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MEETING ROUND-UP - Sept. 7, 2001 Lansford man's woe By KAREN CIMMS Andrew Loudon believes there must be some terrible mistake. The Lansford man is certain the county's reassessment of his house is wrong. After looking at pictures of neighboring homes near Loudon's half-double house on West Abbott Street and the assessed value of those properties, Carbon County's three commissioners think he may be right. But, unfortunately, they say there is nothing they can do about it. Loudon brought his plight to the commissioners on Thursday, after receiving the results of his recent appeal. "They're throwing me a bone," he told the board, referring to the adjustment made by the county's tax assessment appeal board. "It's just not right. A mistake has been made and nobody tells me where to turn." At his appeal hearing Loudon said he "compared apples to apples," and used the home adjoining his and his neighbors' homes to prove his was overassessed. The home attached to his is assessed at $23,800. The two half-double homes next to his are assessed at $25,100 and $24,500. Following the appeal the tax appeals board lowered the value of Loudon's home from $56,200 to $45,900. Taxes are assessed on 50 percent of the total value. A scan of Thursday's TIMES NEWS lists half-doubles for sale in Lansford from $18,000 to $39,900. Loudon showed a picture of his modest, two-story home to the commissioners, as well as a number of similar homes, some with two-car garages; and several single homes with more square footage and larger lots. All were assessed less than Loudon's property. Referring to himself as a blue-collar worker, Loudon said when he first saw his new assessment, he believed it was some kind of mistake and that it would be rectified. Loudon's 1,600 square-foot has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. He said members of the assessment appeals board kept commenting on the fact that he has two baths. All of the other homes he compared his home to only list one bathroom. "Is that the reason for the outrageous taxes I'm burdened with now?" he asked the commissioners. He said the board also asked him what he thought his house was worth. In answering he said he took into consideration all the work, sweat equity, and money he put into the house and said he thought it was worth between $40,000 and $45,000. "But what you think you can get and what you can sell it for is not the same," he said. He did not have the property appraised. Like many others in Carbon County, Loudon's taxes doubled this year. "I have three kids and it will be a real burden for me to pay this," he said. Based on the discrepancies, Loudon said the county can't expect him to pay those taxes. He said a difference of $100 or $200 was one thing, but at $1,343.91, his taxes are between $800 and $900 more than his neighbors, whose total taxes are $600 or less. After receiving the results of his appeal, Loudon took pictures of more houses in Lansford and got copies of those assessments from the county tax assessment office. The homes are large, well-maintained, single-family homes, several of which are located on West Abbott Street. All are assessed lower than Loudon's home. A two-story, 1,708 square-foot home with four bedrooms, fireplace, two porches, and a deck is listed in less than poor condition and assessed at $29,400. Another two-story, 1,764 square-foot home with five bedrooms, enclosed porch, and wood deck, is listed in poor condition and assessed at $31,500. The third home is another two-story, five bedroom home with 2,820 square feet of living space, two open porches and an enclosed porch. It is listed in poor condition and assessed at $43,000. Looking over Loudon's pictures, Commissioner Tom Gerhard said he clearly could see the difference. "It's so obvious it's not funny." The county is limited by law what it can and cannot do regarding property assessment. "There's not a lot we can do about it right now," said Chairman Wayne Nothstein, who pointed out that some of the homes Loudon was comparing his to may have been grossly undervalued. "We can't change them without doing a reassessment." Nothstein told Loudon he could appeal the tax assessment appeal board's decision in court, or he could wait until next year and appeal it before the county board again. Loudon told the commissioners he doesn't have the money to go to court. Although it afforded little consolation, Nothstein told Loudon he was certain his wasn't the only case. Carbon County Chief Assessor Stephen Yurchak is familiar with some of Loudon's pictures and many more like them in Lansford and around the county. During a recent assessment appeal, a Lansford property owner used the same properties to dispute his assessment. After reviewing the information, the board instructed Yurchak to investigate. Yurchak cannot reassess