HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-20-1996 BOEMinutes
1996 Board of Review Reconvened
May 20, 1996
The 1996 Board of Review of the City of Plymouth was reconvened by Mayor Tierney at
7:00 p.m. in the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on May 20, 1996.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Granath, Black, Anderson, and
Lymangood. Councilmember Preus arrived at 7:20 p.m.
ABSENT: Councilmember Wold.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Lueckert, Finance
Director Hahn, City Assessor Bye, Senior Appraiser Olsson, Commercial Appraiser Zent;
Appraisers Carroll, Kingsbury, and McCormick, and Deputy City Clerk Hoffman.
Mayor Tierney noted that the City Council has received staff reports relating to each of
the properties for which objections were made at the April 29 Board of Review.
The Mayor stated that the Council is not empowered to adjust taxes, and that the purpose
of the meeting is only to designate property values. She said that property owners wishing
to appeal the valuations further should contact the Hennepin County offices at 348-5076
before June 10, 1996.
City Manager Johnson explained the appeal process as recommended by staff. He said the
Board would handle the issues as a consent agenda item, approving all recommendations
with one motion. Any parcels could be pulled from the list by property owners or the
Councilmembers for discussion.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood , seconded by Councilmember Black,
to individually discuss Reports 1,6,10, and 13 from the oral presentations, and Report 24
from the letters, and to approve values for all other parcels as recommended by staff-
Name/Address PIN 1996 Value Action
Betty Johnson
10 Forestview Lane 35-118-22-43-0031] 118,800 No Change
Ernest Clark
970 Zanzibar Lane 32-118-22-11-0136] 111,100 No Change
Jeff Baill
2940 Pilgrim Lane 24-118-22-42-0082] 294,400 No Change
Jill Saken
4585 Weston Lane 08-118-22-44-0019] 261,600 251,200
W. I. West
Board of Review
23-118-22-33-0071] 81,400 No Change
May 20, 1996
Page 2
20-118-22-24-0037] 161,500 No Change
984 Zanzibar Lane 32-118-22-12-0076 82,100 No Change
Dorothy Krekelberg
11-118-22-22-0020] 273,100 262,200
6150 Hemlock Lane 02-118-22-12-0034] 297,200 276,300
Bernard Barr
25-118-22-11-0004] 125,500 No Change
11670 61st Avenue North 02-118-22-12-0040] 249,600 235,700
Sverre Pederson
17-118-22-21-0012] 299,300 No Change
1320 Urbandale Lane 30-118-22-34-0025] 228,700 219,600
Jo -Anne E. Stately
14-118-22-12-0016] 148,300 No Change
11800 61st Avenue North 02-118-22-12-0037] 182,700 173,900
Veronica Strehle
28-118-22-42-0006] 82,900 75,700
1510 Black Oaks Place North 29-118-22-42-0126] 109,600 102,200
Gary Olmstead
11-118-22-22-0019] 159,100 155,200
4045 Terraceview Lane North 16-118-22-23-0082] 192,500 189,000
Gerald Chmielewski
12410 26th Avenue North 23-118-22-33-0071] 81,400 No Change
Wallace Johnson
16705 32nd Avenue North 20-118-22-24-0037] 161,500 No Change
Seung Huh
5360 Norwood Lane North 11-118-22-22-0020] 273,100 262,200
Larry Fundingsland
2320 Medicine Lake Blvd. E. 25-118-22-11-0004] 125,500 No Change
Max Daubenberger
16820 45th Avenue North 17-118-22-21-0012] 299,300 No Change
Scott McGinnis
4330 Hemlock Lane North 14-118-22-12-0016] 148,300 No Change
William Anderson
1710 Niagara Lane North 28-118-22-42-0006] 82,900 75,700
Donald Fish
12645 54th Avenue North 11-118-22-22-0019] 159,100 155,200
Donald Brody
11140 57th Avenue North 02-118-22-41-0064] 276,600 267,700
Gerald Harty
2530 W. Medicine Lake Dr. 26-118-22-12-0018] 104,000 No Change
William Roth
10525 48th Avenue North 12-118-22-31-0036] 208,500 195,500
Gerald Cady
1030 Zanzibar Lane North 32-118-22-12-0067] 115,800 No Change
LaVonne Wanka
