05-07-02 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO BOARD OF REVIEW Wednesday, May 8, 2002 The Lake Elmo Board of Review was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Council chambers. PRESENT: Mayor Hunt, Council members Siedow, Dunn, Armstrong and DeLapp and Assessor Frank Langer. M/S/P Hunt/ Dunn — to approve the appeals as presented by Frank Langer, Lake Elmo Assessor. (Motion passed 4-0-1:Abstain: Siedow - because he wasn't in attendance for each discussion.) Frank Langer explained he advised the city that the city —owned land, if buildable would have a market value of $50,000 and if non -buildable a market value of $15,000. Frank stated he gave a simple answer to what he thought was a simple question. In hindsight, he realized it was a complex question with a complex answer. The City should determine if a site is buildable or non -buildable by the following: 1. Permitted use of land under the law; 2. Determine best and highest use in terms of money; or 3. Require a Fee Appraisal on property. The assessor can only appraise value in the taxing district he works in for tax purposes. Any other type of appraisal must be done by an outside source. Administrator Kueffner stated she assumed the City would hold the city land for possible off site system. Once the survey comes in, there will be three separate pieces. Mayor Hunt stated the Council made a mistake when it expedited the sale to the Petersons. Based on their urgent request for public health reasons, the Council subdivided the city owned land into four parcels and in December sold to Peterson for $3,750 the parcel requested. Jen Wiese asked if she could start to purchase the property now because if her septic goes out, they may not be able to afford to buy the property and install a septic system. The new policy allows the Council to sell city owned land only to homeowners who required additional space to repair failing septic systems. Mayor Hunt stated the Council may have to revisit the policy and look at how many buyers are in the area. Mr. Rude indicated he remained interested in purchasing the subdivided city owned land adjacent to vacant lot. The next step is to get the survey of the lots done by Folz, Freeman, and Dupay Assoc. The Council adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.