08-28-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 28, 2013 properties are proposed to receive a higher assessment. The City of Maplewood has obtained appraisals which show that the assessments proposed for the Maplewood lots meet the benefits received test. The Administrator reported that the Council recently discussed obtaining appraisals of the Little Canada lots. The Administrator stated that in talking with McKenzie Appraisals, they suggested that rather than doing full appraisals the City obtain an opinion letter that will say whether an appraisal will support the proposed assessment or not. The Administrator reported that this is a less costly option. He also noted that if the City receives any objections to the assessment, an appraisal can always be commissioned at that time. The Administrator requested that the Council authorize City staff to pursue the opinion letter at a cost not to exceed $2,500. Council asked if McKenzie Appraisals would be hired to provide the opinion letter. The Administrator stated that he was not sure at this point. He indicated that he would obtain quotes from appraisal firms for this letter if he McKenzie's estimate was high. The Administrator felt that the $2,500 would be more than adequate to cover the cost. McGraw asked for an explanation of why the Maplewood and Little Canada assessments differ. The Administrator noted that the difference is a combination of changes in the Maplewood assessment policy as well as the fact that the Little Canada lots are substantially larger than those in Maplewood. The Administrator suggested that Little Canada property owners seeing the difference in the assessment levels between the two cities, will ask questions. He felt that the opinion letter will provide the City with documentation that its assessment level is supportable. It was also noted that Little Canada is utilizing its assessment policy for its share of assessments, which is the basis for how other Little Canada properties have been assessed for similar improvements. The Administrator pointed out the consistency in applying the City's assessment policy. The Council consensus was to authorize City staff to obtain the opinion letter relative to McMenemy Road improvement at a cost not to exceed $2,500. 3046 LABORE The City Administrator reported that the City put out an Invitation To Bid ROAD (I'IB) for the purchase of 3046 LaBore Road. The property was advertised for sale on a free listing service on the Internet, in the City's newsletter, and on its Web site. A for -sale sign was also posted on the property. The Administrator reported that although some interest was expressed in the property, no bids were received. The Administrator stated that the question is how does the City want to proceed. Some options include issuing another ITB, listing the property with a realtor, 6