1174 Weston Lane North 32-118-22-11-0009] 113,000 No Change
Judith Morrow
1020 Xene Lane North 32-118-22-11-0099] 108,400 No Change
Jane Krzesowiak
Board of Review
May 20, 1996
Page 3
14725 32nd Avenue North 21-118-22-13-0064] 139,500 133,500
Joan Schluttner
15748 27th Avenue North 21-118-22-33-0176] 85,100 79,700
Karl Groth
4145 Terraceview Lane North 16-118-22-23-0093] 193,700 189,000
Margaret Gossmann & Marjorie
Fischbach
4100 Upland Lane North 16-118-22-23-0113] 159,200 No Change
Leland Campbell
13902 Sunset Trail 34-118-22-32-0020] 129,600 121,000
Dee Bloch
4035 Terraceview Lane North 16-118-22-23-0081] 157,300 No Change
Tom Macht
695 Olive Lane North 31-118-22-14-0034] 362,500 No Change
Jean Koski
4135 Terraceview Lane North 16-118-22-23-0092] 193,900 189,600
Sarah Krakowski
3210 Lanewood Lane North 21-118-22-13-0030] 113,900 No Change
Delano Erickson
2317 Kirkwood Lane North 26-118-22-21-0085] 100,700 96,000
David Esposito
4085 Quantico Lane North 16-118-22-23-0011] 161,500 No Change
Thomas Witchger, Jr.
2315 Fountain Lane North 29-118-22-24-0005] 128,300 125,600
John Lunn
4037 Quantico Lane North 16-118-22-31-0009] 142,900 No Change
Donald Nord
4105 Quantico Lane North 16-118-22-23-0038] 140,000 No Change
Joseph Sorrentino
525 Queensland Lane North 31-118-22-42-0037] 176,400 No Change
Motion carried, five ayes.
William Nicholson, 16330 15th Avenue North, [29-118-22-43-0008]
Bill Nicholson, 166330 15th Avenue North, stated his presentation at the April 29 Board
of Review remains unchanged, and asked why no change was approved. He said he
looked at what he considered comparable foundation sizes, as well as sales dates and
noted a 10% increase in his valuation, while others only experienced about an 8%
increase. He asked for an explanation on the decision.
City Assessor Bye said she pulled Chelsea Woods sales that had occurred within the
inspection time frame, with adjustments made to consider rambler floor plans versus split
level floor plans, since split levels are valued higher. She said she also took into
consideration whether the others had been recently reassessed.
Board of Review
May 20, 1996
Page 4
Motion was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by Councilmember Granath
to reduce the value of the parc-' to $115,00.
Mayor Tierney said she was concerned about the valuation being lower than split level
homes elsewhere. City Assessor Bye stated that this particular floor plan is only a two-
bedroom style, not a rambler style, nor a full split style.
Motion carried, five ayes.
Roger Bjorland, 12119 54th Avenue North, [11-118-22-21-0046]
Roger Bjorland, said he was shocked at the report on his home. He stated that updating of
flooring was not substantial, that only the entryway slate flooring had been replaced by
clay tile. He said that the furnace and water heater had been replaced, but that he doesn't
consider those replacements to be considered upgrades. He stated the only landscaping
improvements he did were stone and railroad tie retaining walls, but that all rock he used
has turned out to be porous, and is turning to shale. He believes he paid more taxes for
living on a lake, while the house hasn't changed much. He said he is bothered by the
possibility that he could be forced out of his home by increases in property values. He
noted that he moved into the home in 1960, not 1961, as he said the assessing records
stated.
Councilmember Preus arrived at 7:20.
Mayor Tierney said she sympathized with Mr. Bjorland's concerns. She stated the
property may be a handsome parcel by today's standards, but the home value is not there.
She asked if he looked into the so-called circuit breaker program. He said he had used it
in past years, and got around $400 from it last year.
