City Council approves housing tax exemptions for nonprofit properties

The Medford City Council convened on March 19, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including resolutions and public hearings. The meeting commenced with a motion to approve Resolution 2025-19, which was swiftly seconded and passed unanimously with seven votes in favor and no opposition.

Following this, the council moved to Council Bill 2025-23, which proposed a resolution to certify property tax exemptions for qualified nonprofit corporations. The exemptions, totaling $37,809.82, pertain to properties located at various addresses, including Brookside Avenue and Riverside Avenue. A motion to approve this bill was made and seconded, resulting in a vote of six in favor and one abstention from Councilor Garrett West, leading to the motion's passage.

The meeting then transitioned to public hearings, where the council reminded attendees of the rules of decorum. The agenda included one land use legislative hearing and two land use quasi-judicial hearings. Participants wishing to speak were instructed to complete a comment form, with time limits set for individual and group comments.

City Attorney Eric Minton was set to outline the details of the first public hearing, Council Bill 2025-204, as the meeting progressed. The council's structured approach ensured that all agenda items were addressed methodically, maintaining order and clarity throughout the session.