GLADSTONE — The newest member of the Gladstone Public Safety Department was introduced to city commissioners Monday. Public Safety Officer Nadeau-Enright presented K-9 Bico, Gladstone’s new, already-successful police dog, before the floor returned to the Gladstone City Commission and other city matters.
Handler PSO Nadeau-Enright said that two-and-a-half-year-old Bico — who specializes in tracking, detection, and apprehension — was certified in February and the two have been “working the road together” since the spring.
“We recently assisted Michigan State Police on a complaint in Rapid River where about three-quarters of a pound of narcotics was seized. For reference, Bico — just getting him, training and purchasing the dog — was roughly $20,000. … From this one case, this one stop, where he sniffed out those narcotics, he seized about $30,000 worth of drugs.”
PSO Nadeau-Enright emphasized how intelligent the dog is, performed a demonstration wherein the dog searched city hall to find something that had been planted before the meeting began, and expressed a belief that the canine may be the most valuable tool in the department.
Also during the Gladstone City Commission meeting:
– City Clerk Kim Berry said that absentee ballots may now be collected in person from city hall. People who have already requested absentee ballots should receive them in the mail this week.
– Melissa Silta was appointed to the DDA Board.
– Commissioners agreed to purchase a subscription to budgeting software Waterworth, which is already in use by Traverse City and communities elsewhere in the nation. The expectation/hope is that it will simplify work for city employees, take out some guesswork associated with hiring a rate consultant periodically, and save money.
– During a closed session, commissioners discussed steps that will be taken regarding a dispute between the city and the Caddy Shack Golf Club, formerly known as Irish Oaks.
– Zoning Administrator Renee Barron said Gladstone has seen “significant growth” this year and that six new homes have been built.
– A notice on demolition requirements from Delta County Landfill was reviewed. “Any structure that will be torn down and brought into the Delta County Landfill either by yourself or a hauler must be inspected by the landfill operations manager before it can be torn down,” it reads.
NEW ULM — Years in the making, the Markplatz Mall sale is moving forward.
Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to accept the middle Marktplatz Mall sale parcel forfeited in June 2023 for a sale price of $35,913.97 plus applicable fees and any accrued interest of $1,266.94 due to blighted property conditions Tuesday.
Action came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Borchert. The sale price is based on back taxes due and payable 2023 taxes. Fees are $1,266.94 to be paid to the title company at least two days prior to closing.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Windschitl.
Last week, the New Ulm City Council approved the sale of the middle part of Marktplatz Mall to EBMD LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability company which already owns the north and south end of the former mall.
The left and right mall parcels were sold for $190,188 combined in April 2020. The building could be demolished if the developer so chooses. Development details have not yet been made public.
EBMD LLC was the only developer interested in the space. If an agreement has not been reached, the property would have been sold at public auction to the highest bidder.
Herberger’s department store once served as an anchor at the north end of the mall for a number of years before closing. No other mall anchors were found. The mall has been closed since June 2018.
Just a few doors down from the mall, hope remains for the former George’s Ballroom on Center Street. Brown County commissioners recently authorized the county administrator and assistant auditor treasurer to negotiate a development agreement with Coldwell Banker Fisher Group of Mankato to develop the former ballroom site.
A proposal including an architectural site plan by Oleson & Hobbie Architects of Mankato includes a mixed-used development plan with 90 parking stalls and 10,360 square feet of commercial space on the lower level.
The first floor plan features 22,995 square feet of commercial space, eight apartments and 26 parking stalls. Second and third floor plans include 21 apartments.
LEETONIA — Village council approved an offer for the village’s commercial insurance in its meeting Wednesday.
Originally discussed in council’s prior meeting Sept. 6, the proposed policy for the upcoming fiscal year had a cost of $41,363.76, which represents an 8.9% increase over last year’s cost of $37,982. The matter was tabled at that meeting to allow Fiscal Officer Nick Mistovich to review potential alternate policies.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Mistovich presented council with proposed policy modifications from two brokers, both of which would see changes to the village’s deductibles to lower the overall premium.
