S In this Issue: V P o The Schell’s Brewery Tradition l PAGE 16 R u m Announcing the 2011 Equal Eyes I e Photo Contest N PAGE 20 33 Spotlight on Region 9’s G “Big Cities” N QUAL PAGE 21 u E m Lake Vermilion State Park 2 b PAGE 36 e 0 r Classif-Eyeds: Hillcrest Golf Club PAGE 41 1 124 New Department: 1 The Chair’s Corner YES PAGE 44 Offi cial Publication of the Minnesota Association of Assessing Offi cers www.mnmaao.orgE
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 1 Volume 33 Number 124 SPRING 2011 Article to suggest, letter to the editor, or any other correspondence for EQUAL EYES?
Send to: EQUAL EYES Equal Eyes Managing Editor PO Box 41576 Features Plymouth, MN 55441 12 Getting to Know the Editorial Committee’s [email protected] Newest Members 16 The Schell’s Brewery Tradition 20 2011 Equal Eyes Photo Contest Announcement 21 Spotlight on MAAO Region 9 “Big Cities” 34 Region 9 Big Cities Featured Property: Eidem Historical Farm 36 Lake Vermilion State Park 43 Property Tax Working Group Update 10 42 Departments 3 In the Know
4 Boards, Directors, Chairs, and Representatives
16 6 President’s Connection
8 Commissioner’s Comments
9 MAAP Update
10 Let’s Get Acquainted 34 11 Out of the Past
15 Meet Minnesota’s New SAMA & AMA Designees
18 Course Reviews
40 International Items 36 Equal Eyes Classif-Eyeds Cover Photo 41 Image Courtesy of MN Department of Natural Resources 42 Revisiting the Retirees
Visit 44 The Chair’s Corner the MAAO website at: www.mnmaao.org 46 Transitions 48 What’s New on the MAAO Website 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. 49 The Last Look 2 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 ,QWKH.QRZ
Go to www.mnmaao.org for all your membership needs!
Equal Eyes Summer 2011 NEW INSTRUCTORS Issue Deadline: WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED
June 1, 2011 IN THE SUMMER ISSUE! Contact any Editorial Committee Member or the Editors if you have any article ideas or suggestions.
As of the Spring 2011 issue press time, the State Board of Assessors had not yet met and approved current meeting minutes. Per Equal Eyes policy, minutes are not published until they are approved by the Board. Watch for meeting minutes in the next edition.
The following dates and locations have been selected for the remaining State Board of Assessors meetings for 2011: x Monday, May 23 at the Lake George Community Complex in St. Cloud x Tuesday, July 19, Department of Revenue, Harold Stassen Bldg. in St. Paul x Tuesday, September 27, Nicollet County Courthouse in St. Peter x Tuesday, November 15, Department of Revenue, Harold Stassen Bldg. in St. Paul
2011 Conference Calendar
MAY 25-26 MAAO SUMMER SEMINARS ST. CLOUD, MN SEPTEMBER 18-22 IAAO ANNUAL CONFERENCE PHOENIX, AZ OCTOBER 9-12 MAAO ANNUAL CONFERENCE GRAND RAPIDS, MN
“Revisiting the Retirees” is a new Equal Eyes department.
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 Retirees! Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 3 EQUAL EYES James Haley, CMA Polk County Managing Editor, Chair
Michael Stalberger, SAMA Minnesota Department of Revenue Associate Editor Editorial Board
Solomon Akanki, AMA Tina Diedrich Von Eschen, SAMA Connie Erickson, SAMA Scott County Stearns County Yellow Medicine County
Corey Erickson, AMA Nancy Gunderson, SAMA Julie Gustafson, SAMA Ramsey County City of Moorhead City of Maple Grove
Jake Pidde, CMA Lori Thingvold, AMA Nancy Wojcik, SAMA City of Plymouth Wright County City of Brooklyn Center
Executive Board President First Vice President Second Vice President Cheryl Wall, SAMA Stephen Baker, SAMA, CAE John Keefe, SAMA Wilkin County Assessor Ramsey County Assessor Chisago County Assessor PO Box 167 90 West Plato Blvd, Suite 400 313 N Main St Breckenridge, MN 56520 St. Paul, MN 55117 Center City, MN 55012 218.643.7162 Fax 218.643.7169 651.266.2005 Fax 651.266.2001 651.213.8555 Fax 651.213.8551 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Finance Offi cer Past President Bill Peterson, SAMA, CAE William Effertz, SAMA Dakota County Assessor Hennepin County Assistant Assessor 1590 Hwy 55, County Admin Center A-2103 Government Center Hastings, MN 55033 Minneapolis, MN 55487 651.438.4208 Fax 651.438.4469 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751 [email protected] [email protected]
Region Directors Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Ryan Rasmusson, SAMA Dave Armstrong, SAMA Greg Kramber, SAMA Freeborn County Assessor Le Sueur County Assessor Wright County Assessor 507.377.5176 507.357.8215 763.682.7365 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Kyle Holmes, SAMA Gale Bondhus, SAMA Judy Thorstad, SAMA Carlton County Deputy Assessor Cottonwood County Assessor Stevens County Assessor 218.384.9148 507.831.2458 320.208.6550 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Region 7 Region 8 Region 9 Lee Brekke, SAMA Joseph Skerik, AMA Angie Johnson, SAMA Wadena County Assessor Beltrami Chief Deputy County Assessor Carver County Assessor 218.631.7781 218.333.4146 952.361.1961 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
4 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Committee Chairs/Coordinators/Secretary/Treasurer Agricultural Chair Nominating Chair Secretary/Treasurer Jeanne Henderson, CMAS Michelle Moen, SAMA Nancy Wojcik, SAMA 13880 Business Center Dr 555 18th Ave SW 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Cambridge, MN 55008 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 763.241.2876 Fax 763.241.7195 763.689.2752 Fax 763.689.8226 763.569.3357 Fax 763.569.3494
Conference Coordinator Online Administrator Silent Auction Paul Knutson, SAMA, RES Lori Schwendemann, SAMA Jane Grossinger, SAMA 320 NW 3rd St, Ste 4 600 6th Street 33872 MN HWY 15 Faribault, MN 55021-6100 Madison, MN 56256 Kimball, MN 55353 507.332.6102 Fax 507.332.5999 320.598. 3187 Fax 507.304.4075 320.398.6705 Assistant Conference Coordinator PVC Coordinator Site Selection Chair Tami Paulson, CMA Dan Whitman, SAMA Kim Jensen, SAMA, CAE 151 4th Street SE Security Bldg 201 Lake Ave #326 A-2103 Government Center Rochester, MN 55904 Fairmont, MN 56031 Minneapolis, MN 55487 507.328.7668 Fax 507.328.7964 507.238.3210 Fax 507.238.4601 612.348.6106 Fax 612.348.8751 Education Chair Research and Planning Chair Summer Seminar Coordinator Bob Wilson, SAMA, CAE, ASA Michelle Moen, SAMA Kim Jensen, SAMA, CAE 4801 W 50th St 555 18th Ave SW A-2103 Government Center Edina, MN 55424 Cambridge, MN 55008 Minneapolis, MN 55487 952.826.0426 Fax 952.826.0389 763.689.2752 Fax 763.689.8226 612.348.6106 Fax 612.348.8751 Information Systems Chair Rules and Resolutions Chair Tax Court & Valuations Chair Teresa Mitchell, SAMA, CAE Marvin Anderson, SAMA Jim Atchison, SAMA 1590 Hwy 55, County Admin Center 5200 85th Ave N A-2103 Government Center Hastings, MN 55033 Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Minneapolis, MN 55487 651.438.4216 Fax 651.438.4469 763.493.8173 Fax 763.493.8391 612.348.4567 Fax 612.348.8751 Legislative Chair Sales Ratio Chair Weeklong Course Chair William Effertz, SAMA John Keefe, SAMA David Armstrong, SAMA A-2103 Government Center 313 N Main St 88 South Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55487 Center City, MN 55012 Le Center, MN 56057 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751 651.213.8555 Fax 651.213.8551 507.357.8215 Fax 507.357.6375 Long Range Planning Chair Scholarship Chair Weeklong Course Coordinators William Effertz, SAMA William Effertz, SAMA Bob Wilson, SAMA, CAE, ASA A-2103 Government Center A-2103 Government Center 4801 W 50th St Minneapolis, MN 55487 Minneapolis, MN 55487 Edina, MN 55424 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751 612.348.3388 Fax 612.348.8751 952.826.0426 Fax 952.826.0389
Membership Coordinator Scholarship Coordinator Tina Diedrich-VonEschen, SAMA Jan Olsson, SAMA, RES Tina Diedrich-Von Eschen, SAMA 705 Courthouse Sq Room 37 3400 Plymouth Blvd 705 Courthouse Square Room 37 St. Cloud, MN 56303 Plymouth, MN 55447 St. Cloud, MN 56303 320.656.3690 Fax 320.656.3997 763.509.5355 Fax 763.509.5060 320.656.3690 Fax 320.656.3977 Department of Revenue Property Tax Compliance Offi cers and the Areas They Represent Lloyd McCormick 612.791.4957 Appraisal Supervisor
Gary Amundson Brad Averbeck Larry Austin Steve Hurni 218.575.3183 218.439.3673 651.556.6098 320.632.3949 Anoka, Benton, Carver, Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Hubbard, Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Big Stone, Chippewa, Douglas, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Grant, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Stearns, Wright Red Lake, Roseau, Todd, Wadena Lake of the Woods, Pine, St. Louis Traverse, Wilkin (and compliance investigations)
Sherri Kitchenmaster Tom Nash Tom Reineke Michael Stalberger 651.230.8387 507.359.7022 651.230.5819 651.556.6071 Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Dodge, Fillmore, Dakota, Goodhue, Olmsted, Blue Earth, Faribault, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Washington Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Winona (and complex properties) Rock, Watonwan, Yellow Medicnine
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 5 President’s Connection “Individual committment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work.” - Vince Lombardi Written by Cheryl Wall, SAMA Wilkin County Assessor MAAO President 2010-2011
Happy Spring, Members of MAAO! this time, I had not had the chance to Seminars, May 24th. One item on the agenda travel to the Capitol during the legislative for the May meeting will be future locations It won’t be long before we’re slipping on our session. It was, yet again, another learning for our Annual Meetings. The Site Selection garden gloves! Maybe gardening isn’t your experience for me to see a fi ne example of committee is in the process of viewing favorite pastime, but everyone should have a teamwork between Rob Vanasek and our facilities to accommodate our membership hobby of some sort; it’s one of those things legislative committee members there to in 2013, 2014, and 2015. we need to help us take a step back from it testify on behalf of assessors. The lines all. For some, it’s simply being with family, of communication remain strong between In late February, Region IV invited Stephen for others it might be jogging a few peaceful MAAO, the Department of Revenue, and Baker, MAAO 1st VP, and me to their meeting miles a day. Peaceful and jogging in the legislators serving the State of Minnesota. in Grand Rapids, MN. As I mentioned at the same sentence – I’m not sure about that! meeting, it was a pleasure to travel to their The Executive Board met in early February scenic neck of the woods! Some of the It’s hard to turn off the emails and BlackBerry at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge. This is the people I went to class with years ago are from tones, but don’t let yourself get too caught location of our Fall Conference this year and that area and west into Region VIII. They up in the arduous aspects of being an the hospitality of the staff there is second to remain some of my closest friends today. assessment professional. There are so none. This resort is sure to offer beautiful I met many new faces while in Grand many positives, such as having hundreds of Minnesota scenery and a plentitude of Rapids, and I very much enjoyed sharing an members at your fi ngertips to rely on. I’ve outdoor activities for our members. Be sure update on MAAO activities with everyone. said it before: I’ve found my involvement to mark October 9-12 on your calendars and and connection with MAAO to be one of check out the resort and accommodations at I will be attending the joint region meeting the most fortunate experiences in my career. www.sugarlakelodge.com. for Regions VII and VIII, held July 15 at Long Lake Park in Clearwater County. It’s a pleasure to catch up with you again and The Executive Board discussed topics of Then, I hope to make my way to the joint provide an update on the workings of our interest from each of the regions, some of meeting held between Regions II, V, and VI organization. It has been a busy few months! which included the Rural Preserve program, sometime in August. Visiting the regions is split class properties, and retirements from my way of providing a “traveling” MAAO In January, I attended the Agricultural around the state. There have been many newsletter; that’s why I enjoy it so much. Committee meeting held in St. Cloud. Also retirements in our ranks recently, and a When Stephen Baker is able to attend in attendance: Bill Effertz, Past President great deal of MAAO history travels with the with me, it gives him the chance to meet and current Legislative Committee Chair retirees as they make their way into a new members that may be interested in serving and Mike Stalberger and Tom Reineke of the exciting phase in their lives. We wish them MAAO in some capacity in the future. An Department of Revenue. The group discussed all the best in their new adventures! added benefi t for me is attending the region MAAO’s position regarding proposed Green meetings held with their retirees. It’s a joy Acres legislation. It was a very productive We also announced John Hagen’s to catch up with them and hear about their meeting and provided MAAO’s legislative appointment of Brian Koester to the State travels, family, and hobbies now that things team with the information they needed to Board of Assessors. Congratulations Brian! have slowed down a bit. prepare for their discussions with legislators. An item of new business was the prospect of We’re gearing up for another great year with As I write this article, the House and Senate a GIS forum of sorts. Soon, there will be the education! Our website is the tool you need committee meetings are commonplace on option to use our website for GIS dialogue to stay on top of seminars, workshops, case my desktop. We all have the opportunity on topics such as GIS applications used in study preparation, and weeklong courses. to keep up with what topics and bills have an assessor’s offi ce. In addition to this, This year, we maintain our connection with made it to the surface in the legislative we will look into allowing some time and IAAO by offering IAAO 102 in our rotation process, and we all have the opportunity to space for assessors and GIS professionals to of courses again. We offer a strong slate have a voice. Your region’s Agricultural brainstorm at our Fall Conference this year. of classes for our members thanks to the or Legislative Committee members have It would be an opportunity for assessors to involvement of the Department of Revenue, carried your voice well this session. bring their laptops and discuss the options IAAO, and our own MAAO instructors. available in GIS today. I had the privilege of accompanying Bill For those of you interested in becoming Effertz at the Capitol in February. Until The Executive Board meets next at Summer an instructor or brushing up on your
6 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 instructing skills, I hope you were able to created by the Editorial Committee. Please of receiving an update from the new take advantage of the Instructor Training take a few minutes to complete the survey Commissioner of Revenue. Our evening Workshop held March 31 in St. Cloud. This as it will provide this team with valuable event will be a chance to mix and mingle workshop was sponsored by MAAO and information in producing of Equal Eyes. at the 912 Regency Plaza (previously Mi presented by Susanne Barkalow. Famiglias) in downtown St. Cloud. MAAO As you can imagine, there are many people has what you need: great education and that Register early for your choice of courses working to keep our organization moving. reliable connection with colleagues. and contact our education coordinators if “Individual commitment to a group effort you have any questions. – that is what makes a team work.” As we move into our appeal season, let’s Vince Lombardi remember it is in our best interest to serve the The Editorial Committee displays their public professionally. Educating the public talent in each issue of Equal Eyes. There I look forward to catching up with all of about the complicated Minnesota property are new editorial committee members you at Summer Seminars this May 25 and tax system and describing the assessor’s role highlighted in this issue, and you’ll notice 26. The efforts of many dedicated members in it is just one of the tasks we should strive some of their work in the issue as well. I come together to make our events happen! to improve every day. Good luck with your would like to extend a thank you to all on this Please make this one part of your plans. 2011 Assessment! committee for their hard work in producing The theme this year is “Connect with a professional publication with fresh ideas. MAAO.” The benefi ts of connecting with It’s an honor to serve with you. Thank you We also welcome James Haley as Managing MAAO are evident in your membership, for all you do for our organization! Editor! James has been a part of the Editorial in the ties we hold with the Department Committee for some time now and will do of Revenue, in assessor education, and in Best Regards, a great job leading this team into the future. networking opportunities. We look forward Cheryl Wall, SAMA to hearing from the Department of Revenue MAAO President Soon, you will see a survey to the membership at our opening ceremony and the prospect [email protected]
“CONNECT WITH MAAO”
Announcing
2 0 1 1 S U M M E R S E M I N A R S May 25-26, 2011 Holiday Inn, St. Cloud
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EVENING EVENT: 912 Regency Plaza 912 W St. Germain, St. Cloud BUFFET SILENT AUCTION GREAT FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 7 Commissioner’s Comments Helpful Resources for Disaster Planning, Response
Written by Dan Salomone Deputy Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue
In what has become an all too familiar ritual, all instances, we will be available to answer effective as possible for affected taxpayers Minnesota again faces widespread fl ooding questions or address other concerns. and assessors. this spring. When a disaster strikes, everyone is subject To that end, future efforts may include At this writing, it remained unclear just to stress – and reacts in different ways. As pairing assessors with FEMA inspectors how severe this year’s fl oods will be. But noted in the guide, crisis counseling and to review disaster-affected properties at the Red, Minnesota and Mississippi rivers stress management resources will likely be the same time, or sharing FEMA/HSEM are all expected to overfl ow. Depending available from disaster assistance groups to data about destruction or damage to those on rainfall, record-high water levels are a help taxpayers, staff or volunteers cope with properties. These are projects the Property distinct possibility, and some estimates place the crisis. People who are having a hard time Tax Division will be working on in the near potential damages at up to $500 million. coping should be encouraged to make use future. of these resources. Property taxes are neither the fi rst, nor the Of course, we would all prefer to avoid most pressing, issue for homeowners and Please don’t neglect yourself, either. A disasters and the hardships they bring. businesses affected by a fl ood. But taxes disaster affects you as much as anyone Since that isn’t always possible, we can only do come into play once the waters recede. else. It’s important to seek help if you’re prepare for such emergencies and then help As property tax administrators, we have experiencing symptoms of high stress as much as possible when (and after) they important roles that begin even before to ensure you are ready to lead property occur. History has shown that assessors cleanup and relief efforts. reassessment efforts and other relief efforts throughout the state are always willing to under your purview. pitch in and help respond to the disaster. This year, the department’s Property Tax With the Assessors’ Disaster Response Division is making a concerted effort to be Right actions, right time Guide, we are helping you prepare for that more proactive and immediate in assisting We encourage you to review the Assessors’ role. you or providing information. Disaster Response Guide early on so that you are prepared if a fl ood or other disaster The partnership between Revenue and By now, all counties and certain cities should occurs. assessors is an important part of our mutual have received a copy of the division’s new efforts to assist the taxpayers we all serve. Assessors’ Disaster Response Guide. This The guide is organized around the three Please don’t hesitate to ask for our help or guide, discussed further below, is a key part phases of disaster response: Immediate pass along your suggestions to improve the of our support, but it is by no means the only Response; The Reassessment; and Disaster guide or other assistance we offer. help we are offering. Relief and Follow-up. Each section includes vital information and resources to ensure you You can tap additional department assistance do the right things – and at the right time – to with just one phone call to a division serve your taxpayers during and after a fl ood representative listed in the guide. Our help or other disaster. can take various forms, depending on the severity of fl ooding in your area. The guide is available in both paper and electronic formats. We are committed In especially hard-hit areas, we may to maintaining this information so that it temporarily place a department property remains current and available whenever you tax compliance offi cer – or “regional rep” – may need it. We hope it proves useful this at your county offi ce. Among other things, spring and in the future. they can help you plan for reassessment of flooded properties, coordinate volunteer The help we provide is only as good as assessors, and communicate with taxpayers our advance planning and execution. This or other offi cials. includes working with Minnesota’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency In less severe situations or isolated fl ooding, Management (HSEM) to streamline the we will provide assistance from St. Paul. In disaster response process so that it’s as
8 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 MAAP
Update An Organization That Connects Assessment Office Personnel
MAAP was started as WCMAP in 1975 by former Kandiyohi County Assessor Chet Johnson to serve as a support group for office personnel to meet and discuss similar problems. The group has evolved over the years to include many members statewide. In 2003, the name of the organization was changed to MAAP (Minnesota Association of Assessment Personnel).
