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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-12-REPSC-min Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee (Ad Hoc) j" Minutes of Meeting Friday, October 12, 2018 Hudson Room, Cary Memorial Building Attendance Committee: Mark Andersen, Chair; Vicki Blier; Howard Cloth; Katie Cutler; Thomas Whelan; John Zhao; Joe Pato, Selectman Liaison. Absent: Sara Bothwell Allen. Resident Observers: Bob Pressman, Keith Whitmore Mr. Andersen called the meeting to order at 8:00.am. Mr. Cloth agreed to serve as secretary. There were no comments from the Resident Observers. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the September 28, 2018 meeting were reviewed and, after minor clarifications, approved as corrected. Consideration and approval of the minutes of the October 5, 2018 meeting was deferred until the Committee's next scheduled session. Committee comments re the October St" Economist and Policymaker Roundtable A brief discussion ensued regarding the Economist and Policymaker roundtable. Committee members were in agreement that it was a successful event, exceeded expectations and that much was learned. Principal take-a-ways from the panelists included: the characterization of the Residential Exemption as a "blunt instrument" to achieve property tax equity; the Town's tax deferral mechanism as a more preferable alternative; all panelists would vote "no" re the RE if asked. Missing from the panelists' contribution was hoped-for insight regarding the experience of other towns. Status and update on the Committee's Resident Survey In the absence of Ms Bothwell Allen, Mr. Andersen gave a brief report on several last minute changes he and Ms Bothwell Allen made to the final iteration of the survey prior to circulation for distribution to community groups via e-lists on October 10th. In particular, the respond by' expiration date and the question about vacation homes' were removed. Mr. Andersen also distributed a preliminary "back-of-the-envelope" survey distribution status report (not a part of the minutes) reflecting the identity of the community groups targeted and the distribution progress to date. He also welcomed additional community groups for targeting (e.g., the Lexington Interfaith Clergy Assoc. regarding religious organizations). In response to a comment by Mr. Cloth that he had received "pushback" from members of Lexington At Home questioning the authenticity of a "'Town" survey coming from a LAH member rather than the Town and the concern, Mr. Andersen advised that the survey is now available to all residents on the Town's web site. Regarding the quality and quantity of the responses received, Mr. Andersen said the number - 350 in just 2 days - far exceeded our expectations. Also, the quality of the shared personal reflections about both the questions and the Town might be a watershed moment for the Town, perhaps, suggesting the need for a stand-alone report about the survey results. Senior means-tested exemption non-quorum group Mr. Cloth reported that Ms Bothwell Allen had expressed the need to withdraw from the non-quorum group due to scheduling of other commitments. After discussion, he and Ms Blier agreed that they would continue their effort without a replacement for Ms Bothwell Allen. They also agreed to November 1St as a target "end date" regarding their efforts as well as reporting the same to the committee - depending upon the ability to schedule meet-ups with John Bartenstein. The Committee's Final Report The Committee reviewed a preliminary outline for its final report to the Board of Selectmen. A discussion endued regarding the contents of each proposed section and the ordering or rank of the several sections as well topics outside of the Committee's charge that could be included in the report's appendix (e.g., calculation illustrations; improving the scope and effectiveness of the Town's property tax deferral mechanism). The discussion then addressed the importance/significance to be accorded the RE "breakeven point" as well as the method utilized to calculate it for use in the final report. It was agreed that the concept would receive consideration and focus in the report but that it was nota game changer'. On a vote of 3-1-1, the Committee agreed to use the so-called "assessor's method", it also being agreed that the method employed would be revisited. Public Hearing: Goals and Date The date for the Committee's 2nd Public Hearing was set for November 27th with an alternate date of December 4th - both Tuesday evenings - and will be held in the Estabrooke Room of Cary Memorial Hall. Discussion of the goals and format was deferred. Agenda for upcoming meetings The next scheduled meeting of the Committee was set for October 26t". The agenda will include a report on the Resident Survey, the Public hearing and the Senior Means Test option, the allotted time for the latter depending upon the SMT working group's progress. Messrs. Pato and Zhau departed the meeting at approximately 9:15; the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Andersen on behalf of the Committee at 9:32 am. Respectfully submitted, Howard Cloth, acting Secretary