The first proposed policy would increase the village’s property deductible from $1,000 to $2,500, for a premium of $39,017.76. The second proposal would increase both the property and auto deductibles from $1,000 to $2,500 to reduce the premium to $37,957.76.
Mistovich said that the increase had been primarily caused by increases to commercial property values,
noting that of the $3,381.76 change, $3,090 was caused by this valuation increase. Mistovich also said that the village’s insurer was happy to explain the proposed policy to council in-depth and work with the village directly to develop the next year’s policy before the current one expires should council elect to remain there, and that they were “taking it really seriously,” and would not take the village’s account for granted.
Council ultimately voted unanimously to accept the proposed policy as presented with no modifications.
Other financial matters approved included the transfer of $3,000 from the general fund to the cemetery fund, and the purchase of new police vests from Blue Line for $5854,60, with $4,390.95 of that cost being paid through grant funding from the state.
Other matters included approval of the upcoming retirement of Cheryl Altomare effective Sept. 30. Altomare has worked for the village in various positions for 35.5 years.
“I want to acknowledge her commitment and dedication to the village over the years through all her positions,” said Mayor Kevin Siembida.
In his report Siembida said that the next phase of work on Walnut Street, which will see the northbound lane taken up and replaced will begin Oct. 2, weather permitting, and is estimated to take approximately two weeks.
During his report Village Administrator Gary Phillips requested the Water and Sewer Committee have an informational meeting prior to council’s next meeting on Oct. 4 to discuss the department’s projects. The meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 4.
Council also heard a complaint from resident John Rupert regarding ongoing issues caused by overgrowth of a tree on a vacant property. Rupert said that branches from a tree on the vacant property across the street from his home on Chestnut Street will grow out into the street, making it difficult for two cars to pass by each other, causing debris to be thrown into his yard and cars to drive through his yard to avoid damage.
“People are in my yard because obviously they don’t want their vehicle scratched, and the other people aren’t going to sideswipe someone, so they go into my yard,” said Rupert.
Rupert said that in the past the village had cut the limbs back, alleviating the issue temporarily, but that roughly every three years it grows back to a length to begin causing the issue again, and he had been unable to get assistance in resolving the issue from the village. Rupert explained that he had spoken with Siembida who agreed the village should be able to remedy the issue and had been directed to speak with Street Superintendent Ed Allen about the issue; and that when he spoke with Allen before Labor Day, he had been told the department couldn’t address it at that time as it was busy with holiday preparations. Rupert also said that he had since called again five times and Wednesday, leaving two messages for Allen which had not been answered, so he went to the village office on Thursday, and spoke to Allen in person, claiming they had gotten into an argument about the issue and he was asked to leave.
Council President JR Ferry said he lived nearby and was familiar with the tree in question, and agreed it is making it difficult for two cars to pass by each other on the street, asking Allen what the village could do about the issue.
Allen said that the department currently only has one laborer, but that they should be in the area to do mowing sometime next week.
Ferry suggested Rupert return and inform the council if the matter had not been resolved prior to their next meeting, and Rupert agreed he would.
The village council will meet next at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4.
The Mahoning Valley’s real estate market has been strong coming into the fall season, and it is expected to remain that way through December and throughout 2024.
Let’s take a deep dive into the current state of real estate in the Mahoning Valley, reviewing market trends and offering insights for both buyers and sellers in this competitive real estate environment. The Valley has witnessed its fair share of ups and downs in the real estate market over the years, and the current landscape is no exception. Here are some key aspects influencing the market today:
l Steady demand — The demand for homes in the Valley remains strong. This is attributed to factors such as affordable housing, good schools and a strong job market in the region. The growth and investment opportunity in the Valley continues to draw people here.
l Limited inventory — One of the challenges in the current market is the limited inventory of available homes. This has created a competitive environment, with multiple buyers often bidding on the same property. As a result, prices have seen a modest but steady increase in the last few years.
l Interest rates — Even though interest rates have increased slightly from the extremely low post-pandemic rates we saw at around 3%, rates remain historically low, and buyers are continuing to enter the market.
l Downtown revival — Many cities in the Mahoning Valley are experiencing a revitalization of their downtown areas. Because of the recent changes, these areas are becoming increasingly attractive for both commercial and residential real estate investments.
l Investment opportunities — Investors are also eyeing Northeast Ohio for its long-term potential. The region offers opportunities for real estate investment, from single-family homes to multi-unit complexes and beyond.
