Committee Minutes

Minutes of the Grand Forks City Council/Board of Equalization
Monday, May 4, 2008 - 5:30 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 4, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. with Mayor Brown presiding. Present at roll call were Council Members Bjerke, McNamara (teleconf.), Christensen, Bakken, Kreun - 5; absent: Council Member Glassheim - 1.

1.2 Comments by City Assessor.
Mel Carsen, city assessor, reported the council sits as the City Board of Equalization to consider the 2009 assessments as they have been placed on the tax roles, that he had handed out a sheet showing the comparison of the values from last year and this year and overall the increase is about 3.36% over last year, that one mill equals about $141,100 and of that amount about 35% comes from revaluation and 65% comes from new construction or new properties.

Council Member Gershman reported present.

1.3 Receive formal protests and refer to finance/development standby committee.
Mr. Carsen reported that tonight we receive and file any protests on the 2009 valuation and the city auditor has received several protests to the assessed valuation of property in writing and read for the record:

Brett A. Harrington on properties owned by the Grand Forks Herald, two properties downtown and one in Industrial Park (375 2nd Avenue North and 1150 South 46th Street).
Rick Ziegelmann, 2220 4th Avenue North, single family residence.
Appeal from Camrud Maddock Olson & Larson on properties that are currently under abatement on the council agenda.
Another protest from the same firm on the following property: GFH Supportive Housing, LLC (property #2809.012.00).

Mayor Brown asked if there was anyone in the audience who would like to file a protest or address the Board of Equalization. The following individuals filed protests:
Jay Carlson, 1816 6th Avenue North
Anthony Mitzell, 708 North 5th Street

Mr. Carsen stated that they need to hear information on the appeals, normally refer them to finance/development and would have the process done by the end of May with the final Board meeting. The Grand Forks Herald property representative comes from New Jersey and will have to have some lead time to get here.

It was moved by Council Member Bjerke that the hearings be held at the committee of the whole meeting on May 18, 2009, with final Board meeting also on May 18, 2009; seconded by Council Member Gershman. Carried 6 votes affirmative.

It was moved by Council Member Gershman and seconded by Council Member Bakken that that we recess to May 18, 2008. Carried 6 votes affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,


Saroj Jerath, City Auditor