Councilmember Lymangood stated the real issue is to come up with a valuation of
properties. He asked City Assessor Bye about the history of the parcel. She said previous
years don't make a difference in the consideration. She agreed that lakeshore homes have
incurred a large increase in valuation.
MOTION was made by Mayor Tierney, seconded by Councilmember Black that the value
for this parcel remain at $172,200.
Motion carried, three ayes; Councilmembers Anderson and Lymangood, nay;
Councilmember Preus abstained.
John Norton, 1745 Black Ozks Lane, [29-118-22-42-0089]
John Norton stated that his home is larger than any home compared in Chelsea Woods. He
described comparisons of the more expensive models, and points of finish. He said that no
models like his have sold recently, although four rambler floor plan models have sold. He
Board of Review
May 20, 1996
Page 5
said an assessor looked over his property, but only briefly. He stated that the fireplace
was not working, due to a broken flue, and that given the home's amenities and
depreciation, he could not understand the valuation. He asked why an almost 10%
increase was applied to his home, while others had only about an 8% increase.
City Assessor Bye stated detailed inspections were done in the 1992 assessment. She said
the amount of increase was due to the appreciation of his property against some of the
others. Mr. Norton said his floor plan is not the one cited by the City Assessing
Department. He said his is a Timberland model, not Three Oaks.
Councilmember Lymangood stated not the valuation was not a comparative assessment
with other homes, but an appraisal of his particular home.
Motion was made by Councilmember Lymangood. seconded by Councilmember Granath
to reduce the value of the parcel to $122,000.
Councilmember Anderson stated that, using Mr. Norton's figuring, the parcel value would
be $123,700.
Motion carried, five ayes, Councilmember Anderson nay.
Bill LaBreche, Sr., 1735 Black Oaks Lane North, [29-118-22-42-0090]
Bill LaBreche, Sr., moved from a lake home in Wright County, where his property was
appreciating at too high a rate. He stated he also has a lake home in Wisconsin, where
property tax rate is even more complicated. He stated he has no objection to his
assessment. He said the growth in Plymouth is dramatic, and stated that to continue to
base property taxes with 20 to 25 year-old homes is the plan to follow, but that industry
development should lighten the loads. He said his concern is that such a big jump came
over a four to five-year period. He stated he believed the Council did excellent job of
keeping tax rate down where it could.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson that the value for this parcel remain unchanged.
Motion carried, six ayes.
Max Daubenberger, 16820 45th Avenue North, [17-118-22-21-0012]
Mr. Daubenberger came to the meeting late, after the consent motion was made to accept
the valuation on his property. He said he was curious about the valuation of comparable
homes in Golfview Estates. Appraiser Paul Kingsbury stated evaluation was set at the
subdivision and the City as whole. Mr. Daubenberger noted that no rambler floor plans
were sold in Golfview Estates during the inspection period. Appraiser Kingsbury gave
three comparable valuations, all within Courtyards of French Creek. Their assessed values
were in mid to upper 200's. He said adjustments were made for particular improvements.
Board of Review
May 20, 1996
Page 6
Mr. Daubenberger said he knew of one rambler model in Golfview Estates that was on the
market for 18 months. He said the property sale price has fluctuated.
Councilmember Lymangood asked about the valuation of comparable models in French
Creek, if amenity adjustments are made. He asked whether other homes in French Creek
are of a comparable nature to those in Golfview Estates. Assessor Kingsbury stated yes,
in terms of size, amenities, and age, they were comparable. He said French Creek homes
are a year or two newer but of similar size, with central air-conditioning. He said the
house in Golfview Estates Daubenberger spoke of is listed at $349,900, and that the
realtor stated the price had been raised $20,000. Councilmember Anderson asked City
Assessor Bye if Board of Review action process has been explained to Mr. Daubenberger.
Assessor Kingsbury explained that the valuation is what the house would sell for if resold
in today's market.
Councilmember Lymangood noted that the Daubenberger home was purchased in
November, 1993 for $312,000. Mr. Daubenberger stated that he can't get what he paid
for the home.