For those looking to buy a home in the Mahoning Valley, here are some insights to consider:
l Be prepared — Due to limited inventory, it’s essential to be prepared when you find a property you like. Have your finances in order, pre-approval completed, and be ready to make a competitive offer.
l Work with a local Realtor — A local real estate agent with expertise in the Mahoning Valley market can provide valuable guidance to help you navigate the competitive landscape. This is a MUST in any real estate market.
If you’re planning to sell your property, here’s what you should keep in mind:
l Price realistically — While the market is competitive, it’s essential to price your home realistically. Overpricing can deter potential buyers and take longer to sell your home. A local Realtor can provide you with a comparative market analysis showing you the potential value of your home in this market.
l First impression matters — Invest in making small upgrades and updates to the inside of your home and its curb appeal. First impressions are crucial in this market.
The real estate market in the Mahoning Valley is in a unique place with steady demand, limited inventory and low interest rates. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, understanding these market trends and working with a local Realtor can help you make informed decisions in this competitive landscape. The Mahoning Valley continues to offer so many opportunities for those looking to call this beautiful place home.
Michael Stevens is the 2023 president of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of Realtors.
A member of the consultant team hired by Pasadena to create plans for the Central Library Earthquake Retrofit and Building Repairs Project said Thursday that the goal of the retrofit project is to have the 100-year-old building “last another 100 years.”
The final costs of retrofitting the 1927 Pasadena Central Library could be $175 to $195 million before the project is completed in 2028, according to the team of consultants from Gruen Associates, in their community presentation on the project at the Robinson Park Recreation Center on Thursday evening.
The project’s funding could require a bond measure on the November 2024 ballot.
The community meeting was part of the project’s ongoing outreach by representatives of the team.
Debra Gerod of Gruen posed then answered a fundamental question.
“What does the community want to accomplish for this project? What does the City want? This was obviously spurred by a need to seismically repair the unreinforced masonry … so that was obviously the main driver, but it wasn’t the only driver. This is a treasured historic building in the city of Pasadena.
“And it was very important that we understand and preserve it as a historic asset to the city,” she continued.
Gerod emphasized that whatever the project team does, the Library should maintain its historic listing and its historic essence.
She said that the retrofit needs to include accessibility measures.
“When we’re going through a major project like this, it is incumbent on us to make this accessible. We need to allow people with mobility challenges to be and make it into the building and experience the building in the same way that someone who doesn’t have a mobility challenge.”
John Locascio, of the Historic Resources Group, also explained the building’s historical significance, noting that the Central Library is the northern terminus of the Bennett Plan for the Civic Center, the City’s first General Plan, and is one of the three anchors of the Civic Center, and the first to be completed.
Structural engineer Aldrin Orue of the retrofit team said that the project would meet the nationally recognized American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Seismic Rehabilitation Standards.
“There’s very important historic significance here,” said Orue, “and we definitely want to be careful on the solutions that we implement so as not to disturb any of the historic characteristics of the building.”
“Beyond code compliance,” said Orue, “we also want to enhance the performance of the building to minimize future recovery time in an earthquake. One of the goals of the City when we first started this is that they want to keep this building for another hundred years, it’s been here a hundred years, and they want this to last for a hundred years.”
Orue added that, “The seismic proportional objective that we are now targeting is one that’s equivalent to a new library building. We weren’t satisfied to just provide the minimum code requirement, but the goal and the objective is to have this building perform in a seismic event equivalent to a new building.”
