TOWN OF MANCHESTER, VERMONT
BOARD OF ABATEMENT MINUTES
September 8, 2020 4:00 PM
BOARD ATTENDEES: Wayne Bell, Greg Cutler, Jim Dingley, Alison Hill, Ruth Hoffman, Cynthia Kilburn, Richard Long, Barbara Powers, Anita Sheldon, Laura Streiber, Brian Vogel
ABSENT: Ivan Beattie, Jan Nolan, Todd Nebraska, Marc Blumenthal, Martha Heilemann, Frank Kropa
TOWN STAFF ATTENDEES: Gordon Black
PUBLIC ATTENDEES: Jeffrey Farrar
Cynthia Kilburn called the meeting to order at approximately 4:09 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 30, 2020
Barbara Powers moved, seconded by Richard Long, to approve the minutes. Motion carried.
ABATEMENT HEARING
The board, Mr. Black and Mr. Farrar introduced themselves. Anita Sheldon administered the oath to all.
Mr. Farrar presented information provided in his letter dated August 24, 2020. The Reluctant Panther closed on its own in mid-March 2020 and later was mandated by the State to remain closed due to COVID-19, prior to the 2020 Grand List being finalized. The Inn and restaurant reopened in June, operating at 50% capacity per executive orders from Governor Scott. Financially, with the business only doing approximately half of the business, Mr. Farrar believed the building was worth less, or approximately half of its current assessed value. On behalf of RP Holdings, LLC, Mr. Farrar asked for a 50% abatement of taxes for the current year. Mr. Farrar acknowledged that RP Holdings did not grieve its assessed value during the grieving period, as they furloughed 100% of their employees and had temporarily closed the business due to the pandemic.
Mr. Black presented his memorandum previously submitted and stated he would not be participating as a board member.
With no further questions or evidence to be heard, Richard Long moved, seconded by Barbara Powers to enter deliberative session at 4:26 PM. The board came out of deliberative session at 4:38 PM. Richard Long moved to deny the abatement request, seconded by Barbara Powers, as the board did not believe it qualified under the purview of the Board of Abatement.
A written decision will be mailed to Mr. Farrar within 30 days.
With no further business to come before the board, Barbara Powers moved, seconded by Richard Long, to adjourn at 4:06 PM.
APPROVED BY: ______________________________________________
CLERK