RECENT EVENTS: On February 3 and 4, 2011, MAAP assisted the Department of Revenue by hosting the Office Administration Support/Assessment Personnel Workshop at the Carver County Administration Building in Chaska, MN. This workshop was well-attended with positive feedback.
MAAP OFFICERS
Jason Vaith, President Stearns County 320-656-3692 [email protected] /##2
Melissa Janzen, Vice President 6800(5:25.6+23 Wright County 763-682-7369 [email protected] August 18 & 19, 2011 Holiday Inn, Duluth Barb Wendt, Secretary/Treasurer Earn 10 CEH’s by attending! City of St. Cloud 320-255-7203 [email protected]
Shayla Strack, Past President Morrison County 320-632-0102 [email protected]
Christie Fox, Executive Board ,17(5(67(',1-2,1,1*0$$3" Blue Earth County 507-304-4238 $118$/0(0%(56+,3,621/< [email protected] &217$&7$0$$32)),&(5)25'(7$,/6
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 9 Let’s Get Acquainted Dianne Reinart
Researched and Written by James Haley, CMA Polk County Editorial Committee Member
Traverse County may be small by metro Dianne and Gerald have been married standards. But ask Dianne Reinart, and for twenty five years now. They enjoy she will remind you that being the county reading, camping, and spending time with assessor is no small job. Diane’s rapid one another. ascent to the top assessor position in her county began only four years ago. Though As with all of us, Dianne has had her share she had already been working for the county of memorable situations while on the job. as a Deputy Auditor/Treasurer, she had no Her most memorable moment came from formal assessment experience. When a the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization position opened up on the assessment side, meetings in 2010. Most of us remember Dianne jumped at the opportunity. limited market value, and when it was phased out, a lot of people received sudden Dianne has since changed positions three increases in taxable market value. Dianne times. For three years, she worked as a said that when the seasonal recreational Deputy Assessor, then she moved on to properties lost their limited market values, the position of Acting Assessor in April of local boards were very “interesting”. 2010, and fi nally she moved into the County Assessor position in December of 2010. We asked Dianne what she would change Traverse County took its name from Lake if she could change anything about the Dianne works in a small offi ce. There are Traverse, which forms much of the western assessment fi eld. She responded with a only two people that are full time: Dianne boundary of the county. The point where Big very common answer: less red tape! “I and Kayla Kleindl, the Deputy Assessor. In Stone Lake and Lake Traverse meet is the would love to get rid of all the complications addition, there are three local assessors that Continental Divide. The divide is the point associated with agricultural homesteads” work with Traverse County. which divides water fl ow in a land area. said Dianne. I think everyone who works with ag homesteads could agree with that. Traverse County sits in west central In Traverse County, water will either fl ow Minnesota along the border of North north, through Lake Traverse, the Bois de It is hard to believe that Dianne cites Dakota and South Dakota. The perfectly fl at Soiux River, the Red River, and finally dealing with the public and keeping a landscape of the Red River Valley accounts to Hudson Bay on its way to the Atlantic positive attitude as challenges because her for a majority of acreage there. Mostly, Ocean; or southward through Big Stone personality and friendly demeanor make her Traverse County is made up of Class 2a Lake and into the Mississippi River system. an excellent choice to represent Traverse Agricultural Land, although there are four County to the public. Make sure to stop and small cities and a few seasonal recreational Dianne and her husband, Gerald, both come see her in Wheaton and see for yourself! parcels along Lake Traverse. from large families. Dianne herself has eight siblings, while Gerald grew up in a family Overall, there are 5,757 parcels spread of eleven children. Dianne has kept with out amongst fi fteen townships. Cities in that tradition by today’s standards. She and Traverse County include: Wheaton, Browns Gerald have four children: Tressa, 24; Katie, Valley, Dumont, and Tintah. 21; and twins Sheila and Tanner who are 17.
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 for 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]
10 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Out of the Past
Written by Connie Erickson, SAMA Yellow Medicine County Assessor Editorial Committee Member
5 Years Ago – 2006 County to fi ll the Pipestone County 20 Years Ago – 1991 ● Kathy Hillmer, Redwood County; Assessor position vacated by Tom ● The MAAO President was Don Kyle Holmes, St. Louis County; Houselog. Tom was hired as the Monk. Marsha Moreland, Carlton County Assessor in Rock County. ● The Commissioner of Revenue County; and Anthony Rasmuson, ● Wilkin County also hired a new was Dorothy McClung. Wright County, applied for the County Assessor, Cheryl Wall. ● J. Scott Renne, Washington SAMA designation. Cheryl worked in the assessor’s County Assessor, was installed as ● Gordon Folkman, Director of offi ce for several years and served a member of the Executive Board Property Tax, met with the State as Deputy Assessor for the last of IAAO. Board of Assessors to discuss the four years. ● Clarence Ward retired from Becker Code of Conduct and Ethics and ● Former Brooklyn Center City County; his assessment profession to answer questions regarding Assessor Stephen Baker was began in 1966. the Department of Revenue’s hired as the new Ramsey County ● Reuben Rydeen retired from involvement and support regarding Assessor and Nancy Wojcik fi lled the assessment profession; he enforcement of the Code of the position of Brooklyn Center was a Senior Appraiser for the Conduct and Ethics. City Assessor. Department of Revenue for 15 ● Four MAAO weeklong course ● Jack Pasternacki was promoted years. scholarships were awarded to the from Chief Commercial Appraiser ● Albert Westlund, former Assessor following individuals: Maurice to City Assessor for the City of in Lake County for 27 years, Balder, Peter Yager, Jacob Bloomington. passed away. Also, Vince Taffe, Pidde, and Jennifer Lane. ● Dean Moller retired from Faribault former Big Stone County Assessor, ● St. Louis Park City Assessor Bruce County. passed away. Stepnick retired after 28 years in the assessing profession and Jerry 15 Years Ago – 1996 30 Years Ago – 1981 Becker, Mower County, retired ● The State Board of Assessors had ● Hubbard County taxpayers after 27 years of service. After 30 two new members: Kathie Jarosz, expressed concerns regarding years with Ramsey County, Marri public member and Ken Bjorn, real estate taxes on various Renne retired from the assessing appraiser member. classifi cations. profession. ● The Executive Board approved the ● The MAAO membership unit revitalization of the Assessment chairman said “active” membership 10 Years Ago – 2001 Appeals Committee as a sub- is key to any group. ● Margaret Duncan was the committee of the Legislative President of MAAO, and Matt Committee. There were a number Smith was the Commissioner of of items concerning the appeals Revenue. process that needed to be addressed. ● Each year the St. Cloud State ● WCMAP celebrated 20 years. University Real Estate Association ● Julie Roisen filled the vacant recognized a corporation or an Commercial/Industrial Appraiser organization for its continued position in Washington County. support of the Real Estate Program Jody Keyes was appointed the at SCSU. On behalf of Hennepin Wilkin County Assessor. County, Tom May accepted the ● In general, farmland prices award for this honor. remained stable. ● A goal of Wayne Haerer, Director ● IAAO’s internet homepage became of Property Tax, was to pursue a fully functional; members were uniform, statewide standard placed encouraged to take advantage of on parcel identifi cation. this new opportunity. ● Steve Skoog was hired to fill ● The State Board of Assessors was the Becker County Assessor in the process of revising the oral position that was vacated by Curt interview questions that are asked Piepenburg. Curt left Becker of accreditation candidates. Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 11 Gett ing to Know... The Editorial Committee’s Newest Members
Hey there I went to college at Hamline University, In all seriousness, we also put replacement fellow MAAO where I graduated with a degree in Business cost values on all the buildings, so it was a members. Management. Back then, I had aspirations great job to learn about the cost components This is my of becoming an actuary - someone who of different institutional type buildings, read opportunity uses all kinds of math formulas to come blueprints, and yes, see the United States to introduce up with insurance rates. As I struggled on the company’s dime. I did have many myself (after with the stringent requirements to become projects that sent me to the east coast, the nearly 12 years qualifi ed for a job as an actuary, and more west coast, and everywhere in between. I working as an importantly realized I did not want to major was eventually getting burned out from all assessor) to the in mathematics, I became a usiness major. of the travel that forced me to leave home. membership I remained determined to find a career I also just got tired of always standing in of MAAO. I beginning with the letter “A”, thus became line. What do I mean by this? Well, I once Corey Erickson, AMA am one of four an assessor. Just kidding. The letter thing fi gured out I would stand in EIGHT lines in Ramsey County new members was a coincidence. order to get from point A to point B when of the Equal Eyes Editorial Board, and traveling via airplane. Think about it – ticket like the other new members, it is my fi rst After graduating from college, I experienced line at airport, security line, line to get on assignment to tell you a few things about the diffi culty of fi nding the fi rst “real” job plane, line to get off plane, line to get close myself. As those who know me could tell during a recession. Both because I always to the luggage carousel, line for car rental you, I don’t like to talk about myself, but had a general interest in real estate, and shuttle, line at the car rental offi ce counter, I’m not talking here, (for those of you who because I knew I would make a rotten and possible line at hotel check-in counter. are slow at the uptake, I’m writing) so this Walgreen’s manager, I took some real estate might work okay. When I initially heard appraisal courses at ProSource to get my So, after complete exhaustion from all the about the openings on the Editorial Board, appraisal license. Nothing at all against travel, I answered yet another newspaper I fi rst thought, I don’t have time to write Walgreen’s managers, it’s just that at the ad for a job. Yes folks, I’m two-for-two a bunch of articles four times a year, and time, it seemed as though Walgreens and with the newspaper ads. This time the ad get made fun of by my co-workers in the Footlocker were the only companies willing was for a residential real estate appraiser process. But, through my many years of to hire new college grads with business for Ramsey County. I started working as a experience in aggravating taxpayers, I have management degrees. residential appraiser for Ramsey County in become thick-skinned enough to handle the 1998, moved to the commercial section in punishment. Determined to avoid the retail world, I found 2001, and was promoted to a team leader my fi rst appraisal job after answering an ad position in the commercial unit in 2006. I thought it is about time I become active in in the paper for a company looking for an My current title is Principal Appraiser. In MAAO and what better way than working appraiser. The ad sounded very enticing my current position, I am responsible for the on the Editorial Board of Minnesota’s to my 23 year old head…. “National commercial assessments in three Ramsey fi nest non-profi t professional publication. Company, headquartered in Beverly Hills, County jurisdictions, and I lead a team of Although I’ve always considered myself to California, blah blah blah, requires frequent three commercial appraisers. We have a be barely an average writer, it’s something travel time.” Yep, I was so gullible. I saw great group of people in the commercial I’ve always enjoyed doing, so here I am. “frequent travel time” as a cool job perk, so section at Ramsey County, and I don’t look Hopefully in my new post, I will be able to I sent my resume, and got my fi rst appraisal forward to all of the retirements coming in meet many of you. gig. After many Sunday afternoons and the next few years. Friday evenings driving through the many I am from northeast Minneapolis. I went back roads of rural Iowa, getting to or from Thank you all for this opportunity to write to the neighborhood public high school, a job, the supposed “perk” lost its appeal. for Equal Eyes. I look forward to serving on Edison High. I have a lot of pride in my Yes, fellow assessors, I spent my own time the Editorial Board, and I will complete my “nordeast” roots. A little bit of local trivia: driving around the upper Midwest, without writing assignments to the best of my ability. Northeast Minneapolis is referred to as fattening up any sort of “comp time” If any of you need to get in touch with me for “nordeast” because the Polish immigrants account. But it was a pretty fun fi rst job. ideas about future articles, feel free. I can be who came to the area decades ago had Essentially, the now-defunct company did reached at [email protected] diffi culty pronouncing “th” so it sounded what are called fi xed-asset inventories and or by phone at 651-266-2109. like they were saying “nordeast” rather than insurance (or replacement cost) appraisals “northeast”. I’m guessing I have now lost for public sector clients. The most common all readers due to boredom. clients were school districts, so I got tons of experience counting classroom chairs.
12 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 As I sit history, and here I am eagerly hoping I will worked there for four years before landing a absorbing do the job justice. job with the City of Maple Grove. Although the healing I really enjoyed working for Hennepin powers of the I graduated from the University of County, my long-term goal was to work in Florida sun, Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management the community in which I live. I’ve worked I recall my (let’s just say many years ago) with a for the City of Maple Grove for almost excitement Bachelor of Science degree in Business fi ve years now, and I love it. We have a at hearing I Administration. At the time, I was working great staff and work culture. I obtained my was selected for a large national financial services SAMA designation in 2008 and was recently to serve on company. It was only natural to continue on appointed to Senior Residential Appraiser. the Editorial with them when they offered me a supervisory Committee for position upon graduation. I worked there On a personal note, I have been married to Julie Gustafson, SAMA Equal Eyes. I for 19 years in various administrative, my husband, Lee, for almost 29 years. He City of Maple Grove felt honored, supervisory, and management positions. I has been my rock and greatest supporter. We yet humbled, to work on this internationally- eventually left there for family reasons. I have two daughters, Andrea and Lauren, and recognized publication. was then left with deciding again… “What have lived in the City of Maple Grove for do I want to do when I grow up?” 20 years. Andrea graduated from college I had been seriously contemplating a couple years ago, is fortunately gainfully volunteering for one of MAAO’s committees While contemplating this dilemma I worked employed, and also resides in Maple Grove. since my youngest child left for college this part-time in the local school district as a Lauren is attending college at the University past fall. After years of serving on high Volunteer Coordinator. While working of North Dakota. We have a cocker spaniel school Booster Club organizations, I was there, I had an appraiser come to my home named Charlie, and regularly babysit our ready for a new challenge. However, I just for a refi nance appraisal. My discussions daughter’s Maltese/Japanese Chin dog, wasn’t sure what would be a good fi t for me. with him led to an interest in appraising Judy. In our free time, we enjoy spending I wanted to join a committee where I felt I residential properties. Upon hearing of this time with friends and family, going to our could make a difference. When I received interest, my husband arranged for me to cabin on beautiful Lake Ida in Alexandria, the e-mail stating MAAO was looking for meet with the Assessor in his offi ce. This traveling, playing a little golf, and just people interested in serving on the Editorial gracious man helped introduce me to the enjoying life. Committee, the light bulb turned on. At the fi eld of assessing and gave me guidance on same time, my boss stepped into my offi ce how to get started. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and told me I should seriously consider on the Equal Eyes Editorial Committee applying for this position. That was all it I began my career in the fi eld of Assessing and look forward to meeting more MAAO took to submit my application. The rest is in the Hennepin County Assessor’s Offi ce. I members in the process.
It’s funny, in the Assessor’s Office. I worked with is 10. They have kept us busy this school I had little divisions and CRVs. In 1999, I was hired as year with various sporting events, and the difficulty an Appraiser. I left briefl y to work part-time winter has fl own by. With the start of spring, with the other for the City of St. Michael, but I then went we’ll be focusing on a dance recital and a assignments back to Wright County in 2005. I earned my spring basketball league, and baseball is just that I worked AMA designation in the summer of 2010. around the corner. I know those of you with on for this school-aged children can relate to all of this! issue of Equal I must say it has been a learning experience, Eyes. When and it still is. We are constantly gathering I enjoy photography and graphic design. it came to new information and refreshing our minds I’ve always considered myself to be a much introducing with items we haven’t dealt with in a better communicator in the written form. myself, while. I’ve been fortunate to work with a For these reasons, I felt I could contribute to Lori Thingvold, AMA though, I had a great bunch of people over the years, and Equal Eyes. I’m looking forward to being on Wright County hard time even I actually look forward to coming to work the Editorial Committee and hope to bring getting started. So I’ll just sum it up as this: (most days)! some creative ideas and positive energy to an already outstanding publication. I began working for Wright County a long As for my life outside of work, I have been time ago. But, in 1997, I started my fi rst married to my husband, Larry, for 17 years. assessment job as an Appraisal Technician We have two kids; Shelby is 12 and Andy
Turn the page to meet Solomon Akanki, the fourth new member to Equal Eyes!
