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04/10/1995 BOE - 00001184� THE MINUTEB OF THE FRIDLEY SOARD OF REVIBW MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1995 The Fridley Board of Review Meeting was called to order by Mayor Nee at 7:33 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Nee led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ROLL CALL• MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Nee, Councilwoman Jorgenson, Councilman Billings, Councilman Schneider, and Council- woman Bolkcom None Mayor Nee stated that he broke his leg and spent several months in a rehabilitation center. He stated that during this time he main- tained his involvement in City business, and he is glad to be backe Mayor Nee stated that Council is holding two official meetings this evening, the first is the Board oP Review and the other is the regular Council meeting. He stated that the purpose of the Board ' of Iteview is to consider evaluations established by the City Assessor for property in Fridley. Mr. Madsen, City Assessor, introduced Mr. Joe Hopman from the Anoka County Assessor's Office, who would be addressing values per£aining to apartment buildings or mobile homes. , Mr. Madsen stated that the Board of Review is considering 1995 values for taxes payable in 1996. He stated that the Board would be asked to take one of three actions; to affirm the value of the property as applied by the Assessoros Office: to reduce �.he property value on the evidence presented this evening; or to increase the value. He stated that the Board is restricted, Y�y law to keep reductions to one percent of the total assessed values in the City. Mr. Madsen stated that approximately twelve individuals contacted his office. Each case was investigated and the results were mailed to the property owner. He stated that the tax statements were out late this year, so there may be others at this meeting who wish to have the values reviewed. He stated that the Board must finish their business within twenty days, and it may be necessary �o continue this meeting to April 24. Mr. Madsen stated that in the last year, there were approximately 275 sales of residential property in the City. He stated that a � FRIDLEY BOARD OF REVIEW MESTING OF APRIZ 10, 1995 PAGE 2 study of the sales indicated a needed for an increase in some values and, in other cases, a decrease. He stated that the changes in values this year ranged from a minus two percent to plus ten percent. He stated that the average increase is about 4.5 percen�. 1. JOHN MORRISSEY, 1601 NORTH INNSBRUCK DRIVE, UNIT 250: Mr. Morrissey was not present at the meeting. Mr. Madsen stated that this property is a condominium in the Black Forest complex. He stated that the condo consists of living, garaqe, and storage unitso He stated that Mr. Morrissey has one living unit and two garage units. He stated that after reviewing sales for the area it was felt that the value should be reduced from $31,700 to $28,800. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to affirm the Assessor°s valuation for the property at 1601 North Innsbruck Drive, Unit 250, at $28,800. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 2. RICHARD JACOBSON, 1485 WINDEMERE DRIVE: , Mr. Jacobson was not present at the meeting. Mr. Madsen stated that this property was, basically, the same from the previous inspection. He stated that Council has received information on sales in this Innsbruck South area and recommended that the $135,000 value be affirmed. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to affirm the Assessor's valuation for the property at 1485 Windemere Drive at $135,OD0. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 3. PETER EISENZIMMER, 6535 OAKLEY DRIVE: Mr. Eisenzimmer reviewed the values of his property from 1991 to 1996. He stated that in 1991, the value was $74,000 and for 1996, the value is $81,200. He stated that the value in 1995 was $78,300, so there is an increase of $2,900 from last year, He stated that he did not understand the increase, as he has made no improvements, and he felt it should be reviewed. Mr. Eisenzimmer stated that there are only two homes that sold in his area, and he did not think tfiey sold for this amount. Councilman Billings stated that the increases in Mr. Eisenzimmer's � property values have been less than 1.75 percent per year. He stated that this is less than the cost of living increases. He asked if it was possible to determine the sale prices for the homes to which Mr. Eisenzimmer has referred. � � � FRIDLEY BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1995 PAGE 3 Mr. Madsen stated that Mr. Eisenzimmeres property was compared to the sale of five other homes. He stated that each property was adjusted for size, aqe, and other features and from these sale prices, the value should be approximately $85,900. He stated that the value placed on this property is $81,200. Councilwoman Jorgenson stated that the home at 6550 Oakley sold for $69,900; however, the square footage is less than Mr. Eisenzimmer's home. She stated that the home at 6810 Oakley sold for $84,000 and is a little larger than Mr. Eisenzimmer�s. MoTION by Councilman Billings to continue this item to the April 24, 1995 meetinq and request the Assessor to review with the property owner how this value was obtainede Seconded by Council- woman Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimouslye 4. MIKE MANCUSO. 