HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-8-26ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NONVOTING TAXPAYERS
A August 26, 2011, at
Minutes of meeting 10 A.M FRIDAY, Aug
2 Fairgrounds
z �_
1. Present: Lou Bassano, Howard Blitman,
David Brown, R eArnst,
Lucas Fischer, Bill Sherman and Harris Stone plus guest
Macintyre• to order at 0:6
2. ACNVT Chair Howard Blitman called 011 meeting were al*ro�d rn
a.m. The minutes of the August 13, Z r, v
[subject to confirmation].
Chair introduced Dual Macintyre, currently Presiden�Qf t Tom
3. Our C tec$n Tim
Nevers Civic Association. Dual reviewed fe he debt ice cost
Soverino's article, initially proposed to trans
for the Town's wastewater treatment facilities to the metal ds tax
levy. Dual had been involved in getting rater ratepayers and new
between tax base, sewer (public water) p
connections. With the Tom Nevers Civic Association and ballot which
c opposed the override system interests, Dual successfully opp
would have sanctioned an increase from $21 million on th tax levy
Dual
voters are septic system users. to
$46 million (out of a total debt service balance
noted that the preponderance of island with Town officials and
4. The proposal Dual is currently exploring
consultants would increase the g eneral tax burden of servicing the
debt but would provide an offsetting
benefit for septic system owners.
Broadly the compromise would recognize the fairness Of septic
system owners bearing an increased m ,.rho offsetting credit would
benefit from the Town's sewer y
account for the lesser benefit for properties not actually ti dune the
sewer system. Among other benefits, septic system owners
wastewater treatment facilities to receive wastewater periodically
pumped from septic tanks.
. The form of credit envisioned takes account of the average uld cost of credit
5 eve 20 ears, and
replacing a septic system, e.g., every y ears
against a septic system owner's RE tax spread
of ver such credit would
following system replacement. Admmistra
involve the tax Collector's office. Presumably the Tones s' � H aced — or
Officer would notify the Collector t ce. Before a
the owner would be obligated to gi ve direct noeciflcs of administration
compromise proposal is put forward, sP
would be settled. (Systems recently replaced would be credited
proportionately. According to the Health Officer, current rate of
replacement is —66 /year [too low a number if a 20 -year life is
assumed].)
6. To determine the impact of increasing the debt burden transferred to
the tax levy and of the proposed tax credit, the Town has been asked
to determine officially how many septic systems are in use — perhaps
6600 or more. (Subtracting sewered properties from the total
developed properties yields 5800 with septic system.) Assuming an
assessed property value of $1.6 million, on which RE tax of $5,600 is
paid, the anticipated increase would be —$138 /year (before any credit).
7. To work out the particulars, Dual is considering such factors as costs
of sewering versus septic as a function of specific form of installation
used in either case. Dual will consider an alternative approach were
the credit is averaged across all septic system owners (not triggered by
a new installation) in such a way as — on average — to yield the same
benefit and allocation of burden.
8. Discussion continued more broadly re impact of sewering on potential
development (see new Madaket health regulations), and the relative
contribution of septic systems and lawn fertilizing to nitrogen loading
of harbors and ponds. Howard Blitman thought the Land Council
might aid study of that impact. Efforts of the Landscapers Association
to educate members may obviate any need for banning fertilizers.
9. Dual noted that under the Town's Wastewater Management Plan,
some island areas are slated for no future sewering. The next step in
setting the funding formula for servicing the WWTF debt is likely to
come at the 2012 ATM. Meanwhile the BOS is planning a further
workshop, in late September or October, to consider funding options.
10. Our Chair offered to send a letter to the BOS for ACNVT if and when
a specific compromise proposal is ready for our recommendation.
After receiving thanks for his presentation, Dual left the meeting
10:50 a.m.
11.Lou Bassano expressed concern that the new Board of Health was
granting waivers allowing septic systems to be installed in road
layouts when space on a lot is limited. Following discussion, proposal
was made to invite BOH Chair Patty Roggeveen as guest speaker for
our next meeting. [Patty is also a selectman and Chair of the County
Board of Commissioners.]
12.Our Chair set that meeting for Saturday morning September 10, 2011.
13.Bill Sherman spoke of an idea in early stage of discussion as a
temporary safety measure until a proper in -town bike path is
constructed. Broadly, bike rental companies would offer to transport
bikes out to the start point of island bike paths and arrange taxi or
other transportation for bikers to that point. Return of bikes and bikers
would be organized responsive to a cellphone call. In any event,
members would support a letter to the BOS asking highest priority for
the in -town bike path.
14.14oward Blitman has submitted the FY2011 Annual Report for
ACNVT to the Town Administrator's office. A copy will be
distributed to members.
15.Howard Blitman decided that the proposed social gathering on
Sunday evening August 28 should be cancelled due to expected high
hurricane winds.
16.The meeting was adjourned at 11:03 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Sherman, Secretary
Draft minutes submitted to Town Clerk 9/1/11
Minutes adopted 6/30/12