As the city continues to make improvements to the cemetery the needs there continue to come to the forefront. We have a very dedicated bunch of local volunteer citizens who spend countless hours working in the cemetery on a regular basis. I call them the “Friends of the Cemetery”. Their numbers include not only Cemetery Commission members but also those who enjoy seeing the beauty of the grounds and the comradely in their weekly pursuits. The chair of the commission requested they be recognized for their dedication at a recent council meeting.
Others have noted the hard work and efforts that are being made in the cemetery. Last year a donation was made for improvements which were utilized to create a Veterans memorial. The first phase is hoped to be completed early next year. The City of Breezy Point was recently blessed with a second donation of $10,000 from the Fletcher Foundation for improvements in the Cemetery.
The donation was noted for landscaping which continues to be an issue for the cemetery. With the underground burying of the power lines along Ski Chalet the glide path for airplanes has changed. That being said there are trees in the cemetery that pose risks for pilots in air traffic. With the removal of trees, replacements will be required in some areas.
If you haven’t had a chance to drive through the Pelican Woods Cemetery in the summer when flowers are in bloom you are missing something. The efforts of the “Friends” to maintain the grounds provides for a beautiful place. Another great time to visit is the annual Butterfly event. This event has been moved up to be July 21 this coming summer. There were many factors in the change of dates but one of them included greater flower blooms at that time of the year. Make it a point to visit Pelican Woods Cemetery.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Final Chapters
Some things just take time. There is complexity. There is size. There is financing. There are parties that need to be involved. There are sales that have to occur. There are a host of miscellaneous tasks associated with anything to get it done right.
Whitebirch, Inc developed a project known as Whitebirch Estates. Approval was given by the city on February 7, 2000. This is a planned community of 75 timeshare units adjacent to the Whitebirch Golf Course and Antler’s Restaurant. The complex contains a pool and meeting room facility which has been a wonderful complement to the community.
With construction that has been finished this year the final units were built. This development has seen continued progress over the course of many years with 5 supplemental plats being accomplished along the way. The 5th Supplemental Plat of Whitebirch Estates was approved by the Breezy Point City Council at their December 5th, 2011 meeting bringing to a close the final actions, from the city perspective, for this development.
Whitebirch should be congratulated for bringing to a close this development. I wish them continued success with this development.
Whitebirch, Inc developed a project known as Whitebirch Estates. Approval was given by the city on February 7, 2000. This is a planned community of 75 timeshare units adjacent to the Whitebirch Golf Course and Antler’s Restaurant. The complex contains a pool and meeting room facility which has been a wonderful complement to the community.
With construction that has been finished this year the final units were built. This development has seen continued progress over the course of many years with 5 supplemental plats being accomplished along the way. The 5th Supplemental Plat of Whitebirch Estates was approved by the Breezy Point City Council at their December 5th, 2011 meeting bringing to a close the final actions, from the city perspective, for this development.
Whitebirch should be congratulated for bringing to a close this development. I wish them continued success with this development.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Master Park and Trail Plan
After about two years work the Park and Recreation Committee have completed the Master Park and Trail Plan for the city. The plan takes a look at the park facilities we have, classifies them as to the type of park and does an inventory of what amenities and equipment are available in each. Trails have also been identified within the plan.
Various aspects of maintenance, operations, fiscal resources as well as the strategic, public relations and marketing plans were also identified. An appendix includes resources of maps, and figures identifying the parks and their location. Finally a Capital Improvement Plan is included.
The plan is visionary in nature. It identifies those improvements which are proposed both on a long and short term basis for each park. It also identifies trail linkages that would improve pedestrian circulation and safety. The Capital Improvement Plan provides for scheduled improvements over the next five years. The plan is however budget and resource driven. If the funds are not available proposed improvements will not be accomplished. The plan is reviewed on an annual basis to update and adjust as needs and funding provide.
The Park and Recreation Committee did a very complete and meticulous job. The Planning Commission was pleased with the plan and recommended approval. The City Council adopted the plan on December 20th. The Chair, Wini Kristufek, did the great majority of the work in compiling the plan and the process towards completion. I, along with the City Council, want to extend “Thank You’s” to her and the Park and Recreation Committee for a job well done. The outcome was great!
Various aspects of maintenance, operations, fiscal resources as well as the strategic, public relations and marketing plans were also identified. An appendix includes resources of maps, and figures identifying the parks and their location. Finally a Capital Improvement Plan is included.
