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	MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 24, 1994 - 2:45 p.m. Members present: Kulas, Johnson, McCabe, Shores. 1. Matter of bids for sidewalk improvement bonds. John Schmisek, city auditor, reported that two bids had been received: First National Bank bid coupon rate of 5.10%, dollar price of 98.50, and a net interest cost of 5.45%; Community National Bank bid coupon rate of 4.90%, 2% discount, and net interest cost of 5.37%, and recommended acceptance of bid of Community National Bank. Moved by McCabe and Kulas to accept the bid of Community National Bank with a coupon rate of 4.90%, 2% discount, and a net interest cost of 5.37%. Motion carried; Shores abstained. 2. Matter of job description for platting and right of way officer. Ken Vein, city engineer, reported they have tried to revise description so not list specific duties, but list general duties with more emphasis on requirements, that there has been a change in basis requirements; that when this position reviewed by Civil Service they recommended that portion of basic requirements be changed because in conflict with NDCC requirements for certified land surveyor which is a requirement of this position; that this position also requires 4-year degree and 6 years experience in land surveying. He also reported that this position requires more eduction and experience than Eng. Tech. III but is ranked lower. He stated that both he and Bob Bushfield, city planner, have reviewed the revised job description; that job description taken to public service, who recommended forwarding to this committee. He also reported that the revised job description will mean a change in salary level. Moved by McCabe and Shores to accept changes and approve the new job description. Motion carried. 3. Temporary and overtime statement for April. The committee reviewed the statement. Moved by Shores and McCabe to approve. Motion carried. (committee only) Johnson present. 4. Matter of city flag. Mr. McCabe distributed copies of proposal to establish a city flag for the city of Grand Forks, suggesting that a committee be formed for the purpose of establishing a flag and holding a public contest, that the committee set up criteria for establishing a flag, with est. cost of $300-500; and once flag established to allocate funds for purchase of flags to meet the needs of the community. After some discussion it was moved by Shores and Johnson to establish an organizational committee as outlined in the proposal, with costs to be paid through donations. Motion carried. MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE May 24, 1995 - Page 2 4. Protests of assessor's 1994 valuation of property: a) Greg Norman, 822 South 9th Street. Mel Carsen, city assessor, reported that value of property increased 8% through neighborhood factor, that they inspected property and made a new appraisal using cost and market approaches, and that he is recommending reduction in valuation to $53,100. Moved by McCabe and Shores to accept assessor's recommendation to reduce the 1994 value from $56,700 to $53,100. Motion carried. b) Lynn Holbrook, 3711 Belmont Court. Mr. Carsen reported that a new appraisal had been made for 1994 based on an exterior inspection and an interior estimate setting value at $126,900, that property has been remodeled over last 6 to 7 years, that they reviewed figures with Mr. Holbrook and he is satisfied with those numbers. Moved by Shores and Johnson to accept the assessor's valuation of $126,900.00. Motion carried. c) Michael Mann, 707 Cottonwood Street. Mr. Carsen reported they had increased value for 1994 by a 10% neighborhood factor, but after inspection and new appraisal, they were recommending a reduction in value from $42,200 to $35,700. Mr. Mann was present, stated that this is rental property, that he was unable to sell property last year for $32,500, that there is some fix up work that needs to be done, and basement is more of a cellar, rock-type basement. After some discussion Kulas moved to recommend a reduction to $34,000, Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried. d) Lonny Winrich, 606 South 4th Street. Mr. Carsen reported that value for 1994 increased by a 10% neighborhood factor, that they inspected and made a new appraisal, and recommended no change in value of $58,100. He also noted that Mr. Winrich not necessarily protesting value, but concerned about value in light of water treatment plant expansion across street. Mr. Winrich stated he is concerned more with uncertainty of neighborhood, that he has no intention of selling his house, but concerned about long-term effects on the neighborhood should water plant be expanded. Mr. Carsen agreed that should the plant be built, it might have an effect. Mr. Kulas reported that the Utility Rate Committee has been stalling because Congress lightening up because of opposition to mandated regulations; however, can't reduce or increase based on speculation; City may go in other direction - old post office property. Mr. Carsen stated that if something of that magnitude happens, his office would look at again; and committee noted that Mr. Winrich could come back in. Moved by Shores and McCabe to uphold the assessor's valuation of $58,100. Motion carried. MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE May 24, 1994 - Page 3 e) Richard Paul, 814 South 