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1 <br /> 3 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> April 2, 2007 <br /> In addition to the lands discussed to be taken for federal trust,'it was <br /> disclosed the Wampanoag Tribe has an interest in acquiring land from the <br /> MMR base in the future which is presently exempt from local property tax <br /> assessments. <br /> Discussion followed regarding the impact of land removed from the tax <br /> coffers. It was noted a tribe does not always gain land for trust if there is <br /> significant detriment to a local government. State laws can also limit the <br /> sale of conservation lands without at 2/3`d's legislative vote. <br /> Individual tribal members would have the ability to apply for land to be <br /> taken into federal trust if they do not have a mortgage or encumbrance on <br /> their property. If there is no mortgage or financial lien, a tribe would have <br /> the ability to lease the land. If the leaser were a non-Indian, state laws and <br /> taxation would prevail with the exception of sales to Indian tribal <br /> members. <br /> When land is taken into federal trust, the tribe would have the authority to <br /> enter into a lease for up to fifty years upon approval of the Department of <br /> the Interior. It's basically a twenty-five year term with a twenty-five year <br /> right-of-renewal that would be authorized. An act of Congress would be <br /> required for the tribe to lease beyond the term of fifty years. <br /> With regards to the intent for housing, a tribe has the ability when <br /> recognized to begin to seek funding before the intended land is taken into <br /> federal trust and is subject to the local regulatory review and approval <br /> process. <br /> The Board opened the discussion to solicit public comment. <br /> A question was asked regarding the use of the MMR for tribal housing. It <br /> was noted the tribe is looking in the future towards its ability to acquire <br /> some of the land at the MMR for mixed, environmentally friendly use. <br /> An additional question was asked as to how much land could'be acquired. <br /> Less than ISO acres has been identified to be taken off the tax roles, not <br /> including the MMR which could be significantly equal or more. It was <br /> noted the land at the MMR is presently non-taxed. <br />