the homes. All he can do is correct any errors. The assessed value of the properties can only be appealed by the owners or a taxing body, such as the municipality, county or school district. Following a court order, Carbon County was reassessed for the first time in more than 30 years. The $2.1-million project was conducted by Cole-Layer-Trumble of West Chester, Pa. The firm set the assessed value of more than 46,000 properties in the county. Numerous errors occurred during the procedure. Some were corrected, but its apparent some remain. "The whole thing was flawed from the beginning," said Gerhard. "We went all the way to the supreme court with them saying we had to reassess. "What we're left with is a big mess." East Penn Volunteer Fire Company buys new tanker By ELSA KERSCHNER The East Penn Fire Company is financing one-half the cost of a new 2001 KME Freightliner tanker truck. Total cost will be $173,458. It replaces a 1969 model. Supervisors were asked if they would make payments for the company from the fire fund. They agreed. Harvey Keiper wanted to know if any decision was reached concerning Troxell Trucking. He has complained about the view from his home which is across the street. According to the junk ordinance, zoning officer Marsha Sanford said, he can be required to erect a six-foot or higher fence around any area where junk is stored. By ordinance, the definition junk is worn out or discarded materials or parts, usable or not. Supervisor Jay Kline said the issue is whether the business is grandfathered. "Some of it meets the definition," he said. Keiper said when the previous owner, Robert Balliet, was there it was never bad but "since that guy is there . There are trailers all over that he can't put on the road." Solicitor Jim Nanovic said the easiest solution would be putting up a fence but, "If you think the nature of the business has changed the zoning hearing board has to decide if it is grandfathered." Sanford will send a letter to Clair Troxell saying he shall erect a fence. Kline said it should be an eight-foot fence along Route 895. "I don't like playing devil's advocate, but he won't be able to park his trucks perpendicular to the road with a fence there," said Sanford.The fence is to be installed by the next supervisors' meeting. Christine van Gelder asked about the tanks at the Ashfield store, which now have been increased to nine. Sanford said the tanks have been certified by the Hazardous Waste people and they can go into the ground. Kline said it was expected digging will begin by the end of the month. The Department of Environmental Protection will do a final inspection. Joe Ehritz presented a letter with multiple signatures asking supervisors to have the engineer do a sight survey and impact study on the roads affected by Northside Heights and Lehigh Asphalt. He had gathered signatures to back up his verbal request which had been presented at the August meeting. Secretary Elizabeth Eickhoff said a company called Traffic Planning and Design is making a study on Hollow Road per a phone call.Troy Smith said a study should be the developer's job, not the township's. Loretta Smith said Lehigh Asphalt has donated 20 [1/2] tons of sand for the volleyball courts at the Ashfield playground. Jay Kline said an insurance inspector had looked at the kitchen and pavilion at the playground and said they could be insured for fire and theft at a cost of $100. The supervisors voted to add that amount to the present liability coverage. Nanovic was asked to talk to zoning hearing board solicitor Cindy Ray about a possible conflict of interest concerning Northside Heights. Dale Rehrig thanked police chief Herb Truhe for locating missing fire company traffic cones. Kathy Henderson said she didn't know if the supervisors could do anything but commercial trucks are continuing to use the damaged German's Road bridge. "I make sure I stop to be sure the road is still there," she said. Someone has been stealing the lights from barricades at the bridge. Truhe said he has checked it and reflector tape is working just as well. Supervisors asked him to increase his patrols near the bridge.]Discussion of the Act 537 sewerage facilities plan was deferred until Wayne Gross of RKR Hess attends a meeting so questions can be answered. Roadmaster Gary Kuehner looked into financing the purchase of a tractor. He was told a single application for a loan should be submitted to cover the tractor, fire company needs, and Germans bridge. A payment of $100 may be all that the Henderson mortgage company, Homecomings Financial, requires before the township receives an easement over 968 square feet to complete the German's bridge project, said Nanovic. Ehritz said the Carbon County supervisors' convention to be held at the Franklin Township Fire Hall is open to the public for the price of the dinner. Supervisor Troy