Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board reviews first reads on asset-naming, abutter lot sales and permit denial for unpaid taxes
Summary
At its June 8 meeting the Select Board received first reads from the Policy Subcommittee on a Draft Naming of Public Assets Policy, a proposed Abutter Lot Sale Program (using GIS-based parcel criteria, including an assessed-value threshold of $35,000), and a draft Denial of Permits for Unpaid Taxes policy; further review and Town Counsel consultation were requested.
WELLESLEY — The Select Board on June 8 reviewed several Policy Subcommittee (PSC) first reads and asked staff to return with clarifications and additional counsel review before a second read, Colette Aufranc said.
Naming of Public Assets: Aufranc summarized revisions made after the PSC’s first read, including a new section addressing tax-exempt bond-financed property at Town Counsel’s direction, an Exhibit A template for naming agreements drafted by Town Counsel, and updated equitable-treatment language. The Board agreed the revisions would be circulated for further review and that the item would not need to return to the PSC before the next Select Board meeting.
Abutter Lot Sale Program (first read): Aufranc said the draft policy is designed to provide a framework for responding to resident requests to purchase small Town-owned 'orphan' parcels, not to create a proactive land-sale program. GIS Manager Mike Thompson prepared parcel maps using criteria that excluded owner-unknown parcels, traffic islands, parcels over 4,800 square feet, and parcels with assessed values above $35,000 (the threshold aligns with a statutory disposition procedure discussed by staff). The Board asked staff to consult the Assessor and Town Counsel about valuation challenges, review customary practice on passing legal costs to buyers for below-threshold transactions, and circulate parcel maps to department heads for operational review.
Denial of Permits for Unpaid Taxes (first read): Aufranc introduced a draft policy intended to implement an existing Town bylaw and state statutory requirements to allow withholding of permits for taxpayers in arrears, with procedural protections including written notice and an opportunity for a hearing and exceptions where taxpayers enter repayment agreements. Board members raised concerns about the policy’s impact on small businesses and sought Town Counsel clarification of the phrase 'in good faith' as applied to abatement filings.
Next steps: Staff will consult Town Counsel, circulate revised materials and parcel maps to affected departments, and prepare second-read materials for future meetings.
