. Board of Assessors signed 2 liens for new Chapter 61A. Lynda McQuade reviewed 8 Chapter Land properties with either no applications or liens, with 4 Chapter land properties being sales. For the chapter land applications that do not have liens, it was discussed sending an additional letter to the property owners allowing 15 days' notice to initiate request for liens. If no response occurs, the properties will be brought back to full value and taken out of chapter land with a rollback tax. Meeting adjourned 9:18PM ===PAGE 3=== Appeare 041, 2025 BRISSL Present Members: LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS May 5, 2025 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL . 17 MAIN STREET Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Clerk John Rabbitt Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade RECEIVED & FILED CALL TO ORDER •The meeting opened at 6:44 PM. OPENING COMMENTS OCT 06 2025 LUNENBURG TOWN CLERK OFFICE • Board Brian Laffond'stated a letter was received from a taxpayer who believed the Board was treating their concerns lightly. Brian Laffond is thankful that the resident has pointed out a hole in the process as it relates to cyclical inspections. Residents were not given enough time to reach out to the office to notify the inspector to not go on their property. Brian Laffond confirmed that the procedure has changed and there should be enough time for residents to reach out to the office. John Rabbitt confirms this is his last meeting. He wanted to thank the Board. He is looking to join the Council on Aging to continue to act as an advocate and liaison. •Public There were no comments from the public. STÁTUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. • FY2025 Abatement Update, Chapter Land Application/Lien Issues. Other items as needed. An outstanding 2025 abatement application was withdrawn as a result of the settlement of an ATB Case. We will be discussing an 8 of 58 application that had been submitted. For 2026, 37 abatements have been received. - 22 were granted totaling $27, 106.21 - 15 were denied There are 4 administrative abatements. 2 of which were personal property corrections, 1 had an incorrect land amount, and the other had a fire. ===PAGE 4=== 220 postcards were mailed out for the next cyclical inspections restarting on May 12t, The Assessors Office intends to post and update the streets up for inspection for each week. While reorganizing all the Chapter land applications It was determined that there are 8 properties that do not have liens but have applications. 2 letters have been sent to each applicant. Currently there are 2 properties that don't have applications that häve been brought back to full value. 4 properties have Chapter land applications that have sold and do not have applications or roll back taxes. 1 property that has been brought back to full value and is . awaiting a discussion from the survivors regarding the next steps. Denise McCue and Lynda McQuade are working on new growth...: CURRENT BUSINESS • Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, Executive Sessions of March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025. There was a motion to approve the minutes of February 19, 2025, as amended by Sarah Cammer, seconded by John Rabbitt. All in favor. John Rabbitt will be making suggestions and recommendations forthe executive session minutes of April 16, 2025. vehicle been Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. Lynda McQuade submitted the MDM1, Veteran exemptions and the motor reimbursement excise tax reimbursement forms for FY 2025: All have approved by the Department of Revenue. MDM1 reimbursement totaled $103k. Veterans exemption reimbursement totaled $78k. Motor vehicle reimbursement totaled $12,142. An invoice totaling $190 was approved and signed. This invoice covered the cost of postcards with information regarding the cyclical inspections. There was a $500 credit to the account by the company completing inspections. The contract did include notifying residents about cyclical inspection, but the vendor intended on notifying residents after the inspection, not before. The BoA felt that does hot constitute notification, so future contracts will be clear about our expectations.... .:•• .... •.: ===PAGE 5=== data. An invoice for the inspections has been received, without any supporting The office declined to approve until numbers and more information can be provided. Lynda McQuade confirms that Vision is going to be sending more property record cards. with • Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directive. Lynda McQuade received approval at the town meeting forfunds to proceed this project. Denise McCue has already started to pull sales and records. The Board will request Rena Sweezey attend the next meeting to discuss this topic. • Reading Your Vision Card Lynda McQuade has made several changes including land costs and neighborhood site indexes. The office has been unable to update condo factors as the report provided didn't include any information pertaining to condos. The Board is requesting complete report from Vision. • Town Meeting-Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant. All the exemptions articles passed and are now going through the formal review process. POSTPONED TOPICS UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: Monday, May 19, 2025, May 21, 2025 (Canceled), Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public There were no comments from the public. • Board Brian Laffond thanked John Rabbitt for his work on the Board, especially his efforts to "modernize" our exemptions. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn the open meeting and enter the executive session, ===PAGE 6=== notto return to the open session after exiting the executive session by Sarah Cammer, seconded …by John Rabbitt. All in favör. The meeting closed at 8:10 PM. .: • :: :. i :: ::: ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-19-agenda-7225.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-05-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-05-19-agenda-7225.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192025-7225 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS REVISED-MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA Monday, May 19, 2025 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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 • Town Election and Status of Board of Assessors Members OPENING COMMENTS • Board • Public STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. ⚫ FY2025 Abatement Update, Chapter Land Application/Lien Issues. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025. Executive Sessions of April 16, 2025, and May 5, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directive. ⚫ Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant Approval from State. POSTPONED TOPICS • Criteria for Clause 18 • Status of DOR Directives UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: June 11, 2025, July 16, 2025, and August 13, 2025 CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-19-minutes-7225.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-05-19 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-05-19-minutes-7225.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05192025-7225 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BPL LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS May 19, 2025 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL, 17 MAIN STREET Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade 10/22/25 CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:30 PM. • Town Election and Status of Board of Assessors Members Brian Laffond was re-elected for 1 year. There is 1 opening on the Board. Sarah Cammer nominated Brian Laffond for Chair, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Brian Laffond nominated Sarah Cammer for Vice Chair, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. OPENING COMMENTS • Board Brian Laffond thanked the public for their votes. Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. • FY2025 Abatement Update, Chapter Land Application/Lien Issues. Other items as needed. 14 abutters list requests and 30 motor vehicle excise tax abatements have been received. There were 132 real estate exemptions for FY2026. Denise McCue is continuing to collect data and follow up with building permits. Cyclical inspections started back up on May 12th. The Assessor's website and the Lunenburg Facebook page have been updated with anticipated streets for each week. All postcards for this fiscal year have been mailed, thereby providing notices to residents. If there is an inspection of the property, but the resident doesn't want an interior inspection they are able to decline. There were a few chapter land applications that weren't received nor a response to the 2 letters sent. Those properties have been returned to full value. There are 3 additional chapter land properties that do not have liens nor applications. ===PAGE 2=== Next month's goals include: - Continue building inspections. - Continue to work on FY2026 growth. Currently the growth is $333,842.29 which is an assessed value of $23,248,070. It was estimated to be $400,000 for FY 2026. - Start working on Scope of Work for the Neighborhood Review. Expect to take ~ 3 years to complete. CURRENT BUSINESS • Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025. The review and approval of minutes were postponed to the next meeting. February 19, 2025, was reviewed and approved at the last meeting. There was a motion to approve the Executive Session minutes from April 16, 2025, with the understanding that they will not be released until the matter is resolved (unless they are redacted) by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. There was a motion to approve the executive session minutes from May 5, 2025, not for release without redactions by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. The Board reviewed the chapter land application for 53 acres of forestry at 150 White Street. There was a motion to approve the application for 150 White Street by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. The Board reviewed the chapter land application for roughly 9 recreational acres at 233 Island Road. There was a motion to approve the application for 233 Island Road by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. There was a motion to accept the release of the lien on 100 Townsend Road by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directive. The Office is starting to work on the neighborhood review per the direction of the Department of Revenue. This is a 2-t0-3-year program that must be completed by 2029. • Clause 41 and 17 Assets/Income Level Adjustment Exemption Warrant Approval from the State. Lynda McQuade confirmed that the state approved both warrant articles. ===PAGE 3=== .. " POSTPONED TOPICS • Criteria for Clause 18 • Status of DOR Directives UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: June 11, 2025 (Tentatively scheduled), July 16, 2025, and August 13, 2025. 