I V o E T m u e l QUAL GIS: A Tool for Assessors … eyes...2 Equal Eyes | Winter 2011WINTER 2011...

Winter 2011 | Equal Eyes 1

Offi cial Publication of the Minnesota Association of Assessing Offi cerswww.mnmaao.org

EQUALEYES

Volume

33

Number

123

WINTER

2011

In this Issue:

Meeting Revenue’s New RepsPAGE 12

GIS: A Tool for AssessorsPAGE 14

PACE and PVC Course ReviewsPAGE 18

Spotlight on Region 9 CountiesPAGE 23

2010 Flash FloodingPAGE 36

Refl ections of a (Former) Board of Assessors MemberPAGE 40

Meet the New MAAORegion DirectorsPAGE 46

2 Equal Eyes | Winter 2011

WINTER 2011 EQUAL EYESVolume 33 Number 123

The statements made or opinions expressed by authors in Equal Eyes do not necessarily represent a policy position of

the Minnesota Association of Assessing Offi cers.

Visit the MAAO website at:www.mnmaao.org

Features

Departments

23 Spotlight on MAAO Region 9 Counties

34 Region 9 Featured Properties: Flint Hills Resources, The State Capitol, and Carver County Courthouse Lake

36 2010 Flash Flooding: Wanted - Used Ark ASAP - Any Condition!

39 The Editorial Committee’s Newest Member

3 In the Know

4 Boards, Directors, Chairs, and Representatives

6 President’s Connection

8 Commissioner’s Comments

9 MAAP Update

10 Let’s Get Acquainted

11 Out of the Past

16 Meet Minnesota’s New SAMA & AMA Designees

18 Course Reviews

40

20 State Board of Assessors Meeting Minutes

42 International Items

43 Equal Eyes Classif-Eyeds

44 Revisiting the Retirees

Article to suggest, letter to the editor, or any other correspondence for EQUAL EYES?

Send to:Equal EyesManaging EditorPO Box 41576Plymouth, MN 55441

[email protected]

38

10

45

Cover PhotosFlint Hills Resources Pine Bend Refi nery, Dakota CountyHennepin County Government Center, Hennepin CountyMedtronic Campus, Anoka County

Transitions

12 Revenue’s New Reps

14 GIS: A Tool for Assessors

38 Wadena 2010: The Disaster Reassessment

40 Refl ections of a (former) Board of Assessors Member

46 Meet the New MAAO Region Directors

48 Property Tax Working Group Update

49 As I See It


Equal Eyes Spring 2011

Issue Deadline:March 15, 2011

IN THE KNOW

2011 Conference CalendarMay 25-26, 2011 MAAO Summer Seminars St. Cloud, MN

September 18-22, 2011 IAAO Annual Conference Phoenix, AZ

October 9-13, 2011 MAAO Annual Conference Grand Rapids, MN

Go to www.mnmaao.org for all your membership needs!

Interested in receiving updatesregarding the MN Property Tax Working Group?

Go to: htt p://taxes.state.mn.us/property/Pages/workgroup.aspx

to sign up for the mailing list.

The Region 9 cities are the next to be in the Spotlight!

All profi les, photos, and articles can be sent to

[email protected]

2011 MAAO Weeklong Course Schedule Course Date Location Assessment Laws and Procedures July 11-14 St. Cloud, Holiday Inn Appraisal Principles July 18-21 St. Cloud, Holiday Inn Appraisal Procedures August 1-5 St. Cloud, Best Western Kelly Inn Mass Appraisal Basics August 22-26 St. Cloud, Best Western Kelly Inn IAAO 102 September 26-30 Plymouth, Kelly Inn MN Assessment Administration October 3-6 Plymouth, Kelly Inn


Finance Offi cerBill Peterson, SAMA, CAEDakota County Assessor

1590 Hwy 55, County Admin CenterHastings, MN 55033

651.438.4208 Fax [email protected]

EQUAL EYESMichael Stalberger, SAMA

Minnesota Department of RevenueAssociate Editor

Nancy Wojcik, SAMACity of Brooklyn Center

Rebecca Malmquist, SAMA, CAECity of Minnetonka

Managing Editor, Chair

Executive Board

Past PresidentWilliam Effertz, SAMA

Hennepin County Assistant AssessorA-2103 Government Center

Minneapolis, MN 55487612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751

[email protected]

PresidentCheryl Wall, SAMA

Wilkin County AssessorPO Box 167

Breckenridge, MN 56520218.643.7162 Fax 218.643.7169

[email protected]

First Vice PresidentStephen Baker, SAMA, CAERamsey County Assessor

90 West Plato Blvd, Suite 400St. Paul, MN 55117


Second Vice PresidentJohn Keefe, SAMA

Chisago County Assessor313 N Main St

Center City, MN 55012651.213.8555 Fax 651.213.8551

[email protected]

Region 1Ryan Rasmusson, SAMA

Freeborn County Assessor507.377.5176

[email protected]

Region 3Greg Kramber, SAMA

Wright County Assessor763.682.7365

[email protected]

Region 2Dave Armstrong, SAMA

Le Sueur County Assessor507.357.8215

[email protected]

Region 4Kyle Holmes, SAMA

Carlton County Deputy Assessor218.384.9148

[email protected]

Region 7Lee Brekke, SAMA

Wadena County Assessor218.631.7781

[email protected]

Region 9Angie Johnson, SAMA

Carver County Assessor952.361.1961

[email protected]

Region 8Joseph Skerik, AMA

Beltrami Chief Deputy County Assessor218.333.4146

[email protected]

Region 6Judy Thorstad, SAMA

Stevens County Assessor320.208.6550

[email protected]

Region 5Gale Bondhus, SAMA

Cottonwood County Assessor507.831.2458

[email protected]

Editorial Board

James Haley, CMAPolk County

Tina Diedrich Von Eschen, SAMAStearns County

Connie Erickson, SAMAYellow Medicine County

Jake Pidde, CMACity of Plymouth

Region Directors

Nancy Gunderson, SAMACity of Moorhead


Sherri Kitchenmaster651.230.8387

Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin,Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Watonwan, Yellow Medicnine

Department of Revenue Property Tax Compliance Offi cersand the Areas They Represent

Gary Amundson218.575.3183

Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti,

Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright

Tom Nash507.359.7022

Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower,

Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Winona

Larry Austin651.556.6098

Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca,

Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Pine, St. Louis

Brad Averbeck218.439.3673

Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall,

Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Todd, Wadena

Tom Reineke651.230.5819

Dakota, Goodhue, Olmsted, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Washington

(and complex properties)

Committee Chairs/Coordinators/Secretary/TreasurerAgricultural ChairJeanne Henderson, CMAS13880 Business Center DrElk River, MN 55330763.241.2876 Fax 507.241.7195

Education ChairBob Wilson, SAMA, CAE, ASA4801 W 50th StEdina, MN 55424952.826.0426 Fax 952.826.0389

Tax Court & Valuations ChairJim Atchison, SAMAA-2103 Government CenterMinneapolis, MN 55487612.348.4567 Fax 612.348.8751

Information Systems ChairTeresa Mitchell, SAMA, CAE1590 Hwy 55, County Admin CenterHastings, MN 55033651.438.4216 Fax 651.438.4469

Legislative ChairWilliam Effertz, SAMAA-2103 Government CenterMinneapolis, MN 55487 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751

Long Range Planning ChairWilliam Effertz, SAMAA-2103 Government CenterMinneapolis, MN 55487 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751

Membership CoordinatorJan Olsson, SAMA, RES3400 Plymouth BlvdPlymouth, MN 55447763.509.5355 Fax 763.509.5060

Nominating ChairMichelle Moen, SAMA555 18th Ave SWCambridge, MN 55008763.689.2752 Fax 763.689.8226

Research and Planning ChairMichelle Moen, SAMA555 18th Ave SWCambridge, MN 55008763.689.2752 Fax 763.689.8226

Rules and Resolutions ChairMarvin Anderson, SAMA5200 85th Ave NBrooklyn Park, MN 55443763.493.8173 Fax 763.493.8391

Sales Ratio ChairJohn Keefe, SAMA313 N Main StCenter City, MN 55012 651.213.8555 Fax 651.213.8551

Scholarship ChairWilliam Effertz, SAMAA-2103 Government CenterMinneapolis, MN 55487 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751

Online AdministratorLori Schwendemann, SAMA600 6th StreetMadison, MN 56256320.598. 3187 Fax 507.304.4075

Conference CoordinatorPaul Knutson, SAMA, RES320 NW 3rd St, Ste 4Faribault, MN 55021-6100507.332.6102 Fax 507.332.5999

Silent Auction Jane Grossinger, SAMA33872 MN HWY 15Kimball, MN 55353320.398.6705

Scholarship CoordinatorTina Diedrich-Von Eschen, SAMA705 Courthouse Square Room 37St. Cloud, MN 56303320.656.3690 Fax 320.656.3977

Site Selection ChairKim Jensen, SAMA, CAEA-2103 Government CenterMinneapolis, MN 55487612.348.6106 Fax 612.348.8751

Weeklong Course ChairDavid Armstrong, SAMA88 South Park AvenueLe Center, MN 56057507.357.8215 Fax 507.357.6375

Lloyd McCormick612.791.4957

Appraisal Supervisor

Weeklong Course CoordinatorsRobert Wilson, SAMA, CAE, ASA4801 W 50th StreetEdina, MN 55424952.826.0426 Fax 952.826.0389

Tina Diedrich-VonEschen, SAMA705 Courthouse Sq Room 37St. Cloud, MN 56303320.656.3690 Fax 320.656.3997

Assistant Conference CoordinatorTami Paulson, CMA151 4th Street SERochester, MN 55904507.328.7668 Fax 507.328.7964

Summer Seminar CoordinatorKim Jensen, SAMA, CAEA-2103 Government CenterMinneapolis, MN 55487612.348.6106 Fax 612.348.8751

PVC CoordinatorDan Whitman, SAMASecurity Bldg 201 Lake Ave #326Fairmont, MN 56031507.238.3210 Fax 507.238.4601

Secretary/TreasurerNancy Wojcik, SAMA6301 Shingle Creek ParkwayBrooklyn Center, MN 55430763.569.3357 Fax 763.569.3494

Steve Hurni320.632.3949

Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker,

Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin

(and compliance investigations)

Michael Stalberger651.556.6071

Blue Earth, Faribault, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley


President’s Connection

Written by Cheryl Wall, SAMAWilkin County Assessor

MAAO President 2010-2011

Assessing is a Team Sport

Tis the season for bitter cold Minnesota temps, holiday gatherings, and hopefully a few well-deserved vacation days! Everyone got their white Christmas this year and the abundant snowfalls just continue through the season. We need to make the most of it and take in some of those fun Minnesota winter activities we long for! The beauty of the snow is hampered a bit, though, when it creates challenges for us such as getting home safely some days or even taking part in a MN Vikings game inside the Dome!

MAAO is faced with challenges every year, and it is the strength of our membership that continuously propels our organization through these challenges. It is a privilege to connect with all of you by way of our Equal Eyes magazine and provide a snapshot of our organization’s activities. This is a group that is made up of over 600 members, some who are involved in one or more of our committees or perhaps serve in another capacity as a teacher, region director, or officer. There are many reasons why I have wanted to serve as President of this organization, but I must say having a chance to learn what each committee is capable of and what it takes to help them achieve their goals is one of the most exciting. Regardless of the individual projects our team members work on, they all do so with MAAO’s mission in mind. It has been a joy to hear from some that want to become more involved; it takes the dedication of many to keep our wheels turning. Allowing newer members to offer up their ideas helps us grow stronger. During the fi rst few months of my term as President, there has been a great deal happening, and we are fortunate to have so many devoted members contributing time and talent to make it all happen!

The annual business meeting and Fall Conference in Mankato was a great event. It was clear that Past President Bill Effertz, the local host committee, event coordinators, and education planners put a great deal of work into creating a successful and memorable conference for all. This event marked the start of new terms for some on

the Executive Board. This year, we welcome Ryan Rasmussen as the newly-elected Region 1 Director, John Keefe as 2nd Vice President, Stephen Baker elected 1st Vice President, and Bill Peterson elected Finance Offi cer. Congratulations to all and thanks for your support and commitment!

The Executive Board met November 4 & 5 in St Cloud for the annual organizational meeting. This year, I offered a “connection session” for the board members. We met for two hours prior to the start of the regular meeting to introduce new committee project goals for the year and to discuss how the teams will be working together to fulfi ll those goals. Rob Vanasek, our legislative liaison, was able to join us and provide the group with an update on the Governor’s election as well as projected seats to be fi lled for committee chair positions in the House and Senate. It was beneficial to have this time with Rob prior to the start of the legislative session. For those new to a director’s position or a committee chair position this year, this connection session was especially important. I must admit, it was a wonderful opportunity for me as well!

Here is a snapshot of what is happening with some of our teams:Nancy Wojcik, our Secretary/Treasurer, has put a great deal of time and effort into converting our organization’s bookkeeping software from Quicken to QuickBooks over the last year and has done an amazing job.

Our Research and Planning Committee, chaired by Michelle Moen, will team up with Nancy Wojcik to create a Business Calendar of Events. This will certainly assist in keeping our teams organized from one year to the next. They will also be working with Nancy on creating a recommended record retention policy for the organization’s business materials. Finally, they will collect data from our members throughout the state to build the Resource Section of the MAAO website. There are many materials (sales verifi cation sheets, inspection checklists, etc.) created by our talented members, and

the website is the tool that will allow those materials to be shared. Michelle notifi ed the organization of this project mid-December; please contribute if you have something that would benefi t others.

The Education Committee is a very busy team, striving to offer great education fi tting the criteria set forth by the State Board of Assessors and by our organization. This group maintains an excellent working relationship with the State Board as well as the Department of Revenue to achieve their goals. Although they have a representative from each of the regions throughout the state, ideas for seminars, presentations and courses are welcomed from any and all. This team works along side of our Weeklong Course Committee, Site Coordinators, and PVC Coordinator in reviewing the educational needs of our membership.

Bob Wilson and Tina Diedrich-Von Eschen serve as our Weeklong Course Coordinators this year. Bob will serve as the contact for the courses being held in Plymouth and Tina primarily for the St Cloud courses. The details regarding all courses offered this year are available via our website and registration is open! Registering early for the courses you may be interested in is benefi cial to the coordinators and instructors with their planning preparations. If you have questions and you would prefer direct communication, please contact Bob or Tina.

Paul Knutson, Kim Jensen, and Tami Paulson come together to make a dynamic team that has the job of organizing our events. When you take in our summer seminars or fall conferences, know that this team is working hard to see that the fi nancial goals of our organization and the needs of our membership are taken into consideration. They work hand-in-hand with the education committee to provide direction in regards to all educational events. The Legislative Committee is chaired by Bill Effertz, MAAO Past President. Tom Dybing is serving as vice-chair. The


committee members in this group, along with Rob Vanasek, make for a strong team. Each year, the legislature brings challenges our way, but it is reassuring knowing we are represented by some of the best and that the lines of communication remain strong between MAAO and the Department of Revenue. I would like to remind our membership to contact Bill or Tom if there are any legislative concerns. The current MAAO Legislative Position Statement is available from our website.

Stephen Behrenbrinker is MAAO’s representative for the Property Tax Working Group. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in this group, which will review the current property tax system and study ways to simplify and improve it. Stephen surveyed the membership for a priority list of items to bring to this group for discussions. He maintains a strong voice for assessors and provides our organization with updates following their meetings.

Our Sales Ratio Committee has worked diligently for quite some time on researching a market conditions adjustment methodology for sales ratio studies in Minnesota. Members of the Department of Revnue (DOR) Property Tax Division attended the August Executive Board meeting, and after much discussion and input from the board, MAAO stated their support in working with the DOR to move forward with it. The committee has done a great job explaining the concept to members and will continue to assist as we transition in the future. This committee will be posting additional information to our website soon, which will give a more detailed methodology explanation.

The Editorial Committee will be producing four electronic issues of Equal Eyes this year. They have a great team and recently added some members to gain ideas and assistance from additional areas in the state. I attended this committee’s meeting on December 20 in Minnetonka. This group is in the process of using some new options with sharing data between committee members and producing the magazine. It is always interesting to hear what is happening in our regions throughout the state, so please consider sharing something unique to your area by writing an article!

Most of you are familiar with the Tax Court and Valuations Committee. They are a busy group that continues to participate in our educational events by presenting seminars

on topics such as commercial/industrial property and tax court. Jim Atchison presented a tax court module in the recent PACE course. They are just a phone call away when you have questions regarding the steps involved in your tax court petitions.

The Finance Committee, under the direction of our Finance Offi cer Bill Peterson, will be reviewing the funding for our Dan Franklin Scholarship program. The membership has provided input on a regional level regarding this subject. This group will also research and create an inventory and equipment replacement plan for our organization.

The Scholarship Committee is chaired by Tina Diedrich-Von Eschen. Tina has worked with Teresa Mitchell, the IS Coordinator, to make the scholarship applications available from our website. This will simplify the process for applicants and allow for better tracking in our system.

Teresa Mitchell continues to work with her IS team in assisting members of our organization and the MAAO committees with their website needs. We will be utilizing their talents this year in building the Resource Section of the website. She works closely with Jan Olsson, Membership Services Coordinator and Lori Schwendemann, On-Line Administrator. Jan and Lori continue to focus on registrations for education and events as well as tracking our membership.

Michelle Moen, serving as chair for the Nominating Committee, will be looking for candidates to serve as Region Directors from regions 5, 6, 7 & 8 at Fall Conference 2011. This team will also be seeking candidates for 2nd Vice President from the metro counties. I encourage those of you thinking about becoming more involved in the organization to consider one of these positions. It is a time commitment, but is also very rewarding.

The Agricultural Committee, chaired by Jeanne Henderson, has several new members. Jeanne was able to take some time with her committee members, learning more about their strengths. A sub-committee has been created to update the Grain Elevator Manual and to add data specifi cally for sugar beet and ethanol facilities. In early December, I announced that MAAO had made a connection with the Department of Revenue’s Sales Ratio Department. We are now offering a link from the member’s only area of our website to the apartment and

commercial/industrial sales data compiled by Leonard Peterson and his team. The complete 2009 study for these property types is available now and we will continue to work with the department on a timeline for offering the current year’s data. The primary purpose of this connection is to offer our members quick access to sales data when they need it. Again, I would like to thank the Department for their willingness to share the public sales data by way of this connection.

I invite you to review the MAAO Education and Events Section of our website and you will find links to future conferences as well as educational offerings. Mark your offi ce calendar for Summer Seminars to be held May 25 and 26, 2011. Once again, there will be valuable education covering a wide variety of topics which will assist you in your work environment at this event. Membership renewal is available via our website also. The benefi ts of membership with MAAO continue to grow each year, including: reduced rates for educational opportunities and conference registrations, Equal Eyes publications, Resource Toolkits to benefi t new assessors and new licensees, access to the exempt valuation and grain elevator manuals, and most recently the added benefi t of access to DOR sales data. In addition to these, I believe networking with others is an educational benefi t in itself. I attended the joint meeting between Regions 3 and 9 held in December and very much enjoyed their hospitality. It is good to make contact with each of the regions to discuss issues of importance in their areas, and I am anxious to travel to other meetings at some point this year. I look forward to working with everyone and I thank you for your commitment and efforts in making our organization the best it can be. Please contact me or a member of the Executive Board if you have ideas or suggestions for the organization; we appreciate hearing from you. MAAO is special, there is no doubt. Being involved in it is rewarding in so many ways, it is no wonder we have members that have been a part of it for many, many years.

I wish you all a wonderful spring and good luck with your assessment!

Best Regards, Cheryl Wall, SAMAMAAO [email protected]


Commissioner’s Comments

Written by Dan SalomoneActing Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue

At the Capitol,Property Tax Issues Loom Large (again)

Minnesota has entered the latest round of its divided government experiment, as DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and the GOP-led House and Senate settle into their new roles. But one thing hasn’t changed: Property tax issues once again appear to be on the front burner at the Capitol.

