07-05-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—July 5, 2023 5740 average of 10 years. He said all 2023 value information is available on the County's website and sales are available. He said he will provide the comparable sales and data to Ms. Nelson. Mr. Fracassi said he reviewed the property and others in Harmony Township and believes the assessed value is fair and equitable. MOTION, passed Mr. Grindberg moved and Mr. Kapitan seconded to approve Mr. Fracassi's recommendations for all appeals presented today. All appeal information from the appellant, local jurisdiction, and the County Tax Equalization Office were provided to the Board prior to the meeting. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Peterson closed the Board of Tax Equalization meeting for 2023 at 4:48 PM. 9. ROAD, Purchase of right of way from Metro Flood Diversion Authority approved County Engineer, Jason Benson was present and said Cass County has identified several locations along Cass County highways where the Metro Flood Diversion Authority (MFDA) and Cass County Joint Water Resource District (CCJWRD) own additional property adjacent to the Metro Flood Diversion Project. He said the additional property is not needed for the Diversion Project and since the property is adjacent to County Highways, it may be appropriate to take advantage of the available land to allow the County excess right of way for future projects. Mr. Benson said the County has a Memorandum of Understanding with the MFDA and CCJWRD that would allow the County to purchase the right of way at the purchase price that the CCJWRD paid. He said acquiring the right of way now will save on future costs needed to negotiate with a future landowner. The proposed purchase is for right of way on Cass Highway 14, 20, 22, and 32 for a total cost of 139,441. MOTION, passed Mr. Grindberg moved and Mr. Breitling seconded to authorize the Cass County Highway Department to acquire right of way from the Cass County Joint Water Resource District and the Metro Flood Diversion Authority for a total of 139,441. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10. ROAD, Budget adjustment for right of way approved Mr. Benson said the Highway Department budgeted $450,000 in 2022 and $200,000 in 2023 for right of way acquisition. He said due to the timing of right of way acquisition in 2022, only $371,531 was expended, resulting in the need for 2022 right of way acquisition to be finished in 2023. He said the current 2023 expenditure for right of way is $256,337. Mr. Benson said the Highway Department is requesting a budget adjustment increasing the right of way budget from $200,000 to 450,000 for 2023. He said this adjustment will cover the right of way purchase from the FMDA and purchase of other right of way parcels in 2023 needed for 2024 projects. MOTION, passed Mr. Kapitan moved and Mr. Grindberg seconded to authorize a budget adjustment raising the right of way budget 211-4001-431-7303 from $200,000 to 450,000 for 2023. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 11. ROAD, Budget adjustment and contract with Northern Improvement approved Mr. Benson said the Highway Department budgeted $350,000 in 2023 for routine repairs/maintenance. He said this winter the Highway Department had to contract for snow maintenance/dozing required above budgeted funds. He said the account for maintenance is currently $315,000. Mr. Benson said the Highway Department is requesting a budget adjustment increasing the repairs/maintenance budget from $350,000 to $450,000. He said the request today is also to approve a contract with Northern Improvement Company for bituminous patching on various county roads in the amount of $84,841.40. He said the requested budget adjustment will cover the patching contract and other repairs and maintenance needed throughout the rest of the year.