[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6460502,"mediaKeyId","5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c","parentId",5856940,"title","Millis board directs staff to study local public transportation options after residents describe gaps","audioSeconds",1197,"startMs",3333000,"endMs",4530000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c&start=3333&end=4530","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c/thumbnail_3333000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6460502/Massachusetts/Millis-board-directs-staff-to-study-local-public-transportation-options-after-residents-describe-gaps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460502-08e925db6570fb8b290719425f081127/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870060&Signature=IkIL37NI2qfEjknDxYRXVqlemZsYkyxpD3u4XF5An2Exzqi3uHR2i5xchjZH7hkEC5Rj2EAE4jqRxHlp8LfK3kKdfE~pxmOIMOUrhjTCKFWwNSTJy4N15IcyoFhXdzmaD0zmYPhyctbVZJ0HGM~HN4dhdKnUOeDwoP60nkB3S3U3Zif1Wj-cnBrAmTxk1l6p4TVxQCuj9IxB2nU~ZmZ6ejRZMCQMOaoDb~k~u0HsoulJLuFtGCgdDSBGAb3gw5FV6MHQzxzgl-Laaf23Rz~SXX3G8qbhZJwYEa01NR5RZ5DTmn70w8Y8UYX9gYHCqhdxNskz5H8lmfZRpNki4xdk-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Millis, MA","date","2025-09-30T17:06:08.877Z","article","The Millis Select Board voted unanimously Sept. 29 to direct the town’s planning/economic development and Council on Aging staff to research and present local public transportation options at a Select Board meeting in December.

The action followed presentations by Bob Weiss, the town’s planning director and economic development director, and Ann Marie Gagnon, director of the Council on Aging, and comments from multiple residents who said Millis lacks consistent public transit. Weiss said a 2021 town survey drew about 240 responses and that 77% of respondents supported improved transportation; he also noted new housing near the town center and an MBTA multifamily overlay district that could add 750–900 households to the center of town.

Ann Marie Gagnon told the board the Council on Aging provides rides for older adults and residents with disabilities and last year served 99 individuals with 1,209 one‑way rides; she said demand is growing and that staffing and schedule limits constrain service, particularly for early morning or late shifts.

Residents who spoke described practical barriers: one parent whose adult daughter with autism will attend MassBay Community College said surrounding towns have transit options but Millis does not; another resident said the cost of for‑hire rides from remote locations can make work and other routine trips prohibitively expensive. A resident who uses the Council on Aging service reported a positive early‑morning arrangement for a job commute but said ad hoc arrangements are not a reliable long‑term solution.

Board action: Select Board members moved and seconded a motion directing the Economic Development and Planning Director and the Council on Aging Director to research local transportation options and present proposals in December. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Board members and residents framed transit as an access and equity issue—inclusion for seniors and residents with disabilities, better access to jobs and health care, and preparation for residential growth in the town center. Board members suggested the town could seek state aid or work with regional transit authorities (for example, MetroWest Regional Transit Authority or GATRA) and that chapter 90 and other state funding sources could be relevant.

Next steps: Town staff will review regional transit agency options, potential state funding streams and operational models and return with concrete options and cost estimates in December.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Select Board 9/29/25","oneSentenceSummary","After residents and the Council on Aging described gaps in transportation for seniors, people with disabilities and young adults, the Select Board voted to direct staff to research local transit options and return with proposals in December.","taxTitle","Town of Millis, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54409,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6460508,"Millis treasurer outlines post‑Tyler changes to tax taking and foreclosure process",1283,1712000,2995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c&start=1712&end=2995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c/thumbnail_1712000.jpg","/articles/6460508/Massachusetts/Millis-treasurer-outlines-postTyler-changes-to-tax-taking-and-foreclosure-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460508-ce1c25dc663c7394dfb587a2480fac6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870060&Signature=k5ZJQ0lWwDkmc9gFcSeZMca8iZqWMS9PZE1bPWelxhacgtmbpTuNX~IGrLQJ-GQXnRfr58P0e4s3W~z9l08-q0ZaMEZ0YJ7AIBzV0Arcwq1Vu0x9won1h~G~Qij6F20Ke-5XijfEgYTDGLkmHUY3uIRVkRjrHLNPeEbAHkAzQURnlAHw1xu29u63yO04hPDfcwGQrBoEbo9eKeENq1Q9VkRp1yB~YL9phTL53NmHZd2zSMW6LKYTsTbuEcsMjfO2CVUF0D6bKzYPE~vNXtQpAVgnlfYExv-quqqLXoYwrBTIfw1i5dz8BdmX7gjzAhvjpjBLdB6g6UxMIbQlrPYpvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Treasurer and Collector Jennifer Scannell gave the Select Board a detailed briefing Sept. 29 on Millis’s tax taking and foreclosure process, changes to Massachusetts law following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, and the operational and budgetary impacts for the town.