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 13 Gett ing to Know... The Editorial Committee’s Newest Members
Hi Everyone, in Mechanical Engineering from the Michael Thompson, and colleagues are University of Lagos, an MBA also from extremely great people. It is my the University of Lagos, and a Master in pleasure to Science in Real Estate from the University In addition to being a member of MAAO, I introduce of St. Thomas. am also a member of IAAO and an associate myself as one member of the Appraisal Institute. of the new I started a career as a Maintenance Engineer members with Flour Mills of Nigeria, PLC, and I Yes, I miss working on machines – especially of the Equal worked in the manufacturing sector for a commercial jet aircrafts, but I will not trade Eyes Editorial few years before moving on to the aviation that for what I am doing now; real estate Board. I got industry. I worked for several airlines as valuation has become my passion. I believe married about an Aircraft Engineer – both locally and my Real Estate degree from the University Solomon Akanki, AMA two years ago internationally – before relocating to the of St. Thomas has given me the opportunity Scott County to my lovely United States. I garnered my experience as to realize my full potential. wife, Lola, and we hope to have twins in an Appraiser at AkSams Appraisals before the near future. My dad is a law professor my present job at Scott County. With my unique international perspective, (Emeritus) and my mom is a retired high insight from a variety of industries, and love school teacher. I have three siblings: my If anyone had told me many years ago that for research and analysis, I intend to deliver elder brother is an economist, my elder sister I would be appraising real estate today, a spirited analysis of global real estate is a medical doctor, and my younger brother I would have said that was impossible. assessment trends. I want to thank MAAO is a lawyer. Mechanical engineering was challenging for this opportunity, and I look forward to and lucrative, but I believe any profession working with the Editorial Committee and I was born in Ile-Ife but moved with can become challenging and lucrative if it is membership of MAAO. my family to Lagos State (both cities your passion. It can also be rewarding (this is located in southwest Nigeria). My academic extremely important) if you work with great qualifi cations include a Bachelor of Science people. My manager, Scott County Assessor
SEEKING CANDIDATES MAAO is looking for a candidate to serve on the Board of Directors for NCRAAO. This organization consists of eleven states and provides an avenue for education and professional development in property tax assessment. The NCRAAO Board of Directors meets once a year at its Annual Meeting.
Please contact Cheryl Wall, MAAO President, if interested. 218-643-7162 [email protected]
Check out the NCRAAO website to learn more about the organization: www.ncraao.org
MAAO GIS OPPORTUNITIES MAAO is exploring the creation of a GIS forum on our website and/or facilitating a brainstorming meeting at the Fall Conference. If you have any interest in - or ideas or comment for - these GIS-related opportunities, contact your Region Director or any member of the MAAO Executive Board.
14 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Meet Minnesota’s New SAMA & AMA Designees
Written by Jake Pidde, CMA City of Plymouth Editorial Committee Member
NEW SAMA DESIGNEE NEW AMA DESIGNEE
Dan Blonigen Mark Meili Dan Blonigen, City of Mark Meili, Carver County, was Bloomington, was awarded the awarded the AMA designation on SAMA designation on January January 25, 2011. His education 25, 2011. His education includes Assessment Laws includes Courses A and Mass and Procedures, Residential Appraisal Basics. He completed Appraisal, Mass Appraisal, Highest and Best Use & Market Assessment Administration, Analysis (520) and Advanced Income Approach to Valuation, Sales Comparison & Cost Basic Income Approach to Approaches (530) from the Value, and the 15 hour USPAP Appraisal Institute, as well as course. Mr. Meili’s Form Report IAAO 151. Dan successfully passed the grading committee in challenged Assessment Administration and has a Bachelor’s April 2010, and he passed the Residential Case Study Exam Degree in Real Estate from St. Cloud State. Mr. Blonigen in December 2010. Mr. Meili has six years of assessment had a successful interview with the Board in February 2009, experience. Congratulations to you, Mark! and he passed the Income Case Study Exam in November 2010. Mr. Blonigen has fi ve years of assessment experience. Congratulations to you, Dan!
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!
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 15 The Schell’s Brewery Tradition: 150 Years of Brewing
Written by Rita Treml, SAMA Brown County Assessor
The August Schell Brewing Company, which Turner Society. The Turner Society had But along with the rewards, also came some is still located on the original site of the heard from a group of German settlers in risks. New Ulm was located in the heart of brewery built back in 1860 and still utilizes Southern Minnesota that their settlement Dakota Indian country. In the early days of some of the original buildings, celebrated was struggling to succeed. The two groups the brewery, many of the Dakota Sioux Tribe its 150th anniversary in August 2010. In the merged and formed the town of New Ulm. visited the brewery where Mrs. Schell often same year, Schell’s Brewery was named provided them with food. This goodwill one of the top ten breweries in the nation at Once in New Ulm, August found a job as a proved to be a blessing for the brewery the U.S. Open Beer Championships held in machinist in a fl our mill. But as the years when, in 1862, New Ulm found itself in the Atlanta, Georgia in July. passed, August realized that good German middle of the “Sioux Uprising” – otherwise beer was diffi cult to fi nd in such a small, known as the “Dakota Confl ict”. While Schell’s brands competed with over 700 rural area. buildings were burned and ransacked in different beers. Five Schell’s beers medaled New Ulm and other towns in the region, in four different In the fall of 1860, the brewery remained untouched due to the categories. Among the August partnered with kindness of the Schell family. winners were: Schell’s Jacob Bernhardt, a Stout, Schell’s Light, former brewmaster at the In 1866, Jacob Bernhardt became ill and Grain Belt Premium Benzberg Brewery(later decided to sell his share of the brewery. In Light, Schell’s Deer known as the Minnesota order to command the highest price possible, Brand (commonly Brewing Company) in August agreed to place the entire brewery referred to as “Schell’s St. Paul. They erected up for sale to the highest bidder. August’s Original”), and Grain a small brewery just bid of $12,000 won out, and he became the Belt Premium. This competition is the only two miles from town along the banks of the sole owner of the business. The business one to include home brewers competing with Cottonwood River. During their fi rst year of fl oursihed, and the brewery was expanded professional breweries. Entries spanned operation, they produced 200 barrels of beer, with additions. Many of these additions to globe, with breweries from Germany, a very small amount by today’s standards. continue to grace the grounds today as a Holland, Belgium, England, Canada, Brazil, testament to the enduring legacy of the and Belize. Schell’s Brewery took 7th place The location of the brewery was ideal. Aside Schell Brewery. overall based on the number of medals won. from the beauty of its natural surroundings, the brewery was located next to an artesian At the age of 50, August became stricken The man who started it all, August Schell, spring, providing exceptionally pure water with severe arthritis. While maintaining was born in 1828 in Durbach, Germany, for brewing. an executive role in the brewery, he handed located in the heart of the famous German over the management responsibilities to “Schwarzwald” – otherwise known as the Its proximity to the Cottonwood River gave his eldest son, Adolph, and the brewing Black Forest Region. August received an the brewery a means of transporting beer and responsibilities to his youngest son, Otto, early education as a machinist/engineer, supplies, and the river also became essential who studied brewing in Germany. Soon but after a short time, became intrigued by to the refrigeration the opportunities overseas. In 1848, he bid process. Each winter farewell to his homeland in search of success large blocks of ice in the United States. August arrived in New would be harvested Orleans and continued up the Mississippi and hauled up the hill and Ohio Rivers to Cincinnati where he where they would be worked as a machinist in a locomotive stored in underground factory. It was here that he met the love of caves. The ice would his life, Theresa Hermann. keep the caves cool throughout the spring Theresa, also a German immigrant, and and early summer August wed in 1853. In 1856, August, in order to allow Theresa, and their two young daughters proper aging and headed to Minnesota along with a group of fermentation of the fellow Germans known as the Cincinnati beer.
16 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 after, Adolph moved his family to California, Al retired in 1969 and was succeeded by his In 2005, Schell’s added on to its museum. leaving Otto and his brother-in-law George son Warren Marti. Under his leadership, This new addition greatly expanded the Marti to run the brewery. Schell’s introduced new styles of beer to Schell’s gift shop. In the lower level, the the market, including Schell’s Export and new tap room, with its outdoor seating In 1885, August and Theresa built the Schell’s Light. But Warren also saw beyond overlooking the Cottonwood River valley, exquisite Schell Mansion on the brewery beer and tapped into allows samplers to grounds. The site is complete with formal the soft drink market enjoy the true beauty gardens and a deer park, all of which are with a cooperative of the site as August listed on the National Register of Historic venture to produce and Jacob would have Sites. 1919 Root Beer with seen it back in 1860. Arneson Distributing True, this site has had August died in September 1891 at the age of Sleepy Eye, MN. its challenges over the of 63, leaving the brewery to Theresa with 1919 is a continued years, but it is part of Otto as manager. In 1902, the brewery was favorite to this day. what contributes to incorporated and Otto was elected president. Many still remember the uniqueness that His mother, Theresa, was elected vice- Schell’s for the award-winning scenic can only be truly appreciated by a visit to president, and his brother-in-law George designs that graced many of their cans the Schell’s Brewery and grounds. Marti became secretary-treasurer. Otto’s during this era. By the time Warren retired sudden death in January 1911 stunned the in 1985, the so-called “mega-breweries” As the commercial appraiser for the City community and struck a terrible blow to were dominating the beer industry. Many of New Ulm, this property has posed a the family. Theresa, of the smaller, challenge over the years. As production in her grief, would regional breweries increased and buildings were added, one die just four months were beginning to would think the effective age and the later. George was disappear, but the functionality of the buildings would have handed the reins of Schell’s Brewery increased. However, a tour of the brewery, the company. was experiencing with its stairs worn from years of brewers unprecedented and tourists, reminds you of just how old Though the name success. this facility really is and how creative the associated with architects of the many additions were. management changed Ted Marti took the This is evidenced by one of the most at that time, it was – helm in 1985, and recent additions to the brewery – a 44’ tall and is still is – kept similar to his father, 560 barrel fermentation tank installed in totally within the confi nes of the Schell had spend most of his upbringing around the April 2010. A hole was cut in the roof 1.5 family. brewery. His education included studies at inches larger than the tank. The tank was the Siebel’s Institute of Brewing in Chicago, then hoisted above the building by a crane Schell’s prosperity soon met its toughest as well as several German breweries. Ted and set in place. Once in place, the tank challenge with the start of Prohibition in took Schell’s to a new level by introducing a permanently rises nine feet above the roof. 1919. Just prior to Prohibition, there were line of “specialty” beers. Schell’s developed over 1,900 breweries in the country. By styles ranging from Altbier to Pilsner and In 1994, an off-site location was selected for the time it was repealed 14 years later, Pale Ale to Weizen, and it wasn’t long before a new warehouse because the original site only 600 breweries remained. The August a number of these beers became medal just did not have the space and a modern Schell Brewery was among the fortunate. winners. In 1999, the brewery invested in building would have taken away from the During Prohibition, the brewery shifted its growth by adding a new state-of-the-art historical signifi cance of the brewery site. gears, producing “near beer” and assorted brewhouse. With four imported stainless This warehouse building has been added soft drinks, all of which helped keep the steel kettles, each operating a different stage on to twice. machinery running and the transition back of the brewing process, to brewing beer that much easier. Schell’s improved its As the t-shirt in the gift effi ciency and quality. shop says “When your George passed away in 1934, and his wife brewery is surrounded by Emma became president. Soon afterwards, In 2002, Schell’s 14,000 thirsty Germans, the brewery management was passed on to acquired the recipe you better make a darn his son, Alfred Marti. Al was known as the for the 109 year-old good beer!” fun-loving sort who enjoyed music almost Grain Belt Beer from as much as the beer he brewed. This was the Minnesota Brewing evident in the musicians he gathered together Company. In effect, this saved the legendary and sponsored – a group fondly known as Minnesota beer from extinction. With the The source of information for much of this the Schell’s Hobo Band. Known for their addition of Grain Belt, Schell’s became the article was found at: circus-style music as well as their antics, the largest brewery in terms of gallonage in www.schellsbrewery.com band became famous across the region and Minnesota, and remains the oldest brewery still perform today. in Minnesota.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 17 Course Reviews Recent MAAO Courses
Reviews by Solomon Akanki, AMA Scott County Editorial Commitee Member
Assessment Laws and Procedures (ALP)
The 30-hour MAAO Assessment Laws and Minnesota’s assessment laws and procedures Weeklong Course Committee members for Procedures (ALP) course was held January are dynamic. their efforts towards improving the process 24-27, 2011 at the Best Western-Kelly Inn, A well-known quote from Henry B. Adams and providing the capacity for further Plymouth and had 26 attendees. A summer is: “A teacher affects eternity; he can never education. The result of the educational 2010 intern with the City of Minnetonka tell where his influence stops.” MAAO process is capacity for further education. received a scholarship based on MAAO would like to thank Gary Amundson and policy. Drew Imes for instructing this. MAAO again thanks the Minnesota Department of Revenue for allowing the Twenty-four attendees took the final In education, nothing works if the students association to sponsor this course and exam while only two people attended don’t work, so a special thanks to the utilize the proceeds to further MAAO’s for continuing education purposes. This attendees for all their effort and hard mission. It is a substantial contribution to course is approved for 30 hours of assessor work. We are also grateful to Bob Wilson, the association’s funding. continuing education by the Minnesota SAMA, CAE (City of Edina Assessor) for Board of Assessors. Assessment Laws coordinating this weeklong course. and Procedures will be offered again July 11-14, 2011 at the St. Cloud Kelly Inn. Recently, a seasoned veteran was asked Attendees also received credit for the ethics for some advice to assessors just starting requirement for the current assessment out, and what she said was fitting. She education cycle. said, “Assessors should be ready to take advantage of the opportunities to move up Licensed assessors are encouraged to attend by getting educated.” Special thanks to the ALP as a refresher; this is an opportunity to stay up-to-date because, as we know,
Assessment Laws and Procedures Course Attendance Analysis This chart shows A review of the Assessment Laws and attendance across Procedures Course attendee trends for MAAO Regions for the past five years indicates a decline recent Assessment Laws overtime. It also reveals a cyclical trend and Procedures courses. which seems to mimic the real estate Most of the attendees market. There was an infl ux of students seem to have come in 2006 because ALP was offered only from the private sector, once that year. followed by Region 4. The private sector Over this time period, the median number provided ten attendees of attendees is 46 while the mean number while Region 4 and the of attendees is 44. Department of Revenue had five and four attendees, respectively.
18 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Income Case Study Workshop
The “Preparing for the Minnesota Income the SAMA level of licensure. Eleven is based on the fact that it does not just Property Case Study Exam” Workshop was attendees were AMAs, and they all took the teach theories but also teaches how to apply held March 14, 2011. Attendees had the 8-hour fi nal exam the following day. This theories and concepts to real world situations option of completing the examination the optional two-day format seemed to work and problems. following day. The workshop was held at well. Licensees apparently prefer to take the the Best Western-Kelly Inn, Plymouth, and case study exam right after the workshop. MAAO wants to thank Bob Wilson SAMA, had 16 attendees. Of these, 11 attendees took It also may make tracking easier and will CAE (City of Edina Assessor) for instructing the exam the following day. keep these people moving forward toward this course. higher licensure. In the past, most workshop This course is approved for six hours attendees took individual exams shortly after Remember, learning is like rowing upstream: of assessor continuing education by the the workshop. if you’re not advancing, you are dropping Minnesota Board of Assessors and so far back. Are you an AMA? The next step is has been offered March of every year. You The workshop was a review of the three SAMA; to help you achieve this goal, attend do not have to be an Accredited Minnesota approaches to value with emphasis on the the Income Property Case Study Exam Assessor (AMA) to attend the workshop, income approach. Concepts and methods of Workshop next year, and you’ll be ready to but you must be an AMA to take the case valuation for income-producing properties take the 8-hour exam. study exam. were reviewed using the case study methodology. The case study approach is Passing the Minnesota Income Case Study the hallmark of top business schools today. Exam is one of the requirements to achieve The effectiveness of this type of approach Assessor Education: At-A-Glance 2011 MAAO Education Schedule Course Date Location Assessment Laws and Procedures July 11-14 St. Cloud, Holiday Inn Residential Case Study Workshop July 12 St. Cloud, TBD - check website 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 Income Approach September 26-30 Plymouth, Kelly Inn MN Assessment Administration October 3-6 Plymouth, Kelly Inn
2011 PACE Schedule Date Location July 25-29 Marshall, Ramada Inn August 15-19 Owatonna, Holiday Inn September 12-16 Ottertail, Thumper Pond Resort October 17-21 Grand Rapids, Sawmill Inn November 28-December 2 Inver Grove Heights, Inver Hills Community College
Registration and Questions Visit www.mnmaao.org to register for any of these educational offerings, to fi nd more information, or to fi nd the contact person for additional questions.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 19 Announcing the 2011 Equal Eyes Photo Contest
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We are looking for your great photos of barns, unique business buildings, and beaches from locations around Minnesota.
All photos should be taken on your camera’s highest resolution setting (2048x1536) so they may be used in upcoming issues of Equal Eyes.
Each photo should include a short explanation of when and where it was taken and any interesting facts you would like to include.
One photo per category per contestant, please.
The winning photos will be chosen by the Editorial Committee and announced in a future issue of Equal Eyes.
Photos should be e-mailed to: [email protected] no later than June 1, 2011.
