City of Grand Forks, North Dakota

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	Minutes of the Grand Forks City Council/Board of Equalization Monday, May 1, 2006 - 6:45 p.m.___________________________ The city council of the city of Grand Forks, ND was called to meet as the Board of Equalization in the council chambers on Monday, May 1, 2006 at 6:45 p.m. with President Gershman presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Brooks, Hamerlik, Glassheim, Gershman, Kerian, Kreun - 6; absent: Council Member Christensen - 1. PRESIDENT GERSHMAN RELINQUISHED CHAIR TO MAYOR BROWN Mel Carsen, city assessor, reported that tonight is the opening session of the Board of Equalization for 2006 and that he put together a brief report of what valuations look like on a total basis, overall total is about a 10% increase, little larger increase on new construction and new property and little less on re-valuation. He stated that tonight they would accept formal protests, that a table has been set up in the hallway for people to sign up, need owner's name and property address, daytime phone number and comments, and should not restrict anyone from speaking tonight if they choose. He reported that they take the formal protest tonight, have received 3 in the mail, and after logging in all the protests to the 2006 valuations, there would be a recheck of the property by his office, offer of a hearing before committee (finance/development standby committee) within the next two weeks, come back to the full Board of Equalization with recommendations from that committee in approx. three weeks, and have the total numbers to the County by the first week of June. Council Member Glassheim stated that they could make a statement tonight but the time to present their case will be before the smaller committee. Council Member Kreun stated that the city council is involved by state law as the Board of Equalization, that the City functions as the assessing division for the whole city and sets the amount of valuation on the property, that each taxing entity (School District, County, Park District and the City) sets their mill levy (City 24%, School 48%, Park District 8 or 9% and County 21 or 22%), that the Board of Equalization only sets the value for properties. Council Member Brooks stated that protests will be referred to the finance/development committee to hear the protest and concerns, that committee will make recommendations to the Board for the ultimate vote, and anyone protesting will have a chance to speak before the full Board if they so wish. Council Member Gershman stated that we set the valuation but not the tax, and sometimes there is some cynicism with this process, but is a very fair process and have reassessed properties where inequities have been found. Mr. Carsen stated that tonight is date for filing a protest, but that is not the last date they can protest the valuation, and those protesting can also go to the County Board which meets the first week in June. Jay See, 504 South 4th Street, reported that he purchased his property last year in October and went up 28% from prior year of assessment and comparing with neighbors and they only went up 10%, and felt that 28% was too much. David Whitcomb, 504 South 4th Street, stated there was an increase of 29% in a year, that they have property close to downtown and knew what the taxes would be, an area where still paying the flood insurance and that won't go down for another year, live across from the water treatment plant and understands there is a fence that is going to go around that that might affect property values, and a number of considerations including the fact that it is listed as a 3-bedroom house and that it is only a 2-bedroom, and a lot to look at here. Protests were also received from the following individuals: Phil Yagla, 2515 4th Avenue North Rudolph Kuchar, 2630 5th Avenue North Craig Berntsen, 817 North 6th Street Paul and Lori Peterson, 1023 4th Avenue North John and Lori Petrick, 117 Walnut Street Richard and Sandi Hessling, 1002 Cherry Street Kathy Sacchetti, 1127 South 12th Street Hallard and Darlene Miller, 1217 Chestnut Street Steve Kennedy, 1315 South 15th Street Richard Bennett, 1602 13th Avenue South Lois Rygg, 1210 South 21st Street Craig Engel, 2215 Fallcreek Court Tim and Barb Brown, 3589 Norkota Court Chandice Covington, 3549 Ivy Drive William Noyes, 3501 Norkota Court Gary Lietzu, 815 Dyke Drive, 315 It was moved by Council Member Kerian and seconded by Council Member Gershman that the Board of Equalization recess to Monday, May 22, 2006 at 6:15 p.m. Carried 6 votes affirmative. ADJOURN It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Glassheim that we adjourn. Carried 6 votes affirmative. Alice Fontaine City Clerk