04-10-2023 CCM BOAMembers Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Meeting of the Elk River City Council
as the Board of Appeal and Equalization
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, April 10, 2023
Mayor John Dietz, Councilmembers Cory Grupa, Mike Beyer, Matt Westgaard, and Jennifer
Wagner (left at 7:01 p.m. for a city commission meeting)
None
City Clerk Tina Allard and Deputy Clerk Jolene Richter
Also Present: County Assessor Michelle Moen, Deputy County Assessor David Selbitschka, Residential
Appraisers Bill Holker and C. J. Kopetka
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called to order at 6:02
p.m. by Mayor Dietz.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. Sherburne County Assessor's Report
Sherburne County Assessor Michelle Moen stated there were 450 approved sales and a 12% increase for off
water property. She discussed the state law ratio requirement which is required to be between 90-105%
when comparing the county's value to sales prices. Because last year the values were below the 90%
threshold (at 789/6), the county was put on a watch list and required to meet the ratio this year or the state
would take over and set valuations. With the changes being proposed the county will be at 92%. She noted
there were significant increases in land values, and that they completed an evaluation on all land values
within the county. She further discussed the different factors affecting these significant increases in land
value, such as hunters purchasing large tracts of land.
3. Hear Appeals Submitted by Attendees
1. Joe Yaritz
PID: 75-503-0236 (19876 Brentwood Lane)
Mr. Holker handed out a report on his assessment of this property. He recommended dropping the
value from $610,000 to $588,200 due to some depreciation.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to lower the
building value by $21,900. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Dave and Kay Fuller
PID: 75-498-0140 (12884 187"' Circle)
Mr. Fuller stated the house was in poor condition when they purchased it in 2014, it's located on a
highway, and the market value should be reduced. Mr. Fuller had the house appraised at $559,000. Mr.
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April 10, 2023
Page 2
Kopetka previously adjusted the value to $632,100 after he reassessed the property. Mr. Fuller will be
giving the appraisal to the assessor so it can be re-evaluated.
Moved by Councihnember Wagner and seconded by Councihnember Grupa to vote no change
to parcel 75-498-0140. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Kent and Nicole Christianson
PID: 75-623-0522 (18688 Queen Circle)
Mr. Christianson would like the assessor to re-evaluate the property.
Moved by Councihnember Beyer and seconded by Councihnember Westgaard to vote no
change to parcel 75-623-0522. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Diana Laszcwski
PID: 75-662-0410 (20270 Polk Street)
Ms. Laszcwski requested a reduction in the market value of her property based on a realtor friend's
assessment of comparable ramblers. Mr. Holker noted this parcel was part of the assessment review for
this year and minor adjustments were made to the value and recommended no further changes.
Moved by Councihnember Westgaard and seconded by Councihnember Beyer to vote no
change. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Gary Stritesky
PID: 75-132-4100 (house) (12808 Orono Road) and 75-468-0270 (vacant lot).
Ms. Moen explained that the value is in the lakeshore.
Moved by Councihnember Wagner and seconded by Councihnember Grupa to vote no change
to PID# 75-132-4100 and to lower the land value of PID# 75-468-0270 to $27,000. Motion carried
5-0.
Councilmember Wagner left for another city commission meeting.
6. Neil Taylor
PID: 75-580-0110 (14265 198r' Avenue)
Mr. Taylor requested a reduction of his estimated valuation stating the home is unlivable and a portion
of the land is drainage they can't build upon. Mr. Selbitschka noted an assessor visited the site and the
drainage and wetlands were considered when determining the value.
Moved by Councihmember Westgaard and seconded by Councihnember Beyer to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
7. Jacqueline Banack
PID: 75-678-0260 (18681 Lander Street)
PID: 75-678-0235 (18642 Lander Street)
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Ms. Banack would like the value reduced because it's vacant land that is mostly water. Mr. Selbitschka
said they can pull the plat and assess the land.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
8. Robert Dilly
PID: 75-458-0120 (12943 Orono Road)
Mr. Dilly objected to his valuation increase because he lives on a fixed income. Ms. Moen explained the
various options seniors can apply for to get some relief.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to vote no change.
