04-20-2005 Council Minutes Board of Appeal & Equalization

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION Wednesday, April 20, 2005 7:00 o'clock p.m. • Davy noted that the reconvened hearing should be held within 20 days of the first Board of Appeal and Equalization. Peterson stated all residents in attendance would be notified of the new date. 1. John Ericson, 1620 Shadywood Road, PID 17- 117 -23 210012. Ericson stated his estimated market for 2005 is $989,000, which is an increase of $147,000 in one year or 17.6 percent. Ericson stated his house was built in 1902 and was remodeled approximately 15 years ago and has had no further improvements. Ericson commented his residence is not like a new house. Ericson stated he would be agreeable to paying the $147,000 if the public landing near his property is removed, noting that the amount of boat traffic on the lake has dramatically increased over the years. Murphy inquired whether Ericson owns any lakeshore. Ericson stated he has 125 feet of lakeshore property. Erickson stated he has two lots listed on one tax statement and that the City would not allow him to construct a new residence on the 65 -foot lot. Murphy stated if the average residential lakeshore went up 11.8 percent, what the rationale is for going up 17 percent on this parcel. Davy indicated the Assessor's Office looks at the median price of other homes along the lake within the city and that 125 feet of lakeshore would raise the median price. Davy noted any lakeshore over 50 feet is • appraised at a reduced value. Ericson reiterated since the City would not allow him to build on the one lot, he is paying taxes on land that would always remain grassland. Ericson stated he owns Lots 3 and 4 on Shadywood Road, with both lots comprising 125 feet of lakeshore. Ericson stated the amount of taxes he is being assessed is high compared to a lot that is buildable. Peterson inquired whether the public landing has been taken into account when assessing this property. Davy stated that has been taken into account. The Board requested the Assessor visit the Ericson property. 2. Allen Schmidt, 1415 Cherry Place, PID 08- 117 -23 33 0022. Schmidt stated this is a unique property because it is nonsaleable and nonbuildable lot. Schmidt indicates he uses this lot to store his utility trailer and fishhouse and that the only people that would be able to own this lot would be the abutting properties. Schmidt indicated the value on this lot over the past Eve years has increased from $1,000 to $28,000 and that in his opinion the lot is only worth $5,000. McMillan inquired what size the lot is. Schmidt stated the lot is approximately 50 feet wide and 150 feet long. The property was purchased in the 1980's for storage. • PAGE 2