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05-13-96 BRJNT Y OA 2 = Z 13 m ted► � � .dy 7855 TO: Otsego City Council and Staff DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Government Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682-7368 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 I want to thank the Council for the full support which once again was given to Pete and myself during the Board of Review. I also feel the people who attended the meeting did have some concerns but were, for the most part, very polite and professional which indicates to us what kind of people are moving into the area. I also want to thank the city staff for their cooperation for providing any help which we may have needed during the past year. I also want to thank Pete for his good work and his ability to answer questions as they come up throughout the year. Thank you again. Sin erely, -'� Vi.-e4a" Randal L. DesMarais Assistant County Assessor RLD/df Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer OTSEGO CITY ASSESSOR Andrew Merges phone (612) 497-2543 Otsego City Assessor 6748 Kadler Avenue Albertville, MN 55301 Richard Nichlos PID. 118500-293101 Our records show us that there is no waste land, but after reviewing the aerial map we found 6.32 acres of waste A land, and 30.68 acres of tillable land. The value we have now is $77700, which is $2100 per acre. The new value would be; 6.32 acres at $282 = $1782 30.68 acres at $1640= $50315 Total = $52097 rounded $52100 EM The taxable value was $34800, now it will be $29500. This was over looked in the past because he has two parcels. The two parcels combined,puts him over 40 acres, that makes his land value at $1640 per acre instead of $2100. City Assessor Pete Merges JNT Y p DOUGLAS M. GRUBER ZWright County Assessor Wright County Government Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 .00 67 I. WO Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 7 .4y Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682-7368 78 5 5 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Ann M. Pipenhagen 6699 NE Packard Avenue Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-500-331401 Pete and I reviewed the above property at 8:15 A.M. with Ann on May 1, 1996. After recalculating based on the information we found, we feel the 1996 estimated market value of the property is conservative at best. We believe the proposed feed lot is the question as opposed to market value today, but how this may affect the value in the future we don't know. If the feed lot goes in and sales prove to be lower than the assessment, the assessor will address the problem at that time. Until then we will continue as we have in the past to follow the market. Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor Randal L. DesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer JNT Y C. � Z = m �6 O Zj .4y 7855 Frank P. and Annick C. Muller 8416 Oakwood Avenue NE Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-034-001030 DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Government Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313.1183 Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682-7368 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 9:00 a.m. with Mr. and Mrs. Muller. The double wide is in bad condition and the garage is in poor condition. After recalculating the building value with the current schedules, we have a reduction in building value from $20,500 to $15,800. The recommended 1996 estimated market value to be $37,800 from $42,500, a reduction of $4,700. f'r' � L - �-/� �� Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor r'� " � -Y- / ��V�al " Randal L. Desmarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer OJNT V C. = m 6 O 7855 Chris A. & Louise Dybdahl 14620 - 97th Street NE Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-049-004120 DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Gouernment Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 Phone: (612) 682.7367 / (612) 682.7368 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 9:30 a.m. with Mr. Dybdahl. We found the 2 -story part of the house to have no basement, and the 1 -story with basement did not have basement finished as it was being assessed. We did add for a gas fireplace and central air conditioning which were not assessed. By making these adjustments, the building value would be reduced from $111,800 to $94,400. The recommended 1996 estimated market value to be $130,400 from $147,800, a reduction of $17,400. 2��Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor andal L. Des arais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer 0 0Y O� <J J00"�J'% Z Q 47 7855 Herbert and Erma Ruprecht 16470 NE 70th Street Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-500-263407 DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Gouernment Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 Phone: (612) 682.7367 / (612) 682-7368 FAX: (612) 682.6178 May 6, 1996 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 10:00 a.m. with Mr. Ruprecht. After recalculating the buildings with the current schedules, an adJustment from $62,800 to $62,200, a reduction on buildings of $600, is considered. Also we feel the land is in need of an adjustment. There is 1.00 acre site 20,000 1.93 acres extra land @ 3,000 5,790 2.00 acres water @ 1,640 3,280 $29,070 or $29,100 The 2 acres are what we adJusted from $3,000 to $1,640 per acre. This is really waste land but if sold, we believe it would be considered an asset because of the wildlife habitat which is much different than the other water problems we have seen. The $1,640 per acre is the value which is used on pasture and meadow market on farms. The recommended 1996 estimated market value to be reduced from $94,600 to $91,300, a reduction of $3,300. Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor Fundal L. D6sMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer OJNT Y C� � 2 I Z � m 610d O ?� �dy 7855 Richard J. and Carmen M. Williams 8359 Needham Avenue NE Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-035-001050 DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Gouernment Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682-7368 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 10:30 a.m. No one was here as expected, but we were able to see the water problem with regard to the land. We feel the land should be adJusted to reflect same value as neighboring property to the south. By making this adjustment, land value would be reduced from $21,500 to $15,000. The recommended 1996 estimated market value to be reduced to $99,200 from $105,700, a reduction of $6,500. ��P�'� Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor andal L. DesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer JNT Y C) vO ,� DOUGLAS M. GRUBER OFZWright County Assessor M Wright County Government Center 13 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 016. &a 0 47 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 O� Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682-7368 X855 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Delvin D. and Mary Ann S. Struss 14521 - 78th Street NE Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-123-003010 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 11:00 a.m. with the owners. Amount of square feet finished and quality of finish in basement was adJusted, garage condition and house were recalculated with current schedule. After making the above- mentioned adJustments, the building value was reduced from $70,600 to $64,300. The recommended 1996 estimated market value to be $86,300 from $92,600, a reduction of $6,300. Pete Merges, Otseg6 City Assessor Fa / - % Randal L. OesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer JN'r Y C DOUGLAS M. GRUBER i Z Wright County Assessor Wright County Gouernment Center 10 2nd Street N.W. • Room 240 so to fim O Buffalo, Minnesota 55313.1183 .4y Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682-7368 X855 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Timothy W. and Carolyn J. Clark 14960 - 70th Street NE Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-500-284400 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 11:30 a.m. With Mrs. Clark. Water south of the house by driveway is the problem. If this property were to be sold, it is probable there would be limited buyers because of the water. Therefore, we suggest lowering 1 acre of value from $3,000 to 5100 same as waste land on a farm. This water problem is again unique compared to the others we have reviewed. The recommended 1996 estimated market value to be $130,800 from $133,700, a reduction of $2,900. Petel4erges, Otsego City Assessor Randal L. DesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer OJNT Y C, = m �d O ,dY 7855 O� ( Terrance and Judy Wood 8841 NE O'Brian Avenue Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-026-005020 DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Gouernment Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 Phone: (612) 682-7367 / (612) 682.7368 FAX: (612) 682.6178 May 6, 1996 Pete and I reviewed the above property on May 1, 1996 at 1:00 p.m. with Mrs. Wood. The purpose was to review the land due to a water problem. The property directly to the north also has a water problem. We feel a $4,000 reduction on both of these properties is warranted based on similar types of water problems in the city. We recommend 1996 estimated market value be reduced to $100,200 from $104,200, a reduction on land of $4,000, making the lot value $18,000. We would also recommend the same reduction on PID# 118-026-005010, owner William R. Lampson, making the 1996 estimated market value to be $86,200 from $90,200, a reduction on land of $4,000, making the lot $18,700, including the blacktop driveway. Mr. Lampson did not appear at the local board of review. Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor Randal L. DesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunitv / Affirmative Action Employer C! DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Z Wright County Gouernment Center 1u M 10 2nd Street N.W. • Room 240 00 �\ Buffalo, Minnesota 55313.1183 - -4y Phone. FAX 6 2) 682-(6178 682.7368 7855 May 6, 1996 Jeffrey A. Kosbau 14418 - 87th Street NE Elk River, MN 55330 Re: PID #118-031-002080 Pete and I reviewed the above parcel on May 1, 1996 at 4:00 p.m. with Mr. Kosbau. We found the house still has a lot that needs to be done. After recalculating based on condition and completion of work done, the building value was reduced to $41,700 from $72,900. We recommend the 1996 estimated market value to be reduced to $63,700 from $94,900. Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor P, " a- � -, � r'�') � � Randal L. DesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer CJNT Y C� � 2 = 2 6 O 2 Y \ 7 7855 Stephen M. and Karla J. Jordan 10470 Kahler Avenue Monticello, MN 55362 Re: PID #118-121-001100 DOUGLAS M. GRUBER Wright County Assessor Wright County Government Center 10 2nd Street N. W. • Room 240 Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1183 Phone: (612) 682.7367 / (612) 682.7368 FAX: (612) 682-6178 May 6, 1996 Pete and I reviewed the Jordan property on May 6, 1996 at 8:15 a.m. with Mrs. Jordan. We found the basement to be about 1/3 finished Instead of 1/2, and at a lower quality of finish. We found there to be a 3/4 bath in the basement, central air conditioning, decking and a whirlpool tub which were not being assessed. After making these adjustments which were found, the building value was reduced to $106,100 from $114,600. We recommend the 1996 estimated market value be reduced to $173,100 from $181,600, a reduction of $8,500. Pete Merges, Otsego City Assessor �C Randal L. DesMarais, Assistant Wright County Assessor Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer AF'R--�..3-96 TUE 1 1 15;Z 4115 Willowbrook DriVe San Antonio, 'I'X 78228 April 20, 1996 MR PETER MERGES OTSF.GO TAX ASSESSOR 8899 NASHUA AVENUE Nt>!tt'>l EAST OTSEGO, MN 5-5330 Dear Mr Mcxges: We purchased Sect -36 'TWP-121 hang -23, Unplatted Land where livestock is still being raised and sold We have heen renamed Mr and Mrs 17691 as taxpayers on 11rolvdy Number 118-500-364400. We have grown older, the hom,;c: has grown older, but nothing has changcxd much since we bought the place except for our taxes. In 1974, we; valued the house at $50,1kk) and accepted a tax a4%essrnent of less that $3M. 'I'welve years later, the: property was given an estimated value of $87,500, an increase of 75%. our tax liability increa8cd 45% from $287 to 5417. In the following ten years, my property value has Neon increased to an estimated 5108,8(X). This is an increase o1*25%. My property taxes have increased 531%1 'I*he house sheltered a family of thrcc::adults and seven children. We raised as many as 200 rabbits at a time, 50 hogv, 8 cattle, 5 horaev and 4 Whitetailed l.hxsr. FAch yew we raised and butchered 100.200 flyers and 15-20 ducks. Since we purchascd all the: feud, we were lttcky to break even, but farm life was an excellent vehicle for teaching pvr9onal re"iv;ibility and the work ethic. 111tt4, the ono and only baftoom taught our children the important valises of organization and cooperation. Repairs to the upstairs etme in 1980 aller a roofer removed the shingles in time for a drought breaking middle -of -the -night thunderstorm. It gave tis wi oppurlttnity to redesign the upper floors to include another bathroom, modern wiring and an Oc etric heating system. -I'wenty-enc year:► aticr the purchase, my daughter ordered me to repair the living room and bedroom walls with shectrock in order to block out the traditional winger winds. AP FR-%,' 3-'9b TUE 1 1 - 152 R - 0 2 Although our home is superficially up to standards, it is still framed by lumber that was out in 1894 and insulated with walnut shells and sawdust. hough cut ratters stand upon field stone and powdering mortar. The floor beams have softened with dry rot and rcinforc;cd by a steel beam that was inserted last summer to keep the center of the bottle ftorn collapsing. The land ounsists of acreage that is too small, t(x)steep or too close to the river, to efficiently cultivate, awl the roadside depression makes it unsuited for