Select Board reviews draft rules for Rent Stabilization Board petition and appeals

The town manager presented a draft of rules and procedures intended to govern petitions to a Rent Stabilization Board and explained how an appeal would proceed to the Select Board. "I've provided in this draft petition that, the lot renters within that particular location would also be notified along with the general notification to the public that a hearing would be held," the manager said, describing notice steps and an opportunity for the property owner to present supporting documentation.

Board members discussed drafting findings and conclusions similar to planning-board practice and suggested creating a standard petition form that would set out the information required at filing. Tom urged that any Select Board reconsideration be based on the stabilization board's findings and conclusions supported by the record: "those findings and conclusions ... would then go to the select board if somebody successfully appeals," he said. The board agreed to circulate suggested edits and return the item to a future meeting for further consideration.