Scannell told the board the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County requires municipalities to return excess equity from tax foreclosures to former property owners, rather than retain surplus proceeds. That ruling and related changes have prompted updates to Mass. Gen. Laws chapter 60 and new administrative requirements for tax takings, she said.

What changed: Scannell summarized several significant modifications affecting local collections:
- A municipality must now wait 12 months after recording an instrument of taking before filing a foreclosure petition (previously six months).
- Interest on balances placed in tax title accounts was reduced; Scannell described a decrease from the prior 16% rate to a lower rate for accounts placed in tax title after Nov. 1, 2024.
- Sale proceeds in foreclosure now produce “excess equity” that generally must be returned to former owners; if owners cannot be located, unclaimed funds may ultimately be turned over to the Commonwealth under Chapter 200A.
- Expanded notice and procedural steps: sending additional state forms with demand notices (Scannell cited state form 6016) and hiring a constable to post intent‑to‑take notices (form 6053) for residential properties. Municipalities must list properties with a real estate broker before offering them for sale; only after a year on the market may a town use an auctioneer to sell at two‑thirds of appraised highest and best use value.

Local context and numbers: Scannell said the town sends roughly 3,400 tax bills per quarter and that less than 2% of accounts are in tax taking. She provided parcel counts and debt ranges: 37 parcels owe $10,000 or less, seven parcels owe between $10,000 and $50,000, and 12 parcels owe over $50,000. Scannell reported a principal outstanding balance of about $744,000 across delinquent accounts and that there are 56 parcels currently in tax title. She estimated the cost to pursue a single foreclosure at roughly $2,500–$5,000 plus staff time; the town’s annual tax title budget is about $4,700.

Operational implications and options: Because the elimination of excess equity reduced the commercial viability of third‑party tax‑title assignment auctions, Scannell said some firms that previously bought tax liens have shifted to a contingency collection model. One vendor described would perform legal and economic reviews, attempt outreach, and collect delinquent balances for a fee commonly cited at 10% of recoveries. Scannell recommended exploring that model as an alternative to town‑counsel‑led work, which can generate hourly legal bills and staff time.

Board and staff comments: Select Board members and the town administrator stressed a preference to work with residents—offering payment plans where possible—and said foreclosures are a last resort. The board agreed in principle to let staff pursue additional information from collection vendors and to assess feasibility and cost. No final decision to foreclose was taken; Scannell said the town’s 2013 foreclosure guidelines generally call for placing properties in tax title 18 months after the fiscal year in which taxes became delinquent and for the Select Board to consider the top three indebted parcels when initiating foreclosure.

Ending: Scannell said she would provide the town administrator and board updated lists of delinquent parcels and additional vendor information for the board to consider in coming weeks.","Town Treasurer and Collector Jennifer Scannell explained state law changes and operational implications after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County and recommended exploring third‑party collection services to limit municipal cost and staff time.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6460513,"Millis board approves all‑alcohol license for dog‑centric bar pending final town permits",670,548000,1218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c&start=548&end=1218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c/thumbnail_548000.jpg","/articles/6460513/Massachusetts/Millis-board-approves-allalcohol-license-for-dogcentric-bar-pending-final-town-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460513-8339e7da94ee7c9834636509c970be76/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870060&Signature=GqD7w2Ku3SlITYALZc3FKvQC8VFZetk8u~1IOtzwvonIJyTKj0V3MWrUcb5z1oLWdTs5lkGmpPhwRNIWsrO9eKBYjeu5K5cajaIdykOKrBZbKXXQbYZ28N8imjaAAjhKcI-jqaqy16xIJ4GRWhEO8fAXc1F6HqpVXpE680j7YwwHYHGLpiof3Mqmd7YtHSvV75Wd3GDJru9D~tC5XJ5tFe55A8hfc2KwmbRNepFnliNxtNHBij1MERqS-r1UWIDSOn8Qf90bXNfkVt2jp4Thi5IThUIR0gaNdOXC9c~pMN4scQ4hZOKbaOMA7kKmw2g3a~hfWzMgGq1QglOa~Q19gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Select Board voted unanimously Sept. 29 to approve an application for an on‑premises all‑alcohol license for Lapdog LLC, doing business as Wagabrew (described in the application also as Wagaburu Dog Park), at 1380 Main Street.