20 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Spotlight on MAAO REGION 9 “BIG CITIES” Region Profi le The “Big Cities of MAAO Region 9 Spotlight” marks the The uniqueness of these cities also mimics the character penultimate offering for this Equal Eyes feature that began seen throughout the state. There are many one-of-a-kind in the Winter 2009 issue. The purpose of this feature was to or interesting properties found throughout the featured highlight each MAAO region – giving those member jurisdictions jurisdictions. Many cities have quite an interesting history or a moment in the “spotlight” – and to illustrate the diversity of current-day character. The next pages introduce us to some of the state. The “Big Cities” of Region 9 continue this display these people, places, and facts. of diversity. Of the featured cities, thirteen of them come from all corners of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area; and one – St. Next up, and as conclusion of the Spotlight feature for Equal Cloud – shows the growth of the area defi ning the “metro”. Eyes, is the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Division. The relationship Revenue and MAAO (and the These featured cities range in size from nearly 18,000 member assessors) have built over the past years makes residents to well over 300,000. Assessors in these jurisdictions the staff of the Property Tax Division part of the assessing cover anywhere from seven to nearly forty square miles community. Equal Eyes felt it was appropriate to include them while completing their assessments. They are responsible for in this feature to give everyone a chance to meet the staff you Spotlight between nearly 6,000 to 129,000 parcels and annually estimate may only know by name or email address and to generally get values with jurisdictional totals ranging from nearly $1.5 billion to know the division better. to $33 billion. Region 9 Big Cities At-A-Glance
Market Value City City Population Size (Sq. Miles) Parcel Count in Billions Anoka 17,966 7.1 5,905 $ 1.48 Bloomington 85,172 38.3 30,216 $ 10.30 Brooklyn Center 30,104 8.5 8,888 $ 1.64 Brooklyn Park 74,871 27.5 23,847 $ 5.18 Coon Rapids 63,600 23.3 22,000 $ 6.00 Eden Prairie 62,409 36 22,356 $ 8.69 Edina 47,425 16 20,769 $ 9.24 Fridley 27,442 10.9 10,386 $ 2.56 Maple Grove 63,484 36 24,823 $ 8.17 Minneapolis 386,691 58.4 129,000 $ 33.00 Minnetonka 49,374 28.2 20,518 $ 7.70 Plymouth 71,930 36 26,500 $ 9.00 St. Cloud 66,948 30 21,175 $ 4.93 St. Louis Park 45,561 10.8 17,597 $ 5.25
Editor’s Notes: The Region 9 “Big Cities” will be featured this issue. The Winter 2011 issue of Equal Eyes featured the Region’s Counties, as well as the City of St. Paul which is assessed by Ramsey County. Also, due to a data transfer or reporting error, some information for Carver County’s At-A-Glance was incorrect. The county’s market value should have been reported as $10.3 billion. Equal Eyes regrets this error.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 21 Region 9 “Big Cities” Anoka
The two rivers, Rum and Mississippi, played an integral part The City of Anoka’s development was severely damaged by in Anoka’s settlement. Father Lewis Hennepin fi rst visited fi re during its early years. Five major fi res between 1855 and this area in 1680 and settlers came to stay in 1844. Prior 1884 impeded the city’s development. The worst fi re in the to the 1800’s, the area surrounding Anoka was claimed by downtown area, in 1884, destroyed 86 buildings from the the Dakota. Later the Ojibwa pushed the Dakota westward Rum River to Third Avenue. Eventually this whole section was across the Mississippi. The territory of rebuilt. Again, tragedy struck the city in Anoka then became a neutral ground 1939. A tornado swept through the east between the two tribes. The name Anoka side of town. Many homes, a church, and was derived from two Indian words, the armory were destroyed and three the Dakota word A-NO-KA-TAN-HAN lives were lost. However, Anoka again meaning on both sides of the river, and persevered and completely rebuilt the the Ojibwa word ON-O-KAY, meaning damaged area. working waters. It is believed that Anoka was the fi rst The fi rst settler in the Anoka area was city in the United States to put on a Joseph Belanger who built a log cabin Halloween celebration. In early 1920, on the east side of the Rum River near Anoka merchants and other interested its mouth. Initially, the cabin was used as a trading post with citizens joined together in a move to stop Halloween pranks. the local tribes, but later it was used as a temporary home The idea was to have a big Halloween party for all the children for a number of early settlers. with free candy and lots of entertainment. In October of 1920, Anoka had its fi rst Halloween celebration. The celebration In the late 1840’s, the fi rst logging operations took place in has been held every year since, with the exception of two the Anoka area. The logs were fl oated down the Rum River years during World War II. Anoka considers itself to be the to the Mississippi River to the sawmill in St. Anthony. In 1853, “Halloween Capital of the World” and now has many events the fi rst dam was constructed on the Rum River at its present during October including football games, costume contests, location, and in 1854, the fi rst sawmill began operation. Other block parties, Grey Ghost 5k Run, and two parades. saw mills, wood working plants, and cooper shops-barrel makers quickly sprang up along the banks of the Rum River The “pistol shaped” Anoka City Hall was built with donations
Spotlight using water as their source of power. For the next twenty from the Federal Cartridge Corporation. Federal is a wholly- years, milling was an important industry in Anoka. owned subsidiary of Minnesota-based ATK that manufactures a complete line of shotshell, centerfi re and rimfi re ammunition After the decline of the sawmills in the mid 1880’s, a board of trade was organized to encourage other industries to move to Anoka. In 1886, a potato starch factory was built on the west side of the Rum River north of the dam. During this time, before the Red River Valley opened, Anoka was the center of potato production. Also operating at this time was the Anoka Shoe Factory which employed 80 people and produced 800 pairs of shoes per day. In 1898, a bill was passed by the state legislature to construct a state hospital in Anoka. The hospital is now known as the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center.
In 1856, a ferry was established across the Mississippi river, connecting Anoka with the City of Champlin. and components. Nearly 1,000 employees work at the Anoka, After 28 years of Minnesota facility which is located on 175 acres in Anoka operation, the ferry was replaced in 1884 by a steel bridge. County and spans the border of Anoka and Coon Rapids with The bridge had a turntable in the middle, operated by a hand half a million square feet of manufacturing space. winch that opened up two channels to allow boats to pass up or down the river. Other transportation in that era was a Anoka is the county seat of Anoka County and is also the horse-drawn streetcar system and rail service to St. Paul. hometown of Garrison Keillor.
22 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Bloomington
Bloomington, along with the state of Minnesota, was founded Unlike the original development of the Mall of America, Phase in 1858. In 1880, the population stood at 820; as of 2011, it has II expansion is planned to be developed in stages and started grown to over 85,000 residents. The city operates with over with the opening of IKEA in 2004. The next phase will be a 500 full time employees and is one of only 24 municipalities 501-room Radisson Blu hotel to be connected on the south throughout the nation with side between Macy’s and a triple-A bond rating from Bloomingdale’s. This Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, upscale hotel should be and Fitch. The hospitality under construction by business of Bloomington summer 2011. Additional contains more hotel rooms future phases may than Minneapolis and include a Mayo Clinic Saint Paul combined. With facility, Bass Pro Shop, the intersecting of major other in-line and anchor highways 169, 494, 100, and retail, a performing arts 35W, Bloomington acts as a center, dinner theater, conduit for major commercial office and additional property. Located nearby hotels, including one with Minneapolis/Saint Paul a water park. International airport has helped Bloomington quickly Mall of America and grow into the fi fth largest city Phase II act as western in the state. anchors of a larger development district
Despite a thriving commercial now known as South Spotlight and residential landscape, Loop. This district the city has dedicated over encompasses the area one-third of its land to wildlife from I-494 on the north, refuges and parks. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Cedar Avenue on the west, and the Minnesota River running Refuge offers 14,000 acres of adventure, bringing the great southwest to northeast. Bloomington Central Station, already outdoors to residents and businesses inside of its own home to Health Partners corporate headquarters and the borders. Bloomington also hosts the Hyland Hills Ski Area, Refl ections high-rise condo development, anchors the east complete with its very own ski jump! Recreation is an important side of South Loop along with other existing commercial part of Bloomington’s community: indoor activities include the development. The Hiawatha LRT line dissects South Loop Bloomington Ice Garden and Water Park of America (ninth with four stations in Bloomington, including the “end of the largest water park in the country). line” at Mall of America.
In the 1960’s, Bloomington’s Metropolitan Stadium was home In all, Bloomington offers great indoor and outdoor recreation, to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. After the teams relocated an abundance of shopping and restaurants at the Mall to Minneapolis in 1982, the stadium was eventually torn down. of America, and more than a few hotel rooms to choose This cleared the way for Bloomington’s most recognizable from. The City Hall and Civic Plaza play host year-round property - the Mall of America. The Mall of America is a to theater and dance productions, farmer’s markets, and shopping center with 4.2 million square feet of retail space, artist’s exhibitions. The culture of Bloomington is dynamic, 500 stores, an amusement park, and a 14-screen cinema. It the outdoor recreation ample, and the shopping fi rst class. draws 35-40 million visitors per year. Come and visit us today!
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 23 Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Center is part of the Brooklyn area that was initially his family business and local community affairs. Earle’s part of the Minnesota Territory in 1849. Settlers liked the wife Gwen passed away in 1947. Lacking any heirs, and beautiful prairies and river area. The area was rich for farming, in a gesture of gratitude for his grandfather, he donated the maple syrup, and logging with the use of the Mississippi River. Brooklyn Center farm and extensive land holdings to the People traveled by stage coach between Camden, Brooklyn, University of Minnesota. and Anoka. The stage coach left Camden at 4:00 p.m. and arrived in Anoka by 7:00 pm, and followed the West River In 1963 the University of Minnesota sold the land for Road. The area was known for growing rich vegetables and development at the same time the city of Brooklyn Center had many large farms that transported their goods to the began developing a detailed plan for future land use. In 1985, Minneapolis market for sale. the city itself purchased the 14 acres on which the original farm homestead complex stands. Because of the property’s Pierre Bottineau, a Dakota Indian with French Ancestry, was historic importance, great an early scout and interpreter in the area, and settled in the care was taken in planning Brooklyn area with his 20 children. Captain John Martin was for its preservation and involved with banking and the railroad and decided to settle conversion for use as a in Brooklyn Township. His daughter and grandson Jean and state of the art convention Earle Brown decided to move to the farm in 1880. Captain complex. Restoration and Martin assumed all responsibility for raising and educating his reconstruction began in grandson Earle Brown. These prominent names were used 1989, and it was reopened for names of roads within our Brooklyn cities. in 1990 as the Earle Brown Heritage Center. Earle Brown assumed The complex now includes the responsibility for 36,000 sq. ft. of event his grandfather’s large space, catering facilities, landholdings, including the and a small offi ce area. At Brooklyn Farm, where he one point, the city also ran had spent much time as a a small bed and breakfast youth. During World War I, located within the Earle he loaned the farm grounds Brown complex, however
Spotlight to the U.S. Government to it has been converted into be used for pilot training. small conference meeting rooms today. Following the war “Brown Field” became Minnesota’s fi rst commercial airstrip. As one of the area’s largest land owners Brooklyn Center today has a population of 29,172, a total land and prominent citizen, Brown was urged by county leaders size of 8.52 square miles, and a parcel count of 8,888. The in 1920 to assume the offi ce of Sheriff. Brown’s acceptance City of Brooklyn Center has a total 2011 estimated market marked his beginning into public service. In 1929, he was value of $1,637,340,600 for taxes payable in 2011. Our also asked to form the Minnesota State Highway Patrol. By city borders the cities of Minneapolis, Crystal, Robbinsdale, 1932, his popularity and recognition had spread statewide. and Brooklyn Park. The In spite of his protests, Brown was unanimously drafted by Mississippi River makes the state’s Republican Party as their candidate for Governor. up our eastern border, and He was unsuccessful, but he devoted the rest of his life to Twin Lake borders us to the west. Our community is family orientated and rich with parks and trail systems. Once home to the Brookdale Regional Mall, the mall area will now be completely renovated into a new retail development called Shingle Creek Crossing, which will include a Wal-Mart. Recent redevelopment has brought in newer hotels and larger businesses.
Brooklyn Center turns 100 this month, having incorporated as a village on February 18, 1911. Brooklyn Center, which became a city in 1966, will launch a yearlong series of events marking the centennial.
24 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park split from Brooklyn Township and became a industrial properties. The village in 1954 with a beginning population of 3,868. Brooklyn northern part of the city Park and Brooklyn Center came from Brooklyn Township and still has room to grow. originally got its name from the settlers of the area who came Residential properties from Brooklyn, Michigan. To this day, people often confuse continue to pop up, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center for each other. albeit at a much slower pace. The northern area The fast draining sandy loam soil made Brooklyn Park perfect is also home to Target for farming. Early on, wheat was the crop of choice, but Corporation’s Northern potatoes became the dominate crop that made Brooklyn Park Offi ce Campus with over one of the nation’s top growing areas of the time. Development 700,000 square feet of has eaten up most of the farmland, but there are still two farm offi ce space spread amongst four buildings. All this growth homesteads in the city with 400 to 500 acres still being farmed. makes Brooklyn Park the sixth largest city in the state with a population of 75,781. Brooklyn Park sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River, north of Minneapolis, and is approximately 27.5 square Parks are a big part of Brooklyn Park. There are over 1,700 miles. The city has 23,847 parcels which are valued by one acres of parks, trails, athletic complexes, historical areas, and commercial and four residential appraisers. The administrative golf courses. Edinburgh side of things are handled by two administrative technicians. USA is a Robert Trent The assessment is overseen by the city assessor. Jones II designed course and been named Brooklyn Park is a second ring suburb. However, it could be by Golf Digest as one looked at as a fi rst, second, and third ring suburb based on of “America’s Top 75 its staged development. The southern and eastern portions Affordable Courses” and of the city were developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s with by Golf Magazine as one Spotlight ramblers and apartments. The 1970’s and 1980’s saw a of the “Top 100 Courses population boom. The central part of the city developed you can play in the US”. with additional residential areas along with commercial and
Coon Rapids
Recreational activities are plentiful in Coon skateboard parks, and fi shing and boating Rapids. A great example is the new municipal opportunities for everyone to enjoy. golf course at Bunker Hills. Bunker Hills is a premier golf destination nestled in beautiful Coon Rapids is the ninth largest city in Bunker Hills Regional Park. It has been Minnesota, with a population of 63,573. recognized as one of the top 25 public courses Change is constant here. As a fully in the country by Golf Digest. A brand new developed city, the current focus is on clubhouse at Bunker Hills will open in June redevelopment and enhancement. This 2011. It will accommodate both the casual is evident with changes in land use from diner as well as the largest of banquets. The commercial to residential in sections of the new clubhouse will have a 410 person banquet city, upgraded roadways, a revitalized park center along with a family dining hall featuring system, decorative lighting, landscaping, great Minnesota food. and fl ower beds. The city is thriving, and this is refl ected in the amenities that enhance Coon Rapids also has many neighborhood our quality of life. and regional parks, indoor and outdoor ice rinks, softball and baseball fi elds, tennis and basketball courts, hiking and biking trails,
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 25 Eden Prairie
Settled in 1852, Eden Prairie was a sleepy, pastoral village The residential on the far southwestern fringes of the Twin Cities area. The real estate market 1869 assessed value of all of the land in the city was $18,373. in Eden Prairie Between 1880 and 1960, the population barely grew (the has performed population in 1960 was approximately 2,000). By the year among the best 2000, the population swelled to over 50,000. It changed from in the Twin a predominantly agricultural rural area to a thriving, business- Cities area. The rich community that is a highly desirable place to work and live. K-12 schools have strong Today, growth continues in Eden Prairie. Over 2,200 academic and businesses are located within its boundaries, including the sports programs. corporate headquarters of SuperValu, Alliant Techsystems, Entertainment options continue to grow with new restaurants C.H. Robinson, and the Minnesota Vikings. A comprehensive and theatres at the recently renovated Eden Prairie Mall and system of highways including Interstate-494, U.S. Highway surrounding areas like Windsor Plaza – a new mixed use 5, State Highway 212, and many other county highways and multi-story building. The city includes over 3,500 acres of local collector roads make Eden Prairie a reasonable commute park/open space, 17 lakes, three creeks, and the Minnesota from all directions. Additional transportation options are River. growing with the expansion of Flying Cloud Airport, increased bus service from The housing stock in the city is newer than most neighboring Southwest Transit, and communities. Neighborhoods range from the most exclusive a proposed future light neighborhoods on Bearpath Golf Course, Bryant Lake, or the rail to Minneapolis. Minnesota River Bluff to modest single family starter homes, Eden Prairie is townhomes, and condos. approximately 18 miles from downtown In 2010, Eden Prairie received recognition from Money Minneapolis. Magazine as the #1 Best Place to Live in America. Edina
Spotlight Edina is situated immediately southwest of Minneapolis in within the city. Interlachen Hennepin County. It has grown from a small farming and Country Club opened in milling community of mostly Scottish and Irish immigrants 1911 as a nine-hole course to a full service metropolitan community. Residential areas and expanded to an 18- comprise the largest portion of the city, which is more than 95 hole course in 1919. In percent developed. Major employers include Jerry’s Foods, 1930, the club was the Fairview Southdale Hospital, Macy’s, Edina Public Schools, site of the U.S. Open Nash Finch Company, Dairy Queen, City of Edina, J.C. Penny, championship. That year, and Edina Realty. Microsoft Corporation will become a new Bobby Jones had already major employer in 2011. The company is moving its regional won the British Amateur and the British Open. He went on offi ces and opening a new technology center in the Centennial to complete the “Grand Slam” by winning the U.S. Open at Lakes Offi ce Park, south of Southdale Center. Interlachen and the U.S. Amateur later in the year. Interlachen is consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s list of the 100 best Edina has numerous retail shopping centers including courses in the United Sates and #1 in Minnesota. Southdale Center, the fi rst climate controlled, fully enclosed mall in the United States. Plans are in the works to open a Edina is home to Richard Schulze (founder and chairman new Herbergers store, as well as making interior renovations of Best Buy), the late Carl Pohlad (former owner, Minnesota to the mall. Other shopping areas in the city include Galleria, Twins), Robert Ulrich (chairman and former C.E.O. of Target) Yorktown, and Centennial and David Anderson (founder of Famous Dave’s restaurant Lakes Plaza. The city also chain). boasts a thriving downtown area at 50th and France The former city hall and police station was built in the 1950’s. Avenue, known simply as It was dated, cramped, and suffered from severe functional “50th & France”. obsolescence. When the Coen Brothers chose to fi lm the police station scenes in the movie Fargo here, Edina’s elected There are two private and offi cials became concerned with the city’s image and in 2003 two public golf courses decided to construct a new city hall.
