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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JULY 24, 1996 <br />Upon motion by LaValle, seconded by Pedersen, the <br />public hearing was closed. <br />The City Administrator pointed out that the Building <br />Official's valuation estimate assumed new construction. <br />Scalze suggested that given the state of the current <br />ordinance, it would be difficult to require an <br />appraisal which would cost the applicant between $300 <br />and $400. Scalze felt that if the Council thinks the <br />ordinance should be tighter, then it should be amended. <br />The burden of proof is on the applicant, and Scalze <br />noted that the applicant did submit a letter from a <br />realtor. <br />Fahey replied that the Council left the burden of proof <br />requirement general so as not to impose unreasonable <br />cost on an applicant. However, if the Council feels an <br />appraisal is necessary, than one can be required. <br />Scalze pointed out that the house was built in 1988, <br />and felt it was tough to require an appraisal given the <br />information provided. <br />Fahey suggested if the house were built in 1949, for <br />example, it would not be unreasonable to require an <br />appraisal. Fahey pointed out that he has not been in <br />the house and does not know its condition. Fahey felt <br />an appraisal of the house and a review of the <br />Australian neighborhood would be easy to obtain. <br />However, Fahey agreed the recent sale price of $96,500 <br />is important information. <br />Scalze did not believe the house would cause <br />depreciation of property values in the <br />Australian/Bluwood area. Scalze noted that the Code <br />requires the size, character, and architectural <br />appearance of the house must fit the neighborhood into <br />which it is to be moved. Scalze felt this house met <br />those requirements. <br />Pedersen felt common sense must be used - does the <br />house fit or not. Pedersen felt it would. Pedersen <br />felt once the house is moved in, it will not be obvious <br />that the house was not stick-built on that lot. Scalze <br />agreed. <br />Fahey felt the Council needed to preserve the option of <br />requiring an appraisal if it feels the situation <br />warrants one. <br />6 <br />