Motion carried 4-0.
9. Amy and Zack Wierman
PID: 75-505-0118 (21340 Vernon Street)
Ms. Wierman objected to the valuation of her property, stating it has an unfinished basement. Ms. Moen
noted there was a desktop review of this parcel during covid, and the property does have low land, so
she recommended a site visit.
Moved by Councihnernber Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to vote no
change to parcel 75-505-0118. Motion carried 4-0.
10. Bradley and Robin Botts
PID: 75-513-0450 (10810 198`h Avenue)
Mr. Botts stated it is unfair to raise values on property owners who are trying to do the right thing by
keeping their places kept up nice. He asked to learn more about how his particular property has been
evaluated.
Moved by Councihnember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to vote no change.
Motion carried 4-0.
11. Keith Quammen
PID: 75-471-0160 (19823 Ulysses Street)
Mr. Quammem objected to the value of his property.
Moved by Councilmernber Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
12. Michelle and Thomas Binsfeld
PID: 75-129-3410 (house .59) 75-132-2115 (stairs .12) (13230 Island View Drive)
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Ms. Binsfeld compared her property to surrounding similar neighborhood properties. She is opposed t,
the market value increase. The assessor stated this property has much more lakeshore and the square
footage is different compared to the neighbors. The assessor discussed the last time the property was
reassessed and stated they could complete a site visit to see if any changes are warranted.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
13. Russel and Cindy Spaulding
PID: 75-719-1203 (10433 172" d Lane)
Mr. Spaulding handed out townhome comparable sales. He asked for a reduction in valuation based on
the comps and further stated interior units sell for lesser amounts than exterior units and therefore
should be valued for less. The assessor felt the current value placed on the property is fair and noted if
this one is reduced, it will create inequity and most likely cause the neighbors to stop in and want theirs
changed as well. The assessor further stated there is a demand for this type of home and it is difficult to
find them for under $300,000.
Councilmember Westgaard noted the property owner brought in six sales supporting his request for a
reduced value. He further noted there should be some consideration for the quality of the square
footage.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to reduce the
value to $239,300 based on the information provided by both the county and the applicant.
Motion carried 4-0.
14. Nathan and Elisabeth Andrews
PID: 75-486-0350 (20160 Smith Street)
Ms. Andrews objected to the market value of her property. She discussed other neighborhood
properties and explained how she tried to sell the home for $369,900 and couldn't sell it at that price.
The assessor recommended a reduction of the building value to $418,600.
Moved by Mayor Dietz and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to lower the total value of the
property to $410,000 with the reduction taken from the land. Motion carried 4-0.
15. Kayla and Matthew Dutton
PID: 75-494-0145 (16796 Yale Street)
Ms. Dutton objected to the value of her property and discussed how it's in the
wild and scenic district, which has restrictions on use. Mr. Holker stated he
completed a site visit, reviewed comparables, and feels the value is fair.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
16. Ryan and Tera Kostreba
PID: 75-809-0105 (21404 Jarvis Street)
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Mr. Kostreba reviewed comparable properties and objected to the market value of his property. Mr.
Selbitschka suggested an interior inspection of the property. Mr. Kostreba requested a reconvene
meeting for review by the city Board of Appeal after the inspection.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to schedule a
reconvene meeting for 5:55 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.
17. Joanna and Robert Koski
PID: 75-497-0150 (21461 Concord Street)
Ms. Koski objected to her market value and would like to schedule a site visit to talk about acreage and
wetland values.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
18. Kelli and Shane Hoskins
PID: 75-413-0420 (28080 Lakewood Drive)
Ms. Hoskins compared her Sherburne County property to other county properties she owns, noting
how much more significant the increases are in Sherburne County. She objected to the proposed market
value increase. Ms. Moen noted this parcel is considered lakeshore and that she is not legally able to
` compare it to properties in other counties.
u
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
19. Jack and Wendy Orth
PID: 75-108-4303 (13200 Ranch Road)
PID: 75-117-1200 (13200 Ranch Road, remnant with accessory building)
Mr. Orth would like to have his property reassessed because he objects to the
market value.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
20. Freedom Homes, LLC, Nick Bartlett
PID: 75-428-0240 (11964 192 d Avenue)
Mr. Bartlett stated he owns duplex rentals, and he reviewed comparable properties which are valued less.
