The meeting was called to order by Chairman Peterson at 10 am. Supervisors Bilek, Peterson, & Johnson were in attendance, along with the Clerk and representatives from the county land services office, Gary Griffin & Sandra Ehrich. Seven residents were present.
Mr. Griffin started the meeting by reading a report explaining conditions and process relating to the assessment of property during the year. He explained the meeting procedure and the options that can be taken by the Town Board. He also reported on the overall changes to value within the township.
Don Phillips requested reduction of value. Estimated value had gone up by $70k in last 3 years when realtors have reported that values have stayed “flat” and demand is low. Felt that the land value was not realistic. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to make no change to value. Carried unanimous.
Mike O’Brien asked for an adjustment for their island property whose estimated value had increased significantly. The property is not buildable and the shoreline is steep. Griffin explained that the county had reviewed all islands due to recent sales showing that similarly unbuildable islands were being bought for much more than this island’s estimated value. Bilek suggested using valuation of last year and adding the average increase for the area of 3%. Motion by Bilek, second by Johnson to lower the value from $64,800 to $22,500. Carried unanimous.
O’Brien also asked about a small parcel that had been split off to allow for access to land-locked property adjacent. Motion by Bilek, second by Peterson to make no change. Carried unanimous.
Bill Johander asked about adjustment to his two parcels. The lakeshore parcel, which is unbuildable had increased significantly while the off-lake parcel was reduced. Griffin explained that the values were adjusted to properly match the values to the individual parcels, but when the two were considered together, the overall value was reduced significantly. Griffin suggested that he combine the two parcels to avoid confusion in the future. Johander accepted the explanation and withdrew his request for adjustment.
Ronnie Schultz asked for clarification regarding their island in Clamshell Lake that was valued much higher for 2016. He asked if it was possible to create a different zoning category for parcel that are effectively un-buildable. Griffin explained the value was evident from other island sales that were similarly unbuildable. The value is there especially in conjunction with another on-lake lot that provides water access to then get to the island. Typically islands are sold with another lake lot to provide that access. Schultz accepted the explanation and withdrew his request for adjustment.
Julie Mumm spoke to the Board saying that their parcel was off-lake but may be valued as a lakeshore property. Griffin explained that the parcel does have lake access via the adjacent parcel that the Mumm’s own and so his parcel is valued similar to other “lake access” parcels. A discussion of ownership and “highest & best use” values took place. Mumm also questioned whether the home square footage value to into consideration that the home was only 1-1/2 stories. No Board action was taken.
Jerry Kuhlman asked for an adjustment due to quality of lake frontage in Delta Bay. Griffin explained process for discounting lakeshore for quality and showed that Kuhlman’s property had already received adjustments for lakeshore quality. No Board action taken.
Uhrich presented information on 3 additional requests to be considered.
1. McMonigal property on Ossiwinamakee Lake was recently purchased for less than the property EMV. Purchase price was $225k; EMV was at $278k, adjusted to $244k. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to adjust property value to $232k. Carried unanimous.
2. Schmidt common owner group property value on two parcels. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to reduce value of parcel A from $17,900 to $15,100 and parcel B from $12,600 to $9,000. Carried unanimous.
3. Recommendation by the assessors that the Clark property be given a reduction due to structural damage. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to accept the reduction as recommended from $1,383,200 down to $1,263,400. Carried unanimous.
4. Recommendation to adjust a parcel for Roland Mienke due to topographic issue. Motion by Peterson, second by Bilek to accept the reduction as recommended from $24,000 down to $13,500. Carried unanimous.
As there was no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 12:35 pm.
John Plein
Ideal Township Clerk
May 5th, 2016