The original building was designed by the architectural firm of Hunt and Chambers, with Myron Hunt being one of the most important architects to practice in southern California in the first half of the 20th century.
Hunt designed the Rose Bowl, the original Huntington Hotel, the Huntington Mansion Library, and Locascio noted that “his work is definitely considered the work of a master.”
The Pasadena City Council approved a contract to begin the process of seismically retrofitting and upgrading the Central Library in February 2023, to Gruen Associates and their team of sub-consultants.
Gruen will create environmental documentation, as well as final construction drawings and cost estimates for construction. Initial environmental and design phase efforts will be done in March 2023, and are anticipated to be completed in about two years.
The current design phase of the Central Library Retrofit and Repair project is fully funded to allow the city to determine the estimated total cost of the work to be done. Assemblymember Chris Holden secured $4 million in funding through a grant from the state library system in June 2021, and in July 2022, the state earmarked an additional 5 million to the earthquake retrofit and repairs project bringing the total to $9 million to be used towards the central library design work.
The Central Library building, a significant contributor to the Civic Center Historic District, is recognized on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. In addition to its contribution to the district, it holds individual distinction as a designated Pasadena Landmark.
The first plan and cost estimate for the project is expected to be completed in the fall of this year, while the design development plans and its cost estimate are expected to be completed in early 2024. In the spring of 2025, all plans and plan checks are expected to be completed, and a final bid and construction contract reward– pending construction funding – should be completed in summer of 2025.
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WELCOME — The Welcome City Council met Tuesday evening and discussed the possibility of the Fab Shop applying for a city license to sell hemp products. Lee and Emily Hanson explained their crop of hemp and that it is not high in THC such as marijuana. They will only sell hemp products and already have a grower’s license. They will apply for a license in the City and with the MN Health Department. Both the city council and the Hansons agreed that Welcome would like more business and that they both want to “do it right.” The state does not allow products to be sold with over .2 percent THC in them. Hemp has a very small amount of THC, not near that amount. Products sold at the Fab Shop are candles with hemp oil, some CBD products, tee-shirts and hats and a package of small ‘smokies’ which none of the products has a high amount of THC. They reported that they have $100,000 invested in their business and do not want to risk that by offering high THC products. The Hansons will come to city hall and apply for the license with the correct forms.
In further business, the council discussed the vacating of a building at 410 4th Street in Welcome that is abandoned and has open windows and other hazardous points. The owner will be sent a letter and must fix the property so that it has no hazardous openings and would be fenced in and signage up about it being a hazardous building. If the owner does not do those things in five days then the City will do them and add those expenses to the owner’s
taxes. The council approved that plan.
The council approved the proposed budget plans for 2024 and discussed the changes made. It discussed having a rotation-type plan to maintain or replace city owned equipment. The budget would have money allocated each year to the fund and then when the large expense for replacement of old equipment happens there would be some funds to help with that expense. They would start with the oldest equipment and the equipment that has a large
amount of service hours. Capitol expenses needs to be increased.
The council discussed tree trimming and asked that the cemetery board come to the city council meeting and let the City know how they would like to have the trees trimmed at the cemetery. The budget this year has $6,000 left in the cemetery fund and it could be increased by $2,000 for next year which would be about $28,000 then. The council approved the increase. Russell Plumhoff will be power washing some stones at the cemetery and the council approved the use of City water for that reason.
The council also approved purchasing new seat covers for both trucks at $800 since they were on sale. They are made of material similar to Carhartt products and have a warranty.
The City Works employee also reported that the dump truck will need some service about an oil leak. He also mentioned that the old water meter heads could be recycled. The council requested that he report why the meter heads need to be recycled. He asked about the new yellow trucks electrical switch and will check with Hawkins about that switch.
Police Chief, Trevor Yochim, reported to the council and explained that the Welcome hours were less last month due to the vandalism investigation. The perpetrator is now in the court system. He was asked if a resident could shoot a varmint within the City. He okayed the use of small firearms to kill varmints if the shot was on the residents own property.
