CITY OF MELROSE - Granicus

CITY OF MELROSE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

AGENDA● JUNE 15, 2020

Web-based remote meeting Committee Meeting 7:15 PM

, Melrose, MA 02176

City of Melrose Updated 6/15/2020 6:45 PM

The public should take notice that the Melrose City Council may, on certain occasions, have a quorum in attendance due to standing committees of the City Council consisting of both voting and non-voting members. Members attending this duly posted meeting are participating and deliberating only in conjunction with the business of the standing committee.

I. CALL TO ORDER Christopher Cinella Chair Leila Migliorelli Vice Chair John N. Tramontozzi Voting Shawn M. MacMaster Voting Jeff McNaught Voting Jack Eccles Voting Mark Garipay Voting Robb Stewart Voting Cory Thomas Voting Maya Jamaleddine Voting Jen Grigoraitis President, ex oficio

II. REMOTE MEETING INFORMATION

Remote Meeting Notice: Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Appropriations committee will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. We will post an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Melrose website and on MMTV/ mmtv3.org.

III. PUBLIC COMMENT

IV. ORDERS

1. ORDER-2020-111 : Appointment of Katherine Moore, 35 Laurel St., to the Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired term of James Bradley; said term to expire on the last day of February 2023.

From: City Council ASSIGNED TO COMMITTEE

Agenda Appropriations Committee June 15, 2020

City of Melrose Updated 6/15/2020 6:45 PM

2. ORDER-2020-116 : Reappointment of Rita Mercado, 4 Birch Hill Road, to the Board of Appeals for a five-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February 2025.


3. ORDER-2020-77 A: An Order to Provide Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Relief

Sponsored by: Voting John N. Tramontozzi, Voting Shawn M. MacMaster

From: Appropriations Committee HOLD

4. ORDER-2020-83 : An Order to Provide Real Estate Tax Relief

Sponsored by: Voting John N. Tramontozzi, Voting Shawn M. MacMaster


V. ADJOURNMENT

CITY OF MELROSE MAYOR

City Hall, 562 Main Street

PAUL BRODEUR Melrose, MA 02176

Mayor Telephone - 781-979-4440

Updated: 6/9/2020 10:06 AM by Kristin Foote Page 1

To: City Council From: Paul Brodeur Meeting Date: June 15, 2020 Subject: Appointment of Katherine Moore to the Board of Appeals Order #: ORDER-2020-111 Appointment of Katherine Moore, 35 Laurel St., to the Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired term of James Bradley; said term to expire on the last day of February 2023. FINANCIAL IMPACT:None

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Katherine Moore, LEED AP ND

603-641-0536 | [email protected]

ABOUT Detail-oriented planning professional with over 16 years of experience delivering projects using research, analytical, and communications skills in environmental, energy, and resiliency-related projects. Currently serving as an Environmental Planner and Assistant Project Manager on small- and large-scale urban institutional and commercial developments.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Environmental Planner April 2019-Present Fort Point Associates Boston, Massachusetts

Planner and assistant project manager specializing in environmental analysis and planning. Duties include preparation of federal, state, and local environmental permits and licenses for institutional and commercial development/redevelopment projects.

Urban Planner January 2017-April 2019 Harriman Boston, Massachusetts

Planner, assistant project manager, and analyst on a variety of projects within the Planning Studio. Duties include public meeting material creation; small group facilitation; GIS analysis; policy development; review of engineering plans; project and staff oversight, management, and coordination; and preparation of technical plans and reports, scopes of work, and responses to Request for Proposals. Projects include: • Harbor Planning – Beverly and Cohasset, Massachusetts • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning – Harvard and Boxford, Massachusetts • Brockton CSX Site Urban Renewal Master Planning Project – Brockton, Massachusetts • Commercial Street Framework Plan – Malden, Massachusetts • Brockton Comprehensive Master Plan – Brockton, Massachusetts

American Planning Association-Massachusetts 2017 Comprehensive Plan Award

Research/Economic Analyst October 2010-January 2017 Eastern Research Group, Inc. Lexington, Massachusetts

