12-10-2007 CC MIN - JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes December 10, 2007 Page 5 Mayor Klinzing indicated that she has been asked by citizens that are trying to sell their . properties why the assessed values on their property increases and the sale price of their home does not. She stated that she explains to them that the assessors do not deal with short term reductions in the market and questioned if that is a correct statement. Mr. Kritzeck stated that is accurate. He explained that the assessed values are based on 12 month sales which run from October 1 through September 30. He noted that the recommendation is that foreclosures axe not counted in the figures unless they total more than one-third of the sales. He further explained that when citizens contact his office concerned about difference in the value of their home versus their neighbors, his office does research and usually there are significant differences in the size, style, etc. of the home which accounts for the value difference. Councilmember Motin indicated that he has a difficult time believing that foreclosures do not account for more of the sales in Elk River. Mr. Kritzeck discussed the Limited Market Value and the fact that it is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2008. He noted that last time the Limited Market Value was extended by the legislature last time it was scheduled to end. Mayor Klinzing requested that the County Assessor's office provide the city with information on attendance, issues discussed, etc. on the Board of Equalization meetings. 6.5. Landfill Update Ms. Johnson presented the staff report. She stated that the City has not received an application for expansion but City and County staff agree that if an application is received, the City will proceed with its approvals first because the City must act on a comprehensive plan change before the County can accept a license application. 6.6. RRT Negotiations Mr. Bensen indicated that the County has an agreement with RRT that expires in 2009. Mr. Bensen updated the Council on the County's negotiations with RRT and of the negotiations between RRT and GRE. Mr. Bensen noted that Elk River is the largest entity that contracts with the County for these services and that the City may be asked to extend this contract is an agreement cannot be reached. 6.7. Fairground Relocation Mr. Bensen stated that the County Board has established a planning group that will work on establishing the fair program in Becker in 2010. He stated that the idea is for the fairgrounds to be used for various events throughout the year. He noted the long history the fair has in Elk River but that he believes this is an excellent opportunity for the County. Mayor Klinzing indicated that she would like to see the fair stay at its current location. She noted that she has never been interested in seeing the fair relocated. Councilmember Farber explained that what concerns him about the move is that the County Board at no time during previous joint meetings with the City Council discussed the plans to relocate the fair. He also expressed concerns that the City was not notified or asked fox . input. He indicated that the facility in Becker will be nice but that Elk River is where the population base is and that is what draws people to the fair.