He cautioned that firearms higher than .177 caliber are not to be discharged in the City and that residents must be on their own property and take special care that neighboring
pets are not around. The council discussed future ordinances if necessary.
In other news:
— The Truth in Taxation meeting will be scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, at the city hall in Welcome.
— The sludge hauler will not be hauling this fall and another hauler needs to be found. The council asked the City Works employee to look into finding someone that can vacuum and fits in the welcome site and does not load on top. Haulers that work for nearby cities
were mentioned.
— The city clerk reported that the City website company was sold and the price with the new company would be more than double and would use programs a small city did not need. She investigated nearby cities and asked the council if she could get bids from Go Daddy company to design and service the City website. The council approved.
The next meeting of the Welcome City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 3, at Welcome City Hall.
With the sale of this center section to EMBD LLC, the Marktplatz mall is finally reunited under one owner. The developers are looking to provide additional housing and retail with the property.
NEW ULM — After a closed session Tuesday, New Ulm City Council approved the sale of the Marktplatz mall to EBMD LLC.
The process of selling the center section began after the July 18 City Council meeting. The City Council stopped Brown County from selling the property for six months while they looked for a buyer. City Manager Chris Dalton believed at the time EBMD LLC would be the likely buyer in the process.
“They already own the other two pieces,” Dalton said. “We would negotiate with them to get the middle piece, so they own all three to do a development in the future.”
On Tuesday those negotiations became fruitful. The city will purchase the mall section from the county, and then transfer the title when they receive funds currently in escrow from EBMD LLC. Council President Andrea Boettger said the agreement is standard, ensuring the purchaser has the funds before the title is officially transferred.
“[Going through] the normal real estate processes with the county and the city, like any other property we would sell. That timeline would be based on the process, which could take a couple of months.”
This action comes after the left and right parcels of the mall were sold for $190,188 combined in April of 2020. The condition of the property is said to be deteriorating. Dalton acknowledged in July the building could be demolished if the developer chooses to.
“The development there will bolster downtown,” he said. “They’re potentially planning to get rid of a building not serving our purposes and repurposing it. [This will] potentially add more foot traffic to the downtown area.”
EBMD LLC was the only developer interested in the space. If this agreement had not been reached, it would have been sold at public auction to the highest bidder.
It is currently unknown what the center section sold for, or when any part of the mall will be reopened. For a building mired in uncertainty since its closure in June of 2018, it is a clear step forward.
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- Several houses on East Clark Street in East Palestine are for up for sale. On Monday, Norfolk Southern announced the interim Value Assurance Program (VAP). The VAP will compensate for any reduction in value of eligible residential properties as a result of the rail disaster. The VAP will address properties located in East Palestine and some surrounding communities. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)
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- Several houses on East Clark Street in East Palestine are for up for sale. On Monday, Norfolk Southern announced the interim Value Assurance Program (VAP). The VAP will compensate for any reduction in value of eligible residential properties as a result of the rail disaster. The VAP will address properties located in East Palestine and some surrounding communities. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)
Several houses on East Clark Street in East Palestine are for up for sale. On Monday, Norfolk Southern announced the interim Value Assurance Program (VAP). The VAP will compensate for any reduction in value of eligible residential properties as a result of the rail disaster. The VAP will address properties located in East Palestine and some surrounding communities. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)
EAST PALESTINE — A week after announcing a nearly $4 million contribution to protecting East Palestine’s drinking water supply, Norfolk Southern announced the interim Value Assurance Program (VAP), calling it another promise kept to the village.
“This is another step in fulfilling our promise to East Palestine to make it right. Norfolk Southern is steadfast in keeping our commitments, including protecting the home values of the community,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw. “This program aims to give homeowners the reassurance they need.”
In March, the railroad said it was focusing on addressing three major concerns in the wake of the derailment — the impact the disaster could have on water quality, property value and long-term community health.