26 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Fridley
The City of Fridley was incorporated in 1959. Just 10 years along Highway earlier it had become a village with things moving rapidly from 65 is the Target there. The city is beautifully situated on the east bank of the Distribution Mississippi River. As a northern neighbor sharing a boundary Center. This with Minneapolis, Fridley initially fl ourished. An industrial spine facility boasts formed along the heavily travelled rail line through Fridley. over 1 million Eventually, Fridley became the largest industrial base in square feet. Anoka County. Also located in Fridley is After World War II, Fridley’s residential development took off, Cummins Power eventually yielding approximately 8,500 homes. The years Generation (Onan), which is a large manufacturer of 1950 - 1979 yielded 81 percent of that residential construction. generators. This industrial campus building contains over 600,000 square feet. Another large facility is BAE Systems Fridley’s current tax base composition includes: 58 percent (once known as FMC/United Defense). This building contains residential homestead, 12 percent residential non-homestead, over 2 million square feet. The property sits just south of 28 percent commercial and industrial, and 2 percent other. 694 between East River Road and the rail lines. Another Fridley has a 12 percent higher commercial/industrial unique property located along the rail is the General Mills composition than the metro average, while having 11 percent Grain Elevator. This facility was built in the 1940’s and today lower residential homestead and 1 percent lower residential specializes in oat processing. non-homestead properties than the metro average. The city There are three main arterial routes in the city with Interstate maintains 38 694 running east/west and State Highways 65 and 47 running parks. One of north/south. These highways along with East River Road (Co. these is the
Rd 1) provide immediate access to downtown Minneapolis Springbrook Spotlight and St. Paul and also the northern most suburbs. The newly Nature Center, established Northstar Commuter Rail travels from Big Lake a 127 acre park to Downtown Minneapolis. It has one of their six stations just and nature north of 694, located at 61st and Main Street between East preserve. It is River Rd and University Ave. located on the northern border BSNF also has the largest railroad yard in Minnesota located of Fridley. in Fridley. This is known as their Northtown rail yard. It is here Springbrook Nature Center features an interpretive center that trains are made up, put in the correct order for delivery and over three miles of hiking trails through wooded and to their destinations and weighed. There is also an engine wetland areas. repair shop and fueling station. Along side the tracks sit many industrial properties that benefi t from the rail. In areas where the city has made investments and encouraged renovation and redevelopment, private investment has followed. Even during these slower economic times, Fridley has received and approved a proposal to redevelop the shopping complex that includes Cub Foods at the intersection of University Avenue and Highway 694. That redevelopment will begin late spring or early summer of 2011. Three senior housing developments that will provide an additional 215 senior units are underway for 2011. And fi nally, Cummins Power Generation has begun construction of the world’s largest sound testing complex of its type on their industrial campus. Good things are defi nitely happening in Fridley.
Fridley is fortunate to have assessing completed in-house. That way we are close to development/redevelopment projects as they happen. Through the years, the City of Fridley Assessing Department has evolved into two positions, The term “unique properties” holds true for Fridley. The the assessor and appraiser. During the summer months an Medtronic World Headquarters building is located at the additional person is hired to help with the reappraisal process. northwest corner of Interstate 694 and Highway 65. Moving north With 10,386 total parcels, the assessing department keeps quite busy.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 27 Maple Grove
The town of Maple Grove was established in April of 1858. and sustainable buildings in the state. It is part of our In May of 1954 it became the Village of Maple Grove, and promise to practice, as well as promote, energy conservation in January of 1974 it was incorporated as the City of Maple in Minnesota. Our building is a showcase of the latest in Grove. energy effi ciency and sustainable features and provides an excellent Maple Grove is located in the learning opportunity for anyone north central part of Hennepin interested in energy efficiency County, and by the late 1950’s and conservation”. You can read the urban sprawl had reached the more about this unique property at: city. The fi rst growth was around www.greatriverenergy.com the lakes. Then came I-94 and the population started growing Maple Grove is also home to the again. The population in 1880 was first new hospital in the metro 1,155. In 1950, the population area in a decade which opened had increased to 1,778. In 1990, for business in December of 2010. the population was 38,756 and by New additions to the city also the end of 2005, the population include the newest Hennepin in Maple Grove was over 55,000 County Library which opened in and still growing! The current 2010 May of 2010 and the Maple Grove census data indicates a population Town Green and Bandshell which of 63,484. opened in June of 2010.
Maple Grove is one of the In addition to these newest fastest growing communities in attractions, Maple Grove is home the metro area. The city fathers to a community center with indoor decided that a “downtown” area and outdoor swimming pools, a was needed. Today, you can see skateboard park, an ice arena, and Minnesota’s fi rst Life Style Center a teen center. where you can enjoy shopping,
Spotlight dining, and entertainment. All of these amenities serve the growing Maple Grove population In addition to the fabulous downtown which is evidenced by the booming area, Maple Grove has other residential construction. Maple notable properties. One of the most Grove led the metro area in prominent is Great River Energy’s residential construction during headquarters which is a Platinum 2010 with over 240 new residential LEED-certifi ed building located in housing permits. Maple Grove, along with their 166 foot tall wind turbine. According to Great River Energy, “The Great River Energy headquarters facility is one of the most energy-effi cient
28 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota (population Best Art Cities.” One reason for this is that Minneapolis has 386,691 in 2009). Located along the Mississippi River, the city the most theater seats per capita than any other U.S. city is known today for its vibrant arts and culture scene, thriving outside of New York. In fact, there are more than 30 theatrical business sector, and reputation for being a clean, green, venues and more than 100 performing companies that make active, and educated city. Minneapolis such a premier destination for theater lovers.
Minneapolis was There are also more than 60 museums in the Minneapolis incorporated as a city in Saint Paul metro area - second only to Chicago and 1867. From 1882 to 1930, Washington D.C.. Of Course, a trip to Minneapolis isn’t Minneapolis led the world complete without visiting the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in flour production and - one of the largest in the country - to see the iconic Spoon after World War II, became bridge and Cherry sculpture. an important producer of electrical equipment, farm For sports enthusiasts, machinery, and computers. Today the city is a major mid- Minneapolis offers western center of business, fi nance, trade, and transportation, something for everyone. and headquarters to some of the most well-known Fortune Minneapolis is home 500 companies including Target Corporation, Ameriprise to three major sports Financial, and U.S. Bank. Just beyond our city limits you’ll teams: the Minnesota also fi nd the headquarters of Best Buy, General Mills, and Vikings (NFL), Minnesota 3M, just to name a few. Timberwolves (NBA), and the Minnesota Twins Nowadays, one visit to Minneapolis and you’ll know why it’s (MLB), who in 2010 opened their new downtown, outdoor called the “City of Lakes.” Of the 10,000 lakes (nearly 12,000, ballpark – Target Field – to rave reviews. Nearly every game really) in Minnesota, 22 can be found within the 58 square was sold out in 2010 and this home fi eld advantage helped Spotlight miles of the Minneapolis the Twins win a second straight American League Central city limits. Residents and Division Championship. Target Field itself was also a winner visitors enjoy these bodies as it was awarded LEED Silver Certifi cation from the U.S. of water year-round for Green Building Council, making Target Field the “greenest swimming, sailing, fi shing, ballpark in Major League Baseball.” ice skating, and the time- honored Minnesota tradition – ice fishing. These lakes also provide many miles of walking trails and bike paths that have helped make Minneapolis one of the most walking-friendly cities in the country and the #1 biking city in the nation, according to Bicycling magazine. What’s more, in 2010 a bike sharing program, “Nice Ride Minnesota,” made its debut in Minneapolis, and due to enormous popularity will Minneapolis Fast Facts: expand throughout the city in 2011. Population: 386,691 (2009) Total non-white population: 37 percent In Minneapolis residents and visitors are surrounded by Total housing units: 178,254 (2009) thriving arts and culture, from theater and performing arts 6,400 park acres (8 times more than New York’s Central Park) to world class museums and cutting-edge architecture. GQ 1,118 of roads and parkways has also named Minneapolis one of the “World’s Seven 79 miles of shore along lakes, creeks, and Mississippi River
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 29 Minnetonka
Located in Hennepin County just eight miles west of an attractive location for employees and employers alike. Minneapolis, Minnetonka is a fully developed suburban Minnetonka is also home to Ridgedale Mall, one of the community of 49,374 residents (2010 Census), making it the regional retail “dales.” The city is served by three excellent 17th largest city in Minnesota. In 2009, the median household school districts: Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Wayzata. income was $79,720, with a 2010 median home price of $325,000. More than 44% of Minnetonka’s residents are age The City of Minnetonka employs 230 full- and part-time city 55 or older. staff (including 56 sworn police offi cers), 80 paid-on-call fi refi ghters, and nearly 350 seasonal workers. Staff shares a Minnetonka is proud of its reputation as a city that preserves commitment to the city’s shared values, and every day works its natural resources—residents can enjoy 49 community to provide exceptional services to its residents. parks, more than 81 miles of maintained sidewalks and trails, and more than 1,000 acres of public open space, as well as Minnetonka is a home-rule charter city, governed by a city natural scenery that includes mature trees, wetlands, and council, with a mayor presiding over meetings. A variety of prairies. boards and commissions support and advise the city council. The city manager oversees day-to-day city operations, While Minnetonka shares its name with the very popular Lake executing the decisions of the city council through the city’s Minnetonka, the City of Minnetonka includes only one small departments and staff. bay of the lake – Gray’s Bay, which forms the headwaters of Minnehaha Creek. Two other creeks travel through Minnetonka – Nine Mile Creek and Purgatory. Numerous small lakes, ponds, and wetlands punctuate Minnetonka’s landscape.
Minnetonka has a long and interesting history, from when the land was fi rst settled by Dakotah and Ojibway Indians, to its inclusion in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, to its fi rst recorded exploration by European settlers in 1822.
Its mid-to-late 1800’s reputation is as a center for saw and fl our mills and the building of the Charles H. Burwell House (now on the National Register of Historic Places).
The city’s progression continued from a township to a village, and fi nally to a city.
Minnetonka is a thriving center of commerce, with the headquarters of Cargill, United Health Group, and Carlson Companies located within the city, as well as many other companies that together employ 46,000 people.
Several major highways intersect Minnetonka, including I-494, I-394, and Highways 7, 169, and 62, which makes Minnetonka
30 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Plymouth
The City of Plymouth is located in western Hennepin County E. French and Eagle and has built a national reputation as a thriving community with Lake regional parks offer an excellent quality of life. Its lakes and rolling terrain provide diverse recreational the backdrop for a blend of well-planned residential, business, opportunities, including and commercial-industrial areas. The city’s 72,000 residents biking, hiking, cross- live in a diverse mix of single-family homes, apartments, and country skiing, town homes. snowshoeing, and golf.
Plymouth has been nationally Plymouth is served by four highly-regarded public school recognized for its quality of life. The districts. A majority of the city (western and southern areas) community has been at the top or is served by Wayzata Schools. With one exception, all of near the top of Money Magazine’s the schools of the Wayzata School District are located in Best Place to Live since 2008. Plymouth. Robbinsdale Schools serve the east-central area of Plymouth. The Osseo District includes the northeast area Plymouth enjoys a prime location, and Hopkins includes the southeast corner of Plymouth. with easy access to major highways and a 12-mile commute to downtown The schools, the parks, Minneapolis. This has helped make the lakes, and the Plymouth a choice location for location all add to the businesses as well as residents. The quality of life, making city is home to a thriving commercial- Plymouth a place that industrial base, with nearly 50,000 people want to call jobs. Medtronic, Honeywell, and home. Even in the recent AGA Medical Corporation are some challenging economy, of the companies that have plants the City of Plymouth or corporate offi ces in Plymouth. The City of Plymouth also continues to be a place operates its own bus system, Plymouth Metrolink. It provides where people choose to public transit tailored to the needs of both commuters and build new homes. Five businesses. new developments are planned or underway. Plymouth’s citizens and community leaders have placed a high priority on establishing a first-rate park system. Plymouth has 53 parks and a 136-mile network of city, state, and regional trails. An ice center, activity center, inflatable dome fi eldhouse, park pavilions, warming houses, and a skate park are just some of the venues for Plymouth’s many recreation programs. The city has made steady progress toward the goal of preserving a 2.5 mile swath of forests, wetlands, and meadows for the Northwest Greenway.
Two regional parks are also located in Plymouth. Clifton
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 31 St. Cloud
St. Cloud, Minnesota, residing within the three counties of When St. Cloud residents are asked why they chose to live here, Stearns, Sherburne, and Benton, is located on the banks of many respond with: “it’s just a nice place to live”. Neighborhoods the beautiful Mississippi River just 60 miles northwest of the are quaint, friendly, and family-oriented. Diversity is celebrated Twin Cities. With over 60,000 residents, St. Cloud serves as a and our unique heritage honored. It is a renowned hub for medical commercial hub for over 250,000 people. In addition to our strong care and a retail epicenter. economic environment, St. Cloud offers very ample and diverse opportunities in education, recreation, and the arts. St. Cloud has scenic parks located along the Mississippi river and innovative urban parks in the core neighborhoods. In addition Prior to the 1850’s, the First Nations populated the St. Cloud to the world-famous granite quarries, there is an abundance of region given its water access and rich natural resources. In 1852, rich farmland and many environmentally sensitive areas. These a treaty was signed with the Winnebago Indians that opened areas provide unique aesthetic, economic, and recreational the territory to settlement. St. Cloud began as three separate opportunities for residents. settlements on the Mississippi River that were founded by three extremely different men; a former slave owner who was involved St. Cloud is a unique mix of properties and counties. Of the $4.1 in the fur-trade, a professional town-entrepreneur who attracted billion in taxable estimated market value for the City of St. Cloud, Protestants opposed to slavery, and a sawmill builder drawing 85% is located in Stearns County with 9% and 6% located in Catholics from Germany. In spite of the differences, the three Benton and Sherburne counties respectively. Exempt properties settlements eventually merged into one city in 1856. add another $840 million in market value. There are 869 exempt parcels including St. Cloud State University, The name St. Cloud was chosen to refl ect the St. Cloud Hospital, the Reformatory, and the area’s French heritage, being named after a VA Hospital. suburb of Paris, France. This rich history is remembered and celebrated through historic St. Cloud has 8,562 apartment units. Of attractions like the Stearns County History those units, 1,187 are student oriented and Museum and St. Cloud State’s University’s 741 are HRA apartments. The average American Indian Center. Like this past, the estimated market value per unit is $43,250. natural and human resources of Central The median home value of the nearly 17,692 Minnesota are the basis for the hopes and dreams envisioned residential properties in St. Cloud in 2010 was $131,100. In by St. Cloud residents and leaders for a thriving community. 2009 there were 435 residential sales with a median sale price of $137,500 and 49 new homes were built. At the peak of the St. Cloud is known as the heart of Minnesota. It is a city with housing market St. Cloud had over 1,200 residential sales and fascinating social, cultural, natural, and built heritage. It has 350-400 new homes built per year. Foreclosure sales hold steady abundant parks, prairies, art and architecture, the rolling in St. Cloud at approximately 1% of the residential properties Mississippi River, and diverse and vibrant entertainment. As the foreclosing each year since 2007. fastest growing metropolitan area in the state, St. Cloud offers ample and diverse opportunities in education, recreation, and Many people commute into St. Cloud every day to work. The the arts for residents and visitors alike. Top attractions include largest employers in St. Cloud include Centra Care Health Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, with their lush plant life and Systems/St. Cloud Hospital with 3,908 employees, The State of Mississippi River backdrop, and Stearns History Museum, where Minnesota employs 2,214 people, and Electrolux Home Products the town’s past is on display. employs 1,257. The largest taxpayers in the city include St. Cloud Mall, Xcel Energy, and Centra Care Health Systems/St. Cloud Hospital.
In 2008 a new modern library was built in downtown St. Cloud. It offers a gathering space to educate and connect while being innovative in its public art, modern technology, and green building practices. It features energy optimization, parking lot rain gardens, and a green roof. Ensuring its continued success is the The renovated 1921 Paramount Theater offers entertainment partnership with area cities and counties as well as the non-profi t options in the downtown Arts District, and biking and hiking are organization, St. Cloud Friends of the Library. accessible at Quarry Park and on the Lake Wobegon and Beaver Island Trails. Downtown’s specialty shops offer small-town charm, as do the Central Business District (listed on the National Historic Registry), Stearns County Courthouse, and The Granite Trio, a sculpture celebrating one of the city’s key industries. Also in the vicinity are a number of notable universities, including St. Cloud State University, the second largest university in Minnesota.