building lots without extensive laud fill. Uespitc these handicaps, our family hw,; plaecxi "soul" into this house and we love it as a child; yet, l; do not believe that any potential buyer would con sidc7 this a marketable asset. With these points in mind, I wish to *M%tinue ownership of this property aa• a t:unily live:muwk raising farm for the benefit of our children and grand- children. Please do not tax my land at the gate value as the tillable farmland across the road. Please do not tax my hojne as a shelter with modern wiring, plumbing and level floors. Inappropriate taxation will Ibrce unc into the untimely liquidation of our family's agricultural homestead Always here with friendship, c' &-e --- Xf- r ti. . Alfred C Schwan Richard Nichols 1337177th Street NE, Elk River, MN 55330 612 / 441-2052 April 25, 1996 City of Otsego 8899 Nashua Avenue NE Elk River, MN 55330 Dear City Assessor: I'm writing this letter to formally appeal the estimated market value of our farmland as listed in our 1996 assessment year notice. This protest only applies to PID 118-500-293101, 37.72 acres. The 1989 estimated market value was $668 per acre. For 1996 the value on the same property is $2060 per acre. That is an increase of 208%! Our property is zoned A-1. We are located in the rural service area and are therefore limited to 1 in 40 acre development rights. That right has already been exercised, there are no development rights remaining. The only value to this property is for cropping or pasture. Of th' 37.72 acres approximately 30 acres (80%) are cropped in hay and com. The rem der is wetlands. To the best of my knowledge no bare farmland in our area has sold for anywhere near $2060 per acre. In summary, our appeal is based on the lack of future development rights and selling price for equivalent bare farmland. Sincerely, Richard V. & Joan M. Nichols POWERS AND DUTIES OF LOCAL BOARD OF REVIEW 1 ) The clerk shall give published and posted notice of board of review ten days prior to such meeting. The board of review shall complete its work within 20 days of convening date as specified in the notice of the clerk. Any action taken after that adjournment date would be invalid. A majority of the members may act at such meeting, and adjourn from day to day until they finish the hearing of all cases presented. The assessor shall attend and take part in the proceedings, but shall not vote. 2) In case any property, real or personal, shall have been omitted, the board shall place it upon the assessment list with its market value. No assessment of the property of any person shall be raised until that person has been duly notified of the intent of the board to do so. On application of any person feeling aggrieved, the board shall review the assessment and correct it as shall appear just. If a person feeling aggrieved by an assessment fails to apply for review at the local board, they may not appear at the County Board of Equalization to contest the valuation or classification. Although the local board of review has the authority to increase or reduce assessments, the total adjustments must not reduce the aggregate assessment by more than one percent. 3 ) The board does not have the authority to reopen former assessments on which taxes are due and payable. The board considers only the assessments that are in process in the current year. Occasionally a taxpayer may appear with a tax statement and protest the taxes or assessment of the previous year. The board should explain tactfully that it has no authority to consider such matters. 4) The 1996 Notice of Assessment has a message again this year: NOTE: Appointments requested for 1996 Board of Review. For appointment call 682-7367 or 682-7368. There were many reasons for trying this approach to better organize the board of review for its intended purpose. People come to talk about unrelated matters such as: condition of roads, snowplowing, water run-off, objectionable neighborhood conditions, etc. Tax statements always seem to pop up at boards of review. If there are mechanical errors or explanation of the tax computation, this can be taken care of beforehand. If a person has a question on the new valuation, it will give the assessor a chance to review the problem and probably satisfy the taxpayer. If not, they would be put on the agenda for the board of review. The assessor could better present to the board facts justifying the assessment instead of taking considerable time paging through books for an unprepared presentation. 