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Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee March 22, 2011 Place and time: Town Office Building, Room 111 Members present: Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary; Joe Pato, Vice Chair; Robert Cohen; Mollie Garberg; Alan Levine; Eric Michelson; Rob Addelson (non-voting, ex-officio) Other attendees: Deb Mauger, Selectman; Patrick Mehr;Barry Orenstein The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. Article 37 -Commercial Assessments 1.. The Committee discussed recent communications from DOR and how the DOR might act on this resolution. Although members of the Committee weresympathetic to the proponent’s request to seek clarification regarding regulations, there was also agreement that the DOR’s position is important as it very likely would impact the effectiveness of any request moving forward. Mr. Levine suggested that it is important that other departments, especially the Board of Assessors and Assessing Office, understand the issues and that it would be beneficial to involve them in a process. Therefore, sending a request to the DOR at this time is premature. Mr. Pato asked Mr. Mehr if he would be open to an amendment to refer the resolution to the Appropriation Committee. Mr. Mehr said that he would beopen to a substitute motion even if it means further investigation over the course of the next year, but does not want it to be subject only to evaluation by the Board of Assessors. Heexpressed his opinion that the position set forth in the DOR letter is circular and that it does not adequately address the issues. Mr. Michelsoncommented thatthe Assessor's office should not be asked to address these issuesbecause itsjob is to stay within the guidelines set out by the DOR. The Committee agreed the Assessor’s officecould be used as a resource to gain historical information and to understand assessment methodologies. The Committee then discussed whether it is practical for it to be deeply involved in the process to analyze the issues. Mr. Parker suggested the Committee does not have the skill set or resources to spearhead an evaluation at this time. Ms.Mauger advisedthat the BOS has not taken a position on this article yet. There were no changes to the most recent vote on this article. Final Report. 2.A motion was made and seconded to approve the final draft of the Appropriation Committee report circulated by Mr. Parker, subject to a few minor changes. Vote: Approved 7-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. A list of documents and exhibits used at the meeting is attached. Respectfully submitted, Andrea Yepez Recording Secretary Approved April 6, 2011 1