32 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 St. Louis Park
St. Louis Park is a fi rst ring suburb comfortably nestled in Business also boomed as the merchants came to where the a series of heavily traveled traffi c routes including I-394, people were. Lilac Way (often reported as fi rst multi-tenant Highways 100, 169, 7, and Excelsior Boulevard. This strip center in Minnesota), Miracle Mile, and Knollwood community of 45,000 comprises 10.8 square miles of which shopping centers along with many other free standing over 11% is dedicated to a string of 51 parks. businesses were constructed from the late 1940’s and into the mid 50’s. The second largest health service provider in For the metro, we have a relatively low median home value Minnesota after the Mayo is also headquartered in St. Louis of $228,000 and yet are among the top Park. As army doctors came home from “net” contributors to the fi scal disparity the war, a group of them established a pool. It is our location, history, citizens, practice in a small facility in St. Louis businesses, and leadership coming Park. They later merged their practice together that created this community. with Methodist Hospital which morphed into Park Nicollet Health Services. Our early history can be traced to the political and economic competition History always has a few lessons. Some between Minneapolis and St. Paul in the are easy. Here’s a hard one: cleaning up 1880’s. St. Louis Park incorporated as a after early-to-mid 20th century industrial village in 1886 as local business leaders of the time envisioned uses. We are home to one of the fi rst national “Superfund” the area as an industrial base for Minneapolis (far west of St. sites due to the creosote/tar treatment of rail ties and Paul to prevent annexation). telephone poles from a plant operating from 1904 to 1972.
Numerous factories, workforce housing, and streetcar lines Other heavy industries and local landfi lls added to the list of were built between 1886 and 1892. Very few of these problem sites. The city learned many lasting lessons over buildings remain which is unsurprising given their economy the space of decades and now has extensive experience in and wood framed simplicity. The “brick block” formed the remediating and monitoring these environmental issues. downtown business area and the Walker Building (1892) is the oldest known remaining commercial building. History also teaches good lessons in economics. St. Louis Park is a living textbook defi nition of the economic life cycle While waxing and waning with the general economy, the city (growth, stability, decline, and revitalization). People living was very much a blue collar suburb for decades. There were here are feisty about property maintenance, and the city also a small number of retail establishments as it was easy requires code compliance inspections before sale. The city to jump on the streetcar lines to go shopping in Minneapolis. has also enjoyed a renaissance of redevelopment. Major projects over the past ten years include Excelsior & Grand, The community comprised 7,737 residents in 1940. Post-war Hoigaard Village, West End, Ellipse, and numerous other growth exploded into the inner ring suburbs and well over half single site renovations and redevelopment. of the housing stock was built between 1945 and 1960. The majority of the homes constructed were ramblers and one Two “fi rsts” just for fun. The and one-half story, which was common for the era. Peavey-Haglin elevator built in 1899 still stands and is on the National Historic Register. This was the fi rst tube silo grain elevator constructed entirely out of concrete. Peavey went on to build a series of concrete silos up in Duluth. Our little elevator can be found on the grounds of Nordic Ware which has another notable fi rst: the bundt pan. The bundt pan was created in 1950 and became famous when the 1966 Pillsbury Bake-Off winning cake recipe known as the “tunnel of fudge” delighted the nation.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 33 Region 9 “Big Cities” Featured Property Eidem Historical Farm - City of Brooklyn Park
The Eidem Homestead Brooklyn Park Historical Farm is Silas Merrill sold 39 acres to William Bragdon in 1890. a ten-acre living history farm restored to the 1890 – 1910 Bragdon established a new homestead on the east half. time period. Staff and volunteers, dressed in period clothing, In 1894, John Eidem and his wife Electa bought 39 acres, perform daily farm activities and demonstrate the rural life at including the house, barn, and granary, for about $80 an the turn of the century. Group tours are available May through acre. The Eidems constructed an addition to the front of the October 15, with special events throughout the year. house around 1905 and worked the farm until 1956 – raising potatoes and other crops. After the death of John in 1956, the Records on this property go back to 1856 when John and grandchildren rented out the house until it was sold. Mary Berry purchased 40 acres from the United States. The next year, Berry sold In 1976, the house and ten acres were the land to Silas Merrill who owned the purchased by the City of Brooklyn Park for adjacent property. Plat maps show there $40,000. The Eidem Homestead Brooklyn was a house on the property by 1879. It Park Historical Farm opened in September of is believed to be the rear two-thirds of 1979. In 1998, the city undertook extensive the house that stands today. In 1888, the restoration plans spending over $365,000 Hennepin County Assessor valued the to preserve and restore the house and farm property at $1,500: $1,000 for the land buildings to the charm of the era at the turn and $500 for the buildings. of the twentieth century.
Spotlight
Location of Region 9 “Big Cities”
Anoka Coon Rapids Anoka Brooklyn Maple Park Grove Fridley
Brooklyn Ramsey Plymouth Center
Hennepin Minneapolis Minnetonka St Louis Park
Eden Edina Prairie
BloomingtonDakota Benton
St Cloud Stearns
Sherburne
Anoka on Ra
ms ngt
Hennepin ey Washi
Carver
Dakota Scott
34 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Region 9 “Big Cities” Staff Members
Note: Year listed is year employee started current position
Anoka Maple Grove St. Cloud Scott Varner, City Assessor, SAMA, 2000 Tim Mitchell, City Assessor, SAMA, 2010 Stephen Behrenbrinker, City Assessor, SAMA, CAE, 1985 Cookie Schultz, Appraiser, CMA, 1981 Rich Gruber, Commercial Appraiser, SAMA, 2011 Steven Bruggeman, Assistant City Assessor, SAMA, 1987 Julie Gustafson, Senior Res Appraiser, SAMA, 2011 Beverly Bernatz, Residential Appraiser, CMAS, 1975 Bloomington Joann Lowrie, Commercial Appraiser Aide, 2002 Tamara Anderson, Residential Appraiser, AMA, 2005 Matt Gersemehl, City Assessor, SAMA, 2010 Chun-Yin (Chewy) Chong, Res Appraiser, SAMA, 2006 Barbara Wendt, Property Information Tech, CMA, 1996 Kent Smith, Chief Commercial, AMA, 2010 Karla Anderson, Residential Appraiser, SAMA, 2007 Mark Anderson, Chief Residential, SAMA, 1986 Cathy Emerson, Assessment Tech, CMA, 1990 St. Louis Park Mark Reichel, Commercial, SAMA, 1991 Mary Peterson, Assessment Tech, CMA, 1988 Cory Bultema, City Assessor, SAMA, 2006 Todd Angus, Commercial, SAMA, 2000 Pam Olson, Assessing Clerk, CMA, 2005 Marty Fechner, Appraiser/Tech, CMA, 1986 Dan Blonigen, Commercial, SAMA, 2010 Mark Hoppe, Appraiser, CMA, 2000 John Cummings, Residential, CMA, 1990 Minneapolis Debra Lynch, Appraiser, CMA, 1988 Brian Kohorst, Residential, CMA, 2008 Patrick Todd, City Assessor, SAMA SRA, 1990 Bridget Nathanson, Appraiser, AMA, 2008 Nate Maher, Residential, CMA, 2009 Scott Lindquist, Assessment Manager, SAMA, 2000 Kelley Schomer, Appraiser, CMA, 2007 Mae Lewis, Assistant, 2001 Valerie Thompson, Chief Appraiser, SAMA, 1972 Melanie Taillefer, Assistant, 2007 Dana Beasley, Supervisor, CMA, 1988 Denise Lingwall, Supervisor, CMAS, 1984 Brooklyn Center Jim Swenson, Supervisor, CMA, 1994 Nancy Wojcik, City Assessor, SAMA, 2001 Stephen Bodurtha, Assessor II, CMA, 1976 Karen Castro, Appraiser Tech, CMA, 1999 Suzanne Bonnema, Assesor II, CMA, 1993 Jill Brenna, Appraiser I, CMA, 2002 Deborah Gramling, Assessor II, CMA, 2001 Alex Guggenberger, Assessor I, CMA, 2010
Brooklyn Park Brenda Hansford, Assessor II, AMA, 2001 Spotlight Marvin Anderson, City Assessor, SAMA, 1997 Andrew Hively, Assessor I, CMA, 2004 Shelagh Stoerzinger, Comm Appraiser, CMA, 2008 Brian Jobe, Assessor II, CMA, 2003 Bob Hoppe, Residential Appraiser, CMA, 1986 Dennis Kammerer, RE Investigator, 2001 Rich Gilbert, Residential Appraiser, CMA, 1990 Brian Kieser, Assessor II, SAMA, 2004 Jeff Satzinger, Residential Appraiser, CMA, 2008 Krista Manuelson, Assessor I, CMA, 2006 Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie Tracy Bauer-Anderson, CMA, 2009 Stephan Martynow, Assessor II, CMA, 2002 Shirley Olson, Assessment Tech, CMA, 2009 Leo Montes, Assessor II, CMA, 2000 Vera Kasprowicz, Assessment Tech, CMA, 2006 Brian Nelson, Assessor I, CMA, 2004 Brian Northenscold, Assessor II, CMA, 1997 Coon Rapids Marlene Oppegard, RE Investigator, 1984 Ned Storla, City Assessor, SAMA, CAE, 1994 Don Palmer, Assessor III, CMA, 1984 Patrick Maghrak, Appraiser II, CMA, 2004 Pete Pelletier, Assessor III, CMA SRPA, 1983 Brent Reid, Appraiser I, CMA, 2006 JoAnne Raginski, Assessor I, CMA, 1973 Erik Skogquist, PT Appraiser, AMA, 2009 Cathy Rico, Assessor I, CMA, 1997 Heidi Cederstrand, PT Assessment Clerk, 2006 Matt Sandell, Bus. Appl. Manager, CMA, 1997 Debbie Miller, PT Assessment Clerk, 2007 Margie SanRoman, RE Investigator, 1985 Scott Stanley, Assessor I, CMA, 2004 St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Eden Prairie Nancy Stine, Offi ce Support Spec. II, 1979 Steve Sinell, City Assessor, SAMA, 1978 Jon Thompson, Assessor I, CMA, 2010 Colin Schmidt, Appraiser III, SAMA, 1992 Jon Ulman, Assessor I, 2006 John Sams, Appraiser III, SAMA, 1986 Tim Ulvin, Assessor I, 2005 Barb Cook, Appraiser II, CMA, 1986 Dave Buswell, Appraiser II, AMA, 1995 Minnetonka Jody Carlson, Appraiser I, CMA, 1999 Rebecca Malmquist, City Assessor, SAMA, CAE, 1998 Lisa Ramsey, Assessment Tech, 2003 Eric Johnson, Senior Appraiser, SAMA, 1997 Amy Weber, Principle Appraiser, CMA, 1998 Edina Michele Gelo, Principle Appraiser, CMA, 1993 Bob Wilson, City Assessor, SAMA, CAE, 2003 Josh Johnsen, Principle Appraiser, AMA, 2010 Adrienne Garcia, Appraiser, AMA, 2010 Denise Ostlund, Assessment Specialist, CMA, 2006 Beverly Moos, Appraiser, CMAS, 2001 Rick Nelson, Appraiser, CMA, 2000 Plymouth Moreau Sankey, Appraiser, CMA, 1980 Janene Hebert, City Assessor, SAMA, 2005 Mitzi Wicklund, Assessment Tech, CMA, 2003 Janice Olsson, Appraiser Supvr, SAMA, RES, 1988 Liz Lopez, Assessment Tech, CMA, 1982 Paul Kingsbury, Appraiser, CMA, 1994 Cindy Bowman, Appraiser, CMA, 2000 Fridley Mike VanderLinden, Appraiser, AMA, 2004 Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, St. Cloud Mary Smith, City Assessor, SAMA 2001 Jake Pidde, Commercial Appraiser, CMA, 2007 Lynn Krachmer, Appraiser, SAMA, 2002 Peggy Schulman, Assessment Tech., 2005
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 35 Lake Vermilion State Park
Written and Researched by James Haley, CMA Polk County All Images Courtesy of MN Department of Natural Resources Editorial Committee Member
which is a Latin word for an orange color. In the Fall of 2009, stalled talks for the purchase and development of 3,000 acres In 1670, the first trading post on Lake along the undeveloped southeast shoreline of Lake Vermilion in St. Louis County Vermilion was established. For decades, suddenly regained steam. The new life for three years’ worth of negotiations the fur trade fl ourished. created excitement and debate among Minnesota Legislators, citizens, and then Governor Tim Pawlenty. This is the story of how Lake Vermilion State Park Lake Vermilion served as a trading post came to be and how the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans along the Duluth-Rainy Lake travel route. to build the State of Minnesota’s newest sanctuary. Traders and explorers passed through a short overland trail and through the present Imagine for a moment that it is 1882. You are – a commodity that some say is more day Boundary Waters area. This network of twenty-two, single, broke, and unemployed. important to the modern economy than any waterways eventually took travelers all the You live in St. Paul, Minnesota, and did have other, with the exception of oil – was found. way to Hudson Bay and out the sea. The a job at a local brick factory – until they shut What the prospectors found was iron ore, the importance of the path was quite obvious down. Now what? You keep hearing rumors main component of steel making. With this and became the subject of dispute between of a new boomtown coming “up north”. discovery, mining towns began to spring up France and Great Britain. In fact, after the Tower, they call it. The name suggests an around Lake Vermilion. Towns like Tower 1763 Treaty of Paris, Lake Vermilion was imposing, possibly desolate experience. and Cook were laid out around the lake to divided, much like Lake of the Woods is support the anticipated mining boom. today. France ceded its territory to the north Signs around town say US Steel is looking to Great Britain, and eventually, the United for young men with strong backs to work in Before the discovery of gold and iron ore, States would lay claim to the south. Until a new mine called Soudan. A couple of years Lake Vermilion served as an important 1842, Great Britain reaped all benefi ts from before, you heard that there was gold; but link in the chain of rivers and lakes that the region until the Arrowhead region was now they want to pull out something called connected the region. Ojibway, Chippewa, brought completely under control of the “hematite”. In St. Paul, money is United States. tight and rent is high. You’ve got nothing to lose, so you pack up your With new control of this rich few belongings and head up north in wilderness, the United States sent a search of your new life as a miner. geological team to survey the area. The discovery of gold and iron ore Background: Lake Vermilion and contributed to the area’s present day the Iron Range development. The logging and mining This was a common story in the late towns around Lake Vermilion boomed 1800’s for young men that moved to and eventually the south shore of Lake the Lake Vermilion area. A few years Vermilion played host to the Soudan before, prospectors were scurrying Mine. Soudan, which began as an to the arrowhead of Minnesota in open pit mine, began operation in search of gold. The gold rush of 1882. Eventually, the open pit mine the 1840’s had taken the country was converted to an underground mine by storm, and the quest had moved back and Sioux tribes had occupied the area for by US Steel in 1901. east from California. However, northern centuries. They named the gorgeous lake Minnesota was a remote wilderness and even “Onamuni” which means “Lake of the For nearly sixty-fi ve years, US Steel owned roads would need to be built. The prospect Sunset Glows”. and operated the 4,000 acre piece of land of gold was too enticing to pass up, and the on the south shore of Lake Vermilion. Vermilion Trail (present day State Highway In the 17th century, French explorers and fur However, by 1962, the mine had given all 135) was cut out of the northern pine forests. traders began to arrive in the area. They it had to offer, and US Steel ceased mining arrived from Hudson Bay to the north and operations. Three years later, they donated The quest for gold seemingly died as Lake Superior to the east. They would the Soudan Mine to the State of Minnesota, quickly as it began. No signifi cant amount become the fi rst Europeans to establish trade but kept the 3,000 acre tract to the east for of gold was found in the north woods. relationships with the local natives. The future entrepreneurial purposes. However, something even more important French translated Onamuni to “Vermilion”,
36 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 The plan (and a few roadblocks) Before Soudan Underground Mine State Park was created, Minnesota had a long history of conservation. Beginning with the creation of Itasca State Park in 1891, there were already fi fty-fi ve state parks. The signifi cance of Soudan was the successive attention paid to the Lake Vermilion area.
Once under state operation, around 30,000 people per year would visit Soudan. Although educational and historic, the state park did not provide the serene, north woods experience that visitors of Lake Vermilion craved. Minnesotans and other visitors to the area were forced to choose between the remoteness of the rugged boundary waters area and the heavily-guided Soudan Park. This would all change in one press release.