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 the open meeting and enter the executive session, not to return to the open session after exiting the executive session by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. The meeting closed at 7:15PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-06-11-agenda-7256.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-06-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-06-11-agenda-7256.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-7256 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS REVISED MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2025 6:30 PM RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 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/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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. ⚫ FY2025 Year End Chapter Land Application/Lien Issues, Agricultural Permanent Restrictions . Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025. Executive Sessions of April 16, 2025, and May 5, 2025, changes. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directives. ⚫ Senior Means Tested Exemption. POSTPONED TOPICS • Criteria for Clause 18 • Status of DOR Directives UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: July 16, 2025 and August 13, 2025 CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-06-11-minutes-7256.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-06-11 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-06-11-minutes-7256.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06112025-7256 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== ApPRoved - 10/22/25 B.P.L J LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS JUNE 11, 2025 RITTER BUILDING, LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM 960 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Principal Assessor Lynda McQuade CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:34 PM. OPENING COMMENTS • Board Sarah Cammer states the new Board of Selectmen member, Brian Lehtinen, provided an excellent summary to the Select Board regarding the last BOA meeting. Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. FY2025 Year End Chapter Land Application/Lien Issues, Agricultural Permanent Restrictions. Other items as needed. Lynda McQuade provided the following updates: - 7 abutters lists requests have been received. - 17 motor vehicle excise tax abatements were processed by Robin Nano. - The motor vehicle excise tax for commitment 2 and commitment 3 bills were mailed on Monday. - Chapter Lands have been reviewed and are now "current". - In the past month there have been 2 deed issues. - The omitted and revised LA 13A will be submitted to the Department of Revenue tomorrow. Lynda McQuade is still awaiting a call from Vision regarding sales that are due September 30. Robin Nano has reviewed majority of the chapter land applications and organized them by address. There are 4 properties in chapter land that don't have a lien or application. Lynda McQuade is currently undertaking the process of rolling back taxes on these properties. Denise McCue and Lynda McQuade are going to start inspections per DOR directive as well as inspecting chapter lands. ===PAGE 2=== The Town Manager requested a response to the report by the Select Board completed in 2023. In 2023 there were 427 abatements, 2024 there were 42 abatements and last year there were 37 abatements. Next week Lynda McQuade has a class and the following week of the 23rd she will be in Plymouth for the MA Assessor's Conference. The office is still following up with a 41A application. After speaking to the town counsel, they may still be having negotiations prior to them going to ATB as long as they are within their appeal period. There was a notion to support the move of 222 West Townsend Road out of Chapter Land for potential sale by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in favor. Lynda McQuade has inquired with the Town Manager about obtaining a seasonal employee to help with the neighborhood review. CURRENT BUSINESS • Review and Approve Minutes of February 19, 2025, March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025. Executive Sessions of April 16, 2025, and May 5, 2025. There was a motion to accept the minutes from executive session on April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025 and May 19, 2025, as amended by Brian Laffond, seconded by Sarah Cammer. All in favor. The minutes from February 1, 2025, were previously approved and can be removed from the agenda. Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. Randy Mercier from MUNIS came into the office and helped complete preliminary billing. The real estate and personal property preliminary bills for Fiscal Year 2026 were signed. Motor vehicle excise tax for commitment 2 were signed. The total is $272,922 and represented 882 motor vehicle bills. Motor vehicle excise tax for commitment 3 were signed. The total is $138,650.87 and represented 620 motor vehicle bills. There was a Chapter Lien signed by the Board where "half" of the property is in Lunenburg and the other "half" in Fitchburg. ===PAGE 3=== Lynda McQuade states the Assessor's Office received the Cost Manual for reference that cost $514. Senior Means Tested Exemption. A new summary of the all exemptions is now available on the website, as well as in the office. Lynda McQuade prepared a brochure about the new Senior Means-Tested Exemption. The brochure is available online and will also be available in printed format. Still awaiting "final" version currently being edited by a former member of the Select Board, Tom Alonzo. Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directives. Lynda McQuade is awaiting further information on resources and has confirmed that funds from May ATM can be expended until July. POSTPONED TOPICS •Criteria for Clause 18. • Status of DOR Directives. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: July 16, 2025, and August 13, 2025 CLOSING COMMENIS • Public There were no comments from the public. • Board There were no comments from the Board. ADJOURN favor. The meeting closed at 8:29PM There was a motion to adjourn by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-08-agenda-7302.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-07-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-07-08-agenda-7302.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082025-7302 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS REVISED-MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA Tuesday, July 8, 2025 2:00 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET CALL TO ORDER ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – Adjourn open meeting and enter 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 : 2025-07-08-minutes-7302.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-07-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-07-08-minutes-7302.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07082025-7302 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS Minutes July 8, 2025 Executive Session Executive Session started at 9:35pm Attending was Chair, Brian Laffond and Board member Sarah Cammer. The 8 Senior Means Tested applications were reviewed, but there was further information needed on 2 applicants for verification of annual income which was stated as monthly, so the BOA voted to postpone the review until all information was verified. Lynda Cajka the assessor will verify this information and plan to add to the next meeting agenda in October. Meeting adjourned 9:55pm ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-16-agenda-7312.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-07-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-07-16-agenda-7312.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-7312 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA WEDNESDAY, July 16, 2025 6:30 PM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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/81152002194 Meeting ID: 811 5200 2194 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 811 5200 2194# 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. ⚫ FY2026 Interim adjustments, Addition of tax billing responsibilities in office, CAI map update. Other items as needed. CURRENT BUSINESS ⚫ Review and Approve Minutes of March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025. Executive Sessions of July 8, 2025 and review changes of April 16, 2025, and May 5, 2025. ⚫ Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. ⚫ Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directives RFP/Scope of Work. ⚫ 41A Income Limitation ⚫ Senior Means Tested Exemption Presentation at Senior Center. POSTPONED TOPICS • Criteria for Clause 18 UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: August 13, 2025, September 17, 2025 CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-16-minutes-7312.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-07-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-07-16-minutes-7312.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07162025-7312 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== APPROVED 11/19/25 BPL. LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS JULY 16, 2025 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer (Zoom), Principal Assessor Lynda Cajka CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 6:35PM. OPENING COMMENTS • Board There were no comments from the Board • Public There were no comments from the public. STATUS REPORT FROM PRINCIPAL ASSESSOR. • FY2026 Interim adjustments, Addition of tax billing responsibilities in office, CAI map update. Other items as needed. In the last month there have been 12 abutters lists requests. A total of 70 motor vehicle excise tax abatements have been processed in MUNIS and are awaiting payment processing by the tax collector. While reorganizing the office a few months ago there were a few issues identified regarding Chapter land properties. In town there are 91-chapter land properties including: 29 forestry, 35 agriculture, and 27 recreational. 