Early bill introductions include proposals to abolish levy limits, cut local government aids, freeze the state levy for business and seasonal recreational property, and repeal the 2008-09 changes to the Green Acres program. That last item is certain to see signifi cant legislative debate.

I am pleased to note that MAAO agrees with the department’s position that simply repealing those changes is not the answer. Implementing the legislative changes to Green Acres has been diffi cult for Revenue staff, assessors and agricultural property owners.

I don’t want to minimize the latter. However, the fact remains that your review of enrolled lands and class 2a/2b separation revealed a large number of enrolled properties that simply didn’t meet the requirements to be in Green Acres – under past or current law.

Repealing those changes and returning to prior law will not resolve eligibility issues for those properties. Some have blamed the law changes for the removal of these properties from Green Acres, but in reality these properties were removed because they didn’t qualify for the program, and in many cases never qualifi ed.

Some have blamed the Green Acres changes for tax increases on all agricultural land (enrolled or not) in the last two years, but we know they are separate issues. In large part, these tax increases are due to sharply increasing property values for ag land and the phase-out in 2009 of Limited Market Value (which has also affected residential and recreational properties). In some cases,

taxes went up when the previous assessment and classifi cation errors were corrected.

There are also those who believe that assessors have been tweaking property classifi cations due to changes in the Green Acres law. We don’t believe that is true, and have consistently advised you to classify properties based on use before considering Green Acres eligibility. Program changes did not cause land to be reclassifi ed unless an assessor wrongly tweaked classifi cation of a property to affect eligibility – something we are watching for with increased audit and compliance and will act upon when found.

Property classifi cation and assessment need to be uniform across the state. Inconsistent or unequal treatment makes the system less fair for the taxpayers we serve. It also complicates life for all of us who administer the property tax and undermines public trust in the system.

Our work is diffi cult enough when things work as intended, since Minnesota’s property tax is among the most complicated in the nation. Last year, lawmakers created a Property Tax Working Group to explore how we can simplify and improve our system. The group began meeting last fall, and its fi nal report is due February 1, 2012.

The department is providing a range of support to this effort – from administrative help, to research and presentations on the state of our property tax. The working group meets once a month, and sessions are open to the public. I encourage you to attend a meeting if you’re in town.

You can also follow the group’s work online and subscribe to email updates. We are posting meeting notices, agendas, presentations and other materials on the Revenue website. Just go to our homepage www.taxes.state.mn.us and click on Property Tax Working Group under our Featured Links.

As you know, the department will soon welcome a new commissioner. Myron Frans has been a tax attorney for 27 years. He is expected to start full-time in April, after wrapping up his responsibilities as president of a local optics manufacturer and distributor. I am pleased that the governor followed a longstanding tradition in Minnesota of naming policy-driven revenue commissioners.

As of mid-January, we also have our legislative team in place. Revenue’s new assistant commissioner of tax policy, Matt Massman, served six years as lead fi scal analyst for the Minnesota Senate and previously served as Revenue’s state and local tax policy director. Our legislative liaison, Paul Cumings, served four years as a legislative assistant and researcher in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Given the projected budget defi cit of $6.2 billion for 2012-13, this year’s legislative session won’t be easy. As lawmakers debate issues that affect everyone with a role in the property tax system, and the public we serve, I am sure the partnership between the department and counties will continue to work well for all of us.


MAAP Update

Written by Melissa JanzenMAAP Vice President 2010-2011

Assessing AssistantWright County

Winter Business Meeting

On December 3, 2010, MAAP held its annual Winter Business Meeting at the Stearns County History Museum in St. Cloud, MN. Thanks to Stearns County and the City of St. Cloud for co-hosting this wonderful event. Steve Penick from the Stearns County History Museum gave us a brief overview of the facility and the exhibits, which we later had an opportunity to tour.

Among the items on the business meeting agenda were the secretary/treasurer’s reports, an update from the education committee chair regarding next summer’s workshop in Duluth, as well as potential changes to the Care Connection program. Betty Lidholm of Baxter, MN and Sue Torison of the City of Willmar were also recognized for their 25 years of service and support in the MAAP organization. This is their fi nal year as active members. We would like to thank them for their efforts in

MAAP OFFICERS

Jason Vaith, PresidentStearns [email protected]

Melissa Janzen, Vice PresidentWright [email protected]

Barb Wendt, Secretary/TreasurerCity of St. [email protected]

Shayla Strack, Past PresidentMorrison [email protected]

Christie Fox, Executive BoardBlue Earth [email protected]

the organization and wish them well as they move forward in their retirement.

MAAP will be assisting the Department of Revenue by hosting the Offi ce Administration Support/Assessment Personnel Workshop at the Carver County administration building in Chaska, MN. The workshop will be held February 3 and 4, 2011. This course has received positive feedback from previous attendees. Anyone interested in this educational opportunity is encouraged to attend. MAAP membership is not required. Look for registration information on the Education page at mn.maao.org.

The MAAP Summer Workshop will be held August 18 and 19, 2011

at the Holiday Inn in Duluth, MN

Earn 10 CEH’s by attending!

Interested in Joining MAAP? Annual membership is only $10!Contact a MAAP Offi cer for details.

Recently MAAO has provided a link on its website where MAAP’s offi cial publication, “The Communicator” can be viewed. We would like to thank MAAO for its continued support of the MAAP organization.


Let’s Get Acquainted

Researched and Written by James Haley, CMAPolk County

Editorial Committee Member

Jack Renick

For any nature enthusiast, there is probably not a better work environment than pristine Lake County, Minnesota. It offers world class fi shing, hiking, camping, and winter recreational activities - perfect for an avid outdoorsman such as Jack Renick. Two years ago, Jack was given the opportunity to be the County Assessor of this majestic jurisdiction. According to him, he has enjoyed every second of it.

Jack began his career as a carpenter. For twenty plus years, he toiled in a rewarding, yet back-straining, profession. Eventually, he came to a point where “his forty-seven year old body did not want to be a fi fty year old carpenter.” Thus, he began the process of a career shift. As with most of us, Jack got into the assessment profession by chance. He saw a classifi ed ad for a real estate appraiser in the St. Louis County Assessor’s Offi ce and never looked back.

That was 1997, and Jack has since served in three different assessment roles. First, he was a residential appraiser in aforementioned St. Louis County. Ten years later, he moved on to the City of Duluth as a commercial appraiser. Jack stayed in that role for only a couple of years until the County Assessor’s job in Lake County opened.

As an MAAO member for thirteen years, Jack has stayed involved both locally and at the statewide level. He has been a member of the Tax Court and Valuation Committee and is the Chairman of the Minnesota Counties Information Systems (MCIS) assessor’s user group. Like other County Assessors, Jack holds a SAMA licensure.

The Lake County Assessor’s office is responsible for over 60,000 parcels. The county is unique in that the vast majority of parcels (eighty-three percent) are tax exempt. This is due to the vast amount of state park and national forest land in the

jurisdiction. The 17,000 taxable parcels are divided amongst three cities, fi ve townships, and two unorganized territories. Aside from tax exempt parcels, the remainder are mostly classified as rural vacant land, seasonal recreational, and residential. Jack’s offi ce has a staff of six including him. There is a Chief Deputy, two Deputy Assessors, a Homestead and Sales Technician, and an Offi ce Assistant.

Lake County is a vast and largely rural

one, with the majority of its population spread amongst the extreme southern areas. Founded originally in 1855 as Superior County, the territory changed its name to St. Louis County two weeks later. The jurisdiction finally settled on Lake County one year later when most recognize the offi cial beginning of its history. The county’s 2,132 square miles make it the fourth largest in Minnesota. There are 841 named lakes and 418 named streams. Today, there are 11,160 residents who live in Lake County.

With such a large playground to call home, it’s no wonder Jack says that he enjoys life “one day at a time.” He and his wife, Loretta, have been married for thirty-two years now and have two children: Sarah (25) and Justin (21). He remains committed to serving his church and enjoys bible studies there. He spends most of his free time fi shing, hunting,

downhill skiing, reading, and watching movies. And of course, his carpenter days still call him with home improvements and wood working projects. Recently, Jack took a mission trip to the Kenai River area in South Central Alaska. He also hopes to go skiing in Utah this winter.

On the professional side, Jack simply wants to continue to advance in his craft. His primary goal is to serve the taxpayers of Lake County to the best of his abilities.

When asked about his biggest challenge, Jack said “defending values in a slow or stalled real estate market.” He explained that “often taxpayers cannot grasp paying taxes on values resulting from a good market when they are viewing the present market as bad.” I think we can all empathize with him on that one! Jack also said that if given the chance, he would “revamp” the property classifi cation system to a simpler model. He feels that the class system has become too specialized and that too many classes exist.

J ack t ru ly va lues t eamwork and companionship with his colleagues. His calm and positive outlook on life has helped him both in the offi ce and in the fi eld. In fact, there was one day when Jack arrived to a fi eld review at which there was a particularly angry taxpayer. The owner was threatening and screaming about taxes, but after a half hour of calm discussion and honest answers from Jack, the angry owner ended up thanking him for doing his job. Now that is excellent bedside manner!

If kind people and beautiful scenery are what you want in a vacation, be sure to visit Lake County on the Minnesota arrowhead. When you are there, make sure to take some time to get to know Jack Renick and his staff. From the sounds of it, you will come away feeling welcomed and a bit more relaxed than when you arrived!


Out of the Past

Written by Connie Erickson, SAMAYellow Medicine County Assessor


5 Years Ago – 2005• Commissioner of Revenue Dan

Salomone expected that information regarding T & T levies would kick off a political debate about property taxes

• MAAP celebrates its 30th year. Chester Johnson, former Kandiyohi County Assessor, was credited for being the founding father of the organization

• The Information Systems Committee of MAAO rolled out a new version of the organization’s web site.

• John Hagen, Property Tax Information and Education Section of the DOR, met with the State Board of Assessors to answer questions and provide information on the proposed Ethics Course.

• The MAAO President was Dave Armstrong, Le Sueur County Assessor.

10 Years Ago – 2000• Anoka County Assessor Ed Thurston

retired. After more than 25 years of service to Anoka County, Ed decided to hang up his tape measure and clipboard.

• MAAO President Robert Hanscom encouraged anyone to work towards a higher level of state licensure.

• After battling numerous health conditions for many years, Mike Wandmacher, Director of Property Tax, passed away at the age of 51.

• MAAO awarded its fourth Dan

Franklin Scholarship to Mary Anderson. While Mary was new to the assessing fi eld; she worked for the City of Minnetonka as a Permit Technician.

• Minnesota ranked in the top 10 for business expansion. Minnesota moved up nationally from 10th place to 8th in the ranking reported. This ranking reinforced what Minnesota was doing at the state and local levels to work with businesses to encourage new growth and expansion.

• Lac Qui Parle County, located in western Minnesota, had the biggest population loss within a 10-year period. Lac Qui Parle had 8,924 residents and dropped to 7,813 – a 12.4 percent decrease.

15 Years Ago – 1995• Robert Holzheimer, Lac Qui Parle

County Assessor, retired.• Sue Pechacek, City of Willmar,

passed away. • Dean Champine, Lyon County,

received his Senior Accreditation.• When the Commissioner of Revenue,

Morrie Anderson, moved on to become the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Matt Smith became the new Commissioner and was a familiar face

• The sales ratio study was under review. The Department of Revenue contracted with a fi rm from Chicago, Almy, Gloudemans, and Jacobs, to conduct a review of the Sales Ratio Study.

20 Years Ago – 1990• Dorothy McClung was appointed

Commissioner of Revenue. McClung was one of the state’s top fi nancial advisors. McClung was not a stranger to the profession as she worked within the Department of Revenue for 16 years.

• The MAAO Executive Board appointed a special fundraising committee to assist in raising funds to purchase Desktop Publishing for use in the publication of Equal Eyes.

• Louise Leoni and former St Louis County Deputy Assessor Ronald Thureen were married.

• The Stearns County Assessor’s offi ce moved into the new Administration Center. The building was the largest complex in St Cloud.

30 Years Ago – 1980• Jim Tersteeg, Renville County

Assessor, was the MAAO President.• Earth sheltered homes were becoming

as popular as they were in the 1800’s. The cost of building an all-weather wooden earth sheltered home – complete turn-key – ranged from $40 to $50 per square foot, depending on quality.

• Region VI formed an Assessors’ Clerks Organization.

REMINDER - Request For Web Resources:The Research and Planning Committee sent out a note to all members requesting resources to share on the MAAO website.

There are helpful tools that many offi ces use that could assist other assessors. The Executive Board thought that it would great to have a location to share these tools/data with each other. The type of information we are looking includes: applications, survey forms, spreadsheets/guides used in calculations, form letters, and any policy/offi ce procedures.

Please send all documents to one of the following members:[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]


Meet Sherri Kitchenmaster and Tom Reineke

Written by Michael Stalberger, SAMAMinnesota Department of Revenue

Equal Eyes Associate Editor

Revenue’s New Reps

You may have noticed some changes to the Regional Representatives group at the Property Tax Division, especially the new name of Property Tax Compliance Offi cer (PTCO). That change was part of a review of the work done by all of the Reps and how that fi ts in within the division and the department. It resulted in some changes to duties for some of the Reps.

A much more noticeable change, however, is the growing ranks of Reps. The division has been able to add two new Reps. After years of reductions in the number of Reps, the division is pleased to introduce MAAO to Sherri Kitchenmaster and Tom Reineke.

Sherri KitchenmasterSherri Kitchenmaster joined the Department of Revenue October 13. Prior to her

Rep position, she was the Assistant County Assessor in Rock County for approximately ten years. In that role, she was involved in various assessment activities and also contracted to do

some local assessing work in Nobles County. Apparently she has had some memorable experiences along they way. Details can be spared, but let’s just say that some taxpayers have decided that a hot tub is more enjoyable with beer (but no bathing suits) and they don’t seem to care that an assessor is trying to do her job of reviewing the house. In true Sherri form, she handled the embarrassing situation professionally.

Sherri applied for the PTCO position because she was ready for a new challenge in the world of assessing and has always thought the Reps’ jobs were interesting. She has been assigned the Southwestern part of the state. Sherri is comfortable with this part of the state as she’s called it home for quite some time. She also fi nds the amount of work with (and all the possible variations on) Special Ag Homesteads fascinating. She

will defi nitely have her work cut out for her in implementing these laws, as well as all the other agricultural and rural land related provisions and explaining the intricacies to assessors and taxpayers alike.

There are many parts of the Rep job that Sherri is looking forward to. After getting comfortable with the day-to-day business of the job, she hopes to be able to adequately convey new law changes and the policies and recommendations of the department to county assessors and staff. She knows this skill will come with experience. Sherri is looking forward to her fi rst full year from the department perspective rather than the county perspective, as she feels it will be enlightening. Sherri also fi nds the travel and visiting with the assessor offi ces a rewarding part of her new position. In the future, she hopes to become more involved with the educational offerings the division provides.

Though being a rep can be quite time-consuming, Sherri is balancing this with her life outside of work. She has been married for over 12 years (husband: Paul) and has one son (Chandler, 19) and one step-son (Devon, 20). There are no pets running around the Kitchenmaster home, but there are plenty of scrapbooking projects and books – scrapbooking and reading are two of Sherri’s hobbies. She also would like to become a more serious photographer as she likes to take pictures but hasn’t had a lot of spare time recently.

For the assessors who have met Sherri already, one of the first things you will probably notice about her is her red hair. She is the only one of seven kids in her family, and additionally neither her parents nor grandparents are red heads. Sherri has some extended relatives with red hair, though. She used this information to counter her siblings’ assertions that she was adopted when she was younger!

Sherri is very personable and always willing to chat and learn from new people. Take some time to visit with her at the next

conference or seminar. She’s also not afraid to embarrass herself – so to that end – and to help you with some future conversation starters, Sherri played along with some word association games. If she had to describe herself as a piece of fruit (and when don’t you have to do this?), she would say “strawberry” because it is red like her and goes well with champagne. Sherri said the household object she would compare herself to is a DVR because she can take in a lot of information but eventually needs to dump some things to make room for more. Finally, she tries to emulate Amelia Earhart because she was a go-getter and didn’t let anything hold her back.

Welcome, Sherri, to the PTCO team at the Property Tax Division! The division and assessors in your territory, as well as throughout the state, look forward to your go-getter attitude and how that will help the assessment profession.

Sherri can be reached via email at [email protected] or via phone at 651-230-8287.

Tom ReinekeTom Reineke started with Revenue on November 10. He has been assigned counties

i n S o u t h e a s t M i n n e s o t a a s well as part of the metro area. Tom is formally a Property Tax C o m p l i a n c e Offi cer (PTCO 2) due to his added responsibility as

the Complex Property Appraiser. Having an expert available to guide and assist assessors statewide with the assessment of the most complex properties will go a long way to improving uniformity of these types of properties. This position has been a long time in the coming and that was partially due to fi nding the right person to take on those challenges. In Tom, the division is sure it has found just the right Rep.


Tom has years of related work experience. In fact, his joining the division marks his return to MAAO and assessing property. His assessment-related work experience includes appraising residential, agricultural, seasonal rec, and exempt properties with Rice County between 1994 and 1998. In 1998, he was hired by the City of Bloomington Assessor’s Offi ce as a residential appraiser, and worked in this capacity until 2002 when he was promoted to Commercial Property Appraiser by the city. In that role, Tom classifi ed and valued industrial and apartment properties. He also assisted with tax court petitions.

During his time working with the City of Bloomington, Tom continued his assessment education and received the CAE designation in October 2000. He just recently received mention in the IAAO publication “Fair and Equitable” for attaining his ten year anniversary with the association.

Tom has extensive appraisal and real estate experiences as well. He started in the real estate profession back in 1984 after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. His family has a long history of working in real estate brokerage in Faribault. Tom started selling real estate on a part time basis, eventually working up to full time in 1992, after receiving his broker license. Tom also has fee appraisal experience and has been employed by Hoysler Associates, an established agricultural appraisal fi rm in Faribault and LMH Appraisal, Inc. in Faribault, where Tom worked as a contract appraiser, appraising a variety of commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties in southern Minnesota.

The next step for Tom and his appraisal experience took him to Arizona. A job opportunity for his wife provided for a move to Casa Grand, midway between Phoenix and Tucson. This is where Tom began work as a residential appraiser, doing mainly residential appraisals for area lenders for acquisition purposes. Next, he applied for a job ad for an Appraiser at the Arizona State Land Department in Phoenix and he was hired as an “Appraiser IV” during 2006 and 2007, a time of tremendous growth throughout much of the state. Tom’s responsibilities included ROW appraisal work for 69Kv power lines, underground gas lines that traversed the state, new interchanges along major interstates, and residential subdivisions, as well as reviewing mineral and grazing leases. One of his more challenging appraisal assignments included the appraisal of submerged sovereign land

at the bottom of the Colorado River on the border between Arizona and California for commercial lease application.

In April 2008, Tom received his ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser) designation, Real Property/Ad Valorem, from the American Society of Appraisers.

Tom is currently married, and he and his wife reside on a hobby farm north of Faribault. They have three grown children and fi ve grandchildren. The family enjoys horseback camping during the spring/summer/fall season and most recently returned from a week stay in Custer State Park.

With all this appraisal experience and the camping trips, there has to be some interesting (or embarrassing) stories, but

he’s being tight lipped. You’ll just have to ask him for some details in person when you see him at a conference or he’s in your area assisting assessors with a unique valuation project.

The division knows – and assessors statewide can attest – to the fact that there are some very complex properties out there waiting for some expert advice in terms of their valuation. Tom Reineke, with his experience and education, sure seems to fi t the bill. So, welcome Tom – assessors in your territory, as well as throughout the state, look forward to working with you.