Smith and secretary Elizabeth Eickhoff attended a seminar concerning township newsletters. The most important information they learned was that a resolution should be passed limiting advertising in the newsletter to organizations and possibly businesses within the township. There should be no political news and no letters to the editor. Joseph Flickinger was sworn in as a member of the fire police. Kuehner is looking into the purchase of snow fencing. Truhe said it is being used along Route 80 with good effectiveness in stopping drifting. Among those to express thanks to the supervisors and Smitty's Social Hall owner Roger Smith for providing a new and more suitable meeting room were Joe Ehritz, Walter Zlomsowitch, Christine van Gelder, and Jim Henderson. Subdivision and land development ordinance changes will be discussed Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., at Smitty's Social Hall. A budget meeting will be held Sept. 26, 6 p.m. at the municipal building. Eldred Historical Society By ELSA KERSCHNER The old Kunkletown post office has been leased to the Eldred Township Historical Society for a 25-year period. The lease as presented to the supervisors was for five years, but it was decided the 25-years was more practical. Cost is $1 per year. "Take a chance on us and we'll show you what we can do," said Helen Mackes. She said the first step in creating a museum would be to apply for a technical assistance grant. This provides for a person to come and explain how best to care for and organize memorabilia. The Sesquicentennial celebration has its two major events on Sept. 15 and 16: a picnic in the church grove and a parade. There have been 66 responses from people interested in participating in the parade. There will be four grand marshals all over 90 years of age, 22 floats, antique cars, bands, fire equipment and more. Five hundred to 600 people are expected to participate. Mackes said there would be enough cars for the supervisors to ride in the parade, but they did not give her an answer, seeming to indicate they might walk. She wants to know soon to arrange for cars if desired. On Sept. 10 all outgoing mail from the Kunkletown post office will be
hand-stamped with a sesquicentennial stamp. The 10th is the actual date of the
anniversary. Mackes asked for help on Sept. 8. The historical society plans to take down
and wash the framework on front of the old post office. The steps will be washed
to provide seating for watching the parade. By ELSA KERSCHNER Copies of the nuisance/pollution ordinance being considered by Eldred Township supervisors will be available for residents of the township. The planning commission was given two months to review it, and on Nov. 7 residents are invited to bring their opinions to the township meeting, 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building. Solicitor Wes Niemocynski said it was a "laundry list of observations on pollution, sewerage, light, noise, smoke - just an outline." Covered are things that can detract from the enjoyment of life by neighbors. One resident suggested mailing copies to all residents, but supervisor Steve Borger asked, "Do you know what that would cost?" Residents should provide input because they are going to have to live with it. Glenn Beers said all of the paperwork is necessary because 5 percent of the people have no respect for anyone. He also reminded people that the more ordinances there are, the less freedom they have. A neighbor complained about a dog kennel on Buskirk Lane which was conditionally approved in August. He wanted to know why the entire property did not have to be screened. Niemocynski said regulation of land use has to be reasonable. Requiring the entire property to be screened could be considered unreasonable if it went to court. The requirement to screen the commercial portion is reasonable. Beers said part of the decision making was staying in the bounds of a reasonable parameter. "It could have been up the hill and not by our house," said the neighbor. "What if the electricity goes off on her state-of-the-art fence?" He was told she was responsible for keeping the dogs on her property. The kennel owner, Lynell Jones, was sent an enforcement notice for a building permit violation. She is permitted to make improvements to the property before final approval. William Smith asked supervisors to give him a paper stating his 2.85-acre property was not accessible because of a steep bank along the road nor buildable. He was told to apply for a land development and be turned down for a sewerage permit, which would let the supervisors so stipulate - or go back to the courthouse and see if the chief assessor can help. Because the land is useless, he wants the assessed value lowered. A deed of dedication for roads in Pheasant Walk Estates was accepted. Roads have been brought up to specifications. The