Lot 15 Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2011
Present: Mike Buscher, Carrie Harlow, Joe Iadanza, John Kiedaisch, Rocky Martin
Also in attendance: John Roos
Begun by discussing Property Tax Implications for Lot 15: Numbers based on Grand List value as of 6/29/10
Rocky had made projections based on tax rates (municipal and school). One of the uncertainties to this projection is the school portion of the tax rate (rather than the municipal tax rate). While Rocky tried to do research on how to project school taxes for future years, it proved to be too complicated to accurately assess or project. Assumption reflected on the document is that the school tax rates stay the same.
Large scale development ($3,000,000 commercial property) sees a decrease in tax rate of 0.0024% decrease in the Hinesburg tax rate. This would mean $100,000 residential property would have a reduction of $2.40/year.
Effect on property taxes projected should town take on purchase of Lot 15 (worst case scenario if no external funding sources used). Scenarios include:
• purchase by town without bonding – i.e., funding with a line item expense for one year
• purchase by the town with 20 year bond at 4%
Will use summary information for report to Select Board – and will have the more in-depth information available.
John R suggested also listing amount that tax payers would encounter only if the property were taken off tax rolls – rather than the purchase plus the effect on property taxes without the purchase rolled in. Discussed way this could be determined and how that information could be shared. John K would like to add this information into the report – maybe we need the “best case scenario,” as well.
The Grand List is an evolving document – there are many changes the committee will not be able to anticipate (increased use in police and fire, road maintenance, more housing units on the Grand List, etc) so the accuracy of the information on these projections is limited.
Moving on to discussion about other information needing follow up: Rocky had a conversation with a member of the DRB in Colchester who could not remember any case where there was a denial to a developer based on their Official Map. In South Burlington, there is a case where the DRB denied a developer based on Official Map – in that case, the Town began eminent domain process, but then decided the project came under state jurisdiction. As a result, there are no local examples we can find of an Official Map case coming to completion.
John K has produced a draft of a Progress Report for the Select Board. Went over members’ recommendations for the report.
Updates from other committee members – Mike will have an intern possibly working on project – drafts showing potential uses, park concept, etc. He was also wondering about what other committees are seeing for needs for this space. John K is wondering what other groups in town might have suggestions (such as businesses, clubs, etc). We will need to follow up on those questions. Recreational paths and trails were also discussed – as well as future potential connections within and through town.
Rocky wondered if the committee might need a sub-committee to explore interest with the library.
Carrie reported on funding sources – conversations have taken place so far with 3-4 organizations regarding funding – application timelines and projects they have funded, as well as recommendations for future projects.
John R also suggested that Lot 15 use could include having that location serve as a “trailhead” to bring together numerous trails and future projects.
John K and Rocky will check in with Carpenter Carse Library to inquire as to whether or not they have interest in Lot 15 as a future location. Will follow up on this.
Next Meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2011 at 7 p.m.