Eileen Griffin

The Board of Assessors reviewed FY 2024 personal property and residential abatement applications, resulting in various approvals and denials. The board also discussed the status of pending and filed cases at the Appellate Tax Board (ATB), reviewed Department of Revenue (DOR) directives for FY25 including cyclical inspections and land schedule updates, and established new goals for the Assessor's office regarding permit code updates, sales verification procedures, and the strategic geographic division of the city for inspection efficiency.

The commission reviewed the status of recreation accounts, including grants and capital improvement funds, noting healthy account balances. Key discussion topics included the status of the Colburn Pond Dam project at Barrett Park, which is in the design and permitting phase, and the upcoming Prospect Park construction project, for which a contractor has been selected and a pre-construction meeting held. Additionally, the commission discussed the receipt of a Mass Trails Grant from the State of Massachusetts for nearly $70,000.

The Zoning Board of Appeals agenda included several new cases regarding special permit requests for accessory apartments at Pierce Street and Veronica Street, a special permit for a building addition at Elm Street, a variance request for home construction on an undersized lot at Maple and Coolidge Streets, and a special permit for an indoor recreation facility on Lancaster Street. The board also planned to establish meeting dates for the remainder of the year.

The committee convened to discuss matters pertaining to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A, Section 21, Item 8, followed by an executive session. After reconvening in public session, the committee discussed the review of resumes and outlined plans to coordinate with the human resources director to address specific questions in an upcoming meeting.

This Student Opportunities Act Plan focuses on providing targeted support to specific student subgroups, including non-English native speakers, English learners, students with disabilities, low-income students, and other high-need students. The plan aims to implement evidence-based early literacy and numeracy programs in preschool and early elementary grades, beginning in the 2021 school year. Progress will be monitored through student performance metrics in English Language Arts and Mathematics on MCAS assessments, as well as customized district-specific evaluations. A key priority is to ensure significant family engagement, particularly for the identified subgroups, through established school councils, SEPAC, ELPAC, and parent contacts.