04-15-2009 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Alk 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL The Orono Board of Appeal and Equalization met on the above - mentioned date with the following people present: Mayor James White, Council Members James Murphy, Lili McMillan, and Doug Franchot. Representing Staff were City Administrator William Wells, Finance Director Ron Olson, Hennepin County Appraisers Thomas Kunik, Nathan Stulc, Tim Atchison, and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Member Bremer arrived at 7:08 p.m. Mayor White called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. APPEALS White stated the purpose of tonight's meeting is to review people's assessments and to give the residents an opportunity to explain in their view why their assessments are incorrect. 1. Mary and Mike Plank, 4145 Watertown Road, PID 31- 118 -23 41 -0013 Mrs. Plank stated one of the main reasons they are here tonight questioning their valuation relates to the lack of comparables that were provided by the Assessor's Office. Plank indicated she personally had a very difficult time finding comparables in Orono. One of the comparables is for a property valued in excess of a million dollars, which in her view is not a good comparable since they do not have any. fencing, a pool, or indoor riding arena. McMillan asked whether the Planks feel there is something that the assessor should consider. Mrs. Plank stated they basically disagreed with the comparable because the other property has been improved and there are horses on the property. Due to the high taxes they have had to pay over the years, they have been unable to make improvements to their property and that in their opinion the valuation is too high. McMillan asked whether this is a property that would eventually be subdivided. Kunik indicated he did speak with the Planks and that it was his understanding that the property owner Would get back to him with some comparables or market analysis and that he did not hear from the Planks. Kunik stated the Planks had mentioned a possible wetland on the property, which was adjusted, but the Planks were not satisfied with the adjustment. Kunik stated he has'come up with some other comparables and would be willing to review the property again. Mr. Plank asked what information has been obtained by the Assessor's Office. Kunik stated they have come up with other similar properties in the City. Mr. Plank asked whether those comparables are properties that have been sold within the required time frame. Kunik indicated they are not sold properties. PAGE 1