Selectmen’s Meeting of January 19, 1999
Selectmen Present: Chairman Peter Jones, Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Charles Flynn and Executive Secretary Joseph Nugent.
I. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.. Present for the meeting were the Board of Assessors and Housing Authority Members to discuss the issue of “In Lieu of Taxes” . Steve DeDominici, Chairman of the Board of Assessors explained that the Housing Authority’s L.Z. Thomas project was taxed this year for about $1,200. The Housing Authority had requested a reduction of about $200 based on the calculation of Rents Collected as opposed to Rents Charged and they also feel there should be a reduction for Utility Costs. DeDominici read a portion of the Agreement which stated the taxes should be based on Taxes Charged. DeDominici explained they were primarily concerned with future projects. The agreement was
signed by the Board of Selectmen which allows for very little taxation from the Town and this should be looked into more closely.
Peg Kitchenham, Director Housing Authority - Explained that she will speak to The Housing Authority’s Accountant regarding the Taxes collected vs. Taxes Charged issue. She did state the most of the request for a reduction was from the Utility Costs. Ms. Kitchenham also explained that the reason the agreements for this type of housing are set up this way is because they were paid for by grant and they, in return for the grant, ask for a break from the Town in Taxation.
Susan Thornton, Board of Assessors - asked for direction from the Board of Selectmen she acknowledged the fact that there is no way of giving an abatement for any of the taxes that have been paid. Nugent suggested Assessors and Housing meet before paying the taxes next year to come to a mutual agreement. Kuchinski agreed that the Town should look at these agreements closely in the future to be sure that it is in the best interest of the Town. Daniel Webster excused himself from the conversation for potential conflict.
II. Review of Budget Status - The Town Forest Committee and the Nathaniel Thomas Mill have submitted a budget this year. The Schools have not submitted any numbers as of yet. The Board asked to add the date to the budgets. The Wage and Personnel Hearing will be on Thursday Nite. Dan Webster will be representing the Board of Selectmen at the Hearings for Wage and Personnel.
III. MunEnergy/Gas Contract - The Board has read over the Gas Contract. Motion by Flynn to sign the MunEnergy Gas Contract, Second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote.
*Nugent informed the Board that the Town has already received a check for $750 from the savings in the electricity contract.
IV. Set Meeting Dates: The Board decided on the following dates for Selectmen’ Meetings: March 9, 23, 30 ; April 13, 27 and May 4, 18 and May 3 for Annual Town Meeting.
Action Requests:
The Board decided to meet on Saturday and 9:00 am to tour the new addition. Nugent passed around some color swatches for carpeting , doors and walls.
Jones discussed the complaint policy and would like to have feedback from the taxpayers.
Executive Secretary Report:
The Board discussed new chairs for the Selectmen’s Chamber.
Moorings- feedback from residents pointed out issues of rocks and weed patches the addition of moorings would cut down on travel passages. Kuchinski asked for conservation input.
A High School Intern will be working in the Selectmen’s Office 3 days a week for an hour and a half per day. Her name is Rhiannon Dangelo.
Motion by Murdoch to adjourn, second by Kuchinski. 5-0 Vote
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