In a press release on Monday, Norfolk Southern said the VAP will compensate for any reduction in value of eligible residential properties as a result of the rail disaster. The VAP will address properties located in East Palestine and some surrounding communities. The railroad explained that, through the interim VAP, those residents in the defined program area who have sold their homes since Feb. 3, currently have their homes on the market, or will put their homes on the market, are eligible to be compensated for any difference between their home’s market value and its sale price.
The interim VAP will also be available for future sales. Norfolk Southern reported a full long-term program is in development. At the time of the long-term VAP announcement, the interim plan will end, and the long-term VAP requirements will apply.
Several houses on East Clark Street in East Palestine are for up for sale. On Monday, Norfolk Southern announced the interim Value Assurance Program (VAP). The VAP will compensate for any reduction in value of eligible residential properties as a result of the rail disaster. The VAP will address properties located in East Palestine and some surrounding communities. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)
The program is not without caveats. Properties must be located inside the designated area, which extends to New Waterford to the west, New Galilee to the east, South Beaver Township to the south and New Springfield to the north. Eligible property owners must not be in bankruptcy at the time of sale or at the time the VAP claim is made, must satisfy all outstanding liens against the property at or prior to closing and must follow the procedures detailed in the Interim VAP booklet, including timely submitting all required forms and documentation to the VAP Administrator.
In addition, to be eligible and receive compensation under the interim or long-term plan, homeowners must submit a release of property claims which would affect homeowners’ rights in litigation. Eligible property owners who choose to participate must use an approved real estate agent from a list currently being compiled. VAP compensation is based on a comparison of sale price and market value and not a loan amount or what is owed on an existing mortgage. If a property fails to sell, no further remedy exists for the property owner as Norfolk Southern is not offering to purchase any properties.
Not everybody was expecting to be impressed with the VAP. U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, accused the railroad of using Monday’s announcement as a way to hide its opposition to the Railway Safety Act, which is meant to strengthen rail safety with two-person crew requirements, increased fines for railroads, advance notification for high-hazard flammable trains and the implementation of more hotbox detectors and is yet to make it to the floor for a full count form the Senate.
“In the run up to the markup of the Railway Safety Act, Norfolk Southern and its backers in Congress announced that they had reached an agreement to establish a fund making East Palestine residents whole for the diminution of their property value,” said Vance. “This announcement was a transparent attempt to distract from the fact that they were opposed to railroad safety reform to prevent another East Palestine disaster. I did not join this effort because I did not trust the railroad to make good on its word.”
Vance said initial skepticism has been proven true. In May, Shaw penned a letter to Vance and U. S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, along with other senators in which he promised a fund to compensate homeowners in East Palestine, Ohio for property value diminution. The program was officially announced May 10. The details didn’t follow until Monday, causing confusion among homeowners wishing to participate earlier and under the impression the program had already been rolled out.
“The program has thus far been a complete and total disaster,” he said. “Since their announcement, reliable information has been difficult to impossible for homeowners to secure. My office has been inundated with complaints from residents that Norfolk Southern has failed to answer their very reasonable questions and that their property value has fallen significantly since the railroad set off a chemical bomb in the heart of their town.”
Vance said the VAP is still lacking.
“It is exactly as I had feared–that there would be generosity and openness in public and penny-pinching and evasion in private,” he said. “Proponents of the program, having trumpeted their success in securing empty promises, have not been particularly interested in ensuring the fund worked to help East Palestine. My staff and other Ohio officials have worked together to pressure the railroad to make changes and I understand that Norfolk Southern intends to announce an expansion of the program later this week. My expectations that they will deliver on their promises are low.
Camp-On-A-Point on Little Tupper Lake.
(Provided photo — Johnathan Esper)
LONG LAKE — “Camp-On-A-Point,” a remote luxury property on Little Tupper Lake owned by the husband of the late Marylou Whitney, is up for sale.
This is the latest Adirondack property put up for sale by John Hendrickson after the 2019 death of Whitney, his wife of 22 years, a socialite and racehorse breeder.
