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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 17, 1989OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 17, 1989 Mayor Hadtrath called the Board of Review to order at 7:00 p.m.. l. Roll Call Paulson, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Hadtrath - present 2. Statement of Purpose of the Board of Review To review property valuations as of January 2, 1989, and to ~ear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions regarding property valuations. Mayor Hadtrath advised those in attendance that this meeting was for the purpose of questioning valuations. He felt many valuations would be considered too high and noted that the only ones who could change the formual for valuing were state legislators. 3. Introductions The Mayor introduced Ed Thurston, Anoka County's Chief Appraiser and Carrol McCain, Appraiser for the City of Columbia Heights. 4. Questions and Answers Regarding Property Valuations 999 41st Avenue, LaBelle Ill - Hamilton, Gallus, Morin and Wright: A number of property owners in LaBelle Condos Ill inquired why their valuations increased on their garages. They were advised that the major portion of the homestead credit had been used on their housing units and that there was little or nothing left of the credit for use on the garages. When the residents inquired why they receive two tax statements, one for the unit and one for the garage stall, they were advised by the Appraiser that this procedure was at the request of the condo developer. Councilmember Petkoff advised them to discuss this with their Resident Association and request a change from the Anoka County Assessor's Office. The change of one statement rather than two could be made. Discussion contined regarding the decrease in the selling price for units in LaBelle Ill. Some of the units had been sold by the developer at a greatly reduced price. One of the residents of the condos noted that there presently is a court case pending against the developer for underselling these units. 4333 Monroe Street - Hanson: The owner of this property inquired why the valuation of his property had risen. McCain advised that the selling price of comparable homes in his area was used to determine the valuation. The value of his land has also increased. 4142 Seventh Street - Erspringer: This property was viewed by the Appraiser in November of 1986. At that point in time its valuation was decreased $2,300. The value had already been decreased 5% because it was overbuilt and there are no comparable homes in the area. It also has two garages, one attached and one freestanding. The Appraiser will view. this property again. 3970 Tyler Street - Zemke: The owner of this property noted that her valuation had increased $1,100 since last year. Her home is 39 years old. McCain advised her that the value of her 60 foot lot had increased as had the value of her home which is an expansion (1½ story). One and one half story homes are selling very well in the City, especially with First Time Homebuyers funds. Another revlewal of this property will be done. Board of Review April 17, 1989 page 2 4615 Chatham Road - Damerow: This property was viewed in 1989. Value increased from $64,400 in 1986 to $71,000 in 1989. The value of the 52 foot lot had decreased $600. This is an expansion home and expansion homes are selling very well in the City. McCain will pull her review papers on this property and contact the owner. 3806 2½ Street - Symanski: This property owner questioned wh~.ther his overhang was included in his valuation. The Appr'alser spoke to him privately. 4070 Maureen Drive - Ranallo: This property owner will-be contacted by the Appraiser by phone as she was unable to stay at the Board of Review. 2133 N. Upland Crest - Shoenhofen: This property was viewed in November of 1988. The owner noted that his valuation has steadily increased since 1986 and he had done nothing to improve the property except install air condi- tioning. The Appraiser advised that the land value had increased but she will view the property again. 4748 Fourth Street - Kaczor: This property owner purchased his home ten months ago and the valuation was increased $7,300 since the purchase. He felt he was being pehalized. The Appraiser viewed the worksheet on this property. An appraiser will view the property again. 4456 Seventh Street - Norber~-: This property is rental property and the owner felt because the valuation is so high it is difficult to rent to low income persons as the rent must remain rather high to accommodate the taxes. He also feels low income persons are being disenfranchised from renting decent housing because of the high valuations being placed on this type of property. He is of the opinion that all property owners should contact their legislators as they are the persons responsible for the formula used to determine valuations. 1827 41st Avenue - Hayoz: The owner of this property feels the valuation is too high. The home is 65 years old. McCain noted that the land value increased $3,100 but the property does receive a 31% depreciation factor as it is 65 years old. She will contact this owner with the sale prices of comparable homes in his area. 1213 42nd Avenue - Koc'ur: Mayor Hadtrath read a letter received from this property owner stating her disagreement with the valuation placed on her property. Previously McCain spoke to this party on the phone and had advised her that her land value had increased $400 but the value of her house had decreased. 4301 Fifth Street - Hoium: The property owner adjacent to this parcel, Mr. Hoium, inquired what the lot value of 4301 Fifth Street is. He also inquired if the City of Minneapolis paid taxes on the property owned by Minneapolis but located in Columbia Heights. The City Manager responded that Minneapolis is a city of the first class and by statute cities of the first class are not obligated to pay any taxes to other municipalities. 2200 Highland__Place - Snelson: The valuation of this property increased $7,000 in the last two years and the owner felt this increase was not justified. The Appraiser stated that sales of surrounding and similar Board of Review April 1~7, 1989 page 3 properties increased the value of this home. She will view the property again. Ed Thurston, Chief Appraiser, noted that if equitable valuations are not maintained by the County, the State would come into a city and make the value~ equitable. He stated that this had happened in Anoka County in the past. One property owner felt that taxes would increase even if the values didn't change. The City Manager advised that the City's tax levy for 1989 was lower than that for 1988. He stated that tax increases from other juris- dictions, such as the School District and the County, not just from the City's portion of the levy. He noted that changes are also made by the Legislature. In response to a resident's comment that the City's tax base has shrunk, the City Manager advised that the tax base has not substantially changed in our City in the last four years. He also noted that the taxes the City generates are not affected by its tax increment districts. 5. Council Action Regardi?g Specific Cases The Council took no action on specific cases at this time, noting that many of the properties in question will be viewed again by staff from the Assessor's Office. 6. Recommendations Motion by Peterson, second by Carlson to continue the Board of Review meeting to Monday, April 24, 1989 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of hearing additional information regarding only those property values appealed and discussed on April 17, 1989, and to consider adoption of the 1989 Property Assessment Rolls. Roll call: All ayes The Board of Review meeting was recessed at 8:55 p.m. until April 24, 1989 at 7:00 p.m..