9 of these properties didn't have liens and there were 21 applications missing. Letters have been sent and are in the process of being filed with the registry of deeds. Due to no response, there were 7 properties that have been removed from chapter land, 4 Chapter 61A and 3 were 61B. Additionally, there are 4 properties were that were in chapter land that had no liens and were sold. Thus roll back tax bills were issued. One property that was sold in Nov. 2021, has no application and no lien, but wants to "continue in Chapter 61B". There was an apparent communication breakdown during the transfer of property. The Board wishes to postpone a decision on this property until our next meeting. At that time, if we have a valid application and the lien is in progress, we could decide whether to issue roll-back order or not. We will revisit this in August. The Assessor's Office is getting ready to start FY26 cyclical inspections program phase 2. 500 blue postcards were mailed. If a blue postcard is received, residents should expect a visit from the Vision appraiser. If you receive a blue postcard and ===PAGE 2=== do not want anyone to visit your home, please call the office and make them aware. There is no exact date that the Vision inspector will start. Robin Nano has started preparing the FY27 Chapter Land applications that will be mailed August 1s. Lynda Cajka has begun developing a draft of the scope of work RFP to address the Neighborhood review and revision directive from the DOR. Lynda Cajka has been in contact with the Vision appraiser, and they indicated that the office will be receiving the interim adjustment on time this year. They have started the interim adjustments. Current due date is September 30, 2025. Current assessed value of growth for FY26 is $27,758,770. The dollar amount that does not include personal property is $398, 615.93. Personal property (currently being done by RRC) will increase that Growth. Goals for next month include: - Finalizing FY26 growth - Continue Chapter 61B inspections - Reviewing registry of deeds to find any parcels that were split. Due to vacancy in the planning department the office is not receiving any map updates. Sarah Cammer requested a list of those properties in question. A resident called with questions regarding their property value. Through research it was determined that the property has a 20% economic obsolescence. We discovered there were 131 properties that had that obsolescence code. 34 of them were functional, meaning they would be addressed with the building as a functional issue and range from 5% to 50%. Typically, the DOR doesn't support adjustments over 15%. Denise McCue and Lynda Cajka will be completing inspections of all of those properties. CURRENT BUSINESS • Review and Approve Minutes of March 12, 2025, and March 19, 2025, April 16, 2025, May 5, 2025. Executive Sessions of July 8, 2025, and review changes of April 16, 2025, and May 5, 2025. The review and approval of minutes will take place at the first meeting in August while all members are physically present. • Review and Approve Invoices, Expense Vouchers, Billing Errors, etc. There were no invoices, vouchers or billing errors to review. There are 2 Liens for Chapter Lands that must be signed, but signatures for liens must be notarized. Brian Laffond will come into the office for them. ===PAGE 3=== Sarah Cammer will have to come to the office to sign the commitment for Real Estate and Personal Property. • Neighborhood/Site Index Plan for DOR Directives RFP/Scope of Work. Lynda Cajka has been working on the neighborhood review directive and have drafted a proposal and the scope of work for this directive. Sarah proposed some changes to the site indexes. Also suggested is an excel spreadsheet of their neighborhoods and site indexes for each of the properties. The scope of work is suggested to be completed by the end of the week. We need to finalize the wording of the RFP at an open meeting, tentatively scheduled for July 29, 2025. • 41A Income Limitation There is a maximum income of $20,000 to partake in the deferral program. The Board anticipates modifying the income number at the next town meeting as it hasn't been updated in decades. Brian Laffond will write up a warrant article for the next town meeting to be reviewed at our next meeting. • Senior Means Tested Exemption Presentation at Senior Center. Lynda Cajka created a brochure with an application that is available at the adult activity center and the Board of Assessors Office. Requirements for exemption include: - 65 years of age or older - Owned or occupied your primary residence in Lunenburg for the past 15 years. - Must have been granted the circuit breaker income tax credit on your 2024 tax return. - Annual income level for 2024 can't exceed $72,000 for single individuals, $91,000 for head of households, or $109,000 for married couples. - Asset limit is $275,000 including checking, savings, second home, trust fund, securities, and bonds. - Must submit an application to the assessing department every year. - The max exemption for 2026 is $2,730. Additionally, applicants may also receive an elderly exemption in the same fiscal year if they qualify. POSTPONED TOPICS Criteria for Clause 18. ===PAGE 4=== Sarah Cammer proposed reviewing the workflow going through the Assessor's Office. There are multiple systems and papers going back and forth. There may be some additional software available that may streamline tasks. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Brian Laffond states the Board is slated to go before the Select Board with a response to the investigation on August 13'. A tentative meeting was scheduled for July 29 at 11AM to review and approve the RFP. Upcoming Meetings: August 13, 2025, September 17, 2025. Additionally, tentative meetings are scheduled for the first and third Wednesday starting in September. Lynda will send proposed dates. CLOSING COMMENTS • Public There were no comments from the public. • Board Brian Laffond states there is an opening on the Board of Assessors and asks anyone interested to fill out and submit a talent bank application. ADJOURN favor. There was a motion to adjourn by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. All in The meeting closed at 7:45 PM. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-29-agenda-7325.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-07-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-07-29-agenda-7325.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07292025-7325 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS REVISED MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA TUESDAY, July 29, 2025 11:00 AM BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET 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/7927370353?omn=83547464384 Meeting ID: 792 737 0353 From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 792 737 0353# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics, which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. CALL TO ORDER OPENING COMMENTS • Board • Public CURRENT BUSINESS • Review of Response to Select Board Investigation Report of 2023 for Select Board Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE Upcoming Meetings: August 13, 2025, September 3, 2025, Tentative Date the end of September (9/24/2025 is not available for any location) CLOSING COMMENTS • Public • Board ADJOURN ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-29-minutes-7325.txt BOARD : board-of-assessors DATE : 2025-07-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/board-of-assessors/2025-07-29-minutes-7325.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07292025-7325 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== 11/19/25 BIL. LUNENBURG BOARD OF ASSESSORS JULY 29, 2025 BILOTTA ROOM, LUNENBURG TOWN HALL 17 MAIN STREET Present Members: Chair Brian Laffond, Vice Chair Sarah Cammer, Principal Assessor Lynda Cajka. CALL TO ORDER The meeting opened at 11:00a.m.. OPENING COMMENTS • Board Sarah Cammer recently attended a conference and received a brochure from GIS that highlighted land records and land administration. This may be an option for streamlining, especially if there is a town account with Mass GIS. • Public There were no comments from the public. CURRENT BUSINESS • Review of Response to Select Board Investigation Report of 2023 for Select Board Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Sarah Cammer and Brian Laffond made grammatical and formatting corrections. Sarah Cammer reminded everyone that there is still an opening for another Board of Assessor member. Brian Laffond suggests writing an addendum to include: The investigation seemed to indicate that communication, supervision, and oversight were lacking during this crisis but there were no recommended solutions in the investigation. The Board has undertaken to improve communication, supervision, and oversight. Brian Laffond will be unable to attend the meeting on August 19th but will provide the letter to Sarah Cammer to present in case it is needed. • Senior Means Tested Tax Exemption form was submitted by former Select Board member Tom Alonzo. The team agreed the form was great as submitted. Once the 2 separate pages are concatenated, it will be good to go out for printing. Many thanks to Tom Alonzo. ===PAGE 2=== UPCOMING MEETING/EVENTS SCHEDULE • Upcoming Meetings: August 13, 2025 (Ritter Building), September 3, 2025, and Tentative Date at the end of September (9/24/2025 is not available for any location). Sarah Cammer suggests asking the adult activity center if there is availability to have the September 24# meeting there. If there is no availability the Board discussed having the meeting on September 25"" The Board resume meeting twice a month starting in September. Tentative meetings for October, November and December are as follows: October 1 October 15 November 5 November 19 December 3 December17 CLOSING COMMENTS • Public There were no comments from the public. • Board Sarah Cammer contemplates creating a small presentation about Mass GIS. It would be ideal to have town wide access to see all parcels. It would be great to directly update GIS information while in the field. The town would need someone who is knowledgeable with GIS that can update plans and add parcels. Sarah Cammer states there are many towns that have already integrated this system. Brian Laffond requests Lynda Cajka to reach out to our contact at ATB to see if there are any outstanding cases against Lunenburg. We have been surprised in the past. Sarah Cammer asked for an update from Vision on the status of the Sales Report, etc. for the Interim valuation. Vision was late last year. ADJOURN There was a motion to adjourn by Sarah Cammer, seconded by Brian Laffond. The meeting closed at 12:17 PM.