10-05-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--October 5, 1998 1878 17. ABATEMENT, Hearing on application submitted by Orville Iwen Abatement #411 0 was submitted by Orville Iwen for property located in Amenia Township and Wiser Township. Frank Klein, Director of Equalization, inspected the property and said he cannot recommend a reduction in valuation since it is his opinion the situation is more of a water management issue than a land productivity or valuation issue. He has discussed the situation with Mr. Iwen. Further, he recommends that Mr. Iwen work with the water resource board and the county engineer in developing a plan to control water from backing onto his farmland. Mr. Iwen was present and addressed the board at this time. He explained documents attached to his abatement application, and said he has contacted the State highway department and water resource board about drainage improvements. He said he has lost some crops and thought this tax abatement would give him the resources to do some of the things he is supposed to do in order to improve drainage. He has also been in contact with Keith Berndt, County Engineer. Mr. Wieland has been contacted by Mr. Iwen concerning this matter. The abatement application was denied by the Amenia and Wiser Township Boards. Mr. Iwen said the township boards are concerned about setting a precedent. Mr. Wieland suggested that Mr. Iwen meet with the water resource board, the county engineer, Jeff Volk from Moore Engineering, and Mr. Klein to follow up on some previous recommendations for improving drainage on Mr. Iwen's land. Mr. Meyer, who holds the water board portfolio, said he will arrange the meeting with the parties mentioned above and a report will be made to the full commission. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Quick seconded that abatement #4110, submitted by Orville Iwen, be tabled until such time that a meeting is held with Mr. Iwen, Mr. Klein, Mr. Meyer, Keith Berndt, Jeff Volk and the water resource board with a recommendation back to the commission. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 18. ABATEMENT, Hearing on applications submitted by Clayton Brennan Abatement #4079 and #4080 were submitted by Clayton and Gloria Brennan. Mr. Klein, as well as the Reed Township Board of Supervisors, recommend denying the abatements. The applicants, who were not present today, told Mr. Klein that their property lost value due to the 1997 spring flooding. However, Mr. Klein said the residence did not receive any damage from the flood, and sales in the area do not indicate the property is excessively assessed. MOTION, passed moved and seconded that abatement #4079 for Clayton & Gloria Brennan be denied as the building assessment has already been removed and that abatement #4080 for Clayton & Gloria Brennan also be denied. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 19. JAIL PLANNING COMMITTEE, ADDoint members Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, provided some background on members suggested for the various jail planning committees. Sheriff Don Rudnick was also present.