Hendrickson became one of the largest private landowners in the Adirondacks upon Whitney’s passing. He still owns the 36,000-acre Whitney Park through the logging company Whitney Industries.
“Camp-On-A-Point,” 575 Sabattis Road, is listed by the Merrill L. Thomas real estate agency in Lake Placid and Realtor Mike Raymaley is the listed agent for property. Raymaley said Hendrickson does not use the property much. The former tennis player and his late wife never did, Raymaley said, and he’s not exactly sure why the property was built in the first place.
“It was just something to do,” he said.
Merrill Thomas co-owner Nicholas Politi is also a broker working with this property.
He said the property was listed on Friday and Raymaley said they’ve already done a couple of showings, including one on Tuesday morning.
The year after Whitney’s death, Hendrickson listed their 36,000-acre Long Lake estate for sale, but so far, no buyer has materialized for the massive $180 million Whitney Park.
He said it was lonely there without his wife.
“I would give everything back for one more quality day with her,” Hendrickson said at the time of her death. “I would give my life, freely, willingly for one more great day.”
The state has wanted to purchase this land for the Adirondack Park forest preserve, adding to the protected state land that makes up around half of the park. But Hendrickson has been adamant — he will not sell to the state.
In 1997 he and Whitney got married, had Camp-On-A-Point built and sold around 15,000 acres to the state — including the majority of the land around Little Tupper Lake, except for the Camp-On-A-Point and a property across the lake, which is owned by Cornelia Whitney Tobey, Whitney’s daughter from her marriage to Cornelius “Sonny” Vanderbilt Whitney.
But after the lake opened to public access, somehow, bass were introduced into the lake, nearly driving the heritage brook trout there extinct. Hendrickson’s been wary of the state’s ability to care for the land ever since.
According to the listing at tinyurl.com/yxeh8m98, the “Camp-On-A-Point” home is “nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains on the pristine shores of Little Tupper Lake.”
The estate itself is built on a peninsula, jutting out into the lake and surrounded by dark blue water.
The property, 15 miles south of the village of Tupper Lake, sits in a sparsely populated area of wilderness flush with ponds and lakes. In total, it is 131 acres — 58 acres of land and 71 acres below the lake. According to Hamilton County tax records, annual taxes come to around $11,922.
This year, the county assessed the value of the land at $2,349,500 with an assessed full market value of $2,936,875.
The five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home sits on 7,000 feet of shoreline with a sandy beach and a two-slip boathouse.
It is surrounded by the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area environmental preserve — which the couple sold to the state in 1997 — so it is very remote.
Politi said the remote nature of this property makes it “one of the most unique properties” they’ve had the chance to sell in 80 years of Merrill Thomas selling Adirondack properties.
“What sets this property apart is its exclusive motor boat access, making it one of only two properties on the lake with this privilege,” the listing says.
A gated entrance also ensures “privacy and security.”
The listing urges prospective buyers to “embrace a lifestyle of natural beauty, adventure and tranquility, all while enjoying the convenience of motorized watercraft on this pristine and protected lake.”
Photos on the website show the home glowing in the setting sun, a beacon of light on the dark waters of the lake. The house is covered in a light-colored wood and lots of windows.
The listing did not include photos of the interior on Tuesday, but Politi said they should be added soon.
Jill Schramm/MDN
Minot Finance Director David Lakefield addresses the Minot City Council regarding employee benefit costs at a meeting Monday on the city’s 2024 budget.
A handful of residents argued for lower property taxes at the Minot City Council’s budget hearing Monday, but some increase remains in the 2024 budget approved by the council on first reading.
The council made some changes to the nearly $200 million preliminary budget, although most of the impact wasn’t on property taxes. The council added $1 million in downtown railroad quiet zone construction into the budget using reserve funds. It injected $30,880 from sales tax collections into economic development by restoring previous reductions to Minot Area Chamber EDC and Souris Basin Planning Council. It voted to allow $94,9968 from leftover Tourism Recovery funds to remain with Visit Minot rather than be returned to the city’s general fund.
