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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOR May 15, 1980 . . ~ 01 ANDOVER BOARD OF REVIEW - MAY 15, 1980 MINUTES The Regular Board of Review for the City of Andover was called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschit1 on May 15, 1980, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boù1evard NW, Anoka, Minnesota. Councilmen present: Jacobson, Lachinski (arrived at 7:15), Ortte1, Peach Councilmen absent: None Also present: County Assessors, Gordy Starkey, Ed Thurston, Bob Weisbrich, Bruce Smith, Lou Johnson; City Clerk, P. K. Lindquist; and residents Mr. Starkey explained the limited value law is no longer in effect; therefore, taxes payable in 1981 will be on the market value. For the most part, values are based on what sales are indicating. On an average throughout the County, values have increased 25 to 30 percent. He went on to say another indication of value is whether or not a property owner could have received the market value if the property were put on the market on January 2, 1980. Mr. Starkey also pointed out that there have been some changes in the homestead laws passed by the last Legislative session, and he felt that even though values may have increased, taxes on homestead property will probably stay the same or decrease, assuming the mill rates stay the same. The following residents presented their cases: Dick Lenning, 16440 Ward Lake Drive - Plat 65914, Parcel 0030 Mr. Lenning explained this parcel is a one-half acre lot adjacent to his 10- acre parcel which he purchased last fall for $600. He is being assessed at $4,500. He stated it is not a buildable lot and didn't feel it was worth that much. He was going to combine this parcel with his 1Qlacres. However, the company holding the mortgage on his property didn't want it done; and before they would agree, they wanted almost $300 worth of title opinions done. He would be agreeable to looking into combining the parcels. Mr. Weisbrich explained that they did a two-year market analysis on land in the City to arrive at fixed values for various sized building sites in the City. Discussion was then on the question of whether or not this was a lot of record prior to the enactment of the City's ordinances and whether or not it is a buildable parce 1 . As long as Mr. Lenning owns both parcels, it would not be buildable, as he would have to add to it from the rest of his property to meet the 2~-acre requirement. Mr. Starkey stated their records do not indicate the same name for both parcels (0030 and 0300), and it is recorded as a one-acre buildable lot. It was agreed that no action would be taken on this parcel until the City's Attorney could give a legal opinion as to whether it would be a buildable parcel if Mr. Lenning sold it to another party, and that it should be researched as to when the parcel became a lot of record. Dick Lenning, 16440 Ward Lake Drive - Plat 65914, Parcel 0300 Mr. Lenning explained his residence is located on this parcel, and it is a 60- year old farmhouse which was moved onto the parcel in 1977. At that time it was considered worthless. He is now being assessed at $72,200, which he believed is the highest taxed house on Ward Lake Drive. Mr. Lenning also explained that he was out of town for last year's Board of Review and so was unable to protest last year's valuation. He protested the total amount of valuation in relation to others in the area. Mr. Weisbrich stated that $14,600 of that value is for the land itself, Board of Review May 15, 1980 - Minutes Page 2 (Dick Lenning, Continued) and the building is valued at $57,600. He explained that properties north of 149th Avenue in Andover were not visited this year; and for those buildings that were not re-appraised, they added a blanket increase in structure value of 13 percent. In reviewing the records with Mr. Lenning, it was discovered that the records indicated that Mr. Lenning built the structure in 1977, not that it was a 60-year-old house moved onto the parcel. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich will inspect the property and make a recommendation. Mr. Lenning may also have a case for an abatement of previous years' valuation. Reino Kyro1a, 4180 165th Avenue NW - Plat 65918, Parcel 0150 Mr. Kyro1a stated his valuation increased $12,000. It is only a two-bedroom house, and he didn't feel he could get the market value shown if he sold the property. The basement is unfinished, there is no fireplace, etc. He also noted that a neighbor's house has less valuation, and that person is renting a finished apartment. Mr. Weisbrich reviewed the breakdown on valuations of the land and structure, explaining how the values were arrived at, checking dimensions, grade, and comparing Mr. Kyro1a's property with the neighbor's (an apartment is not shown on the records), and estimating what tax on this property would be for 1981. Mr. Weisbrich stated that the market seems to indicate that a two-bedroom home is as salable as a three- or four-bedroom home. It was also noted that the properties will be visited this year, and hopefully such inequities will be found and corrected. No action was taken by the City Council. David Schneider, 1211 Andover Boulevard - Plat 65926, Parcel 4210 Mr. Schneider asked to review the records on the valuation of his property. No action was taken by the City Council. Clint Erickson, 1841 Andover Boulevard - Plat 65927, Parcel 8050 Mr. Erickson explained that the parcel is 100 feet wide by 250 feet. Last year's value was $200, and this year's market value is $4,900. It is swamp and under water. Discussion noted that there was an error in previous years' records indicatin9 it is .85 acres; that that error was corrected last year but that it was not carried forward to the new books. Mr. Weisbrich agreed to reduce the value by $4,700. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, that the valuation of Plat 65927, Parcel 8050, be reduced from $4,900 to $200, for a total reduction of $4,700. Motion carried unanimously. Richard Twaddle, 16717 Argon Street NW - Plat 65980, Parcel 4950 Mr. Twaddle felt in relation to the other property in his neighborhood, that his assessment is out of line. He had last year's valuations of all parcels on the three streets in his neighborhood, noting the average limited value on Argon Street was $55,419, on Yakima Street, $48,855, and on Zuni it was $48,588. He felt that one house in particular on Argon was on the river and was much nicer than his, but it was valued lower. Discussion noted there is a possibility that the houses constructed in this area when it was Ramsey have values that were carried through, and that the values on those homes built when it was Andover were being picked up at a higher value. That area was not re-assessed this year. Mr. Starkey stated there is a possible error on the home on the river referred to by Board of Review May 15, 1980 - Minutes Page 3 (Richard Twaddle, Continued) Mr. Twaddle in that it is still being valued as being 60 percent complete rather than 100 percent complete. It was felt that the grading of Mr. Twaddle's house was simi1iar to the others, that the dimensions on his property are correct, and that until those houses are re-eva1uated this year, it may take another year to eliminate the inequities. Upon re-appraisal, if it is noted that the other homes were valued substantially below market value, they may be notified to pay back taxes. If Mr. Twaddle's property is assessed fairly with relation to the rest of the City, there is no action that the Council can take. No action was taken by the City Council. W. Langfe1d, 2207 161st NW - Plat 65915, Parcels 4000, 4100, and 4500 Mr. Langfe1d questioned the valuation on Parcel 4000 and 4500. Mr. Weisbrich reviewed the records, noting 4000 is 1.32 acres, with the value bein9 raised according to other one-acre building sites in the City. Parcel 4500 is .96 acres, with that value also being raised according to other lots of that size in the City. It was agreed to obtain legal opinion on the buildability of the lots. Mr. Langfeld stated the valuation for the land and structures on Parcel 4100 increased by more than 13 percent. Mr. Weisbrich explained that the value of the land increased to $6,400, which is valued on the size of the lot plus improvements, which include the well and septic system, with the structure value being increased by 13 percent. He also explained how the figure of 13 percent was arrived at. No action was taken by the City Council on Parcel 4100. Roman Przezdziecki, 14006 Crosstown Boulevard - Plat 65933, Parcel 0110 Mr. Przezdziecki asked why the value increased from $1,200 to $6,500 on the parcel. The lot is 2.5 acres, but consists of 2 acres of peat and 1/2 acre of hi9h ground, to which there is no access except from his property. It is not buildable. Mr. Weisbrich related how the parcel was valued. After further discussion, it was a9reed to reduce the value of the parcel by $5,000, based on $475 an acre for peat1and and $1,100 an acre on tillable land. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, that the valuation on Plat 65933, Parcel 0110, be reduced from $6,500 to $1,500, a reduction of $5,000. Motion carried unanimously. Walt Betts, 17910 Value - Plat 67200, Parcel 0400 Mr. Betts asked to review the records on the valuation of his property. Mr. Weisbrich informed the Council he has conferred with Mr. and Mrs. Betts previously, and they have a problem with their limited value on taxes payable this year, which is quite high. They have abated it and are waiting for a corrected tax statement. No action was taken by the City Council. Thomas Petrich, 14815 Palm Street NW - Plat 66701, Parcel 0190 Mr. Petrich felt his valuation in comparison to others in the neighborhood (Barnes Rolling Oaks) is high. The Assessors reviewed the records relative to Mr. Petrich's parcel and that of some of his neighbors, noting that they were not able to look at Mr. Petrich's residence because he was not home at the time they inspected that area. Board of Review May 15, 1980 - Minutes Page 4 (Mr. Petrich, Continued) It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. Albert W. Bloomquist, 15880 Crosstown Boulevard - Plat 65914, Parcel 9150 Mr. Bloomquist noted his property is valued at $70,900, and the house is only 60 to 70 percent completed. There is no well, and he is not living in the house. He was unable to attend last year's Board of Review to protest last year's valuation as well. In reviewing the records, the Assessors noted that the structure was valued at 100 percent completion, showing it as being completed in 1979. He would have to go through the abatement process for last year's valuation. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. Francis Wingert, 14159 Crosstown Boulevard NW - Plat 65927, Parcel 6420 Mr. Wingert didn't understand why the valuation on his property increased 34.4 percent. He felt the construction was below normal, noting in particular that the entire wall above the door sags. In reviewing the records, the Assessors noted that the home is shown as an average grade; and they reviewed the dimensions. The house was visited this last year. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. James P. Fitzpatrick, 517 155th Avenue NW, Nordeen's, Block 3, Lot 8 - Plat 67809, Parcel 0850 Mr. Fitzpatrick disputed the value of the house three years ago when he purChased the house, as the market value was more than what he had paid for it; but nothing could be done at that time. This year the valuation increased 18 percent, the market value now at $50,700. He is considering selling the house and real tors have appraised the house and recommended listing the house at $50,000 as the asking price, which also includes personal property (carpets, drapes, appliances, etc.). He felt there was a wide margin used for grading the homes and that the house was valued higher than it was worth to begin with. No one has been out to re-evaluate it, but the value continues to increase at the average rate on a base that is higher than the market value. The recheck in 1978 was only on the driveway; the appraisor did not re-evaluate the structure at that time. Mr. Weisbrich explained that his house was not visited, but the land was revalued and the structure increased by 13 percent. The valuation was lowered in 1978 due to an error on a cement driveway, but since then the value has increased on the same percentage increase as anyone else in the City. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. Phil Frederickson, 13641 Heather Street NW - Plat 65933, Parcel 5770 Mr. Frederickson asked why his valuation increased 24.5 percent from last year and asked to look at the records of his parcel. He stated he has not done any additional improvements on his house. Mr. Weisbrich noted that Mr. Frederickson's residence was re-appraised for the first time in four or five years. Mr. Weisbrich also explained that the parcel had been increased on a straight percentage basis for the last four to five years, which has not kept up with the actual market value. His land is valued at $14,000, which includes streets and storm sewer improvements, sanitary sewer, the fact that it is located on the lake, etc. Another factor for the increase in valuation was that previous records indicated less square footage of finished basement than was determined Board of Review May 15, 1980 - Minutes Page 5 (Mr. Frederickson, Continued) at this visitation. No action was taken by the City Council. Ted Lachinski, 13545 Jonquil Street - Plat 65933, Parcel 5560 Councilman Lachinski (acting as a private resident) asked to review the records for the breakdown of the valuation on his parcel. No action was taken by the City Council. Lloyd Reimann, 2813 142nd Avenue NW - Plat 65928, Parcel 6715 Mr. Reimann asked to review the records for the breakdown of the valuation on his parcel. No action was taken by the City Council. Nick Akrivos, 1130 179th Avenue NW - Plat 67200, Parcel 1600 Mr. Akrivos stated his taxes increased 45 percent last year and 25 percent this year, and he asked to find out what the house is being taxed on. Mr. Weisbrich explained that last year was the first time it was valued as being a completed home, and he explained the 13 percent increase on the structure and re- evaluated land value on the parcel. Mr. Weisbrich indicated that he was just out there to re-evaluate for next year but was unable to get into the house, and he had some questions about some of the data on the records. He stated it would be helpful to be able to inspect the house to clarify those things. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. William F. Tilton, 3808 172nd Lane NW - Plat 69165, Parcel 0170 Mr. Tilton asked how the value on his parcel could increase 17.5 percent. Mr. Weisbrich stated this was in the area that was not re-appraised, so land value increased plus a 13 percent increase on the structure. After reviewing the records with Mr. Tilton, an error was discovered, in that a portion of the house is shown as a full basement and Mr. Tilton testifying that it is only a crawlspace. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. Vic'Verggren, 13731 Xavis Street NW - Plat 65933, Parcel 2270 Mr. Berggren stated his valuation increased 31 percent and asked to view the records. The Assessors noted that his property was re-appraised by Lou Johnson, who reviewed the breakdown on the valuation with Mr. Berggren. No action was taken by the City Council. Stewart Dahl, 13425 Hea1ther - Plat 65933, Parcel 6280 Mr. Dahl felt that his valuation was higher than that of his neighbors and asked to review the records. The 8ssessors reviewed the dimensions of the house, etc., and found that there may be an error in the square footage. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich would view the parcel and make a recommendation. ~ - - . .-..- · . . Board of Review May 15, 1980 - Minutes Page 6 PAYMENT OF CLAIM MOTION by Jacobson, Seconded by Lachinski, that we approve payment of a Check Number 357 ln the amount of $1,435 payable to the First State Bank of Anoka for interest payment on General Obligation Bonds. Motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Ortte1, Seconded by Lachinski, that the Board of Review be continued to May 20 at 8 o'clock. Motion carried unanimously. Board of Review continued to May 20, 1980, 8 p.m. 9:20 p.m.