• Coordinated the compilation of the Draft and Final Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PDARP/PEIS) for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident, a 1,300-page document, as assistant project manager; provided formatting, word processing, and technical editing for two environmental chapters; facilitated collaboration and multiple rounds of revision and review among dozens of authors and reviewers from multiple federal and state agencies and other contractors; and worked directly with graphic artists for visual element creation

• Conducted economic assessments of proposed regulations by performing detailed reviews of background materials, literature, and data to understand the activities of each organization or industry; conducted interviews with subject matter and industry experts; developed economic impact models; and synthesized key findings in written memorandums and reports

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Conference/Communications Manager October 2002-October 2010 Eastern Research Group, Inc. Lexington, Massachusetts

• Managed, organized, and supported more than 50 conferences, trainings, and public hearings by identifying and securing facilities; preparing and distributing publicity and logistical materials; managing budget and payment of invoices; and coordinating with clients, attendees, and speakers

• Assisted in the evaluation and organization of thousands of public comments on the proposed Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act

• Provided technical and communication programmatic support for the US Environmental Protection Agency AgSTAR Program, Landfill Methane Outreach Program, and Global Methane Initiative

Science and Policy Intern September 2008-May 2009 Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) Boston, Massachusetts

• Surveyed state governments to compile power plant mercury emissions control technology data

• Prepared comprehensive presentation materials for technical and general audiences for the “Application and Feasibility of NOx, SO2, and PM Emissions Control Technologies for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) Boilers” report

• Assisted NESCAUM and Harvard researchers in facilitating a workgroup of state environmental agency officials discuss the communication of uncertainty

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Analysis Intern February 2008-August 2008 Lexington Ad Hoc Climate Action Plan Committee Lexington, Massachusetts

• Gathered energy usage data within the various industries and facilities of Lexington to develop a GHG inventory and forecast

• Provided communications support through development of a values statement and increased public awareness of the Committee’s efforts and meetings

EDUCATION Tufts University, Medford, MA September 2007-August 2012 Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Thesis: Phosphorus Control at Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI September 1997-December 2000 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Additional coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics

CERTIFICATIONS • LEED AP ND, U.S. Green Building Council, 2018-Present • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Provider, Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP)

Grant Program, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2017-Present • New Hampshire C1A Water System Operator, 2011-Present

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES • Melrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, 2016-Present • Mystic River Watershed Water Quality Monitoring Program, 2012, 2016-Present

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Massa, Lori

From: Katie Moore <[email protected]>Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 9:47 AMTo: Gaffey, DeniseCc: Massa, LoriSubject: ZBA InterestAttachments: MooreK_Resume_101619.pdf

**** CAUTION: This email originated outside the City of Melrose. Exercise caution. DO NOT open attachments or click links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. ****

Dear Ms. Gaffey, I understand a position has become available on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am interested in the position and would be honored to be considered. I moved to Melrose in 2016, attracted to the welcoming city and its great community. Since moving to Melrose, I have tried to contribute within my neighborhood and the city. I have participated in neighborhood cleanup events, helped maintain the trails in the Flagg Acres Conservation Land, and have been involved with the Melrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. Serving on the Board of Appeals would provide the opportunity to apply my experience and professional skills as an urban and environmental planner. Thank you for your considering my application and I look forward to speaking with you regarding this opportunity to serve. Sincerely, Katherine Moore 35 Laurel Street Enc: Resume

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CITY OF MELROSE MAYOR


PAUL BRODEUR Melrose, MA 02176

Mayor Telephone - 781-979-4440

Updated: 6/9/2020 10:06 AM by Kristin Foote Page 1

To: City Council From: Paul Brodeur Meeting Date: June 15, 2020 Subject: Reappointment of Rita Mercado to Board of Appeals Order #: ORDER-2020-116 Reappointment of Rita Mercado, 4 Birch Hill Road, to the Board of Appeals for a five-year term; said term to expire on the last day of February 2025. FINANCIAL IMPACT:None

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RITA C. MERCADO 4 Birch Hill Road / Melrose, MA 02176 / 617-875-1635 / [email protected]

BAR INFORMATION:

Admitted to Practice in Massachusetts and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Chairman of Board of Appeals for the City of Melrose Fall 2010 - Present

Member of Board of Appeals for the City of Melrose Fall 2007 – Fall 2010

LEGAL EXPERIENCE:

MASSACHUSETTS WATER RESOURCES AUTHORITY September 2018– Present

Deputy Contracts Manager

Facilitates the procurement of construction, professional and non-professional service contracts.