In mid-July of 2007, then Governor Tim Pawlenty announced a proposal to create a new 2,500 acre state park on Lake the park was potentially monumental. reached an agreement. The preliminary Vermilion. Although the idea of creating Former St. Louis County Assessor Mel agreement was for $18 million and special Lake Vermilion had been kicked around for Hintz estimated that each of the sixty-fi ve considerations for the difference in estimated nearly twenty years, a plan to go forward potential lakeshore lots in the Three Bays market value. was never put into place. The proposed development could bring in $500,000 park would be the state’s fi rst major addition apiece. When back lots and development But there were still hurdles to getting the in nearly thirty years. Governor Pawlenty were fi gured in, some estimated the park deal done. Under Minnesota law, the state was quoted as saying “This is a unique could cost upwards of $50 million. was not able to pay more than twelve percent opportunity to create a next generation state over appraised value. In order for the deal park on one of Minnesota’s most beautiful The estimated market value of the park was to go through, the Legislature would need and undeveloped lakes.” hotly contested in the negotiations between to lift a hard cap on this sort of spending. US Steel and the State. US Steel came up There was one problem with the plan, with a value of $20 million for the land alone, There were also protests from some in however. US Steel still owned the land on while the state fi gured the value to be $14 St. Louis County because of the lost tax which the state park would rest. The site had million. The difference in valuations at fi rst capacity. Those who disapproved of the plan been mostly appeared to be felt the payments made from the state were unused since too much for not guaranteed with the looming budget mining the two sides problems. Many legislators from the area operations to strike a deal. wondered how this project would be paid for ceased in the The state was and how the county would be compensated 1960’s. US in the midst for the lost tax revenue. With a May Steel had plans of a sobering 31st deadline from US Steel looming, the to turn it into a budget outlook Legislature went to work to settle the issue. 150 lot private for the coming development. years, and US Throughout the spring of 2010, the The Steel figured Legislature and Governor engaged in development, they could get lengthy and sometimes bitter fi scal battles. known as the much more by Many debates surrounded the new state park. “Three Bays of Vermilion”, would have selling it off But, by mid-March of 2010, the bill that full road, water, and sewer amenities. In piece by piece. The deal appeared to be gave the go ahead on the purchase passed. addition, it would not have public access to doomed. “People will see in the coming years and the fi ve miles of Lake Vermilion shoreline. decades that this will be one of the most Talks died for nearly two years, even spectacular state parks in the United States After discussion with the Minnesota though the State had passed a $20 million of America,” said Pawlenty. US Steel, who Department of Natural Resources (DNR), bonding bill to fund the park’s development. had much more to gain by selling off the lots US Steel originally agreed to provide a Suddenly, in late 2009, talks again resumed individually, also felt good about the public one year window for the state to assess the between US Steel and the state. By early sale. In June of 2010, the deal was signed feasibility of the park. The task of funding 2010, news broke that the two sides had and the new state park was born.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 37 Lake Vermilion State Park Facts Amount of land purchased for the park: 3,000 acres Approximate mileage from metro area: 220 miles Estimated annual visitor spending in Northeast Region $18,230,000 (based on 600,000 annual visitors in 2007 dollars):
Years U.S. Steel has owned the property 128 (purchased in 1882):
Age of oldest rocks at the park: 2.7 billion years
Height above sea level of Lander Mattson Peak 1,589 feet (the park's the highest point):
Elevation of Lake Vermilion (at Vermilion Dam): 1,360 feet
Total number of Minnesota state parks 67 (including Vermilion State Park):
Courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The ink is dry, now what? all questions that needed to be answered were cleared of trees and bulldozer tracks Those Minnesotans who have longed for before construction could begin. crisscrossed the landscape. Park offi cials a place at Lake Vermilion fi nally got their stressed that Minnesotans must be patient wish. But, the work was just beginning. One of the biggest tasks facing the planners and allow for the land to heal itself. The Minnesota DNR then had to follow of Lake Vermilion State Park was attracting legislative requirements and put together a young people. Since the park was pitched After intensive exploration, scientific “master plan” for the park. The plan was to to the people of Minnesota with the goal of analysis, Q&A, and number crunching, be a complete guideline to the construction introducing nature to an over-technologized the DNR released its “Master Plan” last and management of the park and had to be youth, it was crucial that this issue be December. The plan was intended to be completed in less than six months. addressed. adaptive to new information. It also was intended to provide an update to the Soudan With time of the essence and many wanting As 2010 went on, the DNR began to send Mine State Park master plan. The main goals to provide input on direction of the park, teams of biologists and forest managers to outlined in the plan were: protect areas of the pressure was on for the DNR. To assist, the area to survey and assess the state’s new natural, cultural, and historical signifi cance; the DNR enlisted the help of a “Citizens land. Although the land had not been used provide opportunities for a rich, lake based Advisory Committee” (CAC) to provide industrially for around thirty years, most experience; gear the park towards younger guidance while planning the park. The CAC of the interior had been logged during the or less-experienced park-goers; and provide was represented by nineteen members who early period of US Steel ownership. Heavy quality amenities to visitors. came from a wide variety of backgrounds. forest is only present along the lakeshore. In While many of the CAC members were addition, while US Steel and the state were Conservation was the most addressed lawmakers, there were also voices from park negotiating, the Three Bays development objective of the master plan. After all, the boards, snowmobile clubs, railroad interests, continued on as planned. Roadways park was created with this specifi c goal. cultural resources, college students, sporting DNR studies went into great detail to groups, and resort owners, among other identify not only all species of life present interested parties. in the park, but also which were threatened. Cultural preservation was also mentioned. The main issues with planning the park During the fi eld work of 2010, stunning surrounded amenities. Many stakeholders discoveries of previous life – some as old wanted different things. Would there be full as seven thousand years – were found. The service electric hookups or primitive tent DNR made sure that these new artifacts, sites? How commercialized should the park along with Native American and mining be? When should the park open and close? cultures, would be kept in mind when Should technology and modern amenities be planning the park. included in the park’s design? These were
38 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 As the DNR goes forward with building the Legacy Amendment funds. There is also century. Most have replaced a pick axe for park, more specifi c issues will surely arise. $1.4 million still available from the 2008 a keyboard. And although we may be having The master plan is only a summary of how bonding bill used to purchase the land. economic problems, not many consider Lake Vermilion State Park will take shape. leaving home for work in the desolate Whether jet skis will be able to cut through Going forward wilderness. But our imaginations are still adjacent shoreline waters, or mammoth RV’s The purchase of Lake Vermilion State Park fi lled with thoughts of towering pine trees, will be able to fi nd modern was a landmark moment sparkling sunsets, and the opportunity to pads for hookup is yet to be for the state park system. connect with something that seems so distant seen. Although motorized It also will have a huge to many of us. We may not be migrating up recreation appears to be effect on tourism to the north for our fi nancial survival, but perhaps thought out, more focus region. Some estimates say we will go for something just as important: a seems to be placed on a that approximately 600,000 chance to renew our identity as Minnesotans. more primitive experience. visitors will visit the park every year, bringing in over In the coming months, the $18 million to the state and DNR will continue with local governments and to the day-use aspects of the local businesses. park. Hiking trails and some picnic areas should be The park will be the “jewel” available by the summer of of the state park system 2011. Camping and other when completed. If all goes overnight uses will have according to plan, it should to wait until roads and other infrastructure rejuvenate Minnesota’s youth with a new are built in the next few years. Because of sense of nature. It should also help usher Sources Consulted by the Author: the enormous infrastructure commitments, in a new era of resource conservation; one Associated Press, Fox Twin Cities, Timberjay. com, Minnesota Public Radio News, Minnesota the DNR says that full development of the where the rugged outdoor spirit meets the Department of Natural Resources, Vermilion park could take nearly a decade. Funding gadget-crazy mentality of our current lives. Land Offi ce, Star Tribune, and Wikipedia.org will most likely come from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, bonding It seems as if we have come full circle. The Photos & Lake Vermilion fact sheet courtesy of requests, and the Clean Water Land and world is much different than that of 19th the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Seeking Nominations:
The Nominations Committee is seeking candidates for MAAO 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 SW Cambridge, MN 55008 763.689.2752 Fax 763.689.8226 [email protected]
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 39 International Items IAAO’s Awards and Webinars
Written by Tom May SAMA, AAS IAAO Representative
Greetings from IAAO! Details for nominations are on the IAAO These webinars will be very informative and website. are very affordable. Please make a note of I hope all Minnesota assessors are having a these dates and visit the IAAO website for good year and things are going well. The IAAO continues to improve and update all more information. two for $200 membership campaign was a educational offerings. One particular area I big success, and Minnesota played a part in would like to point out is IAAO’s developing The IAAO Executive Board is meeting in this success. Welcome new members from Webinar Series. This new emphasis on Minneapolis at the Westin Hotel on July Minnesota! distance learning is a key component of 22 – July 23, 2011. MAAO welcomes IAAO’s educational vision to better reach the Executive Board and looks forward to For those of you who are not IAAO members with high quality, timely offerings. meeting with and hosting them in our state. members, please consider membership. If The ongoing webinar series featuring We know the board members will enjoy their you have any questions about membership, Peter Korpacz, entitled “Quarterly Market visit to Minneapolis. please contact IAAO representatives Bill Updates” is scheduled for May 18, 2011 and Peterson, Jan Olsson, Doreen Pehrson, or November 16, 2011. In closing, I would like to remind members myself. that the 77th IAAO Annual Conference will The following webinars are also being be held September 18 – September 21, 2011 The IAAO awards program is an annual offered in 2011: in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference will program to recognize outstanding The Valuation of Warehouses – be fi lled with great educational offerings achievement in the assessment profession, June 15, 2011 and exciting networking and social events. encourage a high degree of professionalism, Residential Properties Market Please consider attending the conference and promote participation in IAAO, and focus Update – August, 17, 2011 as always, check out IAAO’s outstanding public attention on the mission of IAAO. The Valuation of Mall Department website for more details. IAAO awards nominations are due May Stores – October 19, 2011 1, so please think about nominating a The Role of the Valuation Witness Best regards from IAAO! special person, an innovative project, or in the Assessment Appeal Process an outstanding article for consideration. – December 14, 2011
77th International Conference on Assessment Administration
Transforming Assessment: Rising to Meet New Challenges
September 18 – 21, 2011 Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel Phoenix, Arizona
40 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Hillcrest Golf Club SOLD! St. Paul, MN
TThehe LListingisting Status: Sold - February 2011 Sale Price: $4,325,000 (Listed at $4,200,000)
Address: 2200 Larpenteur Ave E St. Paul, MN
Established: 1921
Gross Clubhouse Area: 18,434 s.f.
Land Area: 112 acres
The 112-acre club was renovated in 2000. It includes a 18,434 square-foot clubhouse and banquet facility, 6,350-yard course with two driving ranges, a practice chipping green with two practice putting greens, and an outdoor a pool.
History - Hillcrest was established in 1921 as a St. Paul municipal course, and it became the Twin Cities’ fi rst Jewish-only country club when it was sold in 1945 to a group of businessmen who established it as a private club. Membership has been unrestricted since the late 1970’s.
Over 50 groups inquired about the golf course, but the sellers ultimately chose the Steamfi tters-Pipefi tters Service Technicians Local Union No. 455 because they agreed to keep it as a golf course and not develop it as many others wanted to do.
Hillcrest’s membership now stands at 161 full members and 27 limited members. The course has the capacity to handle 325 members.
The 14th tee is the highest point in Ramsey County.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 41 Revisiting the Retirees: Leroy Arnoldi
Researched and Written by Corey Erickson, AMA Ramsey County Editorial Committee Member This issue, we catch up with Leroy Arnoldi, the former Scott County Assessor Leroy Arnoldi was initially attracted to the “When I started, we had an assessor, a deputy, Minnewaska in Pope County. Although the assessment fi eld after experiencing fi rsthand and a clerk. When I left in 2006, we had 13 lakehome is fully winterized, Leroy’s favorite the highs and lows of the real estate market. people.” He also described the challenges of time at the lake is in the summer. Prior to working as an assessor, Leroy worked managing an offi ce during the early 2000’s in real estate sales as a realtor. This was in when the county grew exponentially. It was Leroy and Linda used to own thoroughbred the late 1960’s, and at the time, the area Leroy one of the fastest growing counties in the horses, and Linda continues to work for was working in went dormant due to a period state over this time period and Leroy recalls Canterbury Park, the horse racing track in of Spring fl ooding. Sales activity would halt, it being very diffi cult to keep up with all the Shakopee. Linda and Leroy’s love of horses and not coincidentally, this is the same time new homes being built each year. led them to discovering an organization called of year Leroy started his career in the Scott “We Can Ride” which is a nonprofi t based in County assessor’s offi ce. In recalling some of the things he liked most Minnetonka. Its mission is serving children about being the County Assessor, he says he living with physical disabilities. “Riding Leroy spent his entire assessing career with liked being “on top of valuations” and he also on the horses at a slow pace can be very Scott County; the last 13 as the County liked the large variety of properties in Scott therapeutic for children with spinal issues,” Assessor. He spent a total of 37 years County. There was plenty of agricultural explained Leroy. working for Scott County, retiring in 2006. property, expensive Since retiring, Leroy enjoys (possibly most He describes those early years in Scott County lakeshore of all) having the spring seasons free. As we and assessing in general as very different homes, can all relate, those of us in assessing spend than the current assessing environment. For and a lot of our springs working on appeals, going to example, back in the early 1970’s, there was commercial local boards of review, and not taking many no certifi cation process for assessors. Just in the City of vacations. “It’s just nice to have the spring a general knowledge and familiarity with Shakopee. back,” says Leroy. real estate made one qualifi ed to work in Leroy also the profession. Leroy also described how enjoyed When asked what advice he would give to in those early years there was no Tax Court, meeting new assessors and those just beginning their and if a property owner wanted to contest a with the assessing careers, Leroy says, “Stick with value, he or she needed to go to municipal public and it.” He explains that many people accept a court. Because of this, there were very few explaining the complexities of the Minnesota position with the government for the steady petitions and not many attorneys who worked property tax system. He described one of his employment and good benefi ts, but there with tax petitions back then. favorite ways of explaining the property tax is so much more to gain from it than that. system, using what he called the “one house From Leroy’s point of view, new people in Of course, we all know how much that has town” and how spending and the allocation of the fi eld can really grow professionally very changed. Leroy speaks with a certain level tax bills varies greatly simply by the number quickly by taking advantage of the many of satisfaction when describing how, partly of dwellings in a jurisdiction. opportunities there are to learn, both from due to how tax petition work has changed, classes and fellow assessors. One of the the assessing business has gotten much more Leroy fondly recalls all of the many wonderful unique and refreshing things about assessing professional over the years. In particular, people in assessing, some of whom he still is how assessors are able and very willing he commented about how we can all be gets together with occasionally to play poker. to share information, and we should all be proud, because unlike many other fields, taking advantage of that. “It’s not like there the professionalism that has developed in For all of the enjoyment Leroy received is competition between assessing offi ces. assessing is our own doing. “We police from working is assessing, he is enjoying Everyone shares information and that’s a ourselves,” Leroy commented. retirement even more. Leroy has been great thing,” comments Leroy. married to his wife Linda for 44 years, and When recalling some of the challenges they have two children and two grandchildren. So, in closing, share your favorite comparable Leroy faced as the Scott County Assessor, he He was quick to let us know he also has two sale with another assessor this appeal described the diffi culty of working in a rapidly schnauzers named Blondy and Dagwood. season, and think of Leroy enjoying another growing county and the diffi cult budget and Leroy and his wife enjoy spending time Minnesota spring, which as I am writing, is planning pressures that resulted. Leroy noted, with the gang at his lakehome on Lake nowhere in sight.
42 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Property Tax Working Group Update Front and Center: Classifi cations and Ag Homestead Written by Stephen Behrenbrinker, SAMA, CAE City of St. Cloud Assessor MAAO Past President MAAO Member - Property Tax Working Group
Background reviewed to see what issues the committee 2011. However, if you have other comments Minnesota Statutes, Section 270C.991, should be addressing in the coming or recommendations, please contact your subdivision 4, established the Property Tax months. It appears that the emphasis will region’s Agricultural Committee member Working Group (PTWG). The goals of the be on homestead and agricultural issues. or me directly. working group are: The PTWG has formed a Classification 1. To investigate ways to simplify Subcommittee to review homestead issues When our organizations work together we the property tax system and make and make recommendations to the overall can form a united front as we tackle these advisory recommendations on group. The fi rst subcommittee meeting is complex issues. Thanks to Jason Nord, Eric ways to make the system more scheduled for March 28, 2011. Willette, and Mike Stalberger for their on- understandable; going contributions and to John Hagen for 2. To examine the property tax Recently, the MAAO Agricultural Committee his support of the committee’s work. Thanks calendar to determine what changes was asked to collect recommendations on to the MAAO Legislative Committee, could be made to shorten the two- how to improve and simplify agricultural including Bill Effertz and Tom Dybing, for year cycle from assessment through homesteads and linkages, as well as other their insight and involvement in this process, property tax collection; and suggestions related to the assessment along with Tom May and Rob Vanasek. 3. To determine the cost versus process. for distribution and feedback. The benefi ts of the various property tax results will be compiled statewide. All meetings are open to the public and components, including property a number of assessors have attended tax classifications, credits, aids, We will be meeting with DOR and members the meetings. All reports, agendas, exclusions, exemptions and of the MAAO AG Committee and Legislative and meeting minutes are available at: abatements, and to suggest ways to Committee prior to the April 8, 2011 PTWG www.taxes.state.mn.us/property/pages/ achieve some of the goals in simpler meeting to review the comments. The MN workgroup.aspx. The website also includes and more cost-effi cient ways. DOR and MAAO are working together on background information, studies, reports and this project with the hopes of making some presentations. Update on Activities signifi cant recommendations to improve and The Property Tax Working Group (PTWG) simplify the property tax system. If MAAO members have questions or has met monthly since October 2010 in comments, they are welcome to contact me St. Paul. The Minnesota Department of Due to the time constraints imposed to at 320-650-3352 or Stephen.behrenbrinker@ Revenue has provided a number of excellent provide information at the next meeting, the ci.stcloud.mn.us reports and studies that the committee has deadline to submit informaiton by March 28,
Interested in receiving updates regarding MN Property Tax Working Group? Go to: http://taxes.state.mn.us/property/Pages/workgroup.aspx and sign up for the mailing list.