The plan is visionary in nature. It identifies those improvements which are proposed both on a long and short term basis for each park. It also identifies trail linkages that would improve pedestrian circulation and safety. The Capital Improvement Plan provides for scheduled improvements over the next five years. The plan is however budget and resource driven. If the funds are not available proposed improvements will not be accomplished. The plan is reviewed on an annual basis to update and adjust as needs and funding provide.
The Park and Recreation Committee did a very complete and meticulous job. The Planning Commission was pleased with the plan and recommended approval. The City Council adopted the plan on December 20th. The Chair, Wini Kristufek, did the great majority of the work in compiling the plan and the process towards completion. I, along with the City Council, want to extend “Thank You’s” to her and the Park and Recreation Committee for a job well done. The outcome was great!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Final Tax Levy
The final levy was adopted by the Breezy Point City Council at their December 5th meeting. The levy is the same amount as that of last year, a zero percent increase. However with that being said the majority of taxpayers are seeing an increase in their taxes for several reasons. Some of these are more obvious than others so let me explain.
The city levy remians the same as last year but other jurisdictions also raise revenue with taxes. The county and the school district are the major ones. There is also a small levy associated with the Regional Development Commission and some properties within the 50 Lakes Watershed District.
Another factor in raising taxes is that of referendums. Pequot Lakes Schools added a levy for a school building project that will taxes that start in 2012. There are also excess levy referendums that show up on the tax bill.
With changes in the market value of your property, changes occur to your tax bill. Properties can increase and decrease in value affecting taxes. A change in the market value this year which was new was the Market Value Homestead Exclusion. This program reduced “taxable market value” of homesteaded properties on a sliding scale with the most benefit going to homestead properties with a market value of $76,000 and no benefit to properties with a market value in excess of $413,800. The effects of this are lower valued homestead properties see a reduction in value for tax purposes and higher valued homestead properties get smaller or no reduction in taxable market value. Overall this change leads to a reduction in the total tax capacity for a jurisdiction. It also leads to a shifting of tax burden from lower value homestead properties to all other taxpayers.
Changes in the taxing jurisdictions total value can have an effect on your tax. In Breezy Point we saw a reduction in total taxable value of 14.7%. These reductions came from general declines in property valuation, the market value homestead exclusion, tax appeals and other downward adjustments.
Each property sees different changes based on the whole as well as individual characteristics. Each city has a different shift in tax burden as a result of these types of dynamics. If your homestead property has a value of $150,000 or less you probably saw a reduction in city taxes. If your homestead property exceeds that amount your city taxes likely increased. All other taxable property saw increases in taxes as a result of these changes.
The city levy remians the same as last year but other jurisdictions also raise revenue with taxes. The county and the school district are the major ones. There is also a small levy associated with the Regional Development Commission and some properties within the 50 Lakes Watershed District.
Another factor in raising taxes is that of referendums. Pequot Lakes Schools added a levy for a school building project that will taxes that start in 2012. There are also excess levy referendums that show up on the tax bill.
With changes in the market value of your property, changes occur to your tax bill. Properties can increase and decrease in value affecting taxes. A change in the market value this year which was new was the Market Value Homestead Exclusion. This program reduced “taxable market value” of homesteaded properties on a sliding scale with the most benefit going to homestead properties with a market value of $76,000 and no benefit to properties with a market value in excess of $413,800. The effects of this are lower valued homestead properties see a reduction in value for tax purposes and higher valued homestead properties get smaller or no reduction in taxable market value. Overall this change leads to a reduction in the total tax capacity for a jurisdiction. It also leads to a shifting of tax burden from lower value homestead properties to all other taxpayers.
Changes in the taxing jurisdictions total value can have an effect on your tax. In Breezy Point we saw a reduction in total taxable value of 14.7%. These reductions came from general declines in property valuation, the market value homestead exclusion, tax appeals and other downward adjustments.
Each property sees different changes based on the whole as well as individual characteristics. Each city has a different shift in tax burden as a result of these types of dynamics. If your homestead property has a value of $150,000 or less you probably saw a reduction in city taxes. If your homestead property exceeds that amount your city taxes likely increased. All other taxable property saw increases in taxes as a result of these changes.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Automatic CPR?