Implements policies and procedures, and applicable laws, for all elements of contracting, including, but not limited to the

creation, review and evaluation of contract documents, Request for Qualifications, Requests for Proposals, and bids.

Analyzes contract amendments, change orders and contract close-out documents.

Participates in the dispute resolution process for contract disputes.

Reviews, drafts and negotiates contract terms and conditions.

Prepares and update standard forms and other contract provisions.

Supports the management of the electronic bidding platform.

Directs Assistant Contract Managers in the performance of similar duties and functions.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS –

DIVISION OF CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE February 2013 – September 2018

Deputy General Counsel

Provided advice related to procurement issues involving construction manager at risk, and design-bid-build projects.

Handled emergency waiver requests, and direct payment claims. Assists with bid protests.

Provided pre-claim advice to project managers related to onsite conflicts and construction defect issues.

Represented DCAMM in Change Order Appeals before the Division of Administrative Law Appeals.

Managed and coordinates litigation with the Attorney Generals’ Office.

Prepared and negotiates energy service agreements procured under M.G.L. 25A, and design contracts.

Conducted mediations and settlement negotiations related to construction contract disputes.

Drafted intra-state agency memoranda outlining funding, and roles and responsibilities for capital projects.

LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE, Weston, MA July 2012 – January 2013

Senior Claims Consultant / Litigation Specialist

Handled commercial general liability and automobile claims in litigation in the Northeast region.

Analyzed and afforded coverage based on relevant insurance policy and identified any potential coverage issues.

Managed all aspects of litigation and coordinate strategy with local counsel.

Conducted direct settlement negotiations with Plaintiff/Claimant.

Analyzed relevant documents including but not limited to lease agreements, and service contracts to establish the

insured’s potential exposure and indemnity and defense obligations.

Established initial reserves and monitor adequacy of reserves.

DONOVAN HATEM LLP, Boston, MA July 2009- June 2012

Associate - Claims Management Department

Evaluated and monitored complex professional liability claims nationally and engage in risk management of potential

claims on behalf of architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Analyzed design professionals’ potential exposure through the detailed analysis of all relevant project documents

including but not limited to the identification of relevant contract provisions (indemnity, dispute resolution, waiver of

subrogation, waiver of consequential damages, choice of law and limitation of liability provisions).

Managed all aspects of litigation including attendance of mediation with settlement authority provided by insurer, and

coordination of strategy with local counsel.

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RITA C. MERCADO

Page 2

HOGAN & MERCADO, P.C., Boston, MA October 2008- July 2009

Partner

Handled construction law and litigation cases involving contract performance issues, surety bonds, and mechanic liens.

Advised clients regarding contract issues.

Drafted pleadings and discovery.

Researched and prepared dispositive motions.

Attended hearings, and mediations.

CURTIN, MURPHY, & O'REILLY, P.C., Boston, MA October 2006- September 2008

Associate

Handled the defense of premises liability cases.

Drafted pleadings and discovery.

Researched and wrote dispositive motions.

Attended hearings for motions.

Drafted pre-trial memoranda and trial motions.

Conducted and defended depositions.

Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel. Participated in civil trials.

BOYLE, MORRISSEY, & CAMPO, Boston, MA September 2005- October 2006

Associate

Handled the defense of construction defect and accident cases.

Drafted and answered complaints and discovery.

Researched and wrote dispositive motions.

Analyzed and applied case law and statutes regarding contract indemnification and additional insured issues.

Conducted depositions.

Assisted in trial preparation.

Communicated with client and insurance claims representative regarding case strategy.

