Selectmen's Notebook: Tax Deliquents To Be Called In For Hearings

The owners of three Tewksbury businesses, delinquent in their property taxes, will be called to appear before the Board of Selectmen next month.

At their meeting on Tuesday, selectmen voted to schedule public hearings on license renewals for Mavericks Restaurant and Lounge, 2212 Main St., Lowell Transportation, 911 East St. and Oscar's Pinata, 346 Main St. for the board's meeting on Feb. 12.

Over the last few years, selectmen have grown impatient with businesses that have been delinquent in their property taxes or water and sewer bills. This year, the board made the decision to hold off on renewing required licenses for such businesses if taxes were not up to date or payment arrangements made by Jan. 1.

According to tax information provided by the town, Lowell Transportation owes $3,760.36, Oscar's Pinata owes $29,314.68 and Mavericks Restaurant & Lounge owes $57,992.17. According to Town Manager Richard Montuori, the figures represent taxes owed for the previous 12-month period.

Rail Trail Proponents Seek Support For Grant

Members of the Tewksbury Rail Trail Organization appeared before the Board of Selectmen requesting support in their bid for a Wellness Grant from the Metro Area Planning Council.

According to Pete Miller, the grants awarded range from $5,000-$10,000 and would pay for the administrative expenses associated with establishing and running a Bike and Walking Trail Committee.

"There would be no cost to the taxpayer," said Miller.

Selectmen voted 4-0 to endorse the grant application.

"This sounds like an excellent citizens' initiative," said Selectman Doug Sears.

Miller's group is also requesting funding from the Community Preservation Committee to fund a walking and bike trail feasibility study.

In other business:

Selectmen unanimously approved the common victualler license and the amusement device license for Merrimack Valley Pavilion.

Selectmen heard a presentation from Carloz Jaquez of the Department of Public Works on a draft of the newly packaged town sewer regulations. (Editor's note: A separate article on this presentation will appear later this week on Tewksbury Patch.)