Attorney Jim Heffernan, representing the applicant, and an on‑site representative described the business as a hybrid dog‑park, coffee shop and bar that will sell locally produced beer, spirits and coffee and use a single controlled entrance to manage patrons and animals. Heffernan said the applicant will submit a supplemental site plan showing the fenced outdoor dog area to clarify where alcohol will be allowed for investigators from the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

The board opened the public hearing, heard the applicant describe construction progress and site security measures, asked for clarification on hours and outdoor service, then closed the hearing. The board then moved to approve the license “pending final approval of all town permits and satisfactory final inspections,” a condition its motion places on municipal permitting and on required inspections.

Why it matters: The applicant said the business model focuses on local vendors, fenced outdoor recreation for dogs and a controlled entrance to reduce the risk of animals leaving the site. The board’s approval allows the ABCC application process to proceed; the state commission issues the final license after local approval and state review.

Key details and next steps: The applicant said construction is under way, with plumbing, electrical and framing in place, and estimated a target opening in the first quarter of 2026. The board and the applicant discussed hours (the applicant clarified bar opening times as 12 p.m. on weekend days in the application) and the importance of showing precisely which indoor and outdoor areas will be designated for alcohol service to avoid ABCC enforcement.

The board recorded the approval as conditional on the applicant obtaining all town permits and passing final inspections before opening.

Quotes:
\"One of the things the ABCC is going to want to see specifically is exactly where you are,\" Attorney Jim Heffernan told the Select Board, urging the applicant to delineate indoor and outdoor alcohol areas in the site plans.

Ending: With local approval granted, the applicant will submit the supplemental site plan and pursue the remaining town permits and state ABCC final approval before opening.","The Millis Select Board closed a public hearing and unanimously approved an application for an on‑premises all‑alcohol license for Lapdog LLC (doing business as Wagabrew/Wagaburu), with final approval contingent on town permits and inspections.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6460495,"Votes at a glance: Millis Select Board actions Sept. 29",4392,276000,4668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c&start=276&end=4668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c/thumbnail_276000.jpg","/articles/6460495/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Millis-Select-Board-actions-Sept-29","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460495-1f3586dd2e318e257cac536aa96d831f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870060&Signature=XW8lLsxXeKNPGT2aLqHGTC1A-1dk45-QgrV0kj8urdp42ICp1eUXNQoR1XNFGWOZTeDd9b2~ah1W3GCuOROUCnYvZ3~~dHnhXCwSQTaUOy2ATNiSJeUPdMp5JzkBU~~IHFgdO6vAGdRkX6SYHodrQSymxfl-Ar5SNhtTx~tHnEGyXg6gwc5bH72sXLIGjPN4ZZp3YxBHTZ4jTugNxqpb~efxX9ekSwJGY1UUpUrEM5IvB2AsZKqjiVxvyCJdDbCp0fgRBiOPAn26qeyAM8pFaLI9E~Jx839qLoP~ec3uU3RcGyZjjBSPisSZInhG1OZKP0iDCAMDEtmrh8i6GsAQvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Select Board voted on multiple routine and project items during its Sept. 29 meeting. Key motions and outcomes are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Close warrant for the Nov. 10 fall annual town meeting: Motion carried unanimously.
- Approve request from the Millis Lions to place a field of American flags to benefit the Fisher House on the front lawn of the Veterans Memorial Building, Sunday Nov. 2 through Nov. 29: Approved unanimously.
- Approve draft minutes of the Sept. 18 tri‑board meeting as written: Approved unanimously.
- Refer proposed amendments to the zoning map (FEMA compliance) for consideration and review by the Planning Board at a public hearing on Oct. 7, 2025: Approved unanimously.
- Close hearing and approve an application for an on‑premises all‑alcohol beverage license for Lapdog LLC DBA Wagabrew at 1380 Main Street, pending final town permits and satisfactory final inspections: Approved unanimously (conditional approval).
- Close hearing and approve an application to change officers and ownership interests on a general on‑premises annual wines and malt beverage license at Ryan Family Amusements LLC DBA Ryan Family Amusements, 1170 Main Street: Approved unanimously.
- Authorize the town administrator to execute a one‑year contract to purchase gasoline through Global Montello Group Corporation (unleaded) at $2.30 per gallon for Jan.–Aug. 2026: Approved unanimously.
- Authorize the town administrator to execute a one‑year contract to purchase diesel through Dennis K. Burke (Burke Oil) at $2.69 per gallon, Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026: Approved unanimously.