Tom can be reached via emai l a t [email protected] or via phone at 651-230-5819.

Big Stone

ChippewaLac qui Parle

Chisago

Benton

Sherburne

Traverse

Kanabec

Wilkin

Polk

Washington

Cook

Scott

Hennepin

Winona

Le SueurNicollet

Waseca

Aitkin

Anoka

Becker

Beltrami

Blue Earth

Brown

Carlton

Carver

CassClay

Clearwater

Cottonwood

Crow Wing

Dakota

Dodge

Douglas

Faribault FillmoreFreeborn

Goodhue

Grant

Houston

Hubbard

Isanti

Itasca

Jackson

Kandiyohi

Kittson

Koochiching

Lake

Lake of the Woods

Lincoln Lyon

Mahnomen

Marshall

Martin

McLeod

Meeker

Mille Lacs

Morrison

Mower

Murray

Nobles

Norman

Olmsted

Otter Tail

Pennington

Pine

Pipestone

Pope

Ramsey

Red Lake

Redwood

Renville

Rice

Rock

Roseau

Sibley

St. Louis

Stearns

Steele

Stevens

Swift

Todd

Wabasha

Wadena

Watonwan

Wright

Yellow Medicine

Regional RepTom Reineke (7)Tom Nash (9)Steve Hurni (13)Sherri Kitchenmaster (14)Mike Stalberger (5)Larry Austin (13)Gary Amundson (11)Brad Averbeck (15)

Property Tax Compliance Officers(Regional Rep)

Assigned Counties

As of February 2011

Region 4

Region 3

Region 9

Region 1Region 2Region 5

Region 6

Region 7

Region 8

The Property Tax Compliance Offi cer Group (PTCOs) has seen some changes due to the addition of new staff and the reassignment of others. The following is the current territory assignment map. Look for more information on the PTCOs (and other Property Tax Division Staff) in a future edition of Equal Eyes.


GIS:A Tool for Assessors

Written by Randy Lahr, SAMAStearns County

One of the things we commonly use in our offi ce is a map to tell us if we are equalized with our base front foot price on our lakes. Since parcels around a lake can be in multiple plats, it is much easier to look for equalization by using an overlay on a map. Below is an example of what this looks like with one of our Stearns County lakes. You can see the base price is consistently at $1,150/front foot.

Some of the overlays our offi ce has created in our parcel analyzing program are:

● 2b parcels – this allows us to indentify on a map the parcels that have 2b acres on them

● Traffic counts – gives latest t r a f f i c c o u n t s d o n e o n C o u n t y a n d S t a t e r o a d s

● Total land value – nice for plats to see how the lot values c o m p a r e t h r o u g h o u t p l a t

● Visitation – shows on a map when the appraiser last viewed the parcel

Our program also has the more common overlays including aerial imagery, soils type, CRP land, additions, lots and government lots, sections, parcels, roads, municipality, FEMA floodway, lakes, streams, wetlands, feedlots, restrictions on development and subdivision, restrictions on wetlands, and zoning districts.

Soil GradingOur county is in the process of converting how we grade our tillable soils and going from a CER to CPI rating system. Our parcel analyzing system will be an integral part of this transition.

The University of Minnesota already has the CPI soil rating system on their website. However, our program does more. It allows us to not only overlay the rating on the parcels but to delineate it to just the area of either the parcel or to a user-specifi ed polygon. To the upper right (on the next page) is an example of the program breaking down the CPI of a specifi ed tilled fi eld (highlighted in blue) in our county.

Searching CapabilitiesAs mentioned, this program allows us to analyze - in multiple facets - just about

If you’re like most assessors, you’ve been hearing a lot about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and what it can do for the assessing profession. It has gained the attention of MAAO President Cheryl Wall in the possibility of creating a GIS committee. It has also resulted in education for assessors nationwide with IAAO offering numerous GIS courses.

With today’s complex property tax programs, assessors are reaching for technology that can make implementing these programs easier – GIS may just be this technology.

General SummaryRecently our offi ce helped create a GIS program that integrates our CAMA (valuation program) data with our GIS program. The benefi t of this integration is the possibility to overlay valuation data on a map to see the data in a spatial format. This way, it is easier to see inconsistencies in the data.

Creating this program required an analysis not only of what our current needs are, but also what they might be in the coming years. The process started with a conversation with our GIS department about what we would want from their department to improve our assessment quality. We jotted down all the things we would want, including things we already had with our current GIS program.

Based on those items, a vendor had to be selected that could support those needs. Our offi ce chose to go with Pro-West & Associates, Inc. as our vendor. They had done some work in this area before, and their product seemed easy to use.

One thing we required of this program was to be able to run reports on anything in our CAMA program. This program allows us to search for specifi c parcel information as well as selecting a query to fi nd multiple parcel information.


any data we maintain in our offi ce. For example, the screenprint below shows a query we did to fi nd all those parcels that have sold since January 1, 2009 that have greater than fi ve acres of waste.

As you can see, this program can be very useful. The program also allows the user to export the data to Microsoft Excel to have the data displayed in a spreadsheet format for further manipulation. In Excel, it can then be sorted out by the user to eliminate fields of data that won’t be needed.

As you can see in the example below, our sketches are also tied to the data so we can pull up the sketch of the house to attach to a report.

In summary, our office is still in the process of exploring the many possibilities of this program, but as you can see, we’ve already been using some very useful tools. This will only improve the quality of our assessment.

MAAO GIS CommiteeAs noted in this article, MAAO is exploring the creation of a GIS Committee.

If you have any interest in - or ideas or comment for - this committee,contact your Region Director or any member of the Executive Board.


Meet Minnesota’s New

SAMA & AMA DesigneesWritten by Jake Pidde, CMA

City of PlymouthEditorial Committee Member

Charles ArbuckleCharles Arbuckle, Carver County, was awarded the SAMA designation on September 14, 2010. His coursework includes Asses smen t Law and Procedures, Mass Appraisal Basics , Basic Income Approach, IAAO 102, and Assessment Administration, in addition to a number of seminars. Mr. Arbuckle’s Form Report passed the grading committee in December 2008, he passed the Residential Case Study Exam in March 2009, and he had a successful interview with the Board in December 2009. Mr. Arbuckle has fi ve years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Charles!

To recognize the accomplishments

of new AMA and SAMA desginees, we are spotlighting them

as they are awarded by the State Board of Assessors.

Are you a new designee?

Get your photo ready!

NEW SAMA DESIGNEESMike Sheplee

Mike Sheplee, Martin County, was awarded the SAMA designation on September 14, 2010. His coursework includes courses A, ProSource 101-104; Courses H, J, K; and IAAO 151 and 102. Mr. Sheplee’s Form Report passed the grading committee in June 2008, and he passed the Residential Case Study

Exam the same month. He had a successful oral interview in September 2008 and passed the Income Case Study Exam in November 2008. Mr. Sheplee has fi ve years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Mike!

Allan LaBineAllan LaBine, Washington County, was awarded the S A M A d e s i g n a t i o n a t the Board meeting held November 16 & 17, 2010. His education includes: Courses A, B, H, J, IAAO 102, 400, ProSource 151, PACE, and many seminars. Mr. LaBine’s Form Report passed the grading committee in July 2006, and he passed the Residential Case Study Examination in September 2006. Mr. LaBine had a successful Oral Interview with the Board in January 2007, and he passed the Income Case Study Examination in July 2010. He has 27 years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Allan!


Jim BorettJim Borett, Wright County, was awarded the AMA designation on September 14, 2010. His education includes courses A, B, H, J, and K; two ProSource Income courses (alternate to week long course); and IAAO 151. His Form Report passed the grading committee in April 2010, and he passed the Residential Case Study Exam in August 2010. Mr. Borrett has sixteen years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Jim!

NEW AMA DESIGNEESBrenda Chmielewski

B r e n d a C h m i e l e w s k i , M c L e o d C o u n t y, w a s a w a r d e d t h e A M A designation on September 14, 2010. Her education includes ALP, Residential Appraisal Principles and Practices, Mass Appraisal Basics, Income Approach to Valuation, Assessment Administration, and IAAO

102. Ms. Chmielweski’s Form Report passed the grading committee in June 2010, and she passed the Residential Case Study Exam in the same month. She has fi ve years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Brenda!

Keith TriplettKeith Triplett, Wright County, was awarded the AMA designation at the Board meeting held November 16 & 17, 2010. His education includes ALP, Appraiser License Series 100 – 106, IAAO 102, Basic Income Approach to Value, successful challenge to Assessment Administration, and Mass Appraisal Basics. His Form Report passed the grading committee in October, 2010, and he passed the Residential Case Study Exam the same month. He has seven years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Keith!

Chase PhilippiChase Phil ippi , Wright County, was awarded the AMA designation at the Board meeting held November 16 & 17, 2010. His education includes Assessment Laws and Procedures, IAAO 102, successful challenges to Mass Appraisal Basics and MAAO Management and Supervision, and a Bachelor’s

Degree in Real Estate from St. Cloud State University. Mr. Philippi has four years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Chase!

Jennifer BeckerJennifer Becker, McLeod County, was awarded the AMA designation at the Board meeting held November 16 & 17, 2010. Her education includes ALP, Residential Appraisal Principles and Procedures, Mass Appraisal B a s i c s , B a s i c I n c o m e Approach , Asses smen t Administration, IAAO 151, Management and Supervision, and IAAO 102. Ms. Becker’s Form Report passed in September 2010, and she passed the Residential Case Study Exam in October 2010. Ms. Becker has fi ve years of Assessment Experience. Congratulations to you, Jennifer!

Dianne ReinartDianne Reinart, Traverse County, was awarded the AMA designation at the B o a r d m e e t i n g h e l d November 16 & 17, 2010. Her education includes ALP, Residential Appraisal Principles and Procedures, Mass Appraisal Basics, Basic Income Approach, Minnesota Assessment Administration,

IAAO 151, Management and Supervision, and IAAO 102. Ms. Reinart’s Form Report passed, and she passed the Residential Case Study Exam in June 2010. She has four years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Dianne!

New AMA Designees continued on next page...


Course ReviewsProfessional Assessment Certifi cation and Education (PACE)The inaugural offering of the Professional Assessment Certification and Education Course (PACE) for this education cycle was held December 6 – 10, 2010, at the Clarion St. Paul Hotel in South St. Paul. Thirty-six adventurous assessors attended not knowing what to expect, other than rumors they had heard regarding the fi nal examination.

This offering of PACE was a total re-write of the last cycle’s version, and each participant received a comprehensive manual of course materials as their guide through the week. Any initial run of a newly-developed course is nerve-wracking for the attendees and the instructor alike. There were some timing issues that will be resolved by adjusting the schedule, but overall the class was well received. All feedback and comments will be incorporated in future offerings, but the course will not change substantially because of the positive reviews.

The course includes 30 hours of education (including the Ethics course to meet that licensing requirement) over four days. On Friday morning, a comprehensive examination is administered. This examination needs to be successfully completed, but participants are prepared for it throughout the week through group discussions and activities as well as through the use of daily quizzes.

Written by Michael Stalberger, SAMAMinnesota Department of Revenue

Equal Eyes Associate Editor

Content for the course includes: classifi cation, rural lands and special programs, valuation, exemptions, and homestead. One entire day is reserved to special topics with instruction provided by department staff specializing in those areas. These topics include: state assessed property, media relations, sales ratio time adjustments, and data reporting. There is another section on Tax Court. During the week, “hot topic” subjects are investigated, including: airplane hangars, eCRV, disaster relief, personal property exemptions, and legislative updates.

Remember, only AMAs and SAMAs who have been licensed at that level since July 1, 2008, are required by state law to attend and successfully complete the PACE course. The requirement must be met by July 1, 2012.

The department plans on offering at least fi ve more PACE courses over the next 18

Solomon AkankiSolomon Akanki, Scott County, was awarded the AMA designation at the Board meeting held November 16 & 17, 2010. His education includes Assessment Laws and Procedures, MAAO Assessment Administration, Mass Appraisal Basics, and a Masters Degree in Real Estate from St. Thomas University. Mr. Akanki has 1.5 years of assessment experience and will be awarded the AMA upon completion of the assessment experience requirement. Congratulations to you, Solomon!

Bruce NielsenBruce Nielsen, Lincoln County, was awarded the AMA designation at the B o a r d m e e t i n g h e l d November 16 & 17, 2010. His education includes Courses A, B, H, J, K; IAAO 102; and ProSource 105. Mr. Nielsen’s Residential Demonstration Narrative passed the grading committee

in September 2010, and he has 22 years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Bruce!

NEW AMA DESIGNEES, cont.

months. They will be fi nalized and registration will be opened in early 2011. Watch for an announcement in 2011 so you can register. MAAO has very graciously assisted in the registration process, allowing the department to coordination through the MemberClicks process. This was very effi cient and simple for both the department and the registrants. Thanks to MAAO for this collaboration!

Dates and locations for future classes are as follows:July 25-29, 2011 -- MarshallAugust 15-19, 2011 -- OwatonnaSeptember 12-16, 2011 -- Fergus FallsOctober 17-21, 2011 -- Grand RapidsNov 28-Dec 2, 2011 -- Inver Grove Heights March 2012 – Metro (details TBD)

Any questions or concerns regarding PACE can be directed to Michael Stalberger via email: [email protected]


Property Valuation Course (PVC)The 2010 Property Valuation Courses were completed the 1st week of November and once again they proved to be very successful. Attendance was up slightly from last year but still lags behind normal.

Once again, weather posed a challenge this year. Last year many of the local assessors were behind schedule and had problems getting to the course because it was so nice out they needed to be in the fi eld. This year was the opposite, and the weather did not cooperate. Winter storm warnings with rain, wind, and snow caused us to make quick plans on what to do “way up north” in case the blizzard hit. In Thief River Falls, the weathermturned out to be quite pleasant. H o w e v e r , i n Fergus Fal ls , t h e r e w a s signifi cant wind and snow. This m a d e t r a v e l diffi cult at best.

In the end I believe everyone got to their class and had a very good session.

We had two new instructors this year: Reed Heidelberger and Steve Skoog. Both guys did a great job and they are ready to go again next year (I think). We also had several people sit in this year as they are considering taking over an instructor position in coming years. PVC is a great way to get your feet wet in instructing so anyone who is interested in doing some teaching in the future please contact me.

Written by Dan Whitman, SAMAMartin County Assessor

PVC Coordinator

Some of the items discussed at this years courses were; depreciation, legislation changes, assessor’s best practices, market value trends, ag values, ag buildings, green acres, ag preserve, rural vacant land,

tax calculat ion, u n i q u e a n d interesting houses, new construction, valuing and grading h o m e s , l e g a l descriptions, field cards, and assessor problems.

As always there was much interaction and discussion at all

of the courses. The networking and hearing how others deal with the same sorts of issues each day are very helpful in getting our work done effi ciently and consistently.

Once again the reviews for all our classes were very good and attendees seemed to very much enjoy all the PVC instructors and the guest speakers. The most often mentioned course favorite was the special guests who bring a wide variety of information,

experience and knowledge to our various classes.

Some of the other most enjoyed items this year were; the interaction, best practices, tables and schedules, humor, discussion about ag/rural land classes, green acres discussion, residential valuation discussion, law changes updates, classifi cation, machine/pole sheds discussion, discussion on “what’s a cabin”.

With our 2010 success, look out 2011 – we can hardly wait.


State Board of Assessors Meeting MinutesProvided by Pam LundgrenMinnesota Department of Revenue

September 14, 2010Lake George Municipal Complex, St. CloudChairperson Keith Albertsen convened the meeting at 9:30.

Steve Hurni and Gregg Larson were unable to attend.

Minutes of the July 13, 2010 meeting were read and discussed. Dave Marhula made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Jan Jackson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:On April 1, a total of 911 re-licensure application forms for Fiscal Year 2011 were sent out to the assessors in the database. To date, 909 applications have been returned and processed: 44 applications are for Record Retention and 909 are renewals. These numbers include the new licenses that will be issued after the meeting.

Update on e-licensing. Effective January 1, 2011, the e-licensing fee will no longer be collected. New forms and applications will refl ect the change.

Feedback on the new format of the Jurisdiction License Level list.

Update on Rule Change status.

Lincoln County update. We need some expectations to be established for Acting Assessors (also to not allow assessments to be done by an assessor with minimal experience).

Education Committee Report:BOA member for Education Committee & Weeklong Course Committee (created in 2002).

For 2011, there will be new graders that need to be approved for case study exams & form reports.

As the result of continuing education changes, what will make a course meet the requirement that it is “specifi c to the assessment fi eld”. Requirements must be targeted toward appraisers and assessors (so discussions will be assessment-related). Case studies examples, etc. are assessment related; instructional workshops need to be effectively tailored toward the appraisal/assessment audience.

Application for Provisional Status:Steven Horsman, Hennepin County Resident. His education includes Assessment Law and Procedures and Appraiser License Number: 40169448. Mr. Horsman has one year of appraisal experience and he will apply for his CMA in July of 2011 when he has met the additional year of experience requirement.Lisa Mott, Southwest Appraisal. Former Assessor

returning to the profession. Education includes Assessment Law and Procedures, Assessment Law, History and Procedures, Residential Appraisal, Assessment Administration, and Mass Appraisal. Ms. Mott was a licensed assessor from 1994 to 1999. She has current experience from March 2010 and will apply for her CMA in March 2011.

Application for Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor:Steve Sinell made a motion to award the Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor License to the following individuals:Eric Bjorklund, Real Estate Appraiser. Richard Bryan, Ramsey County. William Burrows, Hennepin County. Bryan Gust, Right of Way Agent, City of Bloomington.Michael K Harvey III, St. Louis County. Gregory Kordosky, Clay County. Brock Leagjeld, ACE Realty & Appraisal. Krista Manuelson, City of Minneapolis. Esther Nelson, Department of Revenue.Denise Ostlund, City of Minnetonka. Kevin Pietila, Local Assessor, Becker County. Tony Pint, Scott County. Kelly Whitted, Itasca County. Markus Yager, Local Government Assessing Services.

Deb Volkert seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Application for Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor Specialist:Lisa Lindeman, Carver County. Her education includes Courses A, B, H, J, IAAO 102, Ethics for MN Assessors, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State University in Health Science. Ms. Lindeman’s Form Report passed grading committee in July 2010, and she has assessment experience since 2005. Doreen Pehrson made a motion to award the Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor Specialist License to Lisa Lindeman. Dave Marhula seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Discussion Items:● License Levels by District● Upgraded software● Prohibition against county assessors assessing

local districts within their county - does this also include acting county assessors? Deb will check with Harriet Sims from Appeals and Legal Services for more information on this.

Appointments With the Board: Jim Borett, Wright County, met with the Board for his Accreditation Oral Interview. His education

includes courses A, B, H, J, two ProSource Income courses (alternate to week long course), K, and IAAO 151. His Form Report passed the grading committee in April 2010, and he passed the Residential Case Study Exam in August 2010. Mr. Borrett has sixteen years of assessment experience, and he applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Deb Volkert made a motion to award the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License to Jim Borett. Jan Jackson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Brenda Chmielweski, McLeod County, met with the Board for her Accreditation Oral Interview. Her education includes Assessment Law and Procedures, Residential Appraisal Principles, Residential Appraisal Practices, Mass Appraisal Basics, Income Approach to Valuation, Assessment Administration, and IAAO 102. Ms. Chmielweski’s Form Report passed the grading committee in June 2010, and she passed the Residential Case Study Exam in the same month. Ms. Chmielweski has fi ve years of assessment experience and she applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Steve Sinell made a motion to award the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License to Brenda Chmielewski. Jan Jackson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Applications for Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor:Charles Arbuckle, Carver County. His coursework includes Assessment Law and Procedures, Appraiser License Number: 2052846, Mass Appraisal Basics, Basic Income Approach, IAAO 102, and Assessment Administration, in addition to a number of seminars. Mr. Arbuckle’s Form Report passed the grading committee in December 2008, he passed the Residential Case Study Exam in March 2009, and he had a successful interview with the Board in December 2009. Mr. Arbuckle passed the Income Case Study Examination in March 2010. He has fi ve years of assessment experience, and he applied for the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Dave Marhula made a motion to award Charles Arbuckle the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessors License to Charles Arbuckle. Jan Jackson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Mike Sheplee, Martin County. His coursework includes courses A, ProSource 101-104, H, J, K, IAAO 151, and 102. Mr. Sheplee’s Form Report passed the grading committee in June 2008, and he passed the Residential Case Study Exam the same month. He had a successful oral interview in September 2008 and passed the Income Case Study Exam in November 2008. Mr. Sheplee has fi ve years of assessment experience, and he applied


State Board of Assessors Meeting Minutes, cont.for the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Doreen Pehrson made a motion to award the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor License to Mike Sheplee. Dave Marhula seconded the motion. The motion carried.