Have you ever heard of an automated CPR machine? Until recently I didn’t know they existed but leave it to those with a need and someone will develop it. An automated machine that does CPR heart compressions does in fact exist! It is known as the Lucas Chest Compression System. This is an interesting device. It runs pneumatically under a compressed air using a cylinder or wall outlet so an electrical source isn’t needed. This makes it portable and can be used at first response, in an ambulance, any transport vehicle and the hospital.
Through the efforts of our Paramedic Jason Rieber a grant was written to pay for the purchase of one of these units. The grant request was for $10,000 and was awarded to Breezy Point to be used in our Paramedic Program. We do have good staff, thank you Jason!
The grant was awarded from the MN Resuscitation Consortium which was founded by the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine. The consortium is part of a program through Medtronic Foundation Heart Rescue grant to improve outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrests. The paramedics using this system will also collect data on successes with this program for duplication in other regions.
We will very soon being using a new form of life saving equipment in our paramedic program and assisting research in saving lives due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Through the efforts of our Paramedic Jason Rieber a grant was written to pay for the purchase of one of these units. The grant request was for $10,000 and was awarded to Breezy Point to be used in our Paramedic Program. We do have good staff, thank you Jason!
The grant was awarded from the MN Resuscitation Consortium which was founded by the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine. The consortium is part of a program through Medtronic Foundation Heart Rescue grant to improve outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrests. The paramedics using this system will also collect data on successes with this program for duplication in other regions.
We will very soon being using a new form of life saving equipment in our paramedic program and assisting research in saving lives due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Proposed County Road 11 Improvements - Open House
A while ago I wrote about the efforts of Crow Wing County Highway Department to look at County Road 11 between Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. The point of the effort was to be proactive in looking at future needs for this corridor and address safety issues as much as the budget will provide.
Through that discussion there surfaced four study areas, three of them in Breezy Point. These include the roadway section by the Eagleview Elementary School, the area near the Ice Arena including Ranchette and lastly Whitebirch Drive. The county is seeking grant funds for improvements to these areas and a recent discussion with the city council that concurred with the need for improvements to these areas.
What is being considered would be a right and left turn lanes in both directions at the school entrance intersection. The east bound right turn is proposed to be detached somewhat south allowing for sight lines to be open to traffic exiting the school. This is similar to what was done in the commercial stretch on 371 in Baxter. Having right and left turn lanes here provide for more efficient traffic flow. It is also hoped that a left turn lane can be done at the school bus driveway.
In the area of the Ice Arena the existing two access points to County Road 11 would be closed in favor of one slightly to the west. Ranchette would also see right and left turn lanes in both directions. This will improve traffic flow here and also address the volume of traffic used by this intersection.
Although grant funding is limited it is hoped that a right turn lane and westbound bypass lane is available for Whitebirch Drive. Road construction is an expensive proposition and with only $500,000 available, assuming grant funding is received, it can only go so far.
An open house is scheduled at Eagleview Elementary School for December 15, between 5-7 pm. Maps and costs will be available for review. Come early as the school has a Christmas concert that night starting at 7:00 pm. We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals under discussion.
Assuming funding is available these improvements will be accomplished this summer. These would be installed along with the mill and overlay project that is planned between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes. Here’s hoping it all comes together.
Through that discussion there surfaced four study areas, three of them in Breezy Point. These include the roadway section by the Eagleview Elementary School, the area near the Ice Arena including Ranchette and lastly Whitebirch Drive. The county is seeking grant funds for improvements to these areas and a recent discussion with the city council that concurred with the need for improvements to these areas.
What is being considered would be a right and left turn lanes in both directions at the school entrance intersection. The east bound right turn is proposed to be detached somewhat south allowing for sight lines to be open to traffic exiting the school. This is similar to what was done in the commercial stretch on 371 in Baxter. Having right and left turn lanes here provide for more efficient traffic flow. It is also hoped that a left turn lane can be done at the school bus driveway.
In the area of the Ice Arena the existing two access points to County Road 11 would be closed in favor of one slightly to the west. Ranchette would also see right and left turn lanes in both directions. This will improve traffic flow here and also address the volume of traffic used by this intersection.
Although grant funding is limited it is hoped that a right turn lane and westbound bypass lane is available for Whitebirch Drive. Road construction is an expensive proposition and with only $500,000 available, assuming grant funding is received, it can only go so far.
An open house is scheduled at Eagleview Elementary School for December 15, between 5-7 pm. Maps and costs will be available for review. Come early as the school has a Christmas concert that night starting at 7:00 pm. We would appreciate your feedback on the proposals under discussion.
