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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOR May 17, 1984 ~ 01 ANDOVER BOARD OF REVIEW - HAY ì7, 1984 MHliTES The Regular Board of Review fGr the C~ty of Andover was called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschitl on May 17, 1984, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Anoka, Minnesota. Councilmen present: Elling, Knight, Orttel Councilman absent: Lachinski Also present: County Assessor, Bob Weisbrich; City Clerk/A. Administrator, P. K. Lindquist The following residents presented their cases: Ben Cvetich, 3911 180th Lane NW, R05 32 24 220004, Plat 66792, Parcel 0100 Mr. Cvetich stated his taxes have gone up 123 percent in the last four years. A year ago the assessor had told him it is because his property fronts on the Rum River. He decided for those taxes he would enjoy the river and began to construct a road to get to the river. But the DNR, Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies stopped him, noting the threats of fines and jail sentences for noncompliance. What he has found out is that he really doesn't own the land any more and he can't do anything with it because of the restrictions in the ordinances. He questioned why he is being taxed for it when he can't even use it or enjoy it. Also, he didn't understand how a new ordinance could have been enacted that so drastically changed the use of his land without him even being notified of the changes. Since he cannot use the property any longer, he asked if the tax structure can be changed to the same as those who do not front the river. Secondly, can he get compensation for his land that was, in etfect, confiscated as a result of the scenic river ordinance provisions. Mayor Windschitl reviewed the procedure to enact the Scenic River Ordinance that was created by the State Legislature and the effects of the restrictive rules on residents along the Rum River in Andover. Council discussion with Mr. Cvetich was on the restrictions imposed on property owners that front the river, with the Council also questioning whether the taxing method should be changed to reflect the inability of those residents to enjoy the river tront. Mr. Weisbrich noted they have seen no reduction in sales prices for those properties. But this area is in the re-evaluation area, and they will be taking a close look at that. Council thought it was a case of residents not being fully informed ot the ordinance restrictions before purchasing those properties. Council also noted that the ordinances do not give the right of trespass by the general public on his property, and the Clerk was asked tb research the Minutes where DNR repre- sentatives related what would or would not be allowed on these properties. Council took no action at this time but asked Mr. Weisbrich to discuss this problem further with his superiors as to what impact the ordinance may be having on the valuations in that entire area and make a recommendation. Joyce Osterbauer, R10 32 24 34, Plat 834681, Parcel 0003 Ms. Osterbauer presented a note from Gehardt Denning, part-owner of the 20- acre parcel, stating the water table has been raised about two feet and there is water over 3/4 of the land at this time. Ms. Osterbauer explained a culvert has been placed under the road on Sg that is blocking the stream that naturally drained the property. Council directed the City Engineer to investigate the matter, noting the damming of a natural water flow is not allowed. No Council action was taken on this matter pending a report from the City Engineer. Board of Review May 17, 1984 - Minutes Page 2 Robert Nehring, R25 32 24 33 0003 Mr. Nehring explained prior to last July 3, the 10-acre parcel behind his residential parcel was heavily wooded. But the storm made a shambles of the piece; there isn't one tree left. And it will cost him between $12,000 and $18,000 to have it cleaned up. He felt that is obviously an effect on the value of the property, actually coming to a negative value after it is cleaned up. Also, he felt it would not be cost effective to build a road to that parcel before it could be sold and built upon. He didn't feel the property was worth what it is valued at. Mr. Weisbrich explained high ground is valued the same whether it has trees 'on it or not. He compared this parcel to others in the area, feeling it is comparably valued. He didn't know what effect the storm would have on valuations overall because it takes about two years to see the results as those properties affected by the storm are sold. Council also noted that that particular parcel does have frontage on Prairie Road and would be buildable as is. I f more than one building site would be wanted, a ro~d would have to be constructed and approved by the City. No action was taken by the Council. Ken Kobs, R08 32 24 330004 , 28 parce 1 sin Sect i on 8 Mr. Kobs requested his parcels be returned to the Agricultural classification. This year those parcels were changed to residential, and they are not being used as residential. He stated corn was planted there last year; but because of the sandy soils, it simply did not grow. He stated they did cut hay on the north half of the area. Mr. Weisbrich reported his documentation as to the times he viewed the parcels in the past year for evidence of farming activities, but found none. He stated the parcels could be returned to agricultural if it can be proved there was farming activity, but he did not see any. He suggested