9th Street. Held until May 31 meeting. f) Eugene Barna, 1120 South 36th Street. Held until May 31 meeting. g) Michelle Bry, 2005 13th Avenue South. Mr. Carsen reported that the value of the property increased by an 8% neighborhood factor, that property built as a duplex condominium, with zero lot line, that value has not been adjusted for that but probably could, his recommendation is to uphold their value. Moved by Johnson and Shores to uphold assessor's value of $67,000. Motion carried. h) Paul Belbas, 614 25th Avenue South. Mr. Carsen reported that Mr. Belbas had called and wanted to withdraw his protest. He reported that land value increased by 10% and improvements by 7%, that they made new appraisal which supports their value of $72,400. Moved by Shores and Johnson to uphold the assessor's value of $72,400. Motion carried. k) Ken Bauer, 206 Conklin Avenue. Mr. Carsen reported the value of this property increased by 10% neighborhood factor for 1994 to $70,600, that they inspected property and made a new appraisal using cost and market approaches, and were recommending a reduction in value to $66,10. He noted that the garage was built in 1980, house in 1931. Moved by Johnson and McCabe to reduce the 1994 value from $77,600 to $66,100. Motion carried. Mr. Bauer questioned reasoning, that market approach is unfair and unreasonable approach to reach valuation; however, he did state that assessing had sent individual out to look at, that he agreed property over-valued, and he was happy with reduction in value. l) Jon Starren, 316 Alpha Avenue. Mr. Carsen reported property value increased for 1994 by a 10% neighborhood factor to $92,700, that they inspected property and made a new appraisal using cost and market approaches, and were recommending a reduction in value to $84,000, with reduction fully in the improvements. Moved by Shores and McCabe to accept assessor's recommendation to reduce the value of the property from $92,700 to $84,000. Motion carried. i) Bill Phalen, 3016 Legend Lane. Mr. Carsen reported land value increased by 10% and improvements by 7% for 1994, to $96,800; that they inspected property and made new appraisal using both cost and market approaches. He stated they tried to target sales in middle of year, that there is some slowing in the market right now. MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE May 24, 1994 - Page 4 Mr. Phalen stated that he thinks $96,800 is to high; that house has finished basement with two bedrooms (rough bedrooms) and family room; 2 baths on main floor, no plumbing in basement except for laundry; and property backed up to open field, which is zoned commercial, and one block from trailer court. It was noted that house has 1373 sq.ft. on main floor; exterior of house 30'x48', with 20'x30' garage. He also stated he had water problems during 1979 flood, underground seepage, however, no structural damage. He stated that he has received 17.8% increase in taxes in past two years. After further discussion it was moved by McCabe and Shores to uphold the assessor's valuation of $96,800. Motion carried. j) Rose Pinger, 102 Seward Avenue. Mr. Carsen reported this property received increase in value by 10% neighborhood factor, to $46,600; that they contacted Mrs. Pinger to make a new appraisal but she was not interested in their making an inspection. He stated she had concern re. neighbor's property, but his office didn't see anything on neighbor's property which would affect her property, and were recommending that their valuation of $46,600 be upheld. Moved by Johnson and Shores to uphold the assessor's value of $46,600. Motion carried. m) Graeme Dewar, 1212 Reeves Drive. Mr. Carsen reported this property received increase for 1994 by a 10% neighborhood factor, that this house located at corner of Reeves Drive and Lincoln, unique house; that they made inspection and new appraisal, and were recommending reduction in the land value, this is pie-shaped lot with no back yard. Moved by Shores and McCabe to accept assessor's recommendation to reduce value from $115,000 to $106,000. Motion carried. n) B.J. Clayburgh, 1626 Belmont Road. Mr. Carsen reported that this property re-appraised for 1994, based on an exterior inspection and interior estimate; when re-appraised made adjustment in interior improvements and property adjusted down. Moved by Shores and Johnson to accept the assessor's recommendation to reduce the 1994 value from $304,100 to $282,900. Motion carried. 5. Matter of leased space in City Center Mall. Dick Jackson reported he had received call re. lease recently signed by Equitable Life, that they are cutting back and closing this office, and were requesting information re. pay-off on the five-year lease. Mr. Jackson asked direction from committee on how to handle this - whether payment of monthly rental until space re-rented or pay-off on lease. He stated they had not started to remodel the space. MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE May 24, 1994 - Page 5 Mr. Jackson also reported that he has leased space across from Equitable to Bobby Green Travel Agency (one office and store room), cost for remodeling very inexpensive. He also reported they are working out terms, etc. for lease of former White Drug area for glass mfg. company. Held until next meeting on May 31 for additional information. Meeting adjourned. Alice Fontaine City Clerk Dated: 5/25/94.