Assuming funding is available these improvements will be accomplished this summer. These would be installed along with the mill and overlay project that is planned between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes. Here’s hoping it all comes together.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Accessory Building Height
An issue that crept into the zoning arena this summer was that of accessory structure height. There were some parties that wanted to build larger structures with roofs that matched that of the home but the rules provided for a lower height than what was allowed. There were a few issues that needed to be addressed to deal with this issue.
The first dealt with the code not having a definition for accessory structure height. There was a definition for building height but all references to accessory structure height did not deal with that definition. On the surface building height for accessory structures was held to 15 feet at the highest point of the structure. Another approach was needed.
Using the building height, as the standard, was considered but the definition was almost impossible to understand. After one Planning Commission member drew a picture of what it stated, the light bulb came on, but definitions shouldn’t be that complicated. A new definition was needed that was less complicated and a picture in the code would be helpful.
With current forms of building and larger accessory structures, steeper roofs for accessory structures were requested to match that the principle structure. The code didn’t provide for this so with a new definition some additional height could be accomplished. The definition basically used the average of the roof portion of the building to determine building height, rather than the peak. This still didn’t meet needs however.
The sticking point was there are some areas that have one story principle structures with flatter roofs. Allowing a taller accessory building in these areas would look out of place. A solution was found to allow up to a 20 foot tall accessory structure but if the principle structure was less than 15 feet tall the maximum accessory structure height could be only 15 feet.
Although this took some time and effort to work through I believe we found a satisfactory solution to the needs of homeowners who wish to building an accessory structure that more closely meets their needs.
The first dealt with the code not having a definition for accessory structure height. There was a definition for building height but all references to accessory structure height did not deal with that definition. On the surface building height for accessory structures was held to 15 feet at the highest point of the structure. Another approach was needed.
Using the building height, as the standard, was considered but the definition was almost impossible to understand. After one Planning Commission member drew a picture of what it stated, the light bulb came on, but definitions shouldn’t be that complicated. A new definition was needed that was less complicated and a picture in the code would be helpful.
With current forms of building and larger accessory structures, steeper roofs for accessory structures were requested to match that the principle structure. The code didn’t provide for this so with a new definition some additional height could be accomplished. The definition basically used the average of the roof portion of the building to determine building height, rather than the peak. This still didn’t meet needs however.
The sticking point was there are some areas that have one story principle structures with flatter roofs. Allowing a taller accessory building in these areas would look out of place. A solution was found to allow up to a 20 foot tall accessory structure but if the principle structure was less than 15 feet tall the maximum accessory structure height could be only 15 feet.
Although this took some time and effort to work through I believe we found a satisfactory solution to the needs of homeowners who wish to building an accessory structure that more closely meets their needs.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
More on Homestead Market Value Exclusion
I had previously discussed the Homestead Credit Aid program being shifted to a Homestead Market Value Exclusion. In that blog I described the credit aid program and also the concept of the new Market Value Exclusion but some of the details were a bit unclear. There will continue to be uncertainty with the outcome until the final numbers are presented. I hope to clarify some of that overall picture.
As previously stated the new exclusion program deals with Homestead Properties (owner occupied) by reducing their (taxable) market value. The maximum exclusion is 40% for properties have an estimated market value of $76,000 or less. The exclusion then provides for a sliding scale with the percentage of reduction decreasing as the value of the home increases. The exclusion formula declines to $0 when the threshold of $413,778 in market value has been reached. In very general terms the formula can be looked at with the following chart:
Estimated Market Value / Taxable Market Value / % Decrease
76,000 / 45,600 / 40%
100,000 / 71,760 / 28%
150,000 / 126,260 / 16%
200,000 / 180,760 / 10%
250,000 / 235,260 / 6%
300,000 / 289,760 / 3%
350,000 / 344,260 / 2%
400,000 / 398,760 / 0%
(Percentages have been rounded.)
The obvious conclusion is there will be a reduction in taxable value for individual properties. The less obvious conclusion is there is less taxable value in a taxing jurisdiction as a whole. With the reduction in taxable values there will be an increase in the tax rate.
Added to this equation are other changes that affect overall taxable value. These include a reduction in the Estimated Market Value of properties in general. The number of Homestead properties (increases or decreases). The overall ratio of high to low valued Homestead properties and any changes to the jurisdiction such as detachment and new construction.