7561 CENTRAL AVENUE N.E.: Mr. Mancuso was not present at the meeting. Mr. Madsen recommended a reduction in value on this property from $83,ODD to $81,400 primarily on the basis of a re-evaluation of the screen porch attached to the garagee MOTION by Councilman Schneider to affirm the Assessoros revised value of $81,400 for the property at 7561 Central Avenue N.E. 5econded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. E Mr DONALD CRISPIN, 6820 OAKLEY STREET IS.E.: Crispin was not present at the meeting. Mr. Madsen recommended a slight reduction for this property from $90,900 to $90,20d, as the property owner has stated that the air conditioner was not in working order. MOTION by Councilman Billings to affirm the Assessor°s revised value of $90,200 for the property at 6820 oakley Street. Seconded by Councilwoman �olkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimouslye 6. EVERETT UTTER. 6084 WOODY LANE N.E.: Mr. Utter stated that he was concerned about the increases in the assessed valuations. He questioned if it was because of the City taking property off the tax rolls and then having to pay costs to maintain it. He stated that his value was at $103,100 and it increased by $5,800 to $108,900. � FRIDLEY BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING OF APRIL 10. 1995 PAGE 4 Mr. Utter stated that after he received his tax statement, he called a real estate representative and was advised that he could probably get between $95,OOD to $98,000 for his home. He stated that he only has a single garage, and the two fireplaces are not efficient so they are not used. He sta�ed tha� his home was built in 1959, the home next to him has sparrows living in the walls and the windows are all rotted. He stated that the home across the street was remodeled several years ago, but the yard is an absolute eyesore. He stated that another eyesore is a neighbor's wood pile. Mr. Madsen sta£ed that the home at 1324 �illcrest Drive sold for $105,900, and the one at 1359 Hillcrest Drive sold for $99,700. He stated that after studying four homes he felt were comparable, it would indicate that the property would be worth $115,800. Mr. Utter stated he still felt that a$5,800 increase was c�uite substantial. Mr. Madsen asked Mr. Utter if he obtained an appraisal from the real estate agent he contacted. Mr. Utter stated that he did not obtain an appraisal but only contacted the agent by phone. � Mr. Madsen stated that if Mr. Utter brought in an appraisal, he would review it. Mayor Nee stated that the City also wanted to deal with the problems in the neighborhood. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to continue this item to the next meeting on April 24. Seconded by Councilman Billings. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 7. LARRY CLANTON. 721D EAST RIVER ROAD N.E.: Mr. Madsen stated that a revised value is recommended from $88,400 to $86,300, and he felt Mr. Clanton was satisfied with this recommendation. MOTION by Councilwoman Sorgenson to affirm the Assessor's revised value of $86,300 for property at 7210 East River Roade Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote� all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously, 8. KEITH AND DIANE HARSTAD (THREE VACANT PARCELS INNSBRUCK NO 1• � Mr. Madsen stated that the property owners were concerned about the value of these three vacant lots in the Innsbruck North areae He stated that one of the lots is totally wetland and is not reflected in the value. He stated that this matter should be reviewed � FRIDL$Y BOARD OF REVIE� MEETINQ OF APRIL 10, 1995 PAGE 5 further and, if the owners are not satisfied, they could appeal to the County. He recommended that the Board af£irm the values, with the understanding that staff will meet with the owners. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to affirm the Assessor's valuations for the following parcels: Pin No. 24-30-24-42-00549, $17,200; Pin No. 24-30-24-42-0080, $8,600; and Pin No. 24-30-24-42-0081, $8,600. 5econded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Councilman Billings stated he understands that this item would not be coming back to the Board. Mr. Madsen stated that it would not come back to the Board unless the values are changed. Councilman Billings suggested that the item be continued if �here is the possibility that there may be a change in the value of the lots. Councilman Schneider withdrew his motion, with the permission of his seconder, Councilwoman Jorgenson. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to continue this item to the next � meeting on April 24. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all votinq aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 9. DALE AND JANICE HAMMERSTROM. 6931 EAST RIVER ROAD: Mr. Madsen stated that Mrs. Hammerstrom called today reqarding the value of her property. He stated that his office is in the process of reviewing the properties on East River Road that were affected by the bike path. He stated that maps were just received from the County regarding property which they took from property owners on East River Road. Mr. Madsen recommended a decrease in value of this property from $91,100 to $87,900. He stated that there would be reductions for other property owners along East River Road, who have a similar situation, and these changes would be done administratively. MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to affirm the Assessor's revised value of $87,900 for property at 6931 East River Road. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously, 10. MICHAEL KF2ALING, 6523 ANOiCA STREET N.E.: � Mr. Madsen stated that after reviewing comparable sales, the average value after adjustments is $107,109. YIe stated that a value of $93,200 has been placed on �he property, and he would recommend this value be affirmed. � ' � FRIDLEY BOARD OF RBVI&W MEETING OF APRIL 10, 1995 PAGE 6 MOTION by Councilman Schneider to affirm the Assessor's value of $93,200 for property at 6523 Anoka Street N.E. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vo�e, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 11. RAYMOND WATTS. 5361 HORIZON DRIVE N.E.a Mr. Watts stated that he purchased his home in November, 1994 for $78,000. He stated that the proposed value is $82,100 and felt the value should be what he paid for the home. Mr. Madsen stated that Mr. Watts contacted him this afternoon. A list of comparable home sales has been submitted showing the average sales were $89,200. He stated that thi5 home was purchased through an estate sale, and it is not considered a�ypical market motivated sale. He recommended the value of $82,100 be affirmed for this property. Mr. Watts stated Norwest Mortgage, purchased. that the mortgage company appraisal was done by and the value was $78,000 when the home was Mr. Madsen stated that he would like �o review a copy of the appraisal. MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to continue �his item to the next meeting on April 24 to allow time for the property owner to submit a copy of the appraisal. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 12. JOSEPH RUSCH. 561 63RD AVENUE N.E.: Mr. Rusch stated that the value of his home increased by 4.1 per- cent and the previous year it increased 2.5 percent. He questioned the reason for the increase. He stated that the Star Tribune published an article which stated that property values did not increase from February, 1994 to February, 1995 because homes saies were slow due to the increase in interest ratese Mr. Madsen stated that is the overall value of homes in the metropolitan area and not necessarily in Fridley. He stated that the City�s values are based on the local real estate market. He stated that the City's ratio last year was about 95 percent and, without any change in values, the ratio was down to 90 percent which indicates a 5 percent increase in sales of property. He stated that an increase of 4.1 percent is within the average increase for this year. MOTION by Councilman Schneider to affirm the Assessor's value of $89,300 for property at 561 63rd Avenue N.E. Seconded by Council- � � � FRIDLEY BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING OF APRIL 10. 1995 PAGE 7 woman Bolkcom. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 13. JAMES SANDSTROM. 6941 EAST RIVER ROAD: Mr. Madsen stated that this case is similar to the one at 6931 East River Road, and his office will be making some adjustmentse He stated that the Board would probably want to continue this to the next meeting. MOTION by Counailwoman Bolkcom to continue this item to the next meeting on April 24. Seconded by Councilman Billings. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 14. CLIFFORD LARSEN. 5457 HORIZON DRIVE N.E.: Mr. Madsen stated that Mr. Larsen's increase in value was only one percent, and he recommended that the value of $80,200 be affirmed. MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to affirm the Assessor's value of $80,200 for property at 5457 Horizon Drive N.E. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 15. RICHARD JERANSON. 