HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-30-REPSC-min Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee (Ad Hoc)
Friday, November 30, 2018
Hudson Room, Cary Memorial Building
Appoved Minutes
Attendance:
Mark Andersen (Chair),Vicki Blier, Howard Cloth,Thomas Whelan, Sara Bothwell-Allen, Katie Cutler
(joined meeting in progress), and Joe Pato, Selectman Liaison (joined meeting in progress).
Absent:John Zhao
Resident Observer: Bob Pressman
Mr. Andersen called the meeting to order at 8:04 a.m. Tom Whelan agreed to be acting secretary.
Public comments: Mr. Pressman noted that the beginning rentals on line for two bedroom apartments
at Avalon, Captain Parker and Katandin Woods began at the 2,700 per month level. Ms. Blier noted that
there has been a major turnover in the Lexington Planning Office.
Approval of minutes: There were no minutes to be reviewed and discussed.
Research on property taxes and mobility—
Mr. Cloth commented that the materials were difficult to follow and the conclusion was that property
taxes were not a driver in relocation. Ms. Bothwell-Allen was frustrated by the materials and did not feel
that the findings were clear. Mr. Whelan felt that rising property taxes had to have an effect on
relocation. Mr. Andersen stated that the study excluded Massachusetts, used a median tax of 1,200
with a two year mobility rate of 9%. Mr. Cloth, data is hard to follow, should we mention, with the
literature. Ms. Blier stated that where do Lexington residents move to. Mr. Pressman said that his wife
had talked to seniors in East Lexington that moved to apartments in Burlington near the Market Basket.
Ms. Blier stated that taxes do factor into moves. Residents, not just the elderly, have 10—20 year plans
and they look to move to a smaller house.
Rebates/Exemptions impact on future exemptions-
• The Wayland model matches up to 100%of the Circuit Breaker.
• Concord sets the property value allowed above the Circuit Breaker.
Mr. Andersen noted with the Real Estate Exemption some people lose the Circuit Breaker. Ms. Blier
noted that most people that qualify for the Circuit Breaker get near the full amount. Mr. Cloth
suggested that the resident be able to choose the Means Tested Benefit versus the Circuit Breaker. Mr.
Whelan suggested that the Lexington Home Rule petition be written so that the Circuit Breaker isn't lost.
Mr. Andersen noted that the Wayland Home Rule Petition covers rentals, but renters never pay real
estate taxes directly. Ms. Bothwell-Allen—this is a super complex problem. How do we describe
benefits, logistics?
Senior Means-Tested Exemption Working Group-
Mr. Cloth stated that the more you get into the details from other towns,the more confusing it is. Are
we really ready to present to the committee,the approach to the Board of Selectman, not ready to pick
between the Real Estate Exemption and the Means Tested Exemption. Mr. Andersen mentioned we
could use age or other criteria. Mr. Pato noted that we could set a property value that exceeds the
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Circuit Breaker limits. Ms. Blier noted that seniors want us to do something. The email from a local
resident that Mr. Andersen had made available was discussed.
The Tax Deferral Program should be highlighted. Income up to 75k qualifies. There is a new initiative to
address banks who have been reluctant to approve deferrals by their mortgage holders.
Public Hearing—
Mr. Andersen suggested have two microphones—one for questions and a second for comments by
attendees. Ask the audience if they are familiar with the Real Estate Exemption.
• Ms. Blier—Explain how the process works.
• Mr. Andersen—Describe Sudbury and Wayland programs.
• Mr. Cloth—At the start let the audience know that we are going to be talking about the Real
Estate Exemption, and the Means Tested Exemption.
• Mr. Whelan—Should we include Concord?
• Ms. Blier—Summarize in a bottom line effects approach. Avoid excessive details.
Mr. Andersen reviewed various slides that will be presented. Mr. Pato asked Mr. Andersen how long it
would take to deliver the presentation. Mr. Andersen felt 45 minutes. Should the presentation be
distributed? Mr. Andersen noted that there will be a good deal of discussion regarding stress and
migration (ex. Slide 16). Mr. Pato stated that we have investigated stress.
• Ms. Blier—Data says that older residents have less stress than younger residents.
• Mr. Pato—Not sure if that is important at the hearing.
• Mr. Whelan—Everyone has stress!
The Committee's next meeting will be at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 2018.
Mr. Andersen adjourned the meeting at 9:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Tom Whelan,Acting Secretary
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