There being no further business, the Chairperson set the date for the next meeting as Wednesday,

November 17, 2010 at the Lake George Municipal Center to convene at 9:30 AM. This meeting will recess and reconvene at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn at 2:00 PM with the MAAO Education Committee.

Dave Marhula made a motion to pay the expenses associated with the meeting. Steve Sinell seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Steve Sinell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Doreen Pherson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

November 16-17, 2010Lake George Municipal Complex, St. CloudChairperson Keith Albertsen convened the meeting at 9:30.

All members were in attendance.

Minutes of the September 14, 2010 meeting were read and discussed. Jan Jackson made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Dave Marhula seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Appointments with the Board:Keith Triplett, Wright County, met with the Board for his Accreditation Oral Interview. His education includes courses: Assessment Law and Procedures, Appraiser License Series 100 – 106, IAAO 102, Basic Income Approach to Value, successful challenge to Assessment Administration, and Mass Appraisal Basics. His Form Report passed the grading committee in October, 2010, and he passed the Residential Case Study Exam the same month. Mr. Triplett has seven years of assessment experience, and he applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Dave Marhula made a motion to award the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License to Keith Triplett. Deb Volkert seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Chase Philipi, Wright County, met with the Board for his Accreditation Oral Interview. His education includes courses: Assessment Law and Procedures, IAAO 102, successful challenges to Mass Appraisal Basics and MAAO Management and Supervision, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate from St. Cloud State University. Mr. Philipi has four years of assessment experience, and he applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Steve Hurni made a motion to award Chase Philipi the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Mike Amo seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Jennifer Becker, McLeod County, met the Board for her Accreditation Oral Interview. Her education includes courses: Assessment Law and Procedures, Residential Appraisal Principles, Residential Appraisal Procedures, Mass Appraisal Basics, Basic Income Approach to Value, Minnesota Assessment Administration, IAAO 151, Management and Supervision, and IAAO 102. Ms. Becker’s Form Report passed the grading committee in September 2010, and

she passed the Residential Case Study Exam in October 2010. Ms. Becker has fi ve years of Assessment Experience, and she applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Jan Jackson made a motion to award Jennifer Becker the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Steve Sinell seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Dianne Reinart, Traverse County, met with the Board for her Accreditation Oral Interview. Her education includes courses: Assessment Law and Procedures, Residential Appraisal Principles, Residential Appraisal Procedures, Mass Appraisal Basics, Basic Income Approach to Value, Minnesota Assessment Administration, IAAO 151, Management and Supervision, and IAAO 102. Ms. Reinart’s Form Report passed the grading committee in September 2009, and she passed the Residential Case Study Exam in June 2010. Ms. Reinart has four years of assessment experience, and she applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Steve Hurni made a motion to award Dianne Reinart the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Dave Marhula seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Solomon Akanki, Scott County, is meeting with the Board for his Accreditation Oral Interview. His education includes Assessment Law and Procedures, Appraiser License Number: 40038258, MAAO Assessment Administration, Mass Appraisal Basics, and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate from St. Thomas University. Mr. Akanki has 1.5 years of assessment experience, and he applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Steve Sinell made a motion to award Solomon Akanki the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License pending completion of the assessment experience requirement. Doreen Pehrson seconded the motion. The motion carried. A Master’s Degree and two years of experience qualify for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License.

Bruce Nielsen, Lincoln County, met with the Board for his Accreditation Oral Interview. His education includes Courses A, B, H, J, K, IAAO 102, and ProSource 105. Mr. Nielsen’s Residential Demonstration Narrative passed the grading committee in September 2010, and he has 22 years of assessment experience. Mr. Nielsen applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor

License. Dave Marhula made a motion to award the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License to Bruce Nielsen. Mike Amo seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Christy Miranda, Washington County, met with the Board for her Accreditation Oral Interview. Her education includes Assessment Law and Procedures, Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Degree from St. Cloud State University, Mass Appraisal Basics, MAAO Assessment Administration, ProSource 105, and IAAO 102. Ms. Miranda has four years of assessment experience and she applied for the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Steve Hurni made a motion to deny approval of the Accredited Minnesota Assessor License. Mike Amo seconded the motion. The motion was discussed and it failed. Deb Volkert made a motion to approve the request for Accreditation. Jan Jackson seconded the motion and it also failed. Further discussion resulted in a motion by Gregg Larson to deny the Accreditation and invite Ms. Miranda back for a second interview. Steve Sinell seconded the motion. The motion carried. Ms. Miranda will be invited to interview again at the January 2011 meeting.

Application for Provisional Status:Scott Whitman, Martin County Resident. Education includes Assessment Law and Procedures, Appraisal Principles, Appraisal Procedures, and Mass Appraisal Basics. When Mr. Whitman has a full year of assessment experience, he may apply for the Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor License.

Applications for Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor:Steve Hurni made a motion to award the Certifi ed Minnesota License to the following individuals:Carrie Borgheiinck, Dakota County Stacy Honkomp, Douglas CountyKristina Botzek, Sherburne County Rodney Knutson, Clearwater CountyJonathan Crowe, Olmsted County Naomi Miranowski, Wilkin CountyDebbie DeLange, Ramsey County Noah J. Mittlefehldt, St. Louis CountyAngela Gauert, Brown County Craig Swanson, Computer ProfessionalsAnna Tseng, Property Tax Division

Gregg Larson seconded the motion. The motion carried.


State Board of Assessors Meeting Minutes, cont.

Application for Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor Specialist:Doug Beise, Wright County. His education includes Course A, ProSource 100 – 105 (alternate to B and the elective), Mass Appraisal Basics, and Assessment Administration. His Form Report passed the grading committee in July 2010. Mr. Beise has six years of assessment experience, and he is applying for the Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor Specialist License. Steve Sinell made a motion to award the Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor Specialist License to Doug Beise. Mike Amo seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Applications for Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor:Allan LaBine, Washington County. His education includes: Courses A, B, H, J, IAAO 102, 400, and ProSource 151, PACE, and many seminars. His Form Report passed the grading committee in July 2006, and he passed the Residential Case Study Examination in September 2006. Mr. LaBine had a successful Oral Interview with the Board in January 2007, and he passed the Income Case Study Examination in July 2010. He has 27 years of assessment experience and is applying for the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor license. Dave Marhula made a motion to award the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor License to Allan LaBine. Jan Jackson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Request for Continuing Education Hours:Dan Weber, Kanabec County, is requesting CEH’s for a 24 hour course entitled, “The Basics of Human Resources” sponsored by Employers Association, Inc. The course focused on technical aspects as well as operational/administrative issues that HR managers deal with. Content included the following topics: Employment laws and regulations, Job Analysis, Staffi ng, Performance, Training/development, Unions, Health, safety and security, etc. Steve Hurni made a motion to approve this course for 24 CEH’s per Board Policy. Gregg Larson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Discussion Items:What are the options regarding testing out of PACE if the person takes the test and does not pass? Situation could be a currently licensed assessor that simply wants to test out and not take the class. Another situation could be someone that is not licensed for a period of a few years (maybe lived out of state) that overlaps the end of a 4-year cycle and then they want to get licensed again. Does it make a difference if the course is currently being

given or if it is from a previous 4-year cycle. The 30 days in rules addresses courses currently being given and that only indicates that the test must be given 30 days before or 30 days after the course is given. Additionally, the rules address board-sponsored courses. Is PACE board sponsored? DOR sponsored? If the course is not currently being given, does the 30 days make sense or could it be less? This could occur with a county assessor position or any other AMA or SAMA

Position/person. Discussion of this topic brought to light that PACE is a Department of Revenue Course, and it was approved by the Board of Assessors. Therefore, the re-tests should be done according to Revenue policy.

Letter received from Dave Armstrong, chairperson of the MAAO weeklong course committee. The committee is requesting that Teresa Mitchell and Kyle Holmes be approved by the Board as designated graders for the Residential Case Study Exam. Teresa and Kyle will be the Form Report Writing seminar instructors beginning in 2011, and they will be working with Steve Behrenbrinker during the fi rst two years of grading the RCSE. This item is tabled until the January 25, 2011 meeting.

E-mail from Keith Albertsen regarding the Rule Changes for education requirements:“I had a phone call from Steve Behrenbrinker this morning. He has been in contact with someone concerned that when the rules change becomes effective, there will not be enough courses offered to attain a SAMA.

As it is currently, an AMA requires 225 hours:ALP 30Principles 30Procedures 30Mass Appraisal 30Basic Income 30Administration 30IAAO 151 15an elective 30 (many use IAAO 102)Total 225

A SAMA requires 255 hours which is another week long course & must be an income course. Since most use IAAO 102 for the AMA elective, the question becomes “What do I take for the remaining elective course?” Were we going to allow folks to use untested courses for the elective?

Steve is pointing out that with the rule change not allowing seminars in lieu of a week long course,

there are not enough courses being offered. I thought when we were having the discussions about taking away the seminar option that there were enough courses available. Was it our intent for SAMA folks to have to get a week long (30 hour) course somewhere else?”

Discussion on this topic brought to light the fact that two Income Courses are required for the SAMA rather than an elective as required for the AMA. That is the main education requirement difference between the two license levels. In looking at the Approved Course Listing, there are more than enough weeklong courses available to provide an elective requirement to be met for the AMA license level. The choice of which approved course to attend is up to the individual assessor.

Julie Shelstad, on behalf of the MAAP, is requesting feedback from the Board on a potential speaker for the Summer Seminar in 2011 before hiring someone whose presentation would not earn CEH’s. They would like to hire Petra Marquart, a motivational speaker they hired in 2007 to address some new topics. The Board’s response to this request is that in order for CEH’s to be awarded to this seminar, Ms. Marquart needs to tailor her motivational topics to assessing or no CEH’s will be awarded for that portion of the seminars.

Steve Hurni presented his report on the revision of assessor licensing levels by jurisdiction. Due to time restrictions, the Board was unable to discuss this issue as hoped. This item will be on the agenda for the January 25, 2011 meeting.

There being no further business, Dave Marhula made a motion to pay the expenses associated with the meeting. Jan Jackson seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Doreen Pehrson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dave Marhula seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Chairperson Keith Albertsen has chosen not to renew his term on the Board of Assessors. Board members expressed their appreciation to Keith for his commitment and outstanding leadership during his four terms on the Board and especially his time as Chair. We will miss Keith’s wisdom, patience, and wonderful sense of humor greatly. We wish him success and happiness and hope to hear from him often. The new chairperson will be elected at the next meeting on January 25, 2011 at the Department of Revenue.

The new State Board of Assessors member representing County Assessors is Brian Koester, Benton County Assessor. Brian will be introduced in the next issue of Equal Eyes. Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment!

For the State Board of Assessors farewell from Keith Albertsen, see page 40.


Region 9 is made up of the seven metro counties and eleven metro cities plus the City of St. Cloud. We usually meet every month and rotate within our metro region following

an alphabetical order. Each jurisdiction will host approximately every other year. We will have a guest speaker or tour a unique property during our meetings. Our December meeting is a joint meeting with Region 3 in which we try to meet some place halfway between the metro and St. Cloud. Our July meeting is a joint meeting with Region 1, and we switch back and forth each year between our regions.

Our past activities have included a boat ride in Afton in October 2009 and a tour of Great River Energy, the fi rst Platinum LEED-certifi ed building within the State of Minnesota, in Maple Grove in November 2009. Our joint December meeting was at Duelm/Foley. January’s meeting was hosted by the City of Minneapolis with guest speaker Russ Nelson. The February 2010 meeting was hosted by the City of Plymouth with guest speaker Jeff Allen, Director of Research, Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. Former Mayor George Latimer was our guest in March at Ramsey County. In April, St. Louis Park was the host with guest speaker

Thomas Hamilton from the University of St. Thomas. Peter Coyle, President of Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, Ltd. and Michael Mergens, an Associate with Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, Ltd. discussed zoning challenges and tax court cases at the May meeting at Scott County.

Our joint meeting with Region 1 in July was held in Faribault with guest speaker Troy Zabinski. He spoke on current commercial and industrial market conditions. In August, we met at the Running Aces Harness Track in Anoka County with guest speaker Judge Perez. October’s meeting was hosted by the City of Bloomington with guest speaker Mark Kenney. Mr. Kenney gave an overview of the Eden Prairie Shopping Center tax court case. The November 2010 meeting was hosted by the City of Brooklyn Center with guest speaker Nancy Wojcik. Nancy spoke about the new age of electronic fi ling/scanning and record retention.

Promotions in Region 9 this past year included: Michael Thompson, Scott County Assessor; Matt Gersemehl, City of Bloomington Assessor; Rebecca Malmquist, City of Minnetonka Assessor; and Tim Mitchell, City of Maple Grove Assessor.

Our present offi cers include: Gloria Pinke, President; Marv Anderson, Vice President; and Don Lovstad, Recording Offi cer and Treasurer.

Spotlighton

MAAO REGION 9Region Profi le

Spotlight

Region 9 At-A-GlanceCounty County Seat County

PopulationSize

(Sq. Miles)Parcel Count

# Cities/ # Twps

Market Value (in Billions)

Anoka County Anoka 328,998* 446 133,172 20 / 1 $29.8

Carver County Chaska 92,107 376 39,621 11 / 10 $10.3

Dakota County Hastings 400,000 587 155,000 21 / 13 $38.3

Hennepin County Minneapolis 1,140,988 611 423,000 45 / 1 $131.2

Ramsey County St. Paul 511,000 170 162,000 18 / 1 $42.0

Scott County Shakopee 131,939 357 54,625 7 / 11 $14.1

Washington County Stillwater 231,958 423 105,000 27 / 6 $25.0

Editor’s Note:The Region 9 counties will be feartured this issue. The Spring 2011 issue of Equal Eyes will feature the Region’s “Big Cities” except St. Paul which is assessed by Ramsey County.

COUNTIES


Anoka County makes up the northern portion of the seven county metro area. It is bounded by Isanti County on the north, Chisago and Washington Counties on the east, Ramsey and Hennepin Counties on the south, and Hennepin and Sherburne Counties on the west. It lies on both sides of the Rum River, with the Mississippi River being the natural boundary on the southwestern edge, separating Anoka County from Hennepin County.

Once known as an agricultural area with an abundance of sod farms, Anoka County has become one of the fastest growing counties in the state. With the housing boom of the 1990’s and early 2000’s, much of the agricultural land has been developed. With that development, the county has grown from a population of 243,641 in 1990, to an estimated 328,998 in 2009 (U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimate).

Anoka County is the 4th most populous county in the state and is comprised of twenty cities and one township, with the county seat being the City of Anoka. The other municipalities that make up the county are the cities of Andover, Bethel, Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbia Heights, Columbus, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Fridley, Ham Lake, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Ramsey, Spring Lake Park, and St. Francis and Linwood Township. Coon Rapids is the most populated city with 62,349 residents according to the latest estimates of the U.S. Census Bureau, followed closely by Blaine with an estimated population of 56,332.

Three of the more notable properties within the county are the National Sports Center (NSC) and the TPC of the Twin Cities golf course, both in Blaine, and the Medtronic World Headquarters in Fridley.

The NSC is a 600 acre, multi-sport facility. The campus includes the Schwan’s Super Rink, an eight-sheet ice arena that is the world’s largest ice facility. This was the training facility for the 2010 U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. It also includes the National Youth Golf Center; an indoor sports hall with a turf fi eld; a 250 meter cycling velodrome; and a 150-bed residence hall. In addition to all of this, the NSC has an 8,500 seat soccer stadium along with 52 soccer fi elds. Since its opening in 1990, the NSC has welcomed

over 32 million visitors. It generates over $37 million annually from out-of-state visitors. The NSC offers tournaments year-round, with the largest being the Schwan’s USA Cup, which in 2010 drew more than 950 teams and 13,300 soccer players from 25 states and 16 countries.

The TPC of the Twin Cities golf course is Minnesota’s only private PGA tour club; and it is host each year to the 3M Championship Tournament. The course is a 7,164 yard, 18 hole, par 72 golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, in collaboration with Minnesota native Tom Lehman.

Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology that partners with medical professionals in 120 countries. The Medtronic World Headquarters is situated on 32 acres in the northwest quadrant of MN Highway 65 and US Highway 694 in the City of Fridley. The campus is a seven building, 500,000 square foot village-like campus comprised of high-tech labs, research and development facilities, corporate offi ces, and a training and education center. Additionally, it houses a cafeteria and an executive dining room, an employee store, an e-library, an auditorium, a fi tness center, a child care facility for 120 children, and a 1,100 vehicle parking structure. Each year, more than 5,000 physicians and scientists travel from all over the world to study Medtronic’s innovative therapies.

Region 9 CountiesAnoka County

Spot

light


Carver County

Spotlight

Carver County, Minnesota, is located just southwest of the "Twin Cities" of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is the least-populated of the seven metro counties, but is the state's fourth fastest growing county. The estimated 2009 population of 92,107 is expected to more than double by 2030. Carver is geographically one of the metro area's smallest counties, but it takes great pride in being an upscale community with beautiful natural surroundings. Our county offers the ideal combination of a picturesque setting and an attractive professional opportunity. Carver County is home to an array of recreational activities, including renowned golf courses, beautiful pristine lakes, park land, and miles of hiking and biking trails.

Carver County has been home to many different cultures throughout time. One of the best documented early native peoples is the Woodland Culture who lived in this region from 1200 B.C. until 1700 A.D. Their nomadic hunting and gathering patterns depended upon the seasons and resources of the land. More recently, the Dakota Indians used the area for hunting and temporary lodging. With the signing of the treaty of Traverse de Sioux, however, this area was opened for settlement by white pioneers. In March of 1855, Carver County was organized by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. The county was named in honor of the explorer Jonathan Carver. The original county seat in San Francisco Township was moved to Chaska in1856.

Much of the eastcentral part of Minnesota, including Carver County, was covered by the Big Woods; a dense forest of oak, elm, maple, and cottonwood trees. The density of the Big Woods made it diffi cult for early settlers to clear the land for farming.

Many of Carver County’s initial settlers were from eastern states, but by the 1860’s, most new settlers were immigrants from Germany or Sweden. The Germans founded towns like Hamburg, New Germany, and Cologne while the Swedes settled in East Union and Watertown. Most immigrants became farmers but some living in Chaska became laborers in the brick industry.

Located along the Minnesota River, Chaska had good deposits of clay for brick-making. The cream-colored brick became a favorite for building houses in Chaska and the surrounding rural area. The bricks were also used in the foundation of the Minnesota Capitol building when it was constructed 100 years ago. Slowly, the brickyards closed until the last one shut down in the 1950’s.

Farming was the chief occupation for Carver County residents for 100 years. While many grew crops, others were dairy farmers. Creameries were numerous and the county claimed for itself the title of "The Golden Buckle of the Dairy Belt." Bongards Creameries is still an important link to Carver’s dairy heritage.