Mayor Tierney called for either a motion to reconsider all parcels, in order to reconsider
Daubenberger's parcel, or to leave it as is.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by Councilmember
Anderson to reconsider the motion on all the parcels, in order to reconsider the one item.
Motion failed, Councilmember Lymangood aye, five nays.
Max Daubenberger stated that, having come in late, he did not understand the consent
nature of the meeting. Mayor Tierney thanked him for coming, and said he was given fair
consideration in the last motion.
Brandon Development Co., P.O. Boz 28718, Oakdale, [08-118-22-23-0005]
Councilmember Lymangood stated he asked to pull the item for discussion. He
congratulated staff for reaching an agreement on an assessment with the property owner.
He said he believed the property is not "green acred". Councilmember Lymangood said
he can't understand a valuation of only $7000 per acre. He called it a low valuation and
couldn't support it.
City Manager Johnson stated he believed there was a calculation error, and if correctly
calculated, should be assessed at $8,000 per acre. Assessor Earl Zent noted parcel
comparisons. He stated that in looking at the parcel, they took into consideration how
quickly it could be brought to within the MUSA line. He said the parcel consists of two
20 acre sites: one with a gravel road, and one with recorded easements. If the owner is to
develop it, he will have to come up with other access roads. Zent said that the school
Board of Review
May 20, 1996
Page 7
property was assessed knowing it was capable of having sewer and water brought in, but
that with this parcel, it is unknown when that will be available to the property.
Assessor Zent stated that the parcels around it have a $7,000 valuation rate, and that is
part of the basis for this valuation. He said that the 1997 assessment will probably see
another major increase. Councilmember Lymangood asked if the neighboring parcels
were landlocked as this is. Assessor Zent stated that they were, and don't have paved
roads either.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Lymangood, seconded by Councilmember
Granath, to increase the property valuation to $400,000.
Councilmember Lymangood stated he thinks the parcel is worth approximately $10,000
per acre. Councilmember Lymangood asked City Manager Johnson if he was being
capricious in this consideration. Johnson stated that there was a lot of leeway on this
valuation. Mayor Tierney asked about limited development consideration. Assessor Zent
stated since the parcel is out of MUSA, two buildable sites are permitted. He said it does
have the agricultural zoning cl"--sification, he must have it for seven years, according to
the Metropolitan Council.
Councilmember Anderson said while deferring to Councilmember Lymangood, he noted
comparable valuations and supported Manager Johnson's calculation of $8,000 per acre.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION made by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Mayor
Tierney, to increase the property valuation to $320,000.
Mayor Tierney said she would like to see the valuation come down a bit since the owners
can't build on it.
Motion to substitute passed, five ayes, Councilmember Lymangood nay.
Motion passed four ayes, Councilmembers Granath and Lymangood nay.
Councilmember Lymangood thanked the Assessing Department staff for their efforts in
getting reviews done in such a short period of time. He asked if they had considered using
an outside assessment, such as a private realtor in the future. Manager Johnson called it
an appropriate thing to consider.
Finance Director Hahn stated other cities have effectively used private realty offices to do
appraisals. He said that getting a second review gives the City and citizens a feeling that
it's not just the City doing the review. He estimated using private appraisers would cost
between four and five thousand dollars, or around $100 per review. He said agencies
within the City of Plymouth would be chosen, determining how the project is spread out.
Councilmember Black said the question of differing assessments could be a problem. City
Board of Review
May 20, 1996
Page 8
Assessor Bye said getting qualified realtors is a concern. Councilmember Anderson stated
that having the taxing arm of the government doing appraisals is an inherent concern, a
conflict in the eyes of citizens. He said the concept is something to look to in the future.
Mayor Tierney called for an evaluation by staff on how other cities take on appraisal
projects, and asked that they come back with a report to the Council.
Finance Director Hahn said the one down side of private assessing is that real estate
agents may not want to come back with a value that the property owner might not like,
giving the realtor an unfavorable reputation.
Mayor Tierney thanked staff for doing an outstanding job.
MOTION was made by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember
Lymangood, to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Motion carried, six ayes.