HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOR April 7, 1999
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CITY of ANDOVER
ANDOVER BOARD OF REVIEW - APRIL 7, 1999 - MINUTES
The Andover Board of Review was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on April 7, 1999,7:00
p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Julie Johnson, Mike Knight
Councilmember absent: Ken Orttel
Also present: Anoka County Assessor John Leone
Anoka County Rallie Huber
City Administrator, Richard Fursman
Ann Sikora. I I I 77th Avenue NW. PIN ROI-32-24-I3-0001
Ms. Sikora stated she was told the building taking place in the City would not affect her, but it
has because her taxes are going higher and higher. She has been calling the politicians about
legislation to help the senior citizens. The 40 acres is a DNR wetland and is useless. She is
keeping it because they purchased it 50 years ago, and she'd have to turn everything to capital
gains if she sold it. The land has been taken out of Green Acres. She used the chain saw herself
to make and sell wood, but they do not consider wood products agricultural. She farmed the land
for 50 years and she self-supporting off the land now. It is the senior citizens that started the City
from nothing. They worked hard. But they keep raising her taxes and she cannot afford it.
Mr. Leone noted the estimated market value increased from $70,300 to $84,400 from last year
to this year. There is one building site on the corner of the property. Green Acres was taken off
the property because there isn't any agricultural pursuit on it. He is only following the state law,
suggesting the legislators be contacted to change the law. He also noted that there is a defennent
option available for seniors.
Ms. Sikora stated that just passes the costs to her children. Her house is 125 years old, and she
has to spend $2,000 to $3,000 every year to keep it up. It is low-income rental property. The
taxes went up from $894 to $1,032.66, which is a lot of money for someone on social security
who gets only a I to 2 percent increase.
Mr. Leone stated he inspected the property last December. Because she does not generate any
garbage, he stated he would check into that fee on the tax statement to see if it could be
eliminated. The Council detennined the guidelines were being following and that no change
could be made. They also noted that they are working with the legislators in an attempt to get
the Green Acres law changed.
Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Johnson, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, I -Absent (Orttel)
vote. The Board of Review adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
pe~~~.
Marce . Peach, Recording Secretary
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