Carver County’s most historically-important farmer was Wendelin Grimm, a German immigrant who settled in Chanhassen. Grimm planted alfalfa and gathered the seeds from the plants that survived the fi rst winter and re-planted every year until he had a full crop. His perseverance paid off when Grimm Alfalfa was recognized as the most winter-hardy strain available. In fact, it was used throughout North America between 1910 and 1940 and is one of Minnesota’s leading contributions to the history of agriculture.

Today, farming is no longer the predominant occupation in the county. Private non-farm employment is currently at

36,000 and many now commute to jobs in Minneapolis or its suburbs. Carver County has seen an explosion of residential development in C h a n h a s s e n ,

Chaska, Waconia, Carver, and Victoria with a countywide total of over 34,000 housing units.

The Assessing Department, which is located at the Chaska campus, handles the assessment for all 40,000 parcels in the county. The County Assessor, Angela Johnson, and Assistant Assessor Keith Kern supervise eight appraisers and two clerical staff.

While Carver County is preparing for forward momentum and explosive growth through 2030, it is steeped in a rich history which represents the culture, passion, and pride that has made this county what it is today.


Dakota County

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light

Dakota County was established in 1849 as one of the fi rst counties in the new Territory of Minnesota. The western boundary of the county was the Missouri River, which is now halfway across the Dakotas. The county is named for the people who inhabited it prior to European and American settlement, the Dakota. The eastern bands of Dakota had long-established villages at Black Dog (current-day Burnsville) and Kaposia (South St. Paul) in Dakota County.

Some of the earliest immigrants to Dakota County were French-Canadian fur traders who established trade relationships with the Dakota well before Minnesota Territory was established. Later, Eagan and Mendota were largely settled by French-Canadians. Migration to Dakota County continued with people who left the eastern United States, often called “Old Stock Americans,” in the early to mid-1850’s. In the latter part of the 19th century, immigrants came from Ireland, Germany, Norway, etc. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people began to come from eastern European nations including Poland, Romania, and Austria-Hungary (Croatia and Serbia) to work for the railroads or the packing houses in South St. Paul. The 20th century has seen immigration from Mexico, Laos, Somalia, and many other countries in addition to migration from larger metropolitan areas around the country.

Dakota County, once almost exclusively agricultural, has become increasingly suburban over the past 60 years as its population exploded. In 1950, 49,019 people called Dakota County home, 50 years later the population of the county was 355,904 and still growing. While population growth has occurred county-wide, much of the suburbanization has occurred in northern Dakota County, particularly in Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, Lakeville, and Burnsville. The net result is that Dakota County has lost a tremendous amount of agricultural land to residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and industrial parks. Dakota County's inhabitants increasingly work outside the county as opposed to earlier generations who earned their living from the land.

The earliest European settlement in Dakota County is Mendota, made possible by the establishment of Fort Snelling in 1819-1820. It is home to St. Peter's church, the oldest

continuously-operating stone church in the state of Minnesota, and the homes of Henry Hastings Sibley and Jean Baptiste Faribault, built in 1835 and 1839 respectively. The Mendota Bridge connects Mendota to Hennepin County and was the longest continuous concrete arch bridge in the world when it was completed in 1926.

The city of Hastings, established in the early 1850’s, was originally called Oliver's Grove, and then Olive Grove, for the band of soldiers who wintered at the site during the winter of 1819-1820 under Lieutenant Oliver. Hastings has many National Register sites including two districts. One site, which is not on the Register, is the Vermillion Falls just south of the

ConAgra Mill on Vermillion St. (Hwy. 61). The mill is the oldest continuously-operating fl our mill in the state of Minnesota and was established in 1853. The one-time County Courthouse on Vermillion Street was sold to the City of Hastings and was restored and reopened as Hastings City Hall in 1993. *

Dakota County has had excellent County Assessors over the years, from Grant Johnson to Tom Mallery to Bob Meiers, to Seymour Olson, to Marvin Pulju, to our current Assessor – Bill Peterson. (Not sure who was Assessor before Mr. Johnson!) Dakota has been a true county assessor system since 1970, so the assessment work for all of Dakota County is done out of the Hastings Offi ce. Like all counties, improved technology has allowed us to meet most of our goals and objectives. Budget constraints, especially in recent years, have required in-depth review of everything we do and several of

our processes have been made more effi cient.

Dakota County Fast Facts • Year founded: 1849 • Square miles: 587 (about 1/3 suburban and 2/3 agricultural

or open space) • Total Dakota County population (2009): 400,675 • Median age (2009): 36.2 years • Total non-white population (2009): 15.6% • Total housing units (2009): 153,000 • Median household income - annual (2009): $69,545 • Families living below the poverty rate (2009): 3.8% • County Seat: Hastings


Spotlight

Hennepin CountyHennepin County was established by the Territorial Legislature of Minnesota in 1852, six years before Minnesota became a state. It is part of the MSP metropolitan area, which ranks sixteenth in the nation in population. The county is the largest county in the state in terms of budget, estimated market value, and population. Nearly a quarter of the state's citizens reside in Hennepin County. The City of Minneapolis is its largest city and the county seat.

The Hennepin County assessment process is unique and has several dynamics that come into play. The County Assessor’s assessment authority is over all the municipalities in suburban Hennepin County. The City of Minneapolis is considered to be a city of the fi rst class, in which case, the powers and duties of the county assessor are performed by the duly-appointed City of Minneapolis Assessor. For all cities in suburban Hennepin County having a population of 30,000 persons or more, the powers and duties of the county assessor are performed by a duly-appointed city assessor, but the county assessor retains the supervisory duties.

The Hennepin County Assessor monitors suburban city assessors’ assessment performance to ensure that state-mandated appraisal and administrative practices are in compliance and that assessment levels are uniform. All the suburban city assessments are processed and approved by the County Assessor.

In addition to the supervisory role, the Hennepin County Assessor contracts with 24 municipalities (80,000 parcels) to perform assessment activities. There are 12 cities under 30,000 population that contract with ‘local assessors’ (15,000 parcels). For these 36 cities, the valuations are all generated utilizing the County’s “in-house” CAMA system. There are four cities (Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, and Minneapolis) that each have their own “in-house” CAMA system. In addition, there is a consortium of six cities (Brooklyn Center, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park) that utilizes their own “in-house” CAMA system to generate their annual assessments. Each of the fi ve separate CAMA systems must conform to the County’s assessment and tax standards for us to accurately process tax statements. Hennepin County is currently in the process of requesting proposals for a new CAMA and tax system. We hope to have a vendor selected by Summer 2011.

Hennepin County is an attractive place to live and work.

Minneapolis skyways make downtown Minneapolis much more livable in the winter. Both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul both have a skyway network linking together buildings and attractions. Minneapolis' skyway system links 69 city blocks. When it's freezing cold or horribly humid and hot, the Minneapolis skyways are climate-controlled. Minneapolis has eight miles of skyways - the largest system in the world.

In 2008, the Hennepin County Library system merged with the Minneapolis Library system, creating a premier 41-library system to serve both Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. The libraries contain more than fi ve million books, CDs, and DVDs in 40 world languages. They offer around 1,750 public computers.

Adding to the quality of life, Hennepin County has over 48 square miles of water, including 104 lakes and three signifi cant rivers. The Three Rivers Park District is a park system in the west suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area of Minnesota. They manage almost 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails, and special-use facilities. The name "Three Rivers" comes from our parks' geography, situated within the watersheds that fl ow into the three signifi cant rivers of the region: Mississippi, Minnesota, and Crow.

Another unique aspect of Hennepin County is the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc. operates HCMC in downtown Minneapolis. HCMC is Minnesota’s premier Level 1 Trauma Center with many nationally-recognized programs and specialties. It is also a teaching hospital for doctors who go on to practice throughout the state. HCMC is unique in that it

is the only safety net hospital providing care for low-income, uninsured, and vulnerable populations. It is a major employer and economic engine in Hennepin County.

Finally, the article wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention Target Field. In August 2006, the County Board voted to levy a 0.15% sales tax to fund the majority of the cost for a baseball stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Legislation passed in the waning hours of the 2005-2006 session authorized the county to levy the tax without a voter referendum. It also created the Minnesota Ballpark Authority which constructed and manages the stadium on behalf of the county. The tax will be in effect for 30 years, with clauses allowing it to be increased by the board of commissioners. Go Twins!


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In November 1992, Ramsey County became the only Home Rule Charter County in the State of Minnesota. The Ramsey County Board has seven members, each elected from a specifi c geographical Commissioner District. Ramsey County provides services to its residents in fi ve major areas: Human Services, Public Safety and Justice, Public Health, Parks and Public Works and Central Administration. The county owns a large number of facilities and other infrastructure that are necessary in providing these services. The county is run by County Manager Julie Kleinschmidt.

The Ramsey County Courthouse is a 21-story monument to high-rise architecture, and was completed and dedicated in 1932. The building features 23 kinds of woods from 18 countries and marbles from all over the world. The building combines a county court house and city hall where government functions take place. The building was originally fi nanced by a $4 million public bond offering in 1928. Because of the stock market crash of 1929, the cost of labor and materials was much less than anticipated. As a result, the building was fi nished with expensive domestic and foreign woods and marble, and fi ne artistic details. A $48 million building restoration took place between 1990 and 1993 to preserve the historic appearance and increase the effi ciency and function of the working and public spaces.

The county is the home to the State Capitol in St Paul. St. Paul makes up nearly half of the county population, tax base, and real estate parcels. Some of the largest employers include the State of Minnesota, the 3M Company, Medtronic, Boston Scientifi c, Rock Tenn, Ford Motors, Ramsey County, St. Paul Schools, St. Jude Medical, Health Partners/Regions Hospital, and the University of Minnesota.

Ramsey County Parks include Como Park (with a zoo and conservatory), Hidden Falls, Crosby Farms, Raspberry Island, Harriet Island, Battle Creek, Turtle Lake, Lake Johanna, Lake Josephine, Lake Vadnais, Indian Mounds, and Highland.

The Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul does double duty as a working river with barge traffi c (including loading and unloading of barges), and as a recreational destination used by casual boaters. Views from downtown St. Paul can include heavy trucks on the Lafayette Bridge, planes taking off from the St Paul airport, trains on the rail line crossing the river, and barge traffi c moving up and down the river.

Besides the State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion, the James J Hill House, the Minnesota Wild, the St. Paul Hotel,

the St. Paul Saints, the Minnesota State Fair, the fi rst Target Store, the Grand Avenue Business Corridor, the great Summit Avenue Historical District, the historic Catholic Cathedral, and the University of Minnesota Agricultural Campus, plus the Campuses of St. Thomas, Hamline, St. Katherine, and Macalester Universities are all located in Ramsey County.

Ramsey County is a countywide assessment jurisdiction, and as such does not have local boards of equalization, but rather offers citizens an Open Book appeal option each spring. The Assessor’s Offi ce has 54 full time employees grouped in fi ve work units: Assessing Services, Mapping-Land Records, Homestead-Abatements, Residential Appraisal, and Commercial Appraisal. The county has approximately 162,000 parcels with a taxable value of approximately $42 billion. The offi ce is a division of the Department of Property Records and Revenue (PR&R). The County Assessor is Stephen Baker and the Director of PR&R is Mark Oswald. The offi ce is located at 90 West Plato. In 2008, the county purchased and renovated this property. The total project cost was $5,360,000.

The history of Ramsey County for the fi rst 100 years is, to a great extent, the history of St. Paul. St. Paul was to later become the county seat and the capital of Minnesota. The original Ramsey County boundary included all of the present-day counties of Ramsey, Anoka, Isanti, and Kanabec, as well as parts of Washington, Pine, Carlton, Aitkin, Mille Lacs and Hennepin counties. It was later divided until we have the counties we see today.

St. Paul was originally a small settlement between the upper and lower steamboat landings of the Mississippi River. The land to

the north was dotted with small lakes and clumps of trees, laceed with streams, and crisscrossed by wagon roads. The original wagon roads often followed trails that were previously used by bands of Sioux and Ojibway. What is now Snelling Avenue used to be an old military road that extended north from Fort Snelling.

The rise of the railroads after the Civil War made Ramsey County and St. Paul the transportation center of the Upper Midwest and the gateway to the Northwest. It is almost impossible to exaggerate the railroad's impact on the 19th century city and county. Toward the end of the century, an enormous network of rails linked St. Paul with Chicago and the Pacifi c. "Empire Builder" James J. Hill had reorganized the St. Paul, Manitoba, and Pacifi c Railroads into the Great Northern and acquired operating control of the bankrupt Northern Pacifi c. In addition, at least ten other lines were

Ramsey County


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serving the region. Some eight million people passed through St. Paul's Union Depot in 1888, a peak year, with 150 trains arriving and departing daily.

At the same time, much of the land in northern Ramsey County was farm land. Heman Gibbs, his son Frank, and their fellow farmers, such as Henry Schroeder, who operated a dairy, were growing fruits and vegetables and providing milk, butter and eggs needed by growing cities. White Bear Lake dates back to the 1850’s, and during the last decades of the 19th century, other villages began to spring up in Ramsey County. New Brighton was founded in 1887, North St. Paul in the late 1880’s, and Roseville in the 1870’s. Other cities in current-day Ramsey County include: Arden Hills, Blaine, Falcon Heights, Gem Lake, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mounds View, North Oaks, Shoreview, St. Anthony, Spring Lake Park, and Vadnais Heights, as well as White Bear Township,

The historic villages of Ramsey County have become fl ourishing suburbs with businesses and industries now occupying the open land once held by Heman Gibbs and his fellow farmers. The 1850 Census showed a population of 2,225 residents. As of the census of 2000, there were 511,035 people, 201,236 households, and 119,936 families residing in the county. The median income for a household in the county was $45,722, and the median income for a family was $57,747. The per capita income for the county was $23,536

City of St. PaulSt. Paul is the state capital and Minnesota’s second largest city. The city covers an area of 56 square miles, and is situated wholly in Ramsey County. St. Paul has undertaken major initiatives recently in areas of housing development with projects on new urban villages and affordable housing and business retention. The city has developed fi ve alternative redevelopment scenarios for the Ford Assembly Plant Site, which Ford plans to close in 2011.

Health care is the largest and fastest-growing employment cluster in St. Paul, with 36,000 employees. Public administration, with 22,000 employees, is the second largest cluster. With about a dozen colleges and universities, many of which have expanded in the past few years, education is the third largest sector, with about 16,000 employees. Finance, and particularly insurance, is the fourth largest sector, with about 14,000 employees.

With more than 38,000 students, St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is Minnesota's second largest school district. St. Paul

student population is diverse. Students hail from countries throughout the world, speak more than 70 languages and dialects, and come to the district with an array of educational experiences and skills. Their experiences help St. Paul create a multicultural educational energy that supplements classroom lessons and helps all students and staff develop a better understanding of the world in which they live.

The city’s downtown district extends from the State Capitol campus on the north to the West Side Flats across the river.

Major developments in this district include the Minnesota Events District: RiverCentre (opened in 1998) and the Xcel Hockey Arena (opened in 2000). The RiverCentre tunnel (linking them to the skyway system and downtown hotels) opened in 2002. With this world class facility, St. Paul attracted the Republican National Convention in 2008.

Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council lead the construction planning, but the city is involved in the longer term development planning associated with the Central Corridor project through the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA). The authority has plans that extend through 2014 and

include construction of a light rail transit corridor between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, development of a multi modal transit hub at the historic Union Depot in downtown St. Paul, and the purchase of rights of way to preserve options for rail transit corridors.

The Central Corridor is the primary east/west route between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis. Construction of light rail transit (LRT) along the corridor will connect

fi ve major activity centers—the two downtowns, the University of Minnesota, the Midway area and the State Capitol complex. Nearly 120,000 people reside in the corridor and it is home to 280,000 jobs today, with an expected number of 345,000 by 2030. LRT ridership is anticipated to be 43,940 per day in 2030.

The Central Corridor LRT line will be part of the regional transit system and will connect to the Hiawatha LRT corridor at the Metrodome. The

terminus will be at the proposed Minneapolis multimodal station, which will also serve the Northstar commuter rail line. The capital cost for the Central Corridor was estimated at $840 million in 2007 dollars. The Union Depot is a historic building located in downtown St. Paul that is envisioned as functional transportation facility that can accommodate existing and future downtown and long distance transfers and trips. The Depot will be a multimodal transit hub where Amtrak, Central LRT, intercity buses, and Metro Transit buses will connect.


Long the ancestral home of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux (Dakota) people, Scott County’s fi rst Anglo settlers were primarily traders and missionaries along what is now known as the Minnesota River. Formally established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature in 1853, Scott County was christened for a Mexican War General – Winfi eld Scott – who actually never got any closer to the community named for him than Fort Snelling.

For the next century, Scott County grew at a modest pace; the Minnesota River, while navigable in good weather, proved to be a formidable barrier to the north during fl ooding seasons. Predominantly rural throughout all of the 19th and most of the 20th century, the county’s 357 square miles proved to be highly fertile ground for such crops as wheat, corn, fl ax, and potatoes, which in turn allowed for further agricultural development through livestock farming.

Between 1970 and 1995, several events would serve to herald Scott County’s next developmental stage: the opening of ValleyFair – the largest amusement park in the Upper

Midwest -- in 1976; the relocation of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival to Shakopee in 1972; the creation of the Canterbury Park horse racing track in 1985; the launching of Elko Speedway and Raceway Parks; and the 1992 opening of what is now the country’s second largest Indian casino, Mystic Lake (owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Community). Further, people discovered that Scott County had the perfect terrain for golfi ng,

and over the years, eleven golf courses were inaugurated. Suddenly, Scott County was more than the Twin Cities’ sleepy cousin to the south – it was quickly becoming the state’s entertainment capital.

But something still held Scott County back: the lack of a reliable crossing over the Minnesota River. That all changed in 1996 with the opening of the new Bloomington Ferry Bridge, which suddenly made everything desirable about the community become accessible to historic numbers of people. With one snip of the ribbon, Scott County became the fastest growing county in the state of Minnesota, adding almost 100,000 new residents since the 1990 Census.

Now celebrated for its unique mix of urban, suburban, and rural characteristics, Scott County has been careful to balance the demands of a growing community with the need to preserve its abundance of natural resources and rich cultural history. An early adopter of innovative land management practices (such as clustered development and parkland dedication), Scott County also avails itself of cutting-edge technology to help guide its future, most recently through the installation of a 90-mile fi ber optic ring that connects all of its cities and school districts with the larger metropolitan region as well as the southwestern quadrant.

Over the past few years, the once runaway pace of residential growth and development has slowed somewhat, allowing Scott County to concentrate more of its attention and resources to expanding its commercial-industrial capacity. Working together through the intergovernmental partnership Scott County Association for Leadership and Effi ciency (more commonly known as “SCALE”), Scott County and its seven cities, eleven townships, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community have adopted an aggressive, forward-thinking economic development plan that will help serve its communities well into the future.

Recently, the operations of the assessor’s offi ce have increased in effi ciency by using Scott County building inspectors for township building permits. (All new home construction is still being inspected by assessors.) By preventing unnecessary duplication, this partnership has helped to reduce costs.

The graph below illustrates property sales trends in Scott County:

Scott County

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Washington County

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In the mid-1800’s, Washington County was part of the Wisconsin Territory (1836-1848) before it became one of the fi rst nine counties of the State of Minnesota. When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, the area residents and their leaders called together the “Stillwater Convention” on August 26, 1848. At this convention, settlers drafted a Memorial to Congress that a new territory be created with the name

“Minnesota.” Because of this convention, Stillwater calls itself the “Birthplace of Minnesota.” There are six townships and twenty-seven cities in Washington County. Stillwater remains the Washington County seat.

Original settlers were drawn to the area by the success of the lumber industry. Eventually the forests were depleted and the economy of Washington County became primarily agricultural. As the neighboring Ramsey County continued to grow, suburban expansion of St. Paul spread into Washington County, bringing with it new industries. Andersen Windows, based out of Bayport, was originally founded in 1903 down river in Hudson, WI, where logs arrived via the St. Croix River, which fl ows along the eastern border of Washington County and between the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Today, Andersen employs more than 10,000 people in locations across North America.