Notes: Several approvals were conditional on administrative steps: the alcohol license approval for Lapdog LLC is contingent on completion of all town permits and final inspections before opening; sales and contract approvals authorize the town administrator to execute vendor contracts. The board also added two articles to the draft fall town meeting warrant during the meeting (Community Preservation request for an ADA accessible trail and an assessors’ recertification article).","A roundup of motions and outcomes taken by the Millis Select Board during its Sept. 29 meeting, including license approvals, permit requests and vendor contracts.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6460497,"Select Board reviews proposed procurement threshold increases for town bylaws",255,3069000,3324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c&start=3069&end=3324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5856940-04c9c5ceb41777b38e72339587c36e0c/thumbnail_3069000.jpg","/articles/6460497/Massachusetts/Select-Board-reviews-proposed-procurement-threshold-increases-for-town-bylaws","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460497-1dfcf63a137973b00394d23f85e521b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770870060&Signature=Auh1DRLZMzvtx2Cz73Jf0L3YOnD60~SLyJF7zc0NFwXu-W51wUWXyrK1VX9fWxvtCkoPMbOlszCz6z-bzMyjMxr-O5tIDb9YqUcVKcDNY2wADdFkbocuM~ecmSp8fWV0ItW35kH9fwLIB6lFO5TAU8-mWIsQLWVxehshoijGGKmoTQNCcA1vcIcNj8VBCWJBBliOTPJTubC2hIbBMcI9vRIKfV-o24yPa9zFuulQkTfkI5hQf1RTpHaqT0WjJX8yDpNecZAxS~KkDWC1-c2VmyTkeZ-HL1z6ITWU-VbWQsGHT-MEt7t-l8n189wsE-kjK0KGUnez7u3~4ACsfGTG3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Select Board members discussed proposed amendments to Article 6 of the town bylaws Sept. 29 that would raise the thresholds for contracting authority and align local practice with state procurement guidance.

Finance Director Jody told the board that the current bylaw thresholds are low compared with comparable communities and state sound‑business practice guidance; she proposed increasing the department head award authority from $3,000 to $10,000, setting a middle threshold at $10,001–$50,000 for larger written proposals, and creating a top threshold for amounts above $50,000. Jody said the change would bring the bylaw in line with chapter 30B procurement guidance, reduce administrative burden for routine purchases and reflect inflation since the thresholds were set.

Board discussion noted that special projects, such as the school building work, had prior special thresholds established by the board; members said the board could create project‑specific delegations if needed. The proposed change will appear on the fall town meeting warrant as Article 9 for voter consideration.

Why it matters: The adjustment would shift routine spending authority to department heads for a wider range of purchases and reduce the need for Select Board votes on lower‑value items, while preserving board oversight for higher value contracts or project‑specific exceptions.

Ending: Staff indicated article language will also appear on the upcoming warrant for town meeting consideration.","Finance staff recommended updating the town bylaw thresholds for contract authority to align with state procurement guidance; the Select Board discussed raising department head authority from $3,000 to $10,000 and creating a $10,001–$50,000 threshold and a $50,001+ threshold.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Millis board directs staff to study local public transportation options after residents describe gaps

Millis treasurer outlines post‑Tyler changes to tax taking and foreclosure process

Millis board approves all‑alcohol license for dog‑centric bar pending final town permits

Votes at a glance: Millis Select Board actions Sept. 29

Select Board reviews proposed procurement threshold increases for town bylaws