EDUCATION:

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, Boston, MA, Juris Doctor, cum laude May 2005

Class Rank: Top 25%

Honors: Dean’s List, 2003-2005

Honorable Mention, Best Brief Section Competition, 2003

Distinguished Oral Advocate, Best Oral Advocate Section Competition, 2003

Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, 3rd

Place Regional Memorial Ranking, 2005

Activities: International Law Student Association (ILSA), co-vice president

Rehnquist Inn, Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity, member

TUFTS UNIVERSITY, Medford, MA, Bachelor of Arts May 2002

Double Major: International Relations / Peace and Justice Studies

Honors: Dean’s List (3/8 semesters)

Awards: Recipient of the Anne E. Borghesani Memorial Prize to research the role of non-governmental

organizations in conflict resolution in the Philippines.

Community Service: Leonard Carmichael Society, service organization

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CITY OF MELROSE CITY CLERK


AMY KAMOSA Melrose, MA 02176

City Clerk Telephone - 781-979-4116

Updated: 6/14/2020 8:54 PM by Kristin Foote A Page 1

To: Mayor Paul Brodeur From: Amy Kamosa Meeting Date: June 15, 2020 Subject: An Order to Provide Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Relief Order #: ORDER-2020-77

An Order to Provide Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Relief

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 Mayor Paul A. Brodeur and the Melrose Board of Health

declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 Governor Charles D. Baker issued an executive order closing

all non-essential businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

WHEREAS, measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit necessary to ensure public

health, have created economic uncertainties;

WHEREAS, current economic conditions have brought financial hardship upon individuals and

families, including Melrose residents;

WHEREAS, the current unemployment rate in Melrose is 12.5% and a record 43 million

Americans have applied for unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemic;

WHEREAS, the motor vehicle and trailer excise tax is a municipal tax issued and administered

by the City of Melrose;

WHEREAS, the due date for motor vehicle and trailer excise tax bills for calendar year 2020

fell on March 30th

, and was extended until June 1st;

WHEREAS, failure to pay a motor vehicle and trailer excise tax may result in collection

measures that impose additional financial strain on individuals and families;

WHEREAS, low-income individuals and families are disproportionately affected when

confronted with inflexible fine and fee structures;

BE IT HEREBY ORDERED that the City of Melrose shall reduce the demand notice fee from

$15.00 to $5.00 for any motor vehicle and trailer excise tax bill not received by the Collector of

Taxes or any appointed Deputy Tax Collector or other agent, including Collection Agencies of

the Collector of Taxes, by June 20, 2020.

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Order 2020-77 Meeting of June 15, 2020

Updated: 6/14/2020 8:54 PM by Kristin Foote A Page 2

Be it further ordered that the Collector of Taxes shall not send a notice of warrant pursuant to

M.G.L. c. 60A, §2A to the taxpayer, nor transmit the name, vehicle identification number,

registration number or any other personal or vehicle identifiers to the Registry of Motor Vehicles

for nonpayment of a motor vehicle and trailer excise tax for said calendar year.

Excise tax relief shall apply for nine months from the issuance of the tax, as reflected on the

taxpayer’s original bill, after which time the demand notice fee shall revert to $15.00 and

collection efforts pursued in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This order applies only to 2020 Motor Vehicle excise tax bills associated with vehicles registered

in the City of Melrose.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shawn M. MacMaster

City Councilor, Ward 5

John Tramontozzi


FINANCIAL IMPACT:N/A

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CITY OF MELROSE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR


Melrose, Massachusetts 02176

Telephone - (781) 979-4440

PAUL BRODEUR

AIL M. INFURNA Mayor

April 29, 2020

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL

Councilor John Tramontozzi

Melrose City Council

562 Main Street

Melrose, MA 02176

Councilor Shawn MacMaster


562 Main Street

Melrose, MA 02176

Re: Order 2020-77 (Excise Tax Relief)

Dear Councilors Tramontozzi & MacMaster:

Thank you for your correspondence to me dated April 20th. I appreciate the questions

you have raised and want to reiterate some of the unprecedented steps my Administration

has already taken to get our community through this difficult moment in history.

As you are aware, I immediately invoked the authority provided to me under sections 10

and 11 of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020 to: (1) delay the due date for property tax bills

to June 1st; and (2) waive the payment of interest and other penalties on late payments

due after March 10, 2020 and paid before June 30, 2020 for any excise, tax, betterment

assessment, water or sewer bill, or other charge added to a tax. These were critical steps

to assist Melrose residents during these uncertain economic times.

