HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-2010 Board of Appeal and Equalization Reconvened MinutesMINUTES OF THE
RECONVENED ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
• 7:00 o'clock p.m.
ROLL
Members present: Mayor Jim White and Council Members Doug Franchot and Jim Murphy
Members Absent: Council Members Cynthia Bremer and Lili McMillan
Staff present: Hennepin County Appraiser Nate Stulc and Finance Director Ron Olson
Mayor White reconvened the Board of Appeal and Equalization at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Murphy moved, Franchot seconded, to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2010 meeting of the
Orono Board of Appeal and Equalization as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0.
COUNCIL ACTION ON ASSESSOR'S RECOMMENDATION
Stulc reviewed the Assessor recommendations. At Council Member Murphy's request, Stulc also
provided information about his contact with each property owner and what he anticipates the next action
might be from the property owner.
• 1.
Michael Mischke, 1972 Shadywood Road — Stulc spoke to him and reviewed multiple sales that
Mr. Mischke provided. A reduction is recommended based on sales that were in a better
location and size.
2.
Brad Blankenship, 2605 W Lafayette Road — No change is recommended. Mr. Blankenship
provided an appraisal that was discussed with Stulc that included a minor adjustment for land.
They agreed that more adjustment for land value was appropriate since that is what drives
value, especially for lot of this size.
3.
Bert Addison, address unassigned — This is a vacant lot on Tonka Avenue. Stulc spoke with the
owner and City's Planning and Zoning Department regarding buildability of lot. The appraiser
generally treats outlots as a $10,000 flat value as there are few comparables. Stulc
recommended reducing the value from $72,000 to $10,000.
4.
William Wyatt, 4235 Sixth Ave — The property owner is reserving his right to discuss at the
County Board.
5.
Christopher Mandy, 2175 Webber Hills Road — Stulc is recommending no change. The
property was purchased under foreclosure below the market value and the owner agreed.
6.
Bradley Bakke, 3235 Crystal Bay Road — Stulc recommends a reduction after inspecting the
property. The owner's concern was for the condition of the property in comparison to
neighbors. Stulc recommended a building value reduction.
7.
Gregory Swenson, 875 Forest Arms Ln — Stulc is recommending no change. He attempted to
contact the owner and left messages. No call was returned and he was unable to inspect the
property. Stulc reviewed the existing information to recommend no change but would meet
with the owner if he calls.
8.
Steven Harris, 3850 Watertown Road - Stulc is recommending no change. He attempted to
contact the owner and left messages. No call was returned and he was unable to inspect the
property. Stulc reviewed the existing information to recommend no change but would meet
with the owner if he calls.
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MINUTES OF THE
RECONVENED ORONO BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
7:00 o'clock p.m. •
9. Robert Humphrey, 669 Minnetonka Highlands Ln — Stulc is recommending no change. He had
inspected the property prior to the first Local Board. He spoke with Mr. Humphrey and
reviewed existing information to determine data from prior inspection was appropriate to
recommend no change.
10. Corky Klitzke, 555 Oxford Road — The property owner is reserving his right to discuss at the
County Board.
11. Douglas Watson, 680 North Arm Drive — The property owner is reserving his right to discuss at
the County Board. A letter was received the day of the Local Board but Stulc didn't receive it
until the following morning.
12. John Waldron, 1951 Concordia St — Stulc is recommending no change. The owner faxed a
letter but it was received at the end of office hours on the day of the Local Board. Stulc
reviewed the owner's concerns and he had also spoken with him prior to the Local Board. The
traditional market indicates the value is current.
Stulc noted that all of the owners listed in his memo have reserved their right to go to the County Board
Franchot moved, Murphy seconded, acceptance of the County Assessor's recommendations as
presented at the May 5, 2010 meeting.
Murphy commented that Council has considered changing to the Open Book meeting in the future but the
current format provides an opportunity for owners to meet with the Council.
Franchot agreed, but added that owners seem to enjoy the Open Book process because they feel there is more •
dialog. If owners really want the Open Book format, he would consider changing to that format.
Stulc confirmed that the process is either the Local Board or Open Book method. If changing to the Open
Book method, Council would need to continue that format for at least 2 or 3 years. Council would not meet
as the Local Board if the Open Book method is used. Stulc added that if the Open Book method were used,
he would continue to provide information in a pre -Board meeting with a follow -up meeting after the Open
Book process closed.
Murphy commented that in effect the Local Board operates as a modified Open Book since owners have the
opportunity to discuss their valuations with the Assessor at any time.
VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0.
ADJOURNMENT
Murphy moved to conclude the Orono Board of Appeal and Equalization at 7:19 p.m. VOTE: Ayes
3, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Jll-e� X-I�am�
Linda S. Vee, Orono City Clerk Q!me /M. White, Mayor
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