The council revisited its plan to switch to a paid-time-off (PTO) benefit for employees as opposed to maintaining separate leave for items such as vacation and sick leave. The council narrowly voted, 4-3, to allow current employees to choose whether to remain on the current leave benefit or switch to PTO, while new employees would receive PTO.
The city still would need to offer a short-term disability plan to all employees at a cost of about $230,000, City Manager Harold Stewart said. Although disability coverage is necessary only with PTO, the ability to acquire the insurance hinges on full employee participation, he said.
Resident Scott Samuelson advised the council to eliminate the property-tax relief being granted for some that ultimately raises property taxes for others. He cited the Renaissance Zone and Tax Increment Financing as programs that shift the tax burden.
“When you do this, you take revenue away from our police and fire so that these funds need to be made up through homeowners’ property taxes,” he said. “You could cut the facade (improvement) program, a $448,00 giveaway, benefitting for-profit businesses and property owners. Second, in this budget, $350,000 for a wayfinders signage program. Between these tax relief proposals and budget cuts, the savings would amount to several million dollars.”
Samuelson also cited large spending increases in areas such as water treatment supplies, books and subscriptions and HVAC maintenance and repair.
“It’s time to get spending under control and end the giveaways,” he said. “This budget can be reduced without cutting employees, and you can do so much better, and you should.”
Resident Larry Bellew called the budget’s 10 new employees excessive, questioning the need for an assistant city manager. The city is working with a recruiting firm that has received 27 applications for the position, of which nine have been advanced for review.
Bellew also questioned where the city’s Hub City money from the state went since he is unable to account for it in the budget.
“This tells me you could lower your budget by almost four mills and still maintain the same spending level,” he said.
The preliminary budget included a property tax increase of $2.84 for every $100,000 in home valuation – or about $9 a year on a $300,000 home. The property-tax request totaled $28.7 million, up about $1.5 million, with most of that increase coming from new construction and increased market values rather than the mill rate.
The budget also creates a $2 a month residential utility fee and $4 a month commercial utility fee for flood control maintenance. It would help pay for four maintenance employees for the flood protection project.
Of the 10 new positions, three impact property taxes. One is a school resource officer for Minot North, with 75% of that cost paid by the school district. An administrative clerk in the police department would go from part-time to full-time, and a transportation fleet manager would be hired.
The budget makes wage adjustments that spend an additional $2.5 million.
Accounting firm owner Mike Blessum said businesses can’t compete for workforce against the city’s benefit plans and its “giant pot of taxpayer dollars” for wages.
“I’m concerned that I’m competing against my own government for staff,” he said.
The council narrowly rejected a suggestion from council member Carrie Evans to adjust the city’s share of a family health insurance plan from 82% to 85%. The $135,601 cost would be covered by reducing preliminary budget spending by $145,789, due to insurance rates not rising as fast as expected when the budget was drafted.
“We have to listen to the people who stood up with their concerns about increasing property taxes,” council member Lisa Olson said. “This is an opportunity. While it may be pennies for each homeowner, if we can have a savings, I think that is how we should be thinking.”
Rising chemical costs impact water budget
Minot’s cost of water treatment chemicals has been running considerably higher than anticipated in 2023. The Minot City Council on Monday approved a budget amendment for an additional $600,000 to cover costs for the rest of the year.
Utilities Director Jason Sorenson said the city is close to spending the $1.35 million budgeted for chemicals at the Minot Water Treatment Plant, and the $600,000 will ensure enough supplies to finish the year.
The budget amendment also included another $10,000 to cover the unbudgeted cost of public notification to water users of a water treatment rule violation. In December of 2022, the City of Minot received a violation for failure to collect a triggered source water sample due to a positive bacteriological sample that occurred in November. A source water sample was then immediately collected, and the result, as well as follow-up samples, showed no bacteria.
However, because of the violation, a letter was delivered to residents at a cost recorded in 2023.