I have discussed the questions raised in your April 20th letter with City Treasurer Art

Flavin, as well as other city officials, and want to assure you that my Administration is

committed to assisting Melrose residents who are suffering financially due to the

pandemic. My staff will continue to use the lawful discretion provided to the City

Treasurer in order assist those in need.

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Notwithstanding the above, it is important for the City to preserve its ability to utilize

those specific statutory tools referenced in your letter which are often the only ways by

which such overdue payments can be collected. This is particularly true in those

instances where an individual is unjustifiably delinquent in their payment obligations. As

Mayor, I believe it is unwise to cede in all circumstances the only leverage the City has to

collect much needed revenue from those who are able to meet their obligation. Our

collective responsibility is to all taxpayers in Melrose, and we must remain mindful of the

need to balance our desire to be responsive to hardship while ensuring the collection of

much needed revenue to support those critical services upon which our community relies.

The current demand notice fee the City will impose is $15, notwithstanding the City’s

statutory ability to charge up to $30. Our City Treasurer strives at all times to utilize his

lawful discretion to assist taxpayers, specifically those who may be faced with hardship

while being mindful of our fiduciary obligation to all our residents. He will continue to

exercise that broad discretion for those in need of assistance.

As always, I thank you for your service to our community during these trying times.

Very truly yours,

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April 20, 2020

The Honorable Paul Brodeur

Mayor, City of Melrose

562 Main Street

Melrose, MA 02176

Dear Mayor Brodeur,

Thank you for your correspondence of April 6, 2020 regarding Order 2020-77, “An Order to Provide

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Relief.” As you know, since filing the order on March 26th, Governor

Baker signed into law Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, “An Act to Address Challenges Faced by

Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19.”

We are thankful for Governor Baker’s willingness to provide Melrose with a level of flexibility in the

collection of local taxes during these trying times. We are also appreciative of your decision as

Mayor, pursuant to sections 10 and 11 of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, to delay the due date for

property tax bills to June 1st, and to waive the payment of interest and other penalties on late payments

due after March 10, 2020 and paid before June 30, 2020 for any excise, tax, betterment assessment,

water or sewer bill, or other charge added to a tax.

We do, however, believe that there is room for additional flexibility relative to the collection of the

motor vehicle excise tax. MGL c. 60 s. 15 enumerates the various fees and structures related to the

collection of taxes. Moreover, this section of the statute sets firm fees for all but one: demand notices.

In fact, there appears to be some discretion for the issuance of written demands for taxes not paid

within 30 days of a due date. More specifically, the statutory language says that a demand notice fee

shall be “not more than $30.” It appears as if the legislature thus intended to provide discretion to

municipalities in setting the administrative fee for the imposition of this particular penalty. With this

in mind, we would like to see the fee reduced to $2.50 for demand notices sent after June 30th.

Furthermore, MGL c. 60A s. 2A elucidates that municipalities have discretion in notifying the

Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) of an unpaid motor vehicle excise tax. Because notification to the

RMV will result in non-renewal of a resident’s motor vehicle registration and driver’s license, we

consider this particular collection measure highly punitive in that it will further compound the

financial strain experienced by some residents now and in the foreseeable future. That is, beyond the

$20 “release fee,” non-renewal of these essential documents may prevent a resident from being able to

drive to and from work, which will impair the resident’s ability to earn income.

Please be advised that the law gives a municipal tax collector two years from the date of the issuance

of an excise tax bill to notify the RMV of nonpayment. This, however, is not an obligation of law, as

clearly seen in the statutory language of “may transmit to the registrar of motor vehicles.” Thus, we

would like to see the City of Melrose refrain from notifying the RMV of any nonpayment until 18

months from the original billing date. Doing so would in no way prejudice the City, as the tax

collector would still have six months to transmit taxpayer information to the RMV. We believe that

this is a fair and reasonable measure that the City can enact on its own volition.

