NEW HAVEN COUNTY ASSESSORS ASSOCIATION

New Haven County Assessors Association Meeting

Minutes  

The joint New Haven County Assessors Association and Litchfield Area Assessors Association meeting was held on March 20, 2008 at the Captains Galley, West Haven, CT. The meeting was called to order by President Christine Barta at 10:18 am. 

A motion was made to waive the reading the Secretary’s report by Steve Hodgetts, seconded by Donna Shanoff.  The motion was carried unanimously. 

A motion was made to accept the Secretary’s report as published by Steve Hodgetts, seconded by Marie Hall.  The motion was carried unanimously. 

There was no Treasurer’s report. 

President, Christine Barta welcomed the group.  

Old Business - None. 

New Business –  

Christine Barta asked if everyone present had received the CAAO Hotline email regarding the economic stimulus payment program.  Everyone present had received the information. 

Dan Kenny commented on realtyrates.com, an internet publication which tracks cap rates and trends throughout the country.  A recent report included information on Fairfield County.  A current trend is that all commercial properties have increased with the exception of research and development.  Dan offered to email a copy of the information as a pdf attachment to anyone who would like a copy. 

Committee Reports –  

Professional Designation & Awards – Christine Barta reminded everyone that nominations are due to the Awards committee.  Betsy Quist reported that all nominations must be received by April 1.  Betsy reminded everyone that the CAAO scholarships are for education only, not lodging.  Betsy reported that all classes at the NRAAO Conference will count towards CAAO re-certification credit. 

Christine Barta reminded everyone that the IAAO course – “Appraising Commercial Properties in a Declining Market” is being offered by the CT Chapter of IAAO on March 31 at the Rocky Hill Marriot. 

Special Events – Betsey Quist reported that the planned events at the 2008 UCONN Assessor’s School will be; Sunday Afternoon – registration begins at 3pm, Sunday Night – Welcome Reception 6pm to 8pm, Monday Night – Clam Bake, Tuesday Night – Banquet at which Manifestly Excessive will perform, Wednesday Night – CT Chapter of IAAO Meeting, Thursday Night – Farewell Picnic and Karaoke.  Liz Duffy requested that members give suggestions for the topic at Wednesday night’s CT Chapter of the IAAO meeting. 

Education – Robin O’Loughlin reported that the new Revaluation Course will be offered at UCONN.  The course will run Monday through Thursday and then participants will be free to attend the potpourri session Friday morning. The course will be limited to 15 participants and they must have their CCMA I or CCMA II. 

Motor Vehicle – Christine Barta reported that only one town has enacted a local ordinance for exemption of hybrid cars.  Vernon has enacted an ordinance for a $1000.00 exemption.  Two towns tried to enact a local ordinances but they did not pass, and three towns have a local ordinance in the works. 

Dave Dietsch reported that the Motor Vehicle Committee is negotiating with NADA on the price for the upcoming motor vehicle pricing guides.  Also the committee is checking into the possibility of a statewide motor vehicle list. 

Legislative – Dave Dietsch reported that there are 36 bills being tracked for the CAAO.  Bills of special interest are one concerning the valuation of antique, rare and special motor vehicles.  Bill #674 - an Act Concerning Municipal Assessors stating that an Assessor has to be fired for due cause only.  Bill #5801 – regarding Income and Expense Forms – the Assessor has the right to ask for Income and Expense and to penalize if the requested information is not filed with the Assessor by June 1.  

Dave Dietsch and Pat Hedwell reported that they had received requests for refunds from HealthSouth, a company which had filed fraudulent personal property declarations in both their municipalities and three others.  In both cases the company had over stated their assets to purposefully defraud investors.  The municipalities involved all refused to refund HealthSouth.  The case went to court for all five municipalities involved and was presided over by Judge Aronson and Judge Levine.  The ruling was that a refund is due only when an error has been made not when a purposely fraudulent personal property declaration has been filed. 

Dan Kenny introduced the guest speakers, Greg Heinemann, Clinic Director and Mike Kenny, Therapist from the Egoscue Method Clinic of Purchase, NY.  The topic was “A Lifestyle of Pain Free Assessing.”  Greg and Mike gave an informative presentation on body posture and alignment.  There was group participation in several exercises and a question and answer session. 

The next NHCAA meeting will be held in April with the date, time and place to be determined.  

A motion was made by Vincent Leone and seconded by Liz Duffy to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried unanimously. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:50 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Deziel, Secretary, NHCAA