The county has estimated that the taxable market value of property in Breezy Point has decreased by about 14.2%. The tax rate is estimated to increase from 33.895% to 39.719% for 2012. Keep in mind this is only the city tax rate. The county and school district have a tax levy. Given the school referendum we’ll see increases there which are in addition to and outside of these issues. With the city rate being calculated it is still difficult to know or predict how individual properties will fare and a great deal depends on the “new” taxable value of a property. I anticipate that most properties will see an increase in property taxes even with the flat levy request being proposed by the city.
As previously stated the new exclusion program deals with Homestead Properties (owner occupied) by reducing their (taxable) market value. The maximum exclusion is 40% for properties have an estimated market value of $76,000 or less. The exclusion then provides for a sliding scale with the percentage of reduction decreasing as the value of the home increases. The exclusion formula declines to $0 when the threshold of $413,778 in market value has been reached. In very general terms the formula can be looked at with the following chart:
Estimated Market Value / Taxable Market Value / % Decrease
76,000 / 45,600 / 40%
100,000 / 71,760 / 28%
150,000 / 126,260 / 16%
200,000 / 180,760 / 10%
250,000 / 235,260 / 6%
300,000 / 289,760 / 3%
350,000 / 344,260 / 2%
400,000 / 398,760 / 0%
(Percentages have been rounded.)
The obvious conclusion is there will be a reduction in taxable value for individual properties. The less obvious conclusion is there is less taxable value in a taxing jurisdiction as a whole. With the reduction in taxable values there will be an increase in the tax rate.
Added to this equation are other changes that affect overall taxable value. These include a reduction in the Estimated Market Value of properties in general. The number of Homestead properties (increases or decreases). The overall ratio of high to low valued Homestead properties and any changes to the jurisdiction such as detachment and new construction.
The county has estimated that the taxable market value of property in Breezy Point has decreased by about 14.2%. The tax rate is estimated to increase from 33.895% to 39.719% for 2012. Keep in mind this is only the city tax rate. The county and school district have a tax levy. Given the school referendum we’ll see increases there which are in addition to and outside of these issues. With the city rate being calculated it is still difficult to know or predict how individual properties will fare and a great deal depends on the “new” taxable value of a property. I anticipate that most properties will see an increase in property taxes even with the flat levy request being proposed by the city.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Whats up with County Road 11
Some of you may know, but I’m sure most don’t, that Crow Wing County will be undertaking improvements to County Road 11 between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes this summer. Improvements consist of a mil and overlay of 1 ½ inch of the driving lanes of the highway. This process is expected to take about a week. There will however be other improvements on each end which include storm sewer, pedestrian ramps and some curbing in Breezy Point. Final plans concerning the scope of work have yet to be determined.
The county has also decided to take a proactive look at Co. Rd. 11 and determine what other needs maybe apparent. The concerns are traffic safety near the Eagle View Elementary School, impacts of the bypass at Pequot Lakes, and the potential for an off road pedestrian/bicycle trial between the two cities. Some of these potential improvements could be address in 2012 while others may be acted on as long term improvements.
I think the issues of traffic flow and safety at the school are apparent to some degree. No one wants to see accidents or injury. All of us want the highway to function properly as well as the goal of keeping traffic moving.
With the bypass anticipated to be built in in 2018 there will be changes in traffic patterns. Some traffic will be diverted to that 4 lane road and as such impacts will occur with roads that feed that highway. One of the bigger concerns is the Bushman- Ackerson Road connection to the proposed access near Jenkins. These roadways have issues with design including sightlines, hills, access, and standards to which they were built. With additional traffic potentially using this, the county is studying the impact.
There has been, for years, discussion about a pedestrian/bicycle trail that would connect to the Paul Bunyan Trail in Pequot Lakes. The goal has been pursued by a number of supporters and would be a huge improvement to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. It would also provide a link to Eagleview School as well as one to Pequot Lakes.
In looking at these issues the County has formed a task force and hired Transportation Engineering consultants to review theses issues. The task force has representatives from Breezy Point, The school district, Ideal and Jenkins Township and Pequot Lakes. These entities also have participation from law enforcement personnel who have an on the road view of how this roadway system works. The study will continue until March of 2012. There will be open houses for public comment but comments are also welcome at any time.