CITY OF MELROSE



City Council

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Once again, we are grateful for your decision to authorize tax extensions and temporarily waive

penalties and fees for late payment in accordance with the recently enacted state law. We also

recognize and appreciate that you have agreed to provide the “maximum relief allowed” under this

new law, as stated in your letter. Nevertheless, we do think -- when considering the sections of MGL

c. 60 and MGL c. 60A referenced above -- that we can go further than the enabling law allows where

discretion and flexibility already exist. To that end, we are prepared to revise Order 2020-77 by filing

an amendment at the April 27th Appropriations Committee Meeting. We would, however, be open to a

conversation with you before then to determine if you would be amenable to taking these additional

steps short of an approved order by the City Council. We respectfully request that you notify us by

Friday, April 25th of your intention, so that we can be prepared to file an amendment, if necessary.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Shawn M. MacMaster


John Tramontozzi


cc: President Jennifer Grigoraitis

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CITY OF MELROSE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR



Telephone - (781) 979-4440

PAUL BRODEUR

AIL M. INFURNA Mayor

April 6, 2020

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL


562 Main Street

Melrose, MA 02176

Re: Order No. 2020-77


Honorable Members of the City Council:

On Friday, April 3, 2020, Governor Baker signed into law Chapter 53 of the Acts

of 2020 entitled “An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and State

Authorities Resulting from COVID-19.” (“Act”). This Act is intended to assist

municipalities and state authorities in confronting a myriad of challenges during the

COVID-19 pandemic. I write in connection with two specific provisions of the Act which

authorize municipal chief executive officers to delay the due date for property tax bills to

June 1st, and waive the payment of interest and other penalties on late payments that were

due after March 10, 2020 and paid before June 30, 2020, for any excise, tax, betterment

assessment, water or sewer bill, or other charge added to a tax.

As many residents are growing uneasy about their ability to meet certain financial

obligations during the current economic crisis, I want to thank Councilors Tramontozzi and

MacMaster for bringing this topic before the City Council. The Act authorizes – to a large

extent – the relief they are seeking. In this vein, and before you begin to deliberate over

this Order, I want to inform you of actions I have taken today to assist our residents during

these uncertain times. As Mayor of the City of Melrose, and pursuant to my authority

under Sections 10 and 11 of Chapter 53 of the Acts of 2020, I am authorizing the maximum

relief allowed and am directing the following: (1) the deadline for the payment of property

tax bills will be extended, and such payments are now due on June 1, 2020; and (2) the

payment of any interest or penalties associated with any excise, tax, betterment assessment,

water or sewer bill, or any other charge added to a tax bill shall be waived so long as such

outstanding payments are received by the City of Melrose before June 30, 2020.

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I am grateful to Governor Baker and the Legislature for acting quickly in passing

this legislation, and giving cities and towns this critical authority. Although Order 2020-

77 seeks to impose an 18-month waiver period of any interest and/or penalties imposed for

past due excise tax payments, please note that such a provision would exceed what is

allowable by state law.

Thank you for your attention, and thank you for your service to our community

during this unprecedented moment.

Very truly yours,

Paul Brodeur

Cc: Robert J. Van Campen, City Solicitor (via email)

Christopher Wilcock, Chief Assessor (via email)

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March 26June 1, 2020

Order #____________


WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 Mayor Paul A. Brodeur and the Melrose Board of Health declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 Governor Charles D. Baker issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

WHEREAS, measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit necessary to ensure public health, have created economic uncertainties;

WHEREAS, current economic conditions have brought financial hardship upon individuals and families, including Melrose residents;

WHEREAS, the current unemployment rate in Melrose is 12.5% and a record 3.3 43 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemiclast week alone, and economists have estimated that over 40 million Americans may become unemployed in the month of April;

WHEREAS, the motor vehicle and trailer excise tax is a municipal tax issued and administered by the City of Melrose;

WHEREAS, the due date for motor vehicle and trailer excise tax bills for calendar year 2020 falls fell on March 30th and was extended until June 1st, which stands in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic;

WHEREAS, failure to pay a motor vehicle and trailer excise tax may result in collection measures that impose additional financial strain on individuals and families;

WHEREAS, low-income individuals and families are disproportionately affected when confronted with inflexible fine and fee structures;

