HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19, 2004 Board of Review
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 19, 2004
The following are the minutes of the BOARD OF REVIEW for the City of Columbia Heights City Council held
at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 590 40th Avenue N.E.,
Columbia Heights, MN.
BOARD OF REVIEW
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Wyckoff, Councilmember Williams, Councilmember Nawrocki, Councilmember Ericson,
Councilmember Kelzenberg
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF RE VIEW
Wyckoff indicated the purpose of the Board of Review is to review property valuations as of January 2,
2004 for taxes payable 2005, and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions
regarding property valuations.
INTRODUCTION
W alt Fehst, City Manager, introduced the Anoka County Residential Appraiser Arlene Andrea.
QUSTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUES
Citizen in attendance was given an opportunity to raise questions regarding his property valuation.
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Harold Hoium, 43 15 5 Street, was present and only wished his attendance be noted on the record.
Mayor Julienne Wyckoff, 4261 Reservoir Boulevard, requested information on her property. Andrea stated
it went up $20,400 as land values and per square foot costs have inc reased. $20,000 was quite average for
value increases.
Nawrocki stated the booklet prepared by the County was very useful and had good information included. He
noted that starting in 2006 the local Board of Review would be required to include someone who has
completed a course on appeals within in the last four years. Nawrocki referred to page 11 regarding
valuations. Andrea stated Wyckoff’s increase was ten percent. Nawrocki stated that on page 11 it indicates
the average increase was four and one - half p ercent for 2004. Andrea indicated that question would have to
be addressed by the County Assessor, as the individual increases show a different percentage. Nawrocki
stated that compared to his statement and two other properties he was aware of, the 4.5 per cent would be
low. He asked that the County Assessor send him an answer. Nawrocki also questioned the ratio study
figure.
Williams questioned page four and the amount of area visited each year. Andrea stated that in the past
homes were visited every four years, but now homes will be visited every five years.
Williams questioned commercial assessment and values versus the for sale price. Andrea stated appraisals
are based on the value, not on the asking price. Williams asked if the value of an improved p roperty would
increase the value of an adjacent lot. Andrea stated she was not sure if only one commercial sale would
affect area properties. Williams referred to property owner’s asking prices being much higher than their
assessed value. Nawrocki stated t hat the price someone asks is not the value placed on it, but at some point
City Council Minutes
April 19, 2003
Page 2 of 2
sale of properties does come into play. Williams referred to the City’s purchase of the Beecroft property and
two residential homes on Central Avenue. Andrea stated that sales to g overnmental agencies are not used as
part of the ratio. Williams indicated he would telephone the commercial appraiser.
Wyckoff read a portion of the tax statement, which indicates assessors are required to value at current
market value. Fehst indicated the description on page six referred to this.
Fehst questioned the number of commercial establishments that appeal their taxes. Andrea stated that most
appeals are negotiated and do not make it to court. Fehst referred to the inconvenience of working wi th
owners that do not want to sell. He suggested the commercial appraiser attend a City Council work session
to discuss this with the Council.
Hoium questioned the value of all property in the city. Andrea stated the total 2004 Market Value of
exempt a nd forfeit properties is $1,323,293,200.
COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES OR CASES ON WHICH ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION IS DESIRED
Motion
by Williams, second by Kelzenberg, to adopt the 2004 Assessment Rolls as presented. Upon vote:
Motion carried
All ayes. .
ADJOURN
Mayor Wyckoff adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
_______________________________
Patricia Muscovitz, CMC
Deputy City Clerk/Council Secretary