The county has also decided to take a proactive look at Co. Rd. 11 and determine what other needs maybe apparent. The concerns are traffic safety near the Eagle View Elementary School, impacts of the bypass at Pequot Lakes, and the potential for an off road pedestrian/bicycle trial between the two cities. Some of these potential improvements could be address in 2012 while others may be acted on as long term improvements.
I think the issues of traffic flow and safety at the school are apparent to some degree. No one wants to see accidents or injury. All of us want the highway to function properly as well as the goal of keeping traffic moving.
With the bypass anticipated to be built in in 2018 there will be changes in traffic patterns. Some traffic will be diverted to that 4 lane road and as such impacts will occur with roads that feed that highway. One of the bigger concerns is the Bushman- Ackerson Road connection to the proposed access near Jenkins. These roadways have issues with design including sightlines, hills, access, and standards to which they were built. With additional traffic potentially using this, the county is studying the impact.
There has been, for years, discussion about a pedestrian/bicycle trail that would connect to the Paul Bunyan Trail in Pequot Lakes. The goal has been pursued by a number of supporters and would be a huge improvement to the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. It would also provide a link to Eagleview School as well as one to Pequot Lakes.
In looking at these issues the County has formed a task force and hired Transportation Engineering consultants to review theses issues. The task force has representatives from Breezy Point, The school district, Ideal and Jenkins Township and Pequot Lakes. These entities also have participation from law enforcement personnel who have an on the road view of how this roadway system works. The study will continue until March of 2012. There will be open houses for public comment but comments are also welcome at any time.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Non-Conforming Tax Forfeited Lot Sales
The City of Breezy Point is somewhat unique, even perhaps in Crow Wing County, in that there are numerous properties that have been tax forfeited. These properties take some time to work through the process before they can be offered for sale to others who wish to purchase them.
Breezy Point has lots that were platted that are not large enough to build on. Some areas have sanitary sewer access where lot size can be smaller. There are other areas without sewer which require significantly more property to build on. The lots that are too small for building are classified as non-conforming from a zoning perspective. The best use of these properties is to attach them to abutting property to create a buildable lot. In some circumstances abutting property owners would like a larger property.
After the county takes possession of tax forfeited properties, it goes through the statutory processes of disposition. One approach under law is commonly called the alternate sales procedure. The county determines if a property is non-conforming. If it is, they can offer the property to abutting landowners without going through all the hoops of a regular sale. This further supports abutting property owner acquisition and also supports the assembly of lots to make a property buildable.
This process involves notification to the city of a change in status of the property. Properties are designated Conservation (reserved) until the process of review has been completed. Changing the status to Non-Conservation allows the county to sell the property. The city, once notified, has 60 days to determine whether or not the property has a public purpose. The city is supportive of getting these properties back on the tax roles. To facilitate the process as quickly as possible the city has adopted a policy of staff review and approval to provide for the designation change. The city has streamlined the process so these properties can move to sale as quickly as possible.
Given the policy change, property owners who have an interest in an abutting tax forfeited property can contact the county to address the issue of purchase. If the property is determined to be non-conforming the county can request of the city a change to Non-Conservation. Once a property has been deemed Non-Conservation a property owner can work with the county towards acquisition of an abutting property.
Breezy Point has lots that were platted that are not large enough to build on. Some areas have sanitary sewer access where lot size can be smaller. There are other areas without sewer which require significantly more property to build on. The lots that are too small for building are classified as non-conforming from a zoning perspective. The best use of these properties is to attach them to abutting property to create a buildable lot. In some circumstances abutting property owners would like a larger property.
After the county takes possession of tax forfeited properties, it goes through the statutory processes of disposition. One approach under law is commonly called the alternate sales procedure. The county determines if a property is non-conforming. If it is, they can offer the property to abutting landowners without going through all the hoops of a regular sale. This further supports abutting property owner acquisition and also supports the assembly of lots to make a property buildable.
This process involves notification to the city of a change in status of the property. Properties are designated Conservation (reserved) until the process of review has been completed. Changing the status to Non-Conservation allows the county to sell the property. The city, once notified, has 60 days to determine whether or not the property has a public purpose. The city is supportive of getting these properties back on the tax roles. To facilitate the process as quickly as possible the city has adopted a policy of staff review and approval to provide for the designation change. The city has streamlined the process so these properties can move to sale as quickly as possible.
