CPA Exemptions

At our upcoming Monday meeting, I will be asking the Board of Selectmen to consider putting forth a ballot initiative that would allow residents the opportunity to determine if they wish to adopt two exemptions to the Community Preservation Act. These exemptions - if adopted by the Town - would allow the following:

1) A CPA exemption for property owned and occupied as a domicile by a person who would qualify for low income housing or low or moderate income senior housing in the city or town;

2) A CPA exemption for class three, commercial, and class four, industrial, properties as defined in section 2A of said chapter 59, in cities or towns with classified (split) tax rates. (This exemption would only apply during a year or years where the town has adopted a split tax classification. It would help to offset (in many cases completely) the higher tax rate paid by businesses during any period a split classification is in place.)

Timing is everything

An “innocuous”, albeit interesting question was presented to the Board Monday evening just before the Town Administrator’s proposed appointment of Dr. Susan Waters to the Planning Board when Selectman Mary Blanchard queried, “I thought we were trying to get new people to fill some of these positions?” She then went on to inquire as to why this particular candidate had been chosen over another.

Exception Meters & Water Regulations

On Monday, September 24, 2012, the Board of Selectmen will be discussing two matters of interest to residents on the Town's Municipal Water System.

Exception Meters: this past year with the increase in water & sewer rates due to new municipal water systems and a new wastewater treatment system, a number of residents have inquired about the use of water meters that allow an exception (reduction) in sewer charges for those who water their lawns or fill pools as opposed to running that water through the wastewater system. The Town's policy, consistent with that of many other communities has historically been to charge both water and sewer regardless of discharge to flatten/reduce the overall rates charged to all users. As has been explained by DPW, a reduction in sewer charges for some, would result in across the boards increases for others in sewer as the costs have to be recouped in order to pay our debt. Hence the practice used by many if not most municipalities as a means of equity.

Board of Selectmen Votes - 09-17-12

Last night the Board of Selectmen took the following actions of significance:

Wastewater Treatment Facility-Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan

Authorized the Town Administrator and DPW Director to seek a 0% interest refinance of our Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) by way of an State Resolving Fund (SRF) Grant. This would include an update to the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, which would add Route 15 to the Sewer Service Area. Such, should not be misconstrued to mean the Town will extend wastewater services to that particular area, but rather provides opportunity for desired and properly zoned development to request connection access to our WWTF at their cost. 

Motion: T. Creamer - Move to authorize the T.A. and DPW Director to work with Tighe&Bond to facilitate the development of the necessary elements for submission of an SRF grant, consistent with the O’Leary Bill

2nd: Priscilla Gimas  -  VOTE: 5-0 (Motions Carries)

Conservation Restrictions, finally something tangible.

After nearly 8 years of delay, albeit unintentional, the process of placing mandated Conservation Restrictions (CR) on 4 parcels purchased by the Town with Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds is finally underway. In a 4 – 0 – 1 vote (Selectman Blanchard abstaining), the Board approved a proposal from Attorney Robert Levite that will develop and submit CR’s on CPA purchased lands.