normal date for acceptance is June to Sept. 1. Supervisor Tracy Brotzman asked why the roads were being accepted after the cut-off date. Niemocynski said he drew up the resolution and it should have read "the first meeting of September" rather than Sept. 1. There is still time to have a state inspector check the roads and certify them for liquid fuel money. Supervisors voted to give the Monroe County Federation of Sportsmens' Clubs $100 toward a youth day. Youth pass through 14 stations learning about nature, guns, bow and arrows, fishing, and more. Richard Manfre of Haines and Kibblehouse agreed to help resolve problems concerning noise from trucks leaving the quarry. He said he was concerned about safe speeds and safe driving. He will talk to private haulers and try to alleviate problems for neighbors. Supervisor Tracy Brotzman brought up the subject of buying high-band radios for the township so it could be in touch with the fire company. Beers asked what the life span of the fire company radios was. Robert Silfies said, "Indefinitely." With the high-band radios and the tower there are few dead spots in the township, he said. "There is just no comparison with low-band." The fire company has an investment of $70,000 in the radios and doesn't intend to change. The subject will be kept on the agenda. At the Aug. 15 meeting code enforcement officer Christine Meinhart began proceedings against Youth Services of America for sewerage violations. It was decided to join with the other West End townships to form a regional comprehensive plan. Chestnuthill supervisor Chuck Gould wanted approval to receive $400,000 of Open Space money to purchase 244 acres on Merwine Hilltop Road as recreation land. It abuts 45 acres already owned by Chestnuthill. Approval has to be received from all four townships and the school district, with a deadline of Sept. 30. It was approved. The property will be open to Eldred residents. The Chestnut Ridge rail bed will be improved as a hiking and walking trail.
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"Lawmakers heard complaints from a Levittown homeowner whose house "This truly is the perfect financial storm," said Erie County schools Superintendent James Barker when speaking about the work done by Cole Layer & Trumble. AS Newsday made clear, Cole Layer & Trumble really messed up. Its a shame they didn't get it right the first time out, and resisted all efforts to correct itself, because then the people who will see tax increase would have had the opportunity to review their methodology and their valuation. - J.G. For its part, Cole Layer Trumble admits that in reassessing more than 400,000 properties, an error rate of about 10 percent occurred. That's over 40,000 properties that were incorrectly valued during reassessment. Bruce Nagel, Cole Layer Trumble's chief executive officer, said, "These measures [the assessments] are based on statistics. That doesn't mean there aren't mistakes." What the hell does that double negative mean Bruce? "Many people's taxes will be going up, and I think there is a large concern that the system was flawed,'' said Harvey Levinson, the county executive's special assistant for reassessment. "There are a lot of angry people out there!" Cole Layer Trumble was given a stern warning by Tom Suozzi last month. Telling them to, “Shape Up,” and correct mistakes that would cost taxpayers millions of dollars, Suozzi noted that those effected should take every means necessary to correct errors and contest over-taxation. Stopping short of admitting the re-val was flawed, the County Executive did admit that early warnings of problems with CLTs methodology were probably true. Visomirski said of the 500 homes he has looked at in Shaler and the surrounding area, about 180 or 36 % have some kind of description error. "And I'm just in a little area up here. Imagine what that must be throughout the county," he said. "The little guy gets screwed again -- can they afford a lawyer for their claim?" Lake County Assessor Paul Karras said. "The whole thing stunk right from the beginning." Last year, Christensen and a group of other taxpayers filed an Article 78 lawsuit against the city, alledging an arbitrary and capricious assessment which targeted newcomers and poor people. The city, and consultant firm Cole-Layer-Trumble, who performed the reevaluation, have denied the charges. The suit remains in court. Lee Acquista, the Erie County Assessment Board's lawyer said the board will meet "behind closed doors under a provision to the state Sunshine Act" that he said allows for private discussions about changes to policy. This practice seems to be the norm for Cole Layer & Trumble. Meeting behind closed doors with county assessors while hiding behind the "Sunshine Act". What is Cole Layer & Trumble Hiding from us?
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