As Washington County continues to grow in population and industry, many changes have been made in how services are made available to residents. The county’s goal of bringing county services to residents “Closer to Home” was achieved through opening new service centers in the north (Forest Lake) and in the south (Cottage Grove) in the past three years. Recently, the expansion and remodel of the Washington County Government Center and County Courthouse was completed in Stillwater. Assessing staff that had been temporarily displaced during the remodel will be returning to the newly-renovated government campus in February 2011. After the transition is complete, the Washington County Assessor’s Offi ce will have appraisers located at all of the service centers, in addition to the Government Center in Stillwater.

Washington County is over 40 miles in length from north to south and varies in terrain from sweeping agricultural lands to steep ravines and beautiful scenic river cliffs. Dozens of small lakes and ponds dot the landscape in the central and northern parts of the county, while the south and southeast is bordered by the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers.

Historic downtown Stillwater and its surrounding area is home to a number of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Included on the list are the Minnesota Territorial-State Prison and the Warden’s House (also known as Old Warden’s House), the Stillwater Lift Bridge, and the Historic Washington County Courthouse.

The Lovness CottagesWhile there are many notable historic and scenic properties in Washington County, the Lovness Cottage designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built by Don and Virginia Lovness on their 20-acre, wooded property overlooking a small lake, has been subject of many publications and has won awards for being one of the best-kept Wright homes ever built.

The architect told Don and Virginia to “Buy where you can own your own view.” Taking his advice, they purchased twenty acres of lakefront property in Stillwater. Wright’s original design was built, literally, by Don and Virginia. They lived for two years in a trailer while they built their 1,800 square foot Usonian from the dolomite stone and vertical grain Fir wood that was native to the property. The home features in-fl oor hot water heating, blended red concrete fl oors, mitered corner window glass, and huge roof cantilevers.

The architect was so impressed with the couple’s ambition that he gave them a gift of four more designs so that they could add them to their lakefront landscape. In 1973, the “Cottage” was built and sits high overlooking the lake. The remaining three designs have yet to be completed, but when built, they will complete Mr. Wright’s vision for the property.


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Region 9 County Staff MembersNote: Year listed is year employee started current position

Anoka CountyMike Sutherland, County Assessor, SAMA, 2003Diana Stellmach, Dep County Assr, SAMA, 1998, Started with county in 1986Mike Ducklow, Principal Appraiser, CMA , 2008, Started with county in 2002Mary Boyle, Assmt Supp. Mgr, CMA Income Qual, 2008, Started with county in 1988Kristie Olson, Lead Assmt Spec, CMA, 2001, Started with county in 1998Dan Eischens, Sr Appraiser, SAMA, 2008John Leone, Sr Appraiser, AMA, 2000, Started with county in1987Sue Rinehart, Sr Appraiser, CMA Income Qual, 2001, Started with county in 1988Jim Rouleau, Sr Appraiser, SAMA, 2001, Started with county in 1999Mike Brown, Appraiser, SAMA, 2002Jason Dagostino, Appraiser, CMA Income Qual, 2002Randy DeJong, Appraiser, CMA, 2006Janelle Disrud, Appraiser, CMA Income Qual, 2002Ron Foster, Appraiser, CMA, 2004Ken Jagusch, Appraiser, CMA Income Qual, 2000Molly Johnson, Appraiser, CMA Income Qual, 2004Peggy Nordrum, Appraiser, CMA Income Qual, 2001 Pam Omdahl, Appraiser, CMA, 2001Brittania Sorgdrager, Appraiser, CMA, 2007Linda Wiener, Appraiser, CMA, 2001Edna Coolidge, Property Spec, 2000, Started with county in 1988Becky Pierson, Property Spec, 1998, Started with county in 1995Stacy Ziemba, Property Spec, 2006, Started with county in 2001

Carver CountyAngela Johnson, County Assessor, SAMA, 1999Keith Kern, Assistant, SAMA, 1999Steve Clay, Sr. Appraiser, AMA, 2000Charles Arbuckle, Appraiser II, SAMA, 2006Lisa Lindeman, Appraiser II, CMAS, 2005Mark Meili, Appraiser II, CMAS, 2006Craig Anton, Appraiser II, CMA, 2005 Renee Frensko, Appraiser II, CMA, 2004Thomas Shoemaker, Appraiser II, CMA, 2006Dan Mills, Appraiser II, CMA, 2007Debbie Maresch, Sr. Tech Clerk, 1975Kelly Princivalli, Tech. Assistant, 2008

Dakota CountyBill Peterson, County Assessor, SAMA/CAE, 1978Teresa Mitchell, Deputy Assessor, SAMA/CAE, 1990Scott Lyons, Manager/CI-Apts, SAMA/CAE, 1991Gloria Pinke, Manager/Admin-Ag, CMA, 1969Al Whitcomb, Assessing Sys Spec., CMA, 1987Joel Miller, Comm Supervisor, SAMA/CAE, 1992Darwin Renner, Res Supervisor, SAMA, 1987Deb McMenomy, Res Supervisor, SAMA, 1981Kelly Baillet, Res Sr. Appr., SAMA, 2001Jean Schluessler, Res Sr. Appr., SAMA, 1974Dawn Klein, Public Serv. Supv, CMA, 1986Marni Benedict, Public Serv. Supv, CMA, 1979Lisa Otto, Comm Appraiser, SAMA, 1994Dustin Hinrichs, Comm Appraiser, SAMA/CAE, 1995Eric Lindberg, Comm Appraiser, SAMA/CAE, 1995

Dakota County (cont.)Ken Borash, Comm Appraiser, SAMA, 1994Tim Graul, Comm Appraiser, SAMA, 2006 Bob Kleis, Comm Appraiser, SAMA, 1998 Chuck Prososki, Res Appraiser, CMA, 1984Bev Ries, Res Appraiser, CMA, 1978Jeff Horsch, Res Appraiser, CMA, 1989Shannon Sailer, Res Appraiser, CMA, 1990 Amy Hennessey, Res Appraiser, CMA, 1999 Shannon Dunst, Res Appraiser, AMA, 1992Tracy Welshons, Res Appraiser, AMA, 1991 Darren Belfi ori, Res Appraiser, CMA, 1999Dave Oien, Res Appraiser, SAMA, 2009Ali Nkosi, Res Appraiser, CMA, 2008Carrie Borgheiinch, Res Appraiser, 2009 Tony McGibbon, Res Appraiser, 2010 Brenda Carlstrom, Public Serv. Assoc, 1998Colleen Broten, Public Serv. Assoc, 1998 Rose Benson, Public Serv. Assoc, 2000Cynthia Kiecker, Public Serv. Assoc, 2002Cindy Ludwig, Public Serv. Assoc, 2002Cindy Collins, Offi ce Assistant, 1995

Hennepin County Jim Atchison, County Assessor, SAMA, CAE, 2009 Bill Effertz, Asst Co Assessor, SAMA, 2001, AdministrationEarl Zent, Asst Co Assessor, SAMA, CAE, 2010, Comm ManagerTom Scherer, CAMA Manager, SAMA, CAE, 2002Tamara Doolittle, Principal Appraiser, SAMA, 2003, Res SuprvRob Winge, Principal Appraiser, SAMA, 2003, Res SupervisorLuAnn Hagen, Assmt Supervisor, CMA, 2001, AdministrationJodee Schinkel, Admin Secretary, 2001, Administrative SupportKim Jensen, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, CAE, 2004, CommercialRay Shudy, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, 1986, CommercialChris Bennett, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, 1993, CommercialJosh Hoogland, Senior Appraiser, AMA, 2010, CommercialJustin Massman, Appraiser, AMA, 2009, CommercialJon Klockziem, Appraiser, SAMA, 2009, CommercialBill Burrows, Senior Appraiser, MAI, 2010, CommercialPhil Jensen, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, 2003, ResidentialMelissa Potter, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, 2009, ResidentialPaul Sandvik, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, 2007, CAMAMichelle Benson, Senior Appraiser, CMA, 2010, CAMABart Lossing, Sr. Info Specialist, 1998, CAMAKari Kamrath, Appraiser, AMA, 2006, ResidentialTom Kunik, Appraiser, SAMA, 2003, ResidentialMary LaRose, Appraiser, CMA, 2005, ResidentialCraig Lone, Appraiser, CMA, 1997, ResidentialJessica Pike, Appraiser, CMA, 2006, ResidentialConnor Rausch, Appraiser, AMA, 2010, ResidentialTammy Schumacher, Appraiser, CMA, 2010, ResidentialMike Smerdon, Appraiser, AMA, 2008, ResidentialNate Stulc, Appraiser, AMA, 2006, ResidentialShane Tjaden, Appraiser, AMA, 2008, ResidentialKevin Wynn, Appraiser, AMA, 2002, ResidentialJudy Baker , Assessment Tech, 1985, Administrative SupportLisa Elasky, Assessment Tech, 2003, Administrative SupportJodie Szabo, Assessment Tech, 2006, Administrative SupportLisa Greer, Assessment Tech, 2008, Administrative SupportLynn Fisher, Offi ce Specialist, 1998, Administrative SupportMichelle Lambert, Offi ce Specialist, 2007, HomesteadsJackie Mathis, Offi ce Specialist, 2003, CRV’s


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Ramsey CountyStephen Baker, Assessor, SAMA, 2001, AdministrationTeresa Novak, Sup/Chief Res, SAMA, 1978, ResidentialSteven Nelson, Sup/Chief Comm, SAMA, 1999, CommJill Gontarek, Supvr CAMA, SAMA, 1976, TechnicalJohn Jacobson, Supervisor, CMA, 1986, MappingBonnie Andrews, Supervisor, CMA, HomesteadsSandy Ross, Admin Sec, 1978, AdministrationLeslie Berzat, Appraiser, CMA, 2001, ResidentialTom Brandt, Appraiser, CMA, 2005, ResidentialKathleen Brady, Appraiser, 2010, ResidentialRick Bryan, Appraiser, CMA, 2005, ResidentialCraig Christianson, Appraiser, CMA, 2007, ResidentialTroy Davison, Appraiser, CMA, 2005, ResidentialPatricia Ecker, Appraiser, CMA, 2001, ResidentialPete Friedrichsen, Appraiser, CMA, 2002, ResidentialAlan Kampf, Appraiser, CMA, 2005, ResidentialBrett Larson, Appraiser, CMA, 1989, ResidentialMike Moranz, Appraiser, CMA, 2005, ResidentialRobert Nichols, Appraiser, CMA, 1999, ResidentialCraig Paulson, Appraiser, SAMA, 1999, ResidentialDean Robinson, Appraiser, CMA, 1986, ResidentialLane Thor, Appraiser, AMA, 2006, ResidentialDavid Vik, Appraiser, CMA, 1994, ResidentialThomas Larson, Appraiser, CMA, 2009, ResidentialDavid Anderson, Appraiser, SAMA, 1985, CommercialRobert Burns, Appraiser, CMA, 1978, CommercialMarvin Deick, Appraiser, CMA, 1985, CommercialJohn Evans, Appraiser, CMA, 1986, CommercialLaura Fridgen, Appraiser, AMA, 1997, CommercialMaryjane Peterson, Appraiser, AMA, 2007, CommercialJoe Haeg, Appraiser, CMA, 2008, CommercialTom Hefty, Appraiser, CMA, 2007, CommercialMaureen Ridge, Clerical Spec, CMA, 1990, TechnicalCarol Seffl , Clerk Typist, 1987, TechnicalBarb Noha, Clerk Typist, 1983, Tax Court Debbie Beringer, Land Rec Tech, 1976, MappingRichard Rieck, Land Rec Tech, 2005, MappingSherry Crowther, Land Rec Tech, 1999, GISPatrick Chapman, Prin Appraiser, CMA, 2007, ResWilliam Graham, Prin Appraiser, AMA, 2005, ResidentialCorey Erickson, Prin Appraiser, AMA, 1998, CommLuis Rosario, Prin Appraiser, SAMA, 2005, CommercialMatthew Zellmer, Prin Appraiser, AMA, 1994, CommPaul Montgomery, Res Analyst, CMA, 1990, CAMAColleen Conrad, Tax Clerk, 1981, TechnicalCatherine Peloquin, Tax Clerk, 1999, TechnicalCindy Bush, Tax Clerk, 1984, MappingLori Clark, Tax Clerk, 2004, HomesteadsLinda Rooney, Tax Clerk, HomesteadsJoanne Fritsche, Tax Clerk, HomesteadsMike Crisler, Tax Clerk, 1990, CRV Techn.Robert Sheehan, Tax Clerk, CMA, 2001, AppealsDebbie Delange, Tax Clerk, 1990, Abatements

Scott County Mike Thompson, County Assessor, SAMA, 2009Jason Heitzinger, Appraiser I, CMA, 2009Lee Schroeder, Appraiser I, CMA, 2009Terence Chacka, Appraiser III, CMA, 2006Chad Bohnsack, Appraiser III, CMA, 2009Solomon Akanki, Appraiser I, AMA, 2009 Jenny Blumers, Appraiser II, CMA, 2009Dan Bethke, Appraiser II, CMA, 2003Troy Pint, Appraiser I, CMA, 2009Tom Wermerskirchen, Appraiser II, CMA, 1996 Lance Link, Appraiser II, CMA, 2000Diane Heinz, Tax Specialist, 2006

Washington CountyBruce Munneke, County Assessor, SAMA, 2001Rollie Huber, Dep Co Assessor, SAMA, 2001, Worked in many jurisdictions prior Allan LaBine, Res App Supvr, SAMA, 1998Don Lovstad, Res App Supvr, SAMA, 2005Curt Piepenburg, Prop Appraiser III, SAMA, 2002Ann Miller, Prop Appraiser III, SAMA, 2004, Started at Ramsey County in 1987Robin Swanson, Prop Appraiser III, SAMA, 2002, Worked in Ramsey County 1998-2002Lisa Janssen, Prop Appraiser III, AMA, 2010, Hired 2008 as Property Appraiser IISteve Daggett, Prop Appr III/CAMA , CMA, 1989Jason Langer, Prop Appraiser II, AMA, 1998Faye Larson, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 1992, City of Woodbury employeeSally Zoller, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 1969, Retired January 2011 Michael Bjork, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 2005Amanda Cundy, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 2005Christy Miranda, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 2008 Tim Berggren, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 2008Sam Scott, Prop Appraiser II, CMA, 2005Lynne Freezy, Sr. Assmt Tech, CMA, 2005Frank Langer, Local Assessor, SAMAPatrick Poshek, Local Assessor, SAMA

Region 9 County Staff MembersNote: Year listed is year employee started current position

Reminder:Region 9’s “Big Cities” will be featured in the next issue of Equal Eyes.

Please submit information, articles, and pictures to [email protected].


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Dakota County - Flint Hills Resources’ Pine Bend Refi nery

Flint Hills Resources’ Pine Bend Refi nery in Rosemount is among the top processors of Canadian crude in the United States and is a leader in providing cleaner-burning and high-performance fuels. The refi nery produces fuels such as gasoline, diesel, propane, and butane that are used throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. It supplies much of the jet fuel used at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The refi nery, which celebrated 50 years of operation in 2005, also manufactures asphalt, heating fuels, and sulfur for fertilizers.

The facility has a crude oil processing capacity of about 320,000 barrels per day. In 2006, the refi nery completed a $350 million project to produce ultra low-sulfur diesel fuels and convert diesel fuel to gasoline to meet market demand.

The refi nery is located 17 miles south of Minneapolis. The facility went on stream in September 1955 with a processing capacity of 25,000 barrels per day. The Great Northern Oil Company owned the refi nery. The location was chosen in the early 1950’s because the Twin Cities area was a growing market served by only one other refi nery, and crude oil from Canadian fi elds discovered prior to World War II could be transported by pipeline systems to the Twin Cities. The area provided several unique characteristics for a refi nery — somewhat remote from

Region 9 Featured Properties

the Twin Cities, yet close enough to reduce transportation costs and easy access to the river and water transportation. The location was also served by two major railroads at the time.

Koch Industries purchased controlling interest of the refi nery in 1969 and renamed the facility Koch Refi ning Company. At the time, the refi nery was one of a few which had been built on

the most up-to-date principles of integration in order to assure maximum effi ciency in sequence of operations. During the early 1990’s, Koch signifi cantly expanded the refi nery by adding process equipment. This resulted in an expansion of the overall refi nery layout. This expansion was primarily driven by the need for desulfurized diesel fuel for trucks.

In January 2002, refi nery became part of Flint Hills Resources, LP, an independent refi ning and chemicals company owned by Koch Industries Inc. The facility celebrated 50 years of operation in 2005.

Re-printed with permission of Flint Hills Resources in Minnesota. Note: Flint Hills Resources owns nearly 4,000 acres in Rosemount and Inver Grove Heights; has an estimated market value of nearly $200 million, and pays over $5.5 million in real estate taxes in Dakota County.

Ramsey County - Minnesota State Capitol Building

One of Ramsey County’s most distinctive and recognizable buildings is the State Capitol building, which is located in Saint Paul, just north of the downtown area. The building houses the Minnesota Senate, House of Representatives, the Offi ce of the Attorney General, and the Offi ce of the Governor. It also includes a chamber for the state’s Supreme Court, although court activities usually take place in the neighboring Minnesota Judicial Center.

The Capitol was completed in 1905, and is the third to serve as Minnesota’s seat of government. The fi rst was built in 1853 at Tenth and Cedar Streets. The original building was destroyed by a fi re in 1881, and replaced two years later on the same site by a red brick Victorian structure with a distinctive tower. Because of the many complaints that the new building was too small, just ten years after being built, a committee was established with the main function to promote the need for a new Capitol.

The fi rst offi cial steps to a new Capitol began in 1893, when the legislature made the fi rst appropriation of funds. An architectural competition two years later attracted architects from around the world, but the winning design was submitted by Cass Gilbert, an infl uential local architect who was just 35 years old. He later designed the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

Gilbert’s fi nished product was modeled after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In fact, the unsupported marble dome is the second largest in the world, after Saint Peter’s. Although built over 100 years ago, the Capitol was designed to be thoroughly modern. When it opened, the building boasted all electric lighting, a state of the art heating plant, and even telephones. The fi nal cost, including the site, building materials, interior decorations, and

furnishings, was $4,458,628.27, or about $90 million in today’s dollars. The property’s assessed value is just under $43 million.

As would be expected of any building over 100 years old, the Capitol requires ongoing investments to maintain the building to prevent potentially destructive deterioration. The 2005 Legislature appropriated $2.4 million for restoration of the Capitol dome and $1.17 million was appropriated for restoring

the paint on the third fl oor ceiling. Over the years, water leaks have caused deterioration of the plaster on the third fl oor ceiling. The damaged plaster has been removed, and the ceiling is being restored to match its original decorative designs and colors.

Most days, the building is open for tours. Tours are free and include a stair climb to the roof to view the quadriga, which is a copper and gold leafed statue that sits atop the Capitol.


Spotlight

In what Minnesota county can an employee step out of the offi ce on their lunch break and a few moments later be casting for trout? Carver County.

Immediately behind and abutting the courthouse campus is a ten acre, fi fty-seven foot deep spring-fed trout pond. Surrounding the pond is a paved trail approximately 6/10 of a mile long, so if you forgot to bring your fi shing gear, you can still take a nice walk.

If you are wondering which came fi rst, the courthouse or the pond, the answer is neither. It, along with two other nearby bodies of water, Brickyard Clayhole and Firemens Clayhole, are actually abandoned mining pits.

In the mid-1850’s Lucius Howe, a traveling Vermont businessman, recognized that Chaska had excellent clay deposits and established the town's fi rst brickyard. With its high quality clay deposits, local hardwood forests for fuel to fi re the kilns, a hardworking immigrant workforce, and the Minnesota River for barge transportation, there were four brickyards in the town within the next ten years. Railroads soon came to replace the river barges, and by the early 1900’s, Chaska was producing 40 to 60 million bricks per year, almost a third of all bricks made in Minnesota.

