HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 9, 1992OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
BOARD OF REVIEW
APRIL 9, 1992
Mayor Murzyn called the Board of Review to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present
2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW
City Manager Anderson stated that the purpose of the Board of
Review is to review valuations of properties in Columbia
HeiGhts as of January 2, 1992 and to hear appeals from
citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions regarding
property valuations.
3. INTRODUCTIONS
The City ManaGer introduced Ed Thurston, Chief Appraiser for
Anoka County and Carrol McCain, the Anoka County Appraiser who
reviews residential properties in Columbia Heights.
4. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUATIONS
Mayor Murzyn referred to a letter received from the property
owner at 1213 42nd Avenue. She feels the valuation placed on
her property is too high. McCain stated she will follow
through on this concern.
Hoium, 4321 Fifth Street - This resident has questions
regarding the office building located on Central Avenue at
40th. He had received incorrect information regarding the
original value of this buildinG, the valuation of the building
for 1991 and the delinquent taxes owed. He was advised that
the building is in receivership.
Sichak, 4535 Tyler Street - This property owner stated that
his value had decreased $2,300 yet his property tax increased.
McCain reported that homes comparable to his are selling at a
lesser price. Values of comparable properties are part of the
formula used to set valuations. She noted that five percent
was also allowed for location.
Mr. Sichak, who is a thirty-five year resident, felt the
situations around his neighborhood could be more effectively
addressed by the Council and by the Police Department. Members
of the Council and of City staff noted they were aware what
has been happening in this area and have been very aggressive
in solving some of the problems.
BOARD OF REVIEW
APRIL 9, 1992
PAGE 2
Mayor Murzyn cited the Housing Maintenance Code as one of the
tools being employed by the City to resolve some of the
problems in Mr. Sichak's neighborhood. He noted that actions
taken by the City must be in accordance with the law and not
violate anyone's right to privacy. The Mayor will follow up on
Mr. Sichak's concern regarding long term parking of vehicles
on his street.
Councilmember Ruettimann advised that only twenty-three cents
out of every property tax dollar goes to the City. He
acknowledged there are problems in Mr. Sichak's area and they
are being addressed through ordinance and code changes. Also,
he noted that any actions taken by the City must be done
within the framework of what could be defended in a court of
law. Other alternatives being looked at are a pattern of
repeated calls to the Police Department and the Rescue Squad
as well as denying relicensing to a landlord who does not
maintain his property.
The City Manager noted that police activity is prioritized and
parking violations frequently are not responded to
immediately, but patrolling in this area is done on rather a
regular basis. He also stated that property tax increases,
which averaged eighteen percent, were made to compensate for
the cuts in Local Government Aids from the State.
Mr. Klempka, 4510 Tyler Street, suggested that the police
service to Hilltop cease and this additional service be done
in Columbia Heights. He was aware that city officials cannot
approach renters about objectionable behavior, but felt the
City could confront landlords about their tenants.
Janet Ridler, who owns a building at 4025 University Avenue,
felt she paid very high property taxes and noted that the
roadway in front of her building was in very poor condition.
She operates a daycare center and questioned if she would
qualify for a tax exemption. Thurston responded she would have
to apply for a tax exempt status through the State and must be
a not-for-profit organization.
The owner of 616 Sullivan Drive was told by the developer of
Sullivan Shores that his taxes would remain at $1,200. He
noted they have steadily risen since he purchased the
property. Discussion continued regarding the services he
actually receives from the City and he felt they should have
included snow removal. He was advised when this development
was put in that the streets were privately owned as requested
by the developer. The association dues paid by the owners in
the development cover snow removal and some other items.
BOARD OF REVIEW
APRIL 9, 1992
PAGE 3
Councilmember Nawrocki inquired if anyone had contacted the
School Board regarding property tax increases. Nearly sixty
percent of the property tax dollar goes to the School
District.
Mr. Snelson, 2200 Highland Place, had questions concerning his
valuation. McCain noted she had viewed the home and offered to
have another appraiser view the property.
Councilmember Nawrocki made some comments regarding many of
the concerns which were expressed. He suggested that the owner
of a townhome at Sullivan Shores compare the services he
receives for his tax dollar in Columbia Heights to those he
received from Minneapolis. The percentage of the tax dollar in
Minneapolis which goes for city services is considerably
higher in Minneapolis and the services are much less.
He stated that members of the Council are very aware of what
has been happening in the 45th to 46th Avenue, Tyler, Taylor
and Pierce Street area, and have been diligently trying to
reach solutions. Councilmember Nawrocki recommended that
residents call members of the City Council if they feel they
are not satisfactorily responded to by City staff.
Chuck Ramath, who owns a seven unit apartment building at 529
Mill Street, stated there is considerable disruptive behavior
displayed by people who use Murzyn Hall, which is directly
across the street from his building. He and his tenants have
cleaned up debris left in the yard from some of the activties
in Murzyn Hall. Mr. Ramath suggested that the security be
increased and the deposit be increased so this type of
activity would be stopped.
Mr. Ramath reviewed the increase in the value and the property
taxes experienced since 1986. While he is supportive of the
Housing Maintenance Code he noted that it has required both
maintenance as well as improvements, which have been costly to
landlords. He has not rented any of his units to Section 8
recipients, but has observed that some landlords in the City
have so they are guaranteed 'top dollar' for rent. He is of
the opinion that tenants are not the same as six or seven
years ago.
In reviewing the water consumption by the tenants in his seven
unit buildinG, he concluded usage is the same as three houses.
He is billed for seven units and was advised by City staff
this billing will continue.
BOAiRD OF REVIEW
APRIL 9, 1992
PAGE 4
Mr. Ramath stated he received very tardy notices of meetings
where the Housing Maintenance Code was to be discussed. He
could not attend any of these meetings and requested if this
type of situation developed in the future that landlords be
advised of them by mail.
Mr. Ramath also noted that it takes considerable time to evict
a tenant and is very costly. He felt this should be a
consideration when approaching a landlord about the behavior
of tenants. Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that this
observation is analogous to the City's enforcement of the
Housing Maintenance Code.
Councilmember Nawrocki noted that a few years ago, people
purchased apartment buildings primarily to make a profit, and
secondarily to house people. This has changed with the tax law
changes.
COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES
Thurston will follow up with the concerns of Ms. Kocur.
Mr. Klemke and Mr. Sichak will visit with McCain regarding
their concerns and will contact members of the Council if they
feel their complaints are not acted on.
Mr. Snelson stated he does not desire another reviewal by a
different appraiser, but was only looking for an explanation
of the differences between fair market value and taxable
value.
CONTINUANCE OF BOARD OF REVIEW
Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to continue the Board of
Review until the ReGular Council Meeting on Monday, April 27,
1992 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: All ayes