Given the policy change, property owners who have an interest in an abutting tax forfeited property can contact the county to address the issue of purchase. If the property is determined to be non-conforming the county can request of the city a change to Non-Conservation. Once a property has been deemed Non-Conservation a property owner can work with the county towards acquisition of an abutting property.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Update on All Veterans Memorial
The City Council reviewed the plans for the All Veterans Memorial at the September meeting. Activity for the memorial has been accomplished and completed for this year with the physical area of the memorial being brought up to grade and sodded. No additional work is scheduled for this year.
The centerpiece of the memorial is a sculpture that will be erected next spring. The sculpture was created by Jeff Kreitz and is really something to see. I believe those who have seen it feel it is a very beautiful and impressive. It is a somewhat spiritual representation of a non-descript veteran with a purple heart. Further plans at this time are yet to be worked out for 2012 with all expenses to be paid through donations to the cemetery.
In discussing the project Cemetery Commission Chair Gary Bakken thanked all those who have participated in the project. He indicated there is a good deal of planning and fund raising activity is to be accomplished before moving on with construction for 2012.
The City Council approved the activities for 2011 and asked for an update on the project prior to construction in 2012.
The centerpiece of the memorial is a sculpture that will be erected next spring. The sculpture was created by Jeff Kreitz and is really something to see. I believe those who have seen it feel it is a very beautiful and impressive. It is a somewhat spiritual representation of a non-descript veteran with a purple heart. Further plans at this time are yet to be worked out for 2012 with all expenses to be paid through donations to the cemetery.
In discussing the project Cemetery Commission Chair Gary Bakken thanked all those who have participated in the project. He indicated there is a good deal of planning and fund raising activity is to be accomplished before moving on with construction for 2012.
The City Council approved the activities for 2011 and asked for an update on the project prior to construction in 2012.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Park Equipment
I am amazed and pleased to see the use of the Breezy Point Park. Each year we see increased activity. The Park and Recreation Committee has been looking at park needs and planning for the future. A good part of that planning has been involved with improvements to the city park but other areas are also considered as part of the Comprehensive Park Plan. A Capital Improvement Plan is in the discussion stages and the hope is this can be adopted in the near future as part of the plan.
Funds have been budgeted for capital purchases on an annual basis. This doesn’t mean that funds are spent in the context of use it or loose it. Capital funds that are not expended are placed in the Revolving Capital Fund. This provides for and allows the city to purchase or make improvements to the park system that may exceed the annual budget.
One goal of the Park and Recreation Committee is to make improvements on an annual basis. These improvements would hopefully be in keeping with need that has been demonstrated but there are also improvements that create new opportunities. One of these being considered is a fishing pier along the channel off of Breezy Point Drive. When looking at demonstrated needs we have many times exceeded the existing capacity of picnic tables, trash containers and park benches in City Park.
This has been identified as a need that the Park and Recreation Committee has addressed. They have recommended that four picnic tables, two trash containers and a park bench be purchased for an expanded area of City Park. The City Council concurred with that purchase and these have been placed on order. The low quote for these purchases was $4121.28 which includes freight. Keep in mind park equipment needs to be far more durable than household use so products are more expensive than you may think. The city did receive 4 quotes with the highest quote for the same equipment being approximately $7600. Given that range I think the value for dollars spent is high.
The city hopes to see the new equipment delivered in the near future.
Funds have been budgeted for capital purchases on an annual basis. This doesn’t mean that funds are spent in the context of use it or loose it. Capital funds that are not expended are placed in the Revolving Capital Fund. This provides for and allows the city to purchase or make improvements to the park system that may exceed the annual budget.
One goal of the Park and Recreation Committee is to make improvements on an annual basis. These improvements would hopefully be in keeping with need that has been demonstrated but there are also improvements that create new opportunities. One of these being considered is a fishing pier along the channel off of Breezy Point Drive. When looking at demonstrated needs we have many times exceeded the existing capacity of picnic tables, trash containers and park benches in City Park.
This has been identified as a need that the Park and Recreation Committee has addressed. They have recommended that four picnic tables, two trash containers and a park bench be purchased for an expanded area of City Park. The City Council concurred with that purchase and these have been placed on order. The low quote for these purchases was $4121.28 which includes freight. Keep in mind park equipment needs to be far more durable than household use so products are more expensive than you may think. The city did receive 4 quotes with the highest quote for the same equipment being approximately $7600. Given that range I think the value for dollars spent is high.
The city hopes to see the new equipment delivered in the near future.
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