A large number of historic buildings contain Chaska brick such as Butler Square, the Orpheum Theatre, Grain Belt

Region 9 Featured Properties

Brewery, and the State Capitol in St. Paul. Even the sewers of Minneapolis and St. Paul are lined with Chaska Brick.

The brickyards are now gone and the mining pit behind the courthouse has fi lled with water. The Department of Natural Resources designated the pit as a trout pond, one of only a handful of trout ponds in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

Typically there are about 2,000 rainbow trout, weighing about a pound each, stocked in Courthouse Lake in late fall. Earlier this year, 3,000 weighing about a third of a pound were also

stocked as well as a number of larger trout – hatchery stock past “egg viability” stage.

The popularity of the trout pond has been steadily growing over the years with the biggest crowds of fi shing enthusiasts visiting the pond each January 15th, the opening day of the winter trout season.

In the mid-1990’s, Courthouse Lake attracted 50 to 75 ice houses, which

doubled to about 150 by the late 2000’s. The trout season traditionally began on a Saturday, before switching to January 15. Last year, it fell on a sub-zero Thursday and still drew about 100 anglers. When it falls on a Saturday, the lake draws as many as 500 anglers from throughout the metro area.

So, the next time you visit Carver County’s Chaska campus, don’t forget to bring your fi shing pole – and make sure you have a trout stamp with your fi shing license.

Carver County - Courthouse Lake

Location of Region 9

Hennepin

Anoka

Dakota

Ramsey

Was

hing

ton

Carver

Scott


2010 Flash Flooding:Wanted - Used Ark ASAP - Any Condition!

Written by Dan Whitman, SAMAMartin County Assessor

MAAO PVC Course Coordinator

On the night of September 23, 2010, many people in southern Minnesota were wondering if they may need that ark the next day. It began raining that evening and didn’t quit until up to 14 inches of rain had fallen. Martin, and surrounding counties, are basically fl at land and that much rain causes unique problems. In 2007, I had the opportunity to help do reappraisal in Winona County following the fl ood there. I actually reappraised the house featured on many state news programs that was picked up from its foundation, carried about ½ mile, and then left on top of a set of railroad tracks, all while the residents were on the roof of the house throughout the journey.

Unfortunately my experience in Winona County didn’t help much in Martin County due to our topography. When that much rain comes, it fi lls the low spots and then rapidly starts covering an ever expanding area. Areas that experienced the most damage were crops, basements, and the roads. Water rushing over the roads caused much damage to them and even washed

some roads completely away. There was extensive damage to the drainage ditch system, as they weren’t designed to handle that volume of water. Also, the drain systems in Truman were not able to handle this amount of water and the wastewater treatment plant went under. The failed drain systems caused most basement drains in town to become backed up. In addition, the fl ooding of the wastewater treatment plant caused untreated water and sewage to affect much of the town.

One interesting story we heard was about one portion of town where the water was winning and most basements were getting full. There was a very real threat that it would reach the main fl oor of some of the homes. About this time, one of Martin County’s many pork producers pulled into town with his industrial sized pump. These pumps are used to empty the pits under the hog barns. The pump moves the manure through the pipes and out to the fi elds, where it is spread by a tractor as fertilizer.

The producer offered to try to pump the water away from the area using this same concept. This was just what the doctor ordered for that part of town. They set up the pump and strung the hose 3 ½ miles out of town to get it over the hill so it would run away from the town. In the next 32 hours, they pumped over 10 million gallons of water out of the town. Within minutes of starting the pump, the water started to go down in those houses where it was threatening the main fl oor.

This water in the fl at lands does not just disappear like it does in hill country. Many of the fi elds were fl ooded for weeks. However, the water eventually drained slowly through Martin County’s extensive 1,488 miles of ditches and tiles. This water is taken through the ditches and tile and is sent to the state’s river systems, so you can guess who got our water a few days and weeks later. This made for some interesting problems for them as well since they had their own water to try to get rid of - plus ours had to move through.


Wabasha CountyIn Wabasha County, the Zumbro River, and areas surrounding Lake Zumbro, runs from the west through the county ending at the Mississippi River. Two cities in Wabasha County experienced extensive damage: Hammond and Zumbro Falls Both had about 75% of their homes and all of their commercial properties suffer damage. A few of the commercial properties have reopened, but some may never reopen. At this point, it is unknown how many homes will end up considered completely destroyed with many of these people not be able to rebuild.

In addition, many homes around Lake Zumbro had fl ood damage ranging from a few inches of water in the basement to water well up on the fi rst fl oor. Two large campgrounds along the Zumbro River suffered damage and parts of the campground were washed away along with campers and park trailers which were destroyed.

There were also some small residential areas in neighboring townships where homes were damaged ranging from water in basements to water on the second fl oor of some homes. Farmers in the area had damage to their fi elds with several areas where the crops were completely destroyed and land washed away.

In Wabasha County, roughly 200 properties were damaged exceeding $8 million of damage. This does not include damage to

roads, bridges, and personal property. No lives were lost, and there were only a few minor injuries.

Twenty miles to the east of where the major fl ood damage occurred in Wabasha County, the rains and flood water did major damage to the bank of the river in the City of Kellogg. Although no homes were damaged, some may have to be moved because 60 to 70 feet of the bank washed away.

Although I thought I was experienced, I still learned much. From my past experience, I knew that whenever there was a home that experienced over 50% damage it qualified for programs that will give the owner some assistance. What I didn’t realize was there is another program called the Homestead Disaster Credit program that kicks in when there is a disaster declaration, there are over 25 homes that are damaged, and the damage averages over $5,000 per home. This is the program that forced us to jump into high gear since we had three small towns that experienced signifi cant damage along with all the rural area surrounding them.

In the end we ended up appraising every home in Truman, the worst hit area, and all of the homes that reported damage to local offi cials in Trimont and Northrop and the surrounding ten townships. This ended up being over 850 reappraisals in about four days.

The residents that had their homesteaded homes damaged will receive and automatic tax credit next year and so it was well worth the effort, and we learned much from our experience. We were able to complete the work and an application has been sent to the Governor for fi nal approval so the state will reimburse the county for any money that was credited to the home owners.

We hope we will never have to go through this again, but we know we can “get it done” if we need to.


Mr. Brekke was amazed at how his offi ce and the community of Wadena pulled together. The skill of the county and city employees made the reassessment and clean up go as smoothly as possible. Said Mr. Brekke, “This was the fi rst and hopefully last time we go through a disaster like this.The tornado may have future implications for the property tax base. Many residents simply abandoned their homes and allowed foreclosure. These structures are now simply a hazard and no longer of value. “

There was also signifi cant value loss to some commercial structures. However the city is confi dent that the 950,000 cubic tons of debris that was carried away will transform into a newly-built community.

Wadena 2010: The Disaster Reassessment

Written by James Haley, CMAPolk County


On the morning of June 17, 2010, the town of Wadena, Minnesota, was gearing up for its big all-school reunion. The sleepy town was abuzz with plans for the event. For the Wadena County Assessor’s Offi ce, all was well. The offi ce was just fi nishing up with County Boards and gearing up for the 2011 assessment.

However, Mother Nature reared her ugly head that evening. Right around supper time, an EF4 tornado ripped a 1.1 mile wide swath of destruction through town. It only took eighteen minutes for the tornado to pass, but it left months of clean up and destroyed years of hard work.

Lee Brekke, Wadena County Assessor, and the rest of his offi ce were new to a disaster like this. The county did not have a process in place to deal with such sudden and large scale property damage. The county had to operate on the fl y and passed a resolution for local option abatements. Of course, they were also charged with distribution and processing of those applications.

As usual with a severe disaster, many counties and other assessment professionals offered help with the damage assessment. However, the Wadena County offi ce was able to handle the process internally with a well-crafted plan. Wadena County coordinated with the Department of Revenue and FEMA to develop a logistical procedure for quick action.

Appraisers were sent out in teams of two and were each assigned a quadrant of the city. Each team was charged with fi nding all of those properties which had fi fty percent or more in damage. When it was all said and done, appraisers determined that 30% of total properties in the city were affected by the tornado. The 662 taxable properties affected had a collective loss of 14.5 million dollars. There was also a signifi cant loss in exempt properties. Nine parcels were affected for a loss of roughly 35.5 million dollars. Most of this came with damage to the High School and Community Center.


Hello fellow MAAO members. My name is Nancy Gunderson, and I am excited to be the newest member of the Equal Eyes editorial committee. One snowy Friday afternoon in early December, I received an email from Rebecca Malmquist. I was being invited to join the editorial committee of Equal Eyes. I was truly surprised and yet very interested in this new endeavor. After sending off a quick email to my director, who in turn responded with a “I support this” statement, I was in. I come to the editorial board with absolualy no writing/journalism know-how, except for the fact that I wrote an article for the Fall 2009 edition on the fl ooding in Moorhead. But I will truly try my best to get up to speed with the rest of the committee members in a short amount of time.

I grew up in a small community just 60 miles northeast of Moorhead, rural Twin Valley, in Norman County. I attended Moorhead State University and received a two-year accounting degree. I happened to fall into a government position just after graduating.

Over the course of my career, I have worked for only two employers: Clay County and City of Moorhead. I started with Clay County in 1981 with the Planning and Zoning Department. After getting several years worth of experience with county government – learning what parcel numbers were and what they meant, what a legal description was and where to fi nd it on the map, and just the general workings of county

government, I moved into the county’s Assessing Department. My fi rst position was that of a clerk. The County Assessor at that time was Bob Moritz. He supported staff advancing one’s career and licensing level. I took that opportunity to take the appraisal classes and obtain the fi rst two certifi cation levels. I worked in several capacities within the offi ce during those years. In 1997, I gained my AMA license and was promoted to Chief Deputy Assessor. I worked for roughly eighteen years in the department.

In 2001, I decided to try something different. So, I accepted a position within the County Recorder’s Offi ce. I served in the position of Chief Deputy Recorder for three years. This was another good learning experience for me. Finally in 2004, I made the move back into the assessing world with the City of Moorhead, becoming one of the Assistant City Assessors. I received my SAMA in late 2007 and was offered the position of City Assessor, a position that I presently hold. All of those years of experience have really, in some way big or small, aided in performing the duties of City Assessor.

Being the City Assessor has in reality been the greatest challenge of my career. In this position, one is certainly a working supervisor. I am responsible for roughly 13,400 parcels. Our current staff is small so we all need to pitch in during those busy, hectic months, (you know the months I’m talking about – January through December).

Speaking of staff, in our department, we have Denise Jacobs – technical office support, Jill Murray – appraiser, and Darrell Bauder – appraiser (part-time). I am also able to enlist help from Gary Bock and Pete Doll at times to help with additional assessment duties. I’ve learned a great deal about budgets, hiring and managing staff, and now tax court. This in turn has brought me to another MAAO involvement - the Tax Court and Valuation Committee. I am currently on the committee. There are in fact many areas where one can get involved with MAAO.

On the personal side, I have been married for almost 30 years to my husband, Dale. We have two adult sons, Nick and Kevin. Nick is married and lives in Montevideo with his wife Rachel and their son, Aiden. Kevin lives in Moorhead. So at home it’s just Dale, me, and the dog, Kramer. In our free time, we enjoy traveling, attending our local high school’s football and hockey games, and spending time with family. I’m always interested in trying a new recipe or two and reading a good book.

Thanks for this unique opportunity. I will try my best to support the publication in every way possible. If anyone should have any ideas or suggestions for articles or features, you can get in touch with any committee member or contact me. I can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 218.299.5344.

Gett ing to Know Nancy

Written by Nancy Gunderson, SAMACity of Moorhead


The Editorial Committee’s

Newest Member


In late 1993, there was an opening on the Board of Assessors (BOA) for a county assessor member to fi ll out the remaining year on a term, and I threw my hat into the ring. I had been a county assessor for nearly 10 years, been on the MAAO Executive Board, had a strong desire to be involved, and thought this might be an opportunity that wouldn’t come along very often.

The person who signed my appointment was Commissioner of Revenue Morrie Anderson. You don’t get appointed to a position like that without getting “cleared” fi rst, though. I still remember the phone call I got from Mike Wandmacher (then Property Tax Division Director). One of the questions was whether I had any “skeletons in my closet”. I assured him there were none that I knew of and that began a tenure that continued for sixteen years (with the last twelve as Chairman).

My fi rst meeting as a member of the BOA was January 24, 1994, at the Department of Revenue building (then located at the “River Park Plaza” building). Other Board members at the time were: Steve Behrenbrinker, Deb Volkert, Gerald Garski, Lila Benson, Faye Bigelow, Andrew Gerbozy, and John Kruger. Also new to the BOA at this meeting was Jan Jackson.

Contract points were still an option as there were folks working their way to the relatively new license level of Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA).

At that time, virtually the only way to achieve an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) was to write a residential demonstration narrative appraisal - something nearly everyone found to be a daunting task - and then write an income narrative for a SAMA. As one of the champions of assessor education, Steve Behrenbrinker came up with the idea in 2002 to put together a rigorous case study exam as an alternative to doing a second income narrative for a SAMA license. After ironing out the wrinkles, the idea was expanded to a residential case study exam for an AMA in

Refl ections of a (former) Board of Assessors Member

Written by A. Keith Albertsen, SAMA, CAEDouglas County Assessor

2005. Today, all but a few AMA & SAMA applicants are utilizing the case study as their method of obtaining their license. The BOA turned over “ownership” and management of the case study exams to MAAO in 2006.

There was a concern in 2004/2005 that the courses for assessors (conducted through the University of Minnesota since the 1970’s) had gotten stale and were in need of updating. A committee was formed (called the Professional Development Committee – PDC) with members from the BOA, MAAO Education Committee and Executive Board, and Department of Revenue to formulate a new direction for the weeklong courses. From this, a union with St. Cloud State University was formed, and each of the weeklong courses were redone and launched in 2006. The PDC was dissolved, and a new committee (the Weeklong Course Committee – WCC) was formed to manage the new courses. It was during this time the change was made from the letter designations of the courses to brief descriptions. The idea of requiring a mass appraisal basics course instead of an elective for a Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license was also considered. It was also about that time that I began attending the MAAO Education Committee meetings to share information between the two groups. Today MAAO owns and manages most of the weeklong courses used by assessors to obtain their license.

There was growing concern in the Legislature about assessment practices in 2005, and while the BOA had required a USPAP course for all SAMA licensed assessors, the Legislature didn’t feel it went far enough. It required a Code of Conduct be implemented. Through several meetings, the code was written and adopted in March of 2006. While it doesn’t provide common sense, it does suggest assessors utilize some. (Although some assessors haven’t and that is why we have more complaints than we used to.)

Looking back, some of the more interesting (and frustrating) tasks have been the rules change process. I have some personal pride

in being involved in the process where the rules we assessors “live by” have been improved. Hopefully, they provide the public with better assessors as a result. The process is frustrating because of the length of time it takes to work the ideas into a rule, introduce it to the stakeholders, bring it back and revise it, add something new that was overlooked, and go through the publication and hearing process. Then you wait for all the “political” approvals. From an idea to an actual new rule taking effect is literally years.

When I fi rst started, the line between the Department of Revenue and the Board of Assessors was blurred. Many assessors felt the BOA was just an extension of the DOR. I hope that by being involved more with the Education Committee and being a visible presence on the Board, assessors realize that it is a separate entity that works with several stakeholders.

I have been asked if the reason I chose not to serve another term was because I was retiring. If only it were so. To the disappointment of many (I am sure), I have no upcoming plans to leave. Serving on the BOA was personally rewarding, but with legislative changes and the additional time they required at my county job, I could no longer afford to spend the time on Board matters that I felt they needed. What started simply as a meeting every other month turned into much more than that. This is evident by a listing of the committees that grew from BOA involvement: Professional Development, Code of Conduct, Weeklong Course, Education, Complaint, and Property Tax Advisory.

Along the way, I have met far more people in the assessment community than I ever would have otherwise and that has been more fun than you can imagine. Interviews of those working towards their AMA were a way to learn about some of the rising stars in the profession. Many of those are now teaching courses, are county assessors, and/or are the ones who will be leading the way in the future.


From the outside, the Board of Assessors appears to be an intimidating group (so says nearly every one who has come before us for an AMA interview), but I see them as a close group of friends who - for very little compensation - come together to try and provide the public with better assessors. I am honored that they considered me worthy of being Chairman all those years.

Current members on the Board are Deb Volkert and Steve Hurni from the Department of Revenue, Jan Jackson – local assessor,

Steve Sinell – city assessor, Gregg Larson and David Marhula – public members, Mike Amo – Appraisal Designation member, and Doreen Pehrson – county assessor member. The newest member (replacing me) is Brian Koester from Benton County.

I need to extend a sincere thank you to Pam Lundgren as Board secretary for all the years of support and help. Many people have supported my involvement with the Board. The most notable one has been Steve Behrenbrinker. No one else in our profession

has given more back to others than Steve. Next time you see him, thank him. If you have an assessor license in Minnesota, in one way or another, he helped you get it or maintain it.

As Bob Hope always sang at the end of his programs, “Thanks for the memories.”

Cool, Calm, and Collected in Kansas:HOME ON THE RANGE

One wonders if this house, now a museum, was indeed painted pink in 1887 when Susanna Salter was elected the fi rst woman mayor in the United States of America in Argonia, Kansas, in Sumner County.

The story behind her election is at once interesting and humorous. Her father had been the fi rst mayor of the small town and the 27-year old Susanna, an acquaintance of Carrie Nation, was active in the local Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Several local men (rumored to be drunk at the time in some reports) nominated her as the Republican candidate for mayor. With the backing of the city’s women, prohibitionists, and Republicans, she won a surprise victory. After an uneventful term, she declined to run again. News of her election stirred debate around the world regarding the eligibility of women for public offi ce.

It all began right here - in little Argonia, Kansas, amongst the wheat fi elds of western Sumner County.

NCRAAONorth Central Regional Association of Assessing Offi cers

2011 Annual Conference - Topeka, KSJune 13th to 15th at the Ramada Inn

420 E. Sixth, Topeka, KS 66607785-215-8257

Go to ncraao.org for more details

Della Rowley, RMA, President, 500 N Washington, Wellington, KS 67152 – 620-399-1020John Lawson, ICA, Secretary, PO Box 452, Spencer, IA 51301 – 712-262-1986


Written by Doreen Pehrson SAMA, CAENicollet County Assessor

IAAO RepresentativeBoard of Assessors Chairperson

International Items

IAAO’s Newest Representative

A s M i n n e s o t a ’s n e w e s t I A A O Representative, I join Jan Olsson, Tom May, and Bill Peterson in promoting IAAO to Minnesota assessors.

My assessing career began in 1974 when I was hired by Nicollet County as an assessment clerk. Soon after, I began taking the required classes and became a Certifi ed Minnesota Assessor in 1977. I earned my AMA in 1983, my SAMA in 1987, and my CAE (Certifi ed Assessment Evaluator Designation from IAAO) in 1992. Working my way up through the ranks, I was appointed Nicollet County Assessor in 1989 and have held that position to the present time.

As a long-time member of both MAAO and IAAO, I believe that each organization benefits one another, like any good partnership.

I became a member of IAAO in 1987. Prior to becoming a member, I attended

numerous IAAO educational offerings and have continued taking many of the classes offered. Meeting instructors and students from other states has proved that although terminology and tax policy may differ, the challenges and basics are the same.

Through the years, these classes and seminars have not only fulfilled requirements for designations and license levels; they have provided me with the education to become an appraiser and an assessor.

The benefi ts of being an IAAO member go beyond education; with a network of peers, a huge research library available online, and other tangible and intangible reasons for membership, why wait to join?