He had an appraisal completed, which states the value at $355,000. Mr. Selbitschka stated that because
this is a rental property, he recommends a county review so they can evaluate the appraisal and review
the income data.
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Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to lower the ful'
property value to $407,000 with the difference being taken from the land value. Motion carried
4-0.
21. Virginia and Roger Page
PID: 75-478-0355 (13740 Riverview Drive)
Ms. Page objected to the proposed market value of her property. Mr. Kopetka recommended a site visit
to evaluate the property.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to vote no
change to parcel 75-478-0355. Motion carried 4-0.
22. David and Stacey Anderson
PID: 75-706-0202 (12954 194`' Lane)
The Andersons objected to their land value because of the access issues to their property. Mr. Kopetka
reviewed the parcel, noted obsolescence, and recommends a reduction of 10% in land value.
Moved by Councilmember Grupa and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to lower the land
value to $93,200. Motion carried 4-0.
23. Property Owners in Rolling Hills Plat and Outlot PID's: 75-664-0030, 75-664-0020, and 75-664-0010
The board discussed the issues with this plays community septic system and how property owners can't
sell their homes. The city is working with the owners on options to remedy the matter. Mr. Selbitcshka
stated to keep the values fair and comparable a review of the parcels is needed. He stated reductions
may be possible with the outlots and the septic system areas. He noted he could take this one to the
county board on behalf of the property owners unless they disagree with his recommendation.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
24. Darin and Kristina Thom (Rolling Hills home)
PID: 75-664-0425 (9717 226`' Avenue)
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to vote no
change. Motion carried 4-0.
25. Amanda and Jeremy Lemire
PID: 75-494-0115 (16930 Yale Street)
Mr. Holker completed a site visit and recommended dropping the value.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to decrease the
building value by $25,400. Motion carried 4-0.
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April 10, 2023
26. Andrew Haggerty
PID: 75-024-2115 (15322 Edison Street)
Mr. Haggerty discussed the age of his home and that it may have been the first home built in Elk River.
Mr. Holker noted Mr. Haggerty hadn't received a tax statement and recommends a site visit to appraise
the property.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to vote no
change to parcel 75-024-2115. Motion carried 4-0.
4. Hear Misc. Appeals by County
The county assessor presented appeals that were submitted in writing.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve the
following:
1. 75-505-0120
No change
2. Donald and Cheryl Bridge
PID: 75-481-0320 (13591 Riverview Drive)
No Change
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3. William and Cindy Cropper
PID: 75-902-0160 (11097 184�' Circle)
Increase Land Value by $22,300
Increase building value by $164,300
4. David and Sandra Dummer
PID: 75-510-0120 (20034 Auburn Street)
Decrease building value by $3,600
5. Maxine McClellan
PID: 75-662-0405 (20258 Polk Street)
Decrease building value by $26,500
6. Leann Brown
PID: 75-503-0626 (19737 Lowell Street)
Decrease building value by $16,800
7. Nicolas Mooney
PID: 75-130-1301 (13981 193' Avenue)
Decrease building value by $163,400
8. Stuart Cleaveland
PID: 75-571-0125 (13333 179 h Circle)
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April 10, 2023
Decrease building value by $4,016
Motion carried 4-0.
S. Establish Reconvene date if needed
The reconvene meeting was scheduled for 5:55 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2023, as noted above.
6. Recess
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to recess the meeting to
Monday, April 17, 2023, 5:55 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:23 p.m.
ayor
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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