BE IT HEREBY ORDERED that the City of Melrose shall reduce the demand notice fee from $15.00 to $5.00 for any motor vehicle and trailer excise tax bill not received by the Collector of Taxes or any appointed Deputy Tax Collector or other agent, including Collection Agencies of the Collector of Taxes, by June 30, 2020. Collector of Taxes for the City of Melrose or any appointed Deputy Tax Collector or other agent, including Collection Agencies of the Collector of Taxes, shall be prohibited from imposing penalties of interest, demand charges, fees, or any other fines on a Melrose taxpayer for a motor vehicle and trailer excise tax bill not received by the Collector of Taxes or his agents on or before the established due date for Calendar Year 2020.

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Be it further ordered that the Collector of Taxes or any appointed Deputy Tax Collector or other agent, including Collection Agencies of the Collector of Taxes, shall not send a notice of warrant pursuant to M.G.L. c. 60A, §2A to the taxpayer, nor transmit the name, vehicle identification number, registration number or any other personal or vehicle identifiers to the Registry of Motor Vehicles for nonpayment of a motor vehicle and trailer excise tax for said calendar year.

Excise tax relief shall apply for eighteen nine months from the issuance of the tax, as reflected on the taxpayer’s original bill, after which time interest may begin to accrue and the demand notice fee shall revert to $15.00 and collection efforts pursued pursued at the discretion of the Collector of Taxes and in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This order applies only to 2020 Motor Vehicle excise tax bills associated with vehicles registered in the City of Melrose.


Shawn M. MacMaster City Councilor, Ward 5 John Tramontozzi City Councilor, Ward 1

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CITY OF MELROSE CITY CLERK


AMY KAMOSA Melrose, MA 02176

City Clerk Telephone - 781-979-4116

Updated: 6/14/2020 9:07 PM by Kristin Foote Page 1

To: Mayor Paul Brodeur From: Amy Kamosa Meeting Date: June 15, 2020 Subject: An Order to Provide Real Estate Tax Relief Order #: ORDER-2020-83 WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 Mayor Paul A. Brodeur and the Melrose Board of Health

declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 Governor Charles D. Baker issued an executive order closing

all non-essential businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

WHEREAS, measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit necessary to ensure public

health, have created economic uncertainties;

WHEREAS, current economic conditions have brought financial hardship upon individuals and

families, including Melrose residents;

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 Governor Charles D. Baker filed legislation in the area of

municipal finance that would provide cities and towns with flexibility relative to the collection of

real estate taxes;

BE IT HEREBY ORDERED that the City of Melrose shall reduce the demand notice fee from

$15.00 to $5.00 for any property tax bill not received by the Collector of Taxes or any appointed

Deputy Tax Collector or other agent, including Collection Agencies oft he Collector of Taxes, by

June 30, 2020 for a period of nine months from the issuance of the tax, as reflected on the

taxpayer's original bill, after which time the demand notice fee shall revert to $15.00 and

collection efforts pursued in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


John Tramontozzi


Shawn M. MacMaster


FINANCIAL IMPACT:N/A

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June 1, 2020

Order # 2020-83

An Order to Provide Real Estate Tax Relief

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 Mayor Paul A. Brodeur and the Melrose Board of Health declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 Governor Charles D. Baker issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

WHEREAS, measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit necessary to ensure public health, have created economic uncertainties;

WHEREAS, current economic conditions have brought financial hardship upon individuals and families, including Melrose residents;

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 Governor Charles D. Baker filed legislation in the area of municipal finance that would provide cities and towns with flexibility relative to the collection of real estate taxes;

BE IT HEREBY ORDERED that the City of Melrose shall reduce the demand notice fee from $15.00 to $5.00 for any property tax bill not received by the Collector of Taxes or any appointed Deputy Tax Collector or other agent, including Collection Agencies of the Collector of Taxes, by June 30, 2020 for a period of nine months from the issuance of the tax, as reflected on the taxpayer’s original bill, after which time the demand notice fee shall revert to $15.00 and collection efforts pursued in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


John Tramontozzi City Councilor, Ward 1 Shawn M. MacMaster City Councilor, Ward 5

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CITY OF MELROSE - Granicus

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