6911 EAST RIVER ROAD: Mr. Jeranson stated that he moved into his home in 1970. With the new construction and bike path, it has shortened his front yard. He stated that he was happy to hear there would be further evalua- tion oP his property value. He stated that the value of his property in 1994 was $74,100; $78,200 ira 1995; and $83,600 for taxes payable in 1996. He stated that �his is a$9,500 increase in two years. He stated that he would like to know about compar- able home sales in the area that justified the increase. Mr. Madsen stated that the study to whictn Mr. Jeranson is referring is probably the one for properties in heavy traffic areas. He stated that the City had been reducing values for properties on heavily traveled roads such as University and East River Road, but a study of sales over the last two years shows the market is not recognizing ditferences in values on those properties, and tfie values were down in the 85 percent rangeo He stated that taking into consideration that the traffic did not reduce the value of properties located in these areas, the values are being increased this year, and it is a considerable increase on those properties, Mr. Jeranson stated that the traffic is unbearable during lthe peak hours, and the bike path creates further problems. He stated that he would like to know how the reevaluation affects the value of his property. ' FRIDLEY HOARD OF REVIEW MEETING OF APRIL l0e 1995 PAGE � Mr. Madsen stated that his office will be reviewing those figures and, at this time, is not sure of the amount of the reduction. He stated that he would try to have those figures by the next meeting on April 24. He stated that his office will be communicating with everyone along East River Road regarding the reevaluation of their properties. MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to continue this item to the next meeting on April 24. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. Councilwoman Bolkcom requested a list o£ comparable home sales in the area. 16. ROBERT JOHNSON. 6869 MADISON STREET: Mr. Johnson stated that he has lived at this address since 1963 and experienced a continued increase in taxes. He stated that from 1994 to 1996, there was a 7.1 percent increase in the value of his property. He stated that he does not necessarily agree that the comparables shown are really comparable, as he has not seen the inside of any of these homes. He felt that this magnitude of � increase was not realistic as he has made no significant improve- ments, except for routine maintenance. He questioned the rationale for the increase. Mr. Madsen stated that his office reviewed the 275 sales of resi- dential property in Fridley in 1994, and those figures indicated that the City needed to increase values. He stated that the City must comply with state law so that values on property must be at market value. Mr. Johnson stated that he is appealing to the Board in the even� he wishes to continue his appeal to the County. He stated that he does not agree with the increase and would like an adjustment. Mayor Nee stated that the Board does not have information on Mr. Johnson's property to evaluate his situation. He stated that it would seem appropriate to continue this item to �he next meeting when further information is availablee MOTION by Councilman Schneider to continue this item to the next meeting on April 24. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 17. GERALD AND JUDITH MCDONALD, 129 HARTMAN CIRCLE: � Mr. Madsen stated that this is another property affected by the East River Road improvement. He stated that he is recommendinq a reduction in the value based on the County Highway Department's � � � FRIDLEY HOARD OF REVIEW MEETING OF APRIL 10. 1995 PAGE 9 appraisal which indicated a$20,200 damage �o �he property. He recommended that the value be reduced from $86,600 to $66,400. MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to reduce �he value of the property at 129 Hartman Circle to $66,400. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. 18. HILARY MAYERS. 969 MISSISSIPPI STREET: Mr. Mayers stated that he has done nothing to his property since 1980, and from 1994 to 1996 the value increased by $8,000. Mr. Madsen stated that he does not have the file on this property or any information available this evening. Councilman Billinqs recommended that the property owner meet with the Assessor, and that this item be continued until the next meeting. MOTION by Councilman Billings to continue this item to the next meeting on April 24. Seconded by Councilman Schneider. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Billings stated that those property owners on East River Road that have appealed to the Board should have the questions on their property values resolved by the next meeting. He stated that he understands that the others could be handled administratively. Mr. Madsen stated that all the property values would be reviewed at the same time, but he would make sure those persons who have appealed receive information on their values by the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT• MOTION by Councilwoman Bolkcom to continue the Board of Review Meeting to April 24, 1995. Seconded by Councilwoman Jorgenson. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Mayor Nee declared the motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carole Haddad Recording Secretary William J. Nee Mayor