Mr. Kobs submit his 1983 tax Form F claiming farm income for proof of farming activity, and they can consider returning those parcels to the Ag classification. No action was taken by the Council. Rosella Sonsteby, 29 32 24 24 0013 Ms. Sonsteby explained this lot belongs to Gerald Nordstrom and the lot increased in value from $6,400 to $13,000 this year. The lot is adjacent to his house. Also, the valuation on his house increased from $76,900 to $80,700. Mr. Weisbrich stated with the installation of utilities into that area, those lots along the lake are now buildable, which increases their value. He didn't believe $13,000 for a buildable lot on Round Lake was excessive. He also noted that she recently sold a lot on the lake for $15,000 to a person who is currently building on the parcel. Mayor Windschitl stated the situation of lot taxes in Anoka County is becoming very severe. Following the discussion on the remainder of Ms. Sonsteby's lots, Mr. Weisbrich was asked to research the question of adding fill to the lot before building and to make a recommendation. ROSELLA SONSTEBY, 3032 24 14 0002 Mr. Weisbrich noted the valuation last year was $49,400; this year it is valued at $49,500. No action was taken by the Council. Board of Review May 17, 1984 - Minutes Page 3 Rosella Sonsteby, 29 32 24 24 0005 Ms. Sonsteby reported when she sold the lot on the lake for $15,000, the City's Building Inspector required the owner to place 18 inches of fill on the parcel before building. Neither she nor the new owner knew this at the time of the sale. She stated the Building Inspector has stated all those lots would require additional fill prior to construction, which is costly and, she felt, reduces the value of those lots. Neither Mr. Weisbrich nor the Council knew of the fill requirement being placed on those lots. It was agreed that Mr. Weisbrich will check with the Building Inpsector about this matter and make a recommendation. Rosella Sonsteby, 29 32 24 32 0002 and 20 32 24 43 0001 Mr. Weisbrich reviewed the valuation from last year to this year on these two parcels. Ms. Sonsteby stated she would not contest those valuations. No action was taken by the Council. Richard MacGlover, Parcels 556473 and 556482, Section 32 Mrs. MacGlover asked if their property has been taken off homestead, stating the value has increased from $3,300 to $20,000. Mr. Weisbrich explained they are still on Green Acres and on homestead. The Green Acres values are $7,600 and $8,100. No action was taken by the Council. Lloyd Reimann, 2813 142nd Mr. Reimann was concerned about justifying raising the taxes in the Green Acres area because of the well advisory placed in the area and the potential problems with the landfill.. If anything, the county should lower the taxes because the county was initially responsible for licensing the landfill which is causing the problem. He felt the value of houses has gone down, stating it is taking con- siderably longer for someone to sell a house in their area versus other areas. He also felt that something should be done about the well advisory on that area. Mr. Weisbrich stated they are monitoring the situation very closely, and to date they have not found any difference in their ratio studies for sales in the Green Acres, Northwoods, Red Oaks area. And there have been quite a few sales from that area in Section 34. Council discussion was that the City has made an attempt to do something about the well advisory area, but to no avail. The studies taking place at the landfill now were also reviewed, hoping some results will be found by late September, although there has been a delay in that timeframe. The Clerk was directed to request the run-off figures for the well advisory area from the County Assessor's office. No action was taken by the Council. Marcie Peach, 15830 University Ave., R13 32 24 44 0004, Plat 65913, Parcel 9500 Mrs. Peach explained the value of their property was reduced for the 1983 tax purposes because of the damage done by the July 3 storm. She felt that the increase in valuation for 1984 should have been taken from that reduced value rather than from the valuation estimated as of January 1, 1983. The increase from the reduced,'value to the 1984 value is approximately ten percent. Because Board of Review May 17, 1984 - Minutes Page 4 (Peach, R13 32 24 44 0004, Continued) of the condition of the property at this time, she did not feel the property was worth the 1984 valuation. Mr. Weisbrich explained the reduction was a one-time reduction based on the amount of damage done by the storm. Unce the damage is repaired, it is assumed the value returned to the 1983 value; and the 1984 increase was then based on that original valuation. He felt the property was worth that valuation. No action was taken by the Council. Bob Piccard, 34 32 24 21 0056 Mr. piccard was not present, but Mr. Weisbrich stated they are still negotiating with them about the property valuation. No action was taken by the Council. Karen Siefert, 07 32 24 44 0010 Ms. Siefert was not present, but Mr. Weisbrich stated they are still negotiating with them about the property valuation. No action was taken by the Council. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, to continue the Board of Review to June 5 at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. ~. Board of Review continued to June 5., 1984, 7:30 p.m. 8:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ') ~---. :L C~L (A -x,; Marce a A. Peach Record i n Secretary