The public has opportunities to shape policy this week as various Haverhill boards meet. In the interest of transparency in government, WHAV provides this list of upcoming meetings every week.
Military veterans could receive a break on their Haverhill property taxes by performing community service projects.
The proposal, first suggested by veterans’ advocate Donald R. Jarvis in April, is one of several items before the Haverhill City Council’s Administration and Finance Committee tonight. He previously told the full City Council the measure began in 2012 as part of a larger program called the Valor Act which recognized the service of military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“What I would recommend and what I would seek from the city is that they consider adopting minimum wage times the number of hours of community service, not to exceed 125 hours and also not to exceed the maximum of a $1,500 reduction,” Jarvis explained.
Jarvis, who also serves as junior vice commander of VFW Lorraine Post 29, said he helped get the program operating in Newbury.
Committee members will also discuss tightening up city contracts to ensure who owe the city money receive bills. Council Vice President Colin F. LePage, committee chairman, placed the matter on the agenda after learning Lupoli Companies, constructing “The Heights” in downtown Haverhill, had not made mortgage payments totaling more than $225,000 for purchase of a city parking lot.
City Finance Director Charles Benevento told councilors two weeks ago the city has already created a new collections process.
“Basically, it just takes a lot of the policies that already existed and put the steps down that everyone needs to follow every time there is a contract. The only thing it really adds is highlight that if a contract requires any funds be paid to the city, that the treasurer now be included in getting a copy of this contract,” he said.
Members are also expected to hear a presentation from Councilor William J. Macek about new technology for streaming government meetings online. (See separate story.)
The meeting takes place at 7 p.m., in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. City Council Chambers, room 202, in City Hall.
In other public meetings this week:
Thursday, Aug. 6
Haverhill License Commission is scheduled to meet Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m., in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. City Council Chambers, room 202, in City Hall.
Haverhill School Committee accepts public input on its three plans for classes this fall during a remote meeting Thursday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m.