HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Board of Civil Authority - 01/26/2021BOARD OF CIVIL AUTHORITY 26 JANUARY 2021
The South Burlington Board of Civil Authority held a meeting on Tuesday, 26 January 2021, at
7:35 p.m., via remote participation:
MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Kinville, City Clerk; C. Shaw, L. Vera, M. St. Germain, P. Mahoney, M.
Mahoney, R. Nowak. A. Gross, B. Gross, H. Riehle, T. Barritt, Sen. T. Chittenden, D. Kaufman, M.
Emery, C. Trombley, C. Wagner, C. Santiorello, C. Callea
1. Agenda Review:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
2. Comments & Questions from the public, not related to the Agenda:
No comments or questions where received.
3. Organizational Meeting for Election of Chair and Vice Chair:
Ms. Kinville presided over the election of a Chair. She opened the floor for nominations.
Mr. Barritt nominated Mr. Shaw. Mr. St. Germain seconded the nomination. There were no
further nominations, and Mr. Shaw was then elected unanimously.
Mr. Shaw then presided over the remainder of the meeting. He opened the floor for
nominations for Vice Chair.
Ms. Emery nominated Mr. Trombley. Sen. Chittenden seconded the nomination. There were
no further nominations, and Mr. Trombley was then elected unanimously.
4. Minutes of 15 November 2020:
Mr. St. Germain moved to approve the Minutes of 15 November 2020 as written. Ms. Vera
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Review of Board of Civil Authority Duties and Review of Handbook:
Mr. Shaw said there will probably be tax appeals following the current re-appraisal. He urged
members to read the handbook on that and other Board duties.
BOARD OF CIVIL AUTHORITY
26 JANUARY 2021
PAGE 2
Ms. Kinville said the last time there was a reappraisal most appeals were settled between the
Assessor and the homeowner. She noted that the City Assessor, Todd Leblanc, will be retiring
on 30 June, and Martha Lyons will be assuming his position. She will probably want to meet
with the Board before then. Mr. Shaw added that members might have to view properties
occasionally as happened with homes near the Airport. Ms. Kinville said the BCA is a quasi-
judicial board on property tax hearings. An inspection team is formed and they view properties
in a group of 3 or 4, then write an inspection report and then meet in deliberative session and
make a decision. They have the option to reduce the taxes, increase the taxes, or make no
changes.
Mr. Gross asked how many appeals the BCA had following the last reappraisal. Ms. Kinville said
most appeals were settled between Mr. Leblanc and the homeowner; the BCA heard 40 or 50.
Mr. Shaw said it can be a long process. Ms. Kinville added that typically appeals have to be filed
by late July.
Mr. Shaw noted that the BCA is also responsible for ensuring the integrity and smooth running
of elections. It is anticipated that there will be only one election in 2021. There were 4 in 2020.
One other duty of BCA members is to marry people anywhere in Vermont. This is an option.
Members should not discriminate when being asked to conduct a marriage. Ms. Vera noted
there is great training for this which includes how to spot a “forced marriage.” She noted that
at one point BCA members had agreed that $50.00 was appropriate to charge, but she noted
that at times when this seemed to be a burden, she has said “bake me something.” Mr. Shaw
said $50.00 seems fair, especially if you have to travel.
BCA members can also become a public notary and notarize documents. Ms. Kinville said she
would send out information and instructions on this. She noted that a seal is not required in
the State of Vermont though notaries can purchase one if they wish.
Ms. Kinville said it is not expected that there will be a large voter turnout at the polls in March
because ballots are being mailed to every voter. She asked members to send her their
availability to work at the polls on 2 March. She noted that Peter Taylor has offered to help
with election training.
Mr. Shaw said the Board will have another meeting before the March election. Ms. Kinville
asked members to send her their contact information. She would check with members to see
what date/time work for most people for the next meeting.
BOARD OF CIVIL AUTHORITY
26 JANUARY 2021
PAGE 3
Ms. Riehle asked when the Secretary of State will update the website for the March election for
campaign finance. Ms. Kinville said that because it is a local election, she didn’t know how
much the Secretary of State’s office will be involved. She will check on this.
Mr. Barritt said that at last year’s recount, those who worked were paid as if it was a BCA
meeting and not by the hour. Mr. Barritt felt they should have been paid by the hour as they
spent 3 hours there. Ms. Kinville said she will put it on the next agenda to discuss.
As there was no further business to come before the Board, Mr. St. Germain moved to adjourn.
Ms. Emery second. The meeting was adjourned by common consent at 8:10 p.m.
______________________________
Clerk