The PTWG consists of the following members: Kathleen Gaylord, Chairperson, Association of MN Counties Rep. Denise Dittrich, MN House of Representatives Cal Larson, Homeowner Rep. Greg Davids, MN House of Representatives Thomas Mould, Homeowner Sen. Warren Limmer, MN Senate Luayn Murphy, League of MN Cities Sen. Rod Skoe, MN Senate David Fricke, MN Association of Townships Jason Nord, MN Department of Revenue Matt Van Slooten, MN Chamber of Commerce Stephen Behrenbrinker, MN Association of Assessing Offi cers Chris Radatz, MN Farm Bureau and MN Farmers Union
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 43 The Chair’s Corner: Staying Current with MAAO’s Committ ees Agricultural Committee Written by James Haley, CMA Polk County Editorial Committee Member
Committee Members: Agricultural Region 1: Richard Schouweiler, Wabasha County Committee Region 2: Sue Schulz, McLeod County Region 3: Gale Zimmerman, Morrison County Committee Chairperson: Region 4: Mike Dangers, Aitkin County Jeanne Henderson, CMAS Region 5: Joyce Schmidt, Pipestone County Ag Specialist Region 6: Bob Anderson, Meeker County Sherburne County Region 7: Chuck Pelzer, Todd County Region 8: Steve Carlson, Polk County Region 9: Keith Kern, Carver County Department of Revenue: Michael Stalberger
According to the chairperson Jeanne members will oftentimes receive requests her to step up. “I was very much honored Henderson, the purpose of the Agricultural from other committees for input. Most when President Wall called to ask me to (Ag) Committee is to serve as a voice often, it is the Legislative Committee that serve,” said Jeanne. President Wall saw for the membership of MAAO regarding has a need for this. Each member on the her talent for putting together resources and agricultural issues. With the diverse Ag Committee serves as a liaison between stakeholders, and kept that in mind when agricultural issues throughout the state, his/her respective region and whichever picking Jeanne for the chairperson post. the committee needs to work closely with stakeholder that requests input. stakeholders such as the Department of In addition to serving on the Ag Committee, Revenue, Legislators, and other MAAO In the past, the Ag Committee has provided Jeanne also served as Region 3 President committees. its input on many legislative issues - notably, in 2010. Jeanne says her favorite part of Green Acres and Rural Preserve. The working on the Ag Committee is the people. The Ag Committee consists of eleven complicated administrative procedures and “We have so many bright people serving on members: a chairperson, representatives language of these programs make it crucial this committee. It has just been a wonderful from Minnesota’s nine regions, and one for local jurisdictions to provide suggestions. experience for me to not only work with my Department of Revenue member. The The committee has also provided its input on region, but to work with other areas of the committee is also has two subcommittees. important valuation and classifi cation issues. state,” said Jeanne. The Grain Elevator subcommittee exists One example is the valuation methodology to help assessors value and classify grain of 2a and 2b land throughout the state. Along the way, Jeanne has been mentored elevators throughout the state and the Ethanol Another topic would be the application of by many of MAAO’s current and former and Sugar Beet Facility subcommittee was “impractical to separate”. Whatever the leaders. Jeanne mentioned MAAO 2nd recently established to address issues related topic, the Ag Committee serves to reconcile VP John Keefe as her primary mentor, as to those property types. the diverse issues that each region of the President Wall made these arrangements state presents. while recruiting Jeanne for the chairperson The Ag Committee generally meets once role. But there are more unoffi cial mentors a year at summer seminars, but Jeanne Jeanne Henderson has been with the Ag who have helped along the way. “Going would also like to hold a meeting at the Committee since August of 2004. When through the recent law changes, John fall conference. At the meeting, each Region 3 needed a representative for the Cullen and Jerry Kritzeck from Sherburne representative presents a report on any committee, her county assessor, Jerry County; Bill Effertz, Legislative Chair for agricultural issues that his/her region may Kritzeck, and another appraiser, Bill Riley, help with legislation; and Tom Houselog, be experiencing. The idea is to gain an thought she would be perfect for the job. Tom Dybing, and Randy Desmarais for understanding of the diversity of each region They nominated her, and Jeanne has not agricultural questions. They have all been and discover any problems that are similar looked back. so helpful,” Jeanne said. throughout the state. When it was time for a new chairperson in Jeanne is currently working with the Much of the Ag Committee’s business is late 2010, MAAO President Cheryl Wall Property Tax Working Group to give an performed on an individual basis. The made the phone call to Jeanne and asked agricultural point of view. Jeanne testifi ed
44 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 on March 11, 2011 on the complexities of meeting, the Legislative Committee asked In addition to working with the Legislature the agricultural classifi cation. for input from counties surrounding this on classifi cation issues, the Ag Committee possible change. Ag Committee members also helps counties value complicated Any article on the Ag Committee would surveyed their regions and brought the industrial properties. In the past few years, be incomplete if we did not talk about results to discuss. The result: the regions it was integral in putting together the Green Acres. The logistical juggernaut overwhelmingly recommended against Grain Elevator Manual. Now, Chairperson legislation has been providing headaches repealing these laws. Most often, problems Henderson says that they are working on for assessors and property owners alike for administrating the change were cited adding to that manual with information on decades. Changes made to the program as the main reason for not repealing. Ethanol and Sugar Beet plants. The newly in the 2008 and 2009 legislative sessions Clearly explaining the repeal to taxpayers formed subcommittee on Ethanol and Sugar have attempted to simplify and equalize also appeared daunting. In addition to Beet facilities will be a big player in the the program. These changes have, for recommending against repeal, the committee assembly of this information. better or worse, completely changed the also gave input on procedures to the Rural way assessors classify - and in many cases Preserve program. For years now, the Ag Committee has been - value agricultural land. Counties have lending its knowledge of agricultural land spent much money and time splitting land After the discussion and recommendation, values and classification to MAAO and types, notifying taxpayers of changes, and the fi ndings were sent on to the Legislative the Legislature. With the recent legislative administering class changes. After all of Committee. There the findings were changes in Green Acres, skyrocketing farm this, there are now pending bills in St. Paul to reconciled with other committee land values, and growing possibility of a change some of the Green Acres legislation. recommendations before being shared with shift in valuation and classifi cation policies, state legislators. the Ag Committee’s role will continue to Prior to the Ag Committee’s January 2011 stay relevant and critical.
State Board of Assessors Minutes and Upcoming Meetings
At the Spring 2011 Issue press time, the State Board of Assessors had not yet met to approve current meeting minutes. Per Equal Eyes policy, minutes are not published until they are approved by the Board. Watch for meeting minutes in the next edition.
The following dates and locations have been selected for the remaining State Board of Assessors meetings for 2011: • Monday, May 23, Lake George Community Complex in St. Cloud • Tuesday, July 19, Department of Revenue, Harold Stassen Bldg. in St. Paul • Tuesday, September 27, Nicollet County Courthouse in St. Peter • Tuesday, November 15, Department of Revenue, Harold Stassen Bldg. in St. Paul
MAAO Minnesota Association of Assessing Offi cers
Executive Board Meeting Calendar: ~ May 24, 2011 St Cloud Holiday Inn ~ ~ August 25-26, 2011 Location TBD ~ ~ October 9, 2011 Ruttgers Sugar Lake Lodge ~
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 45 Transitions
Barb Olivier and Dennis Fischer Retire from Cass County! Cass County had two recent retirements with her grandchildren and soon be fi shing of staff – Barb Olivier and Dennis Fischer. and gardening in her spare time. Both Barb and Dennis retired in December 2010. Dennis retired after working for Cass County for 17 years. He also served as Barb retired after 24 years of service to a contract assessor in Hubbard County Cass County. Barb served on the Editorial years ago. He is now enjoying his time Board for a number of years. With playing pool, cutting wood, and spending retirement, she will enjoy spending time time with his family.
Garfi eld Herfi ndahl Turns in His Tape Measure and Pencil! On February 25, 2011, Garfi eld Herfi ndahl his own element when at the front counter stop in between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to retired from the Kandiyohi County or out viewing property. He had a natural reminisce and say farewell to Assessor’s Office. After 25 years of gift of easily talking with taxpayers, which Garfi eld. About 60 to 70 people stopped driving 50 miles to work, each way, every most of us assessors strive our lifetime to by to wish him luck. Former and current day, Garfi eld has decided to spend his achieve. He liked people and people liked assessors and assessment offi ce people, as driving time traveling the USA with his him. Some taxpayers would come to the well as other county personnel, realtors, wife, Stacy. counter and ask for him. He was the only appraisers, and taxpayers stopped by. He one they would talk with. He had learned even got a call from Florida, where one Garfi eld started working at the Kandiyohi the art of talking with people, not at them. particular taxpayer spends his winters County Assessor’s office on January They understood this, and that made them while summering on Green Lake. He just 31, 1986. Previous to that, he was a comfortable. wanted to wish Garfi eld good luck in his local assessor in Swift County, and he retirement. continues that to this day. When he was On February 25, 2011, Garfi eld’s fellow hired at Kandiyohi County, both Garfi eld assessors held a retirement get-together Garfi eld received a plaque from his co- and his boss, former Kandiyohi County at the County Offi ce Building in Willmar. workers, along with a book of restaurants Assessor, Dave Oelslager, figured he People were notified that they could from around the country, and a certifi cate would last about of appreciation a year. But like from MAAO, a bulldog, once plus many cards he got his teeth and well wishes. into the work, he Garfi eld’s life will started to like it. be full of bowling, Garfield always farming, oil wells, liked contact with and travel. We other people and wish him and his you could see wife Stacy all the that in his work. luck and happiness Garfield was in in the world.
Please help Equal Eyes share news related to Retirements
If a co-worker recently retired - or is retiring soon - please notify the Editorial Committee by sending an email to [email protected] or by contacting any member directly.
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46 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 Brian Koester Appointed to the State Board of Assessors Brian Koester, SAMA, Benton County Revenue, was education and his advocacy that, in the Assessor, was recently appointed to pleased to make end, our educational system needed to the State Board of Assessors. Brian is the appointment develop well trained and competent replacing Keith Albertsen, SAMA, CAE, of Brian to the assessors,” said John. Douglas County Assessor, who served in State Board of this capacity since 1993. Assessors. John John went on to add, “In recent years, notes he has I have been very impressed with Like Keith, Brian will serve as the State known Brian how effectively Brian dealt with the Board’s representative to the MAAO for a number controversies surrounding Green Education Committee. Brian has been of years, and Acres. He demonstrated an unshakable a member of the MAAO Education over those resolve to make necessary changes to Committee for 12 years. His experience years, Brian has made several signifi cant his assessment and to implement laws as an assessor and involvement on the impressions on him. appropriately. I believe this same resolve MAAO Education Committee make him will serve Brian well as a member of the an excellent candidate for this role. John’s fi rst impressions were formed State Board of Assessors when he needs during their time together on the to make diffi cult decisions.” John Hagen, Director of the Property Tax Education Committee. “I was impressed Division at the Minnesota Department of with his commitment to assessor We wish him well in his new appointment!
Wayne Bendickson Retires! Wayne Bendickson, long-time Lake of at Marshall County as an Appraiser until hobbies, and – as you can imagine – the Woods (LOW) County Assessor, was 1978 when he was appointed Marshall fi shing is one of them!!! But because honored by his fellow LOW employees County Assessor. Wayne’s career kept of his enthusiasm for the art of fi shing, on Friday, March 4, 2011 with a noon him in Marshall County until 1987 when Wayne also has a really neat hobby of luncheon and open house. Joy Lindquist, the opportunity to work in beautiful Lake collecting old fi shing lures and tackle. long-time co-worker of Wayne and Dale of the Woods County came along. Wayne Wayne hopes to be able to expand on this Boretski, Deputy Assessor, for LOW were has served the taxpayers of LOW with hobby in his retirement years, but you gracious hosts of the event and greeted dedication and commitment for the past 24 will probably fi nd him “hanging out” at the Region 8 assessors and guests as we years. Wayne will continue to be involved the “Rainy River Marina” a great deal arrived for the event. in assessment work as he has just recently more in the coming months. Wayne and been hired to be the local assessor for the Claudia’s son Eric is the proud owner of Wayne’s career started in the fall of City of Baudette. After a 39 year career as the Rainy River Marina. Eric is already 1972 when he was hired as an appraiser an assessor, you can see that Wayne will looking forward to all the “spare time” for Polk County. Duane Ebbighausen, continue to be an asset. Dad will have to spend at the Marina now. Beltrami County Assessor, was also hired by Polk County at the same time. Wayne and Claudia have two grown So when you are in Baudette, look for Working closely together in those early children, Eric and Bridget, and two Wayne and congratulate him on his years at Polk County, Wayne and Duane, grandchildren. Wayne has several retirement. You might fi nd him riding a have considered lawn mower, cleaning themselves “best the “fi sh scales” from of friends” ever the decks at the Marina, since! Duane or enthusiastically presented Wayne trying to convince with the MAAO’s an unsuspecting Certificate of fi sherman to part with Appreciation. his antique lures!! Where ever you find In July of 1975, him –Wayne will be moving just a all smiles and enjoying little further north, a well-deserved Wayne went to work retirement.
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 47 What’s New on the MAAO Website: Did You Know...
Written by Teresa Mitchell, SAMA Dakota County Information Systems Committee Chairperson
…you can add any MAAO event or educational offering directly to your Outlook calendar with two clicks of a mouse? When you are looking at an event or an educational offering from the MAAO Event Calendar or Education Page, click and then click “Save” to add it directly to your calendar. You can also click “Open” so you can edit the Outlook calendar item before saving it. Remember, this handy trick next time you register for an MAAO event!
…you can refer back to any MAAO mass email that was sent to you? Just login to the website and go to and then click on the tab that says to review any MAAO mass email by clicking the blue ‘eye’con. This tip will come in handy when you are packing for the Summer Seminars and cannot remember the theme for the banquet!
…you can check on any event registration or renewal form submission and payment status by logging on to the website and going to the button. Click on the tab that says and click on the ‘eye’con to review your registration and balance due. Remember this tip the next time you need to reprint proof of payment for course reimbursement for your employer.
…with your Regular Membership login, you can access valuable Regular Member’s-Only content such as ● Commercial, Industrial and Apartment Sales Data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue ● New Licensee and Assessor Resource Toolkits ● Exempt Property Valuation Guide ● And much more…
As always, if you have a suggestion for additions or improvements to our website, please email [email protected].
48 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011 The Last Look No Fooling: It’s the First (of April)... and the Last (Editor’s Column, for me)
Written by Michael Stalberger, SAMA Minnesota Department of Revenue Equal Eyes Associate Editor Let me just get it out of the way... that she will blend with her assessment article in this issue. This is Connie’s last experiences. Look for her to contribute to issue as she is stepping down to focus more The publication date of this issue of Equal general interest features. Lori Thingvold, on some changing duties in her “day job”. Eyes was intentional. We worked to get this Wright County, has a visual eye and a Similarly, Nancy Wojcik, City of Brooklyn out as close to April Fools’ Day as possible. creative mind. She is responsible for most Center, has decided to step down from the This way, we had a built in excuse for any of the new “advertisements” you see in this committee. Nancy is so involved in other major mistakes! Hopefully there aren’t any, issue and plans to continue contributing in areas of MAAO, that her commitment to the but it’s always best to hedge your bets. this area. association isn’t being diminished, rather it’s being redirected. She has been a great This is my one and only attempt at writing Solomon Akanki, Scott County, brings an steward of Equal Eyes and has always been the closing piece for Equal Eyes as my time unconventional professional background there to contribute and make sure all the in the “Editor’s chair” is short-lived. It was with his aircraft engineering experience. loose ends of the issue come together. Thank my pleasure to help the publication through He also plans to utilize his international you, Connie and Nancy! this transition. I enjoy my role as Associate upbringing to report on assessment activities Editor; it keeps me plenty busy and allows not only in Minnesota but from around the I look forward to working with these new me a creative outlet. I’ll enjoy sharing the globe. Corey Erickson, Ramsey County, members, as well as our current members, duties with the new Managing Editor. has a satirical side that is apparent in his and seeing how they each leave their mark introduction. He’ll be working on our human on Equal Eyes. Look for good things to come As President Wall noted in her President’s interest stories, so a word of warning to new from this publication! Connection, James Haley of Polk County assessors and soon-to-be retirees: be ready has been selected as the new Managing for him. Speaking of things to come, the Summer Editor. It’s with great privilege that I will 2011 issue will be the conclusion of the be able to help transition him to these duties These new folks have some great mentors Regional Spotlight feature for Equal and then work collaboratively with him. on the committee. Last issue, you were Eyes. The Property Tax Division will be I’ve worked with James as a member of the introduced to Nancy Gunderson, City spotlighted. The committee thought it was Editorial Committee for several issues (I’ve of Moorhead. Nancy was a quick study time to shine some light on the “people lost track of years!) now, and it’s clear to me and has already added greatly to the in St. Paul”. You know some of us better how perfectly-suited he is for the position. publication. Like Corey, she will be working than others as some staff have been able to James has the best interest of Equal Eyes and on some human interest stories, including attend conferences, courses, and meetings, the MAAO membership in the forefront of “transitions” and other regular departments. but there are other division staff members all his decisions related to the publication. Jake Pidde, City of Plymouth, is our utility you may only know by email address. Get I look forward to working with him and player (a sports metaphor is ok because he’s ready for that to change with the next issue. watching what becomes of this publication a sports fan). I don’t recall an Equal Eyes under his leadership. Congratulations on the assignment related that he has not willingly One last tidbit regarding April Fools’ Day: In new position, “Boss”! helped out on when asked – in addition to Australia, pranks and jokes are traditionally fi nding unique properties. only pulled in the morning. If someone James may be the new editor, but each and tries to play a trick in the afternoon, it’s every member of the Editorial Committee Then we’ve got our longest-serving that person who is referred to as an “April shares his same work ethic and desire to members. Tina Diedrich Von Eschen, Stearns Fool”. So, lesson learned: be sure to plan create the best publication we can. This was County, has coordinated the Regional your pranks early in the day! even more apparent in this issue as everyone Spotlight feature from its beginning. I don’t pitched in to get the work done. think anyone realizes how much time Tina Enjoy the transition to April and to Spring put in on that project, but it has turned out – and what hopefully is warmer weather. I Along with the new role assumed by James, wonderfully due to her. Connie Erickson, hope everyone is having a successful start there are four new committee members you Yellow Medicine County, has been a very to the appeals process, as well. were introduced to in this issue. As you steady member of the committee. She’s could tell from their introductions, each of provided the “Out of the Past” information Best regards, them brings diverse skills to the team. Julie for quite some time now, as well as locating Mike Gustafson, City of Maple Grove, has an authors to share interesting articles from administrative and managerial background around the state like the Schell’s Brewery
Spring 2011 | Equal Eyes 49 EQUAL EYES PRESORT STD PUBLISHED BY THE MINNESOTA CHAPTER OF IAAO AND U.S. POSTAGE THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSING OFFICERS PAID 13636 5th Avenue North Plymouth MN 55441 PERMIT NO. 27 MAPLE GROVE, MN
50 Equal Eyes | Spring 2011