5) Regardless, with appointment or not, every person appearing before the board will be heard. Every courtesy shall be extended and a reasonable answer will be given for any such problem someone may have. �*=A Otsego City Assessor M�sw (Pete) Merges •8748 Kader Avenue • Ame tvft, MN 55301 • Telephone (612}497_2543 There were land value increases made in a lot of our area this year lz se budding sites are getting fewer and fewer there value is are some, but not all, of the cow and fiems as our Here hanger that were made this year. MISS. SHORES 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th addition $1500 was added to the land value 2nd addition lots. $1500 was added to the land value, $1000 more was added to the wooded GREAT RIVER ACRES $1500 was added to the land value on all the lots HALLS AMMON 1 st & 2nd addition $1500 was added to the land value. 3rd addition $1000 was added to the land value BARTHEL ACRES $3000 was added to the land value OTSEGO ACRES 1st & 2nd addition $1000 was added to the land value RIVERSIDE PARK $1500 was added to the land value N i n oak grove & 3rd addition $2000 was added to the land value 1st & 2nd addition $1000 was added to the land value JAMES ADDITION $2000 was added to the land value, this brings the lot values to $25000 and that is the same value used in Country Ridge which is across the street. RIVERSIDE EVERGREEN 1st & 2nd addition Lots on the river are valued at $30,000 for the first 150 feet and $266 per foot for every foot over 150 feet. If it is a oversized lot it is depreciated accordingly. BEAUDRYS ADDITION $3500 was added to the land value ISLAND VIEW River lots are valued at $375 per foot for the first 150 feet and $250 for every foot over 150 feet. Wooded lots were increased $1500. Open lots were increased $2000. MEETS AND BOUNDS AREA some lots went up as much as $5000 for the fust acre, if there is more than 1 acre they are valued at $3000 each. This makes them more comparable to the lots in the plated areas. FARMS After the state increase in 1994 farms had to be looked at more closely. This was done by comparing our city farms with farms in the rest of the county. As a result the farm outbuildings lost there 15% depreciation. Farm houses were upgraded to compare more closely with other houses in the city. This was not done in the past. With more farm sales in our area we see were these changes had to be made. All the changes that were made this year were made after looking at sales and doing comparisons. In May of 1995 my sales ratio was 89.596, in Nov of 1995 my sales ratio was 87%. As you know I have to be between 90% and 100° or the state will put an increase on the whole city. As you can see I have to keep working on values in order to keep up with the prices that people are willing to pay for a property. Building permits; additions--- 8 decks 36 new homes -16 3season porch -2 sheds ---8 garrages---6 other 38 commercial ---2 Once again I want to take this opportunity to thank the city council and the mayor for there continued support and help. It is very much appreciated 7 you Pete Merges CITY OF OTSEGO 8899 NASHUA AVE NE ELK RIVER, MN 55362 April 13, 1996 Dear City Council, This letter is in response to the proposed levy for improvements to Otsego Creek. As a long time resident in this district I have serious doubts regarding the need for these improvements. I would ask the following questions; #1. What is the impact to the township in the surrounding area if this proposed project is not completed? #2 What are the driving factors for performing these improvements? #3. Assuming that these factors are real what is the probability of these occuring? Having lived in this area for over 50 years I have never seen an occasion where the current creek would not handle the water that normally comes each year. Therefore I cannot justify spending $84,000 to solve a non -problem. Please consider abandoning this project. Sincerely, Archie Lindenfelser 7971 Jalger Ave NE Monticello, MN 55362 CITY OF OTSEGO WRIGHT COUNTY, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL CLOSED MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS OTSEGO CITY HALL MAY 13, 1996 Mayor Norman F. Freske called the Meeting to order at 9:38 PM. The following were in attendance and identified themselves: Andrew MacArthur, City Attorney Suzanne Ackerman, City Council Ron Black, City Council Norman F. Freske, Mayor Larry Fournier, City Council Vern Heidner, City Council Phyllis Cokley, Business/Finance Director Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning Administrator Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk The City Attorney requested the Closed Meeting under the Attorney/Client Exception to the Open Meeting Law for the purpose of discussing Lef-Co litigation. Discussion was held. CM Black motioned to closed the Meeting at 10:01 PM. Seconded by CM Fournier. All in favor. Motion carried. Mayor Norman F. Freske Elaine Beatty, City Clerk/Zoning Administrator Recorded by: Judy Hudson, Deputy Clerk City Seal