I encourage all current IAAO members to stay involved and reap the rewards of membership. If you are not currently a member, I encourage you to give membership a try!

DON’T PAY AGAIN UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2013!

77th International Conference on Assessment Administration

Transforming Assessment: Rising to Meet New Challenges

September 18 – 21, 2011 Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel

Phoenix, Arizona


The ListingThe ListingStatus: Sold - November 2010

Sale Price: $180,000,000

50 South 6th Street Minneapolis, MN

SOLD!

This 404 foot tall skyscraper is the 18th tallest building in the Twin Cities, two behind the Foshay Tower at 448 feet.

The fi rst and second fl oor retail includes four restaurants, a coffee shop, banking services, a child care development center, and a convenience shop. Underground parking is available for 646 cars. The building is 94 percent leased to tenants including: Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Deloitte LLP; Dunham Associates, Inc; and M&I Bank, among others.

Address: 50 South 6th Street Minneapolis, MNYear Built: 2000

Gross Building Area: 1,044,492 s.f.

Land Area: 47,099 s.f.

Class A Offi ce BuildingTotal Offi ce Area: 649,000 s.f.


Revisiting the Retirees:

Researched and Written by James Haley, CMAPolk County


Nancy Bye

Like most, Nancy Bye’s ambitious career in the assessment fi eld began by chance. The former City of Plymouth Assessor simply answered an ad for a temporary appraiser position. Three months after that, Nancy was off and running toward a renowned career with the aforementioned City of Plymouth, as well as the City of Brooklyn Center. Now that she has been retired for three years, we thought it a great time to catch up with her to see what she has been up to.

Because Nancy had a background in appraisal and property management through her college coursework, she was able to get her fi rst gig as an assessor in Plymouth. Nancy clearly had a knack for the job, because her hard work in a temporary role landed her a full-time position. Nancy spent the next twenty-eight years as an appraiser, senior appraiser, and city assessor.

In addition to her service to Plymouth and Brooklyn Center, Nancy also served MAAO as president and vice-president of Region 9, Region 9 director for the executive board, Organization Review Committee chairperson, and Tax Court Committee member. Nancy continues on as a retired member of MAAO and loves our own Equal Eyes magazine. Nancy says her favorite part about working as an assessor was inspecting properties and

meeting so many interesting people. She also noted that she enjoyed working with the dedicated and supportive people of MAAO. Nancy has had a few memorable moments as an assessor. She said the fi rst that came to mind was a time when she was doing a residential review. A woman answered the

door and stepped out to speak with Nancy. Right then, the wind slammed the door shut, locking the woman out of her own house. Nancy ended up crawling into a window to unlock the door!

After such a busy and interesting career, Nancy says her favorite part of retirement

This issue, we catch up with Nancy Bye, the former City of Plymouth City Assessor

is having time to spend with her family. Her and husband, Ron, are the proud parents of two grown children, Jon and Sheila. They especially enjoy spending time with their fi ve grandchildren. In fact, the family went on trips to New York City in 2009 and Washington, DC in 2010. In addition to traveling with her family, Nancy enjoys reading, genealogy, walking, and gardening. She says it is nice to have time to do the things you want to do.

When speaking with Nancy, it seemed prudent to ask a seasoned veteran for some advice to assessors just starting out. Nancy said to be ready and to take advantage of the opportunities to move up by getting educated. As for advice to assessors nearing the end of their career? She shares,“Renew old friendships and keep in touch with your friends in MAAO. Most of all, stay active and plan ahead for things that you have always wanted to do!”

With two major trips already and another one coming up, a busy family life, and a handful of new hobbies, it appears Nancy has heeded her own advice. But there is also some spare time to relax, and there isn’t anyone we can think of who deserves it more.

“Revisiting the Retirees”is the newest Equal Eyes department addition.

The Editorial Committee hopes you enjoy catching up with some familiar faces of our association.

If you would like to know what certain assessors have been up to in retirement,drop us a line at [email protected].

We’ll do our best to track them down and Revisit the Reirees!


Susan Wil tse , Faribault County Assessor at Blue Earth, Minnesota, w a s h o n o r e d at a retirement p a r t y a t t h e Faribault County Courthouse on

December 28, 2010. Sue is retiring after 39 years of public service to Faribault County.

Sue’s career in the assessment profession began in 1971 as a clerk with James Olson

as the County Assessor. In 1981, under the direction of Dean Moller who was County Assessor at that time, Sue began her appraisal career. She began doing both agricultural and residential appraisals. Later she claimed the title of Residential Appraiser, doing all the city residential appraisals within the county’s 11 cities (approximately 16,600 parcels). Going to Local Boards of Appeal and Equalization was Sue’s favorite part of the assessment cycle. That is a rather unusual “favorite” part of the job. In 2001, Dean Moller retired and Sue became the new County Assessor.

After completing many classes, hours of training, tests, form writing, and interviews, Sue achieved the designation of SAMA.

Sue is looking forward to retirement and fi nally being able to do all those things she never had time to do. Sue and her husband, Dan, are looking forward to spending more time with their kids and grandkids. They hope to travel.

We will miss you Sue! Best wishes! Enjoy retirement and all the great things it brings!

Transitions

Mike Holmen retired from the Stearns County Assessor’s Office on July 30, 2010. Mike started as an appraiser for Stearns County in July of 1997. Prior to Stearns County, Mike worked as an appraiser in Todd County for seven years.

After taking a few months off, Mike planned to start a home inspection business, using the experience of 20 years of working in assessors’ offi ces. Mike also took some Kaplan (ProSource) courses in basic home inspection. After doing a couple inspections, Mike realized he needed more training to be a very competent home inspector. He may or

may not pursue that training in the future.For the time being, Mike is satisfi ed with retired life and spending large amounts of

time with his seven grandkids. He is also getting much more involved in his hobbies as a collector/purveyor of handmade and high-grade factory hunting knives, the shooting sports, and hunting.

Mike says, “I don’t miss the day-to-day headaches of going to and being at work, nor do I miss trying to explain the constantly new and confusing laws to the taxpayers of Stearns County. I do miss the camaraderie of working with a great group of people in the office setting. Retirement? I highly recommend it! The sooner, the better!”

Sue Wiltse Retires!

Mike Holmen Retires!

Mark Pettman, Rice County Appraiser, retired December 31, 2010. A recognition for Mark was held December 30th at Rice County. He has worked as an appraiser for Rice County for 18 ½ years. Prior to that, he worked at Steele County as an appraiser.

Arlin Trae, Appraiser in Freeborn County, retired December 31, 2010. Arlin has worked for Freeborn County for 38 years - six years with the Engineer’s Department as a highway tech and thirty-two years with the Assessor’s Offi ce. He is a 30-year member of MAAO.

Mark Pettman Retires!Arlin Trae Retires!


Meet the New MAAO Region DirectorsRegion 1

Ryan Rasmusson, SAMAFreeborn County [email protected]

I am the County Assessor for Freeborn County. Prior to being appointed county assessor in 2003, I had worked as a property appraiser for the county since 1998. We have a staff of seven that includes the county assessor, four appraisers, and two offi ce support staff.

I have been a member of MAAO since 1999 and a member of IAAO since 2005. Having served on the Membership and Awards Committee and the Rules and Regulations Committee in the past, I am excited to be the Region 1 Director and look forward to serving on the Executive Board and see it as a great learning opportunity and a chance to get to know other MAAO members.

Like most others, I never planned on becoming an assessor. I actually had no idea what an assessor was when I applied for an appraiser position 12 years ago. Property taxes were not something I needed to worry about.

I was working for a local manufacturing company, Alamco Wood Products and was trying to work my way into the front offi ce. I became frustrated waiting for something to develop. I applied for the open appraiser position with the county and was hired. It has worked out well.

I attended Winona State University, receiving a degree in business administration with a minor in accounting, and was fortunate to fi nd a decent job near home and to be able to be near friends and family.

Born and raised in Freeborn County in the City of Glenville, I reside there with my wife of 14 years, Carolyn, and two children: Anthony is 11 years old and Sydney is 8 years old. Carolyn is a nurse at Albert Lea Medical Center and also works as a casual EMT for the ambulance service. Anthony is in 5th grade and Sydney is in 3rd grade. The kids are at the age where we are running to their various activities, which always seem to keep us busy.

In my spare time, I enjoy sports, camping, fi shing, and helping with the in-laws on the farm. I am also involved in coaching elementary football and basketball for the Glenville-Emmons Wolverines (soon to be 2016 nine-man state football champs).

I was also lucky enough, I think, to be elected to our school board this past election. Both Carolyn and I are members of the Glenville Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders.

I hope to continue to work for Freeborn County for many years to come, and I look forward to the changes and challenges that lie ahead. Those plans include continuing to be involved in MAAO.

Seeking Nominations:

The Nominations Committee is seeking candidates forMAAO Second Vice President

to be elected at the 2011 Fall Conference

Candidates are being sought from the metro area (Region 9)

For more information, or to make a nomination,Contact, Michelle Moen, SAMA, Nominating Chair

555 18th Ave SWCambridge, MN 55008



Region 9

Angie Johnson, SAMACarver County Assessor

[email protected]

Meet the New MAAO Region Directors

Hi, I am Angela (better known as Angie) Johnson, the Region 9 Director and the Carver County Assessor. I grew up in Southwestern Minnesota in a little town called Echo. I started my career in the medical fi eld as a medical lab tech and after some twists and turns in my career, ended up in the assessment fi eld.

I started my career in the Assessor’s Offi ce in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, in Redwood County. When I started as the clerk in the office, I knew next to nothing about the assessing. When we were purchasing a home in Redwood Falls, we did review assessment values on the homes we were looking to purchase, but that was all I knew about assessing.

I started in 1987 as the clerk and was promoted to the deputy assessor in 1989 when Erv Greve, the then county assessor, retired and Wally Schroer became the county assessor. While working in Redwood County, I was responsible for fi ve cities, one township, and the mobile homes in 42 jurisdictions in Redwood County at the time. The other jurisdictions were handled by local assessors.

As our daughter had graduated from high school and our son was a senior, my husband and I decided a location change might be nice. My husband, Byron, was a postmaster and could relocate quite easily, so as job openings occurred, I started applying for a couple in the metro area. In 1994, I landed a Sr. Appraiser position in Scott County and my husband relocated as postmaster in Welch, so we moved to Welch in Goodhue County.

That left only one of us driving – ME! When I started in Scott County in September, I was given a township and the City of New Prague and told to start my quartile work – IN SEPTEMBER!!! Apparently, the local assessor was gone and the jurisdictions were left for the county to do that year.

I had obtained my SAMA in 1994, so with the experience from Redwood County and Scott County, I was looking to move on again. I became the LeSueur County Assessor in 1997. This stint did not last long because I missed the metro assessing area, so I applied for the deputy position at Carver County and started my career there in 1998.

In 1999, Orlin Schaefer retired as the County Assessor, and I was appointed the County Assessor which is where I am today. I hope to remain here until retirement (probably within the next decade).

Carver County has approximately 40,000 parcels. In addition to my position, we have a staff of two clerks, a deputy assessor, and eight residential appraisers.

I have been active in the MCCC CAMA USA committee since 1994. I have also been honored to be the chair of Region 9 for a year and now am honored to be its region director.

My husband and I currently live in Glencoe, Minnesota. Although my husband retired from the post offi ce, he wanted to pursue his dream of owning a bar. We ended up with a bar and grill that has been quite the learning experience - especially since we purchased

one in South Dakota. Our weekends for the last three years have been plenty busy between running our business or other commitments and our family and grandkids. One thing for sure is we put plenty of miles on our vehicles.

When I do have time to myself, I enjoy reading. I enjoy golfi ng with my friends in the summer (I do it more for the fun because I’m not good) and pool in the winter.

Our daughter, Stacey, is married to her husband Kent and lives in Rockford, Minnesota. They have two children, Ariel who is attending Mankato State and Garrett who is in third grade in Rockford. So they live close enough that we get to see them quite often and attend the grandkids’ special events.

Justin, our son, lives in St. Paul. He does landscaping in the summer and we have determined that his occupation in the winter is travel because he is always off to someplace. He is too busy going places that he has not had time to settle down. I believe he has seen more places in his 33 years of life than most people.

That is pretty much a wrap of life during my assessment career, and I will be here a little bit longer.


Property Tax Working Group Update

Written by Stephen Behrenbrinker, SAMA, CAECity of St. Cloud Assessor

MAAO Past PresidentMAAO Member - Property Tax Working Group

The PTWG consists of the following members:Kathleen Gaylord, Chairperson, Association of MN CountiesRep. Denise Dittrich, MN House of RepresentativesRep. Greg Davids, MN House of RepresentativesSen. Warren Limmer, MN SenateSen. Rod Skoe, MN SenateJason Nord, MN Department of RevenueStephen Behrenbrinker, MN Association of Assessing Offi cers

Cal Larson, HomeownerThomas Mould, HomeownerLuayn Murphy, League of MN CitiesDavid Fricke, MN Association of TownshipsMatt Van Slooten, MN Chamber of CommerceChris Radatz, MN Farm Bureau and MN Farmers Union

BackgroundMinnesota Statutes, Section 270C.991, Subdivision 4, establishes a Property Tax Working Group (PTWG). The goals of the working group are:

1. To investigate ways to simplify the property tax system and make advisory recommendations on ways to make the system more understandable;

2. To examine the property tax calendar to determine what changes could be made to shorten the two-year cycle from assessment through property tax collection; and

3. To determine the cost versus benefi ts of the various property tax components, including property tax classifi cations, credits, aids, exclusions, exemptions and abatements, and to suggest ways to achieve some of the goals in simpler and more cost-efficient ways.

Committee ActivitiesThe first meeting of the Property Tax Working Group (PTWG) was Thursday, October 7, 2010 at the State Offi ce Building in St. Paul. The thirteen members have diverse backgrounds and interests in the property tax system.

The purpose of the committee is to look at ways of simplifying the property tax system in Minnesota and make recommendations to the Legislature in February, 2012. Jason

MAAO Participates in Property Tax Working Group

Nord, DOR, gave a presentation on property taxes and its complexity. Kathleen Gaylord was elected chairperson of the committee.

The second meeting was held November 18, 2010 at the same location. Assessors were asked to participate in a survey on the MAAO website regarding the following questions:

1. What part of the assessment process in the property tax system requires the most time?

2. What part of the assessment process in the property tax system requires the most computer programming?

3. What part of the assessment process or the property tax system is the most confusing for the public?

We have over 40 responses to the survey and most of the responses addressed concerns about the homestead classification and agricultural valuation and classification issues. These responses will be provided to the committee as requested. Thanks to all members that participated. The MAAO website will remain open for additional comments while the committee is active.

Also, interested members can be linked to the Department of Revenue website and the PTWG and be e-mailed agendas and minutes of meetings. All meetings are open to the public and a number of assessors have attended the meetings.

The third meeting of the committee was held on December 9, 2010 and members

were asked to provide a list of issues they would like the working group to address over the coming months. The consensus of the committee was to fi rst concentrate on understanding the classifi cation system and consider ways to compress the number of classifications. The MN DOR and MAAO supplied information regarding the background of, and statistical information about, the current system at the most recent meeting held Friday, January 14, 2011.

The MN DOR and MAAO are working together on this project with the hopes of making some signifi cant recommendations to improve and simplify the property tax system. When our organizations work together, we can form a united front as we tackle these complex issues. Thanks to Jason Nord and Eric Willette for their ongoing contributions and to John Hagen for his support. Thanks to the MAAO Legislative Committee, including Bill Effertz and Tom Dybing, for their insight and involvement in this process - along with Tom May and Rob Vanasek.

I will be updating the membership on the working group activities during the next year. If MAAO members have questions or comments, they are welcome to contact me at 320-650-3352 or [email protected]


As I See It

Written by Rebecca Malmquist, SAMA, CAECity of Minnetonka AssessorEqual Eyes Managing Editor

Editorial Committee ChairIAAO Communications Committee Member

Closing the Chapter and Showing Gratitude

As many of you know, however some may be hearing for the fi rst time, this will be my last contribution as Editor and Chair, President Wall has asked me to step down with the completion of this issue.

Equal Eyes was my baby and I took great pride and joy in working on each and every one of the organization’s publications in addition to working with and getting to know all of the membership. Without the work of the Editorial Committee, the MAAO membership, and the support of the past presidents Equal Eyes would never be what it is today.

I have my “Grammy’s” version of thank you’s. P l ease ignore the music you hear in the background if I start to run long.

To the Editorial Committee, I started as Associate Editor under Marvin Anderson. Marv was and still is one of the publications greatest supporters. He worked tirelessly on the publication to make it an outstanding publication for a decade. The original committee I worked with was tight, united, and strong. I was intimidated and afraid to become the Associate Editor, yet was welcomed with open arms. When Marv stepped down as Editor, I assumed the position of Managing Editor and then Chair of the Editorial Committee as Nancy Wojcik, current Secretary/Treasurer extraordinaire, stepped down to become a regular, yet marvelous committed member of the committee. The previous committee members and current committee members have been irreplaceable. I have always said that the Editorial Committee is truly one of the hardest working committees ever. They all contribute to each issue. To the past and present members, I don’t know a better way to say it but, “you rock!” You made my job easier and a lot of fun. I wish the new committee continued success!

To MAAO Past Presidents I served for; Paul Knutson, Tom May, Dave Armstrong, Bill Peterson, Rob Wagner, Stephen Behrenbrinker, Steve Hacken, and William Effertz. You were all amazing supporters. You had great dedicat ion, y e t a h a n d s o f f approach to let the committee work. I am very grateful to each and every one of you. I will forever

remember working for and with you. You were all great p r e s i d e n t s a n d leaders of MAAO with great legacies and memories that you have left.

To Jan Olsson, who stepped up from committee member to Associate Editor to see me through the transition into Managing Editor, I have never seen someone work SO hard and SO fast as this woman does. She spins circles around me and many others. Jan is a mentor, a stand in “mom” and best of all, a great friend. You are wonderful Jan and I could never have done it without you.

To Jack and Bob, my colleagues, mentors, and friends. The two of you have been my friends through and through. You have been there for me when I needed wisdom and a “guys” opinion. Thank you!

To the City of Minnetonka….staff, supervisors, and management. Unless Richard Toy let me serve, way back when, I would never be here. He let me spread my wings and was very supportive. He is a wonderful man with a tender heart. To my current staff; Amy, Eric, Josh, Denise and Shelly and my supervisor Merrill…you all knew I was burning the candle at both ends, but were supportive anyways. You are all amazing. Thank you!

Members of MAAO, thank you for the opportunity to serve. Believe me when it is a heartfelt goodbye. I won’t be behind the camera, asking for money for raffl e tickets, or asking very nicely for articles anymore.

I will miss it all. You are what made me keep pressing forward to make Equal Eyes better and better.

Again as most of you know, I have been practicing yoga and recently begun teaching. It has grounded me and helped me with balance in my life. The community is similar to some of the assessing community…giving, loving, and supportive. I am so grateful.

Last, but defi nitely not least…to my family. My parents…who have always (been supportive. My mother has worked for Carlton County for A LOT of years…not sure she would want me to mention how many (OK, like 40). She has a heart for public service, which I think I inherited. I get my sensitive side from my Dad, yes I was a Daddy’s girl. Bryan (my dh) and Anders (my four footer)…who sat and watched me work at the kitchen table when I should have been having family time (cuddle time as Anders calls it), but tolerated it for years as I sat, working on the magazine as they fell asleep. It is our time now. Anders, get Mommy’s blanket ready, it is time to cuddle.

Thank you again to all who supported me through the years. I am forever grateful.

Namaste.

When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.

~Alexander Graham Bell

A pessimist sees the diffi culty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every diffi culty.

~Winston Churchill


EQUAL EYESPUBLISHED BY THE MINNESOTA CHAPTER OF IAAO ANDTHE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSING OFFICERS

13636 5th Avenue North Plymouth MN 55441

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