Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 19, 1993 The Continued Board of Review was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Murzyn. ]. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW To review concerns presented to the Board of Review Hearing of April 5, 1993 with regard to property valuations as of January 2, 1993 and to consider adoption of the 1993 Assessment Rolls. 3. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUATIONS Representatives from Anoka County Assessor's Office present were Ed Thurston, Carroll McCain and Mary Boyle. Thurston stated that all of the properties on the list of the April 5th Board of Review, except those owned by Lee Stauch, were reviewed and staff is prepared to discuss them. The April 19, 1993 report prepared by Carrol McCain was reviewed case by case. Ken HentGes, owner of Columbia Metal Fab, distributed a letter from the owner of Lance Tank and an amended statement from his own business which Gave the correct square footage of his property and buildinG. Mr. HentGes cited a number of examples of buildings in the City which appear to have a lower value placed on them and are similar to his buildinG. He noted that the CarGill property would sell for 55 cents Der foot whereas his building was placed at $2.00 per square foot. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the CarGill building was unusual as the company wanted to Get rid of it quickly. He also noted that Hennepin County Gave it to Columbia HeiGhts at a "bargain" price of 55 cents for the same reason. Ms. Boyle advised that sales are used for comparisons. Councilmember Ruettimann inquired if comparables in other cities were used as there are many variables. Ms. Boyle responded that other cities properties are used for comparison. Mr. HentGes noted there were some other situations which should impact on the valuation of a buildinG. Ms. Boyle stated that values are adjusted for location, building age, building size and other factors. CONTINUED BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 19, 1993 PAGE 2 Gary Dooner, owner of DuAll, stated that all that is being requested is fairness. He and Mr. HentGes did not agree that to be a comparable the building had to be sold. Ms. Boyle noted this is the standard used. COUNCIL ACTIONS RE: SPECIFIC CASES Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to adopt the assessment rolls based on the recommendations made at this meeting per the April 19, 1993 memo from Carro! McCain, Anoka County Appraiser. Councilmember Peterson felt that some 39th Avenue property owners had done a tremendous amount of work to find an agreeable value for their properties based on comparables. He noted that it appears that County personnel have been rather slow in handling their responsiblities. He questioned why there was such an extended delay. Thurston responded that they are making a concerted effort but these are complex properties to determine a fair value. Councilmember Ruettimann inquired what future actions these property owners can take. Mr. HentGes advised that an appeal must be filed by May 15th. June 17th is the date of the County's Board of Equalization. Councilmember Ruettimann inquired if the property owners from 39th Avenue and County staff can meet by that date and resolve some of their differences. Mr. Thurston felt this was possible. Roll call: All ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Nawrocki, second by Clerkin to adjourn the Continued Board of Review at 7:20 p.m. Rol~al~ All ayes_ //~~''~'F~~' o~,~,~_' Mayor ~'onald J. M~r~'yn,~/Jr. -Anne- student,~Council Secretary OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT MEARING APRIL 19, 1993 The Public Improvement Hearing was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Mayor Murzyn. 1.. ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present 2. PURPOSE OF MEETING Public Improvement Hearing to consider two projects; sealcoating of streets in the Northwest Quadrant and hazardous sidewalk repair throughout the City. 3. SEALCOATING IN THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT a. Presentation of Information by Staff The Public Works Director explained the sealcoating procedure. He advised that the costs were estimates only and he reviewed the assessment policy. He also noted that if the bids came in ten percent higher than the estimates the hearing is re- opened. Using an overhead, the area for sealcoating was reviewed. Streets which were not included in the project were noted by the Public Works Director. Some residents present requested that City staff oversee this project as they felt there were projects done in the City which were not done well. One resident felt the costs should be paid by all residents rather than just those who live on the project's streets. Councilmember Ruettimann advised that the City Council is establishing a fund to cover the costs of very costly projects. Funds from this source would not be available for projects such as this sealcoating project. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he is prepared to propose the engineering and administration costs associated with this project, which is about 15% of the total project costs, be paid by the City. He also indicated his intention to pursue having Anoka County perform the functions related to special assessments for the City. He sees this change as a potential cost saving. An apartment owner felt having these improvements paid for from taxes was advantageous as they are tax deductible whereas assessments are not. Assessment policies of other municipalities were discussed. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT MEARING APRIL 19, 1993 PAGE 2 b. Consideration of Resolution Motion by Ruettimann, second by Clerkin to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available to the public. Roll call: All ayes Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki to add to the resolution a section which states that the Public Hearing will be reopened if the costs exceed the estimates by ten percent. Roll call: All ayes Motion to amend by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that the policy would be that administrative and engineering costs will not be part of the assessment but will be paid by the City. Councilmember Ruettimann stated his willingness to second this amendment is based on Councilmember Nawrocki's guarantee that if the fund is completely depleted the Council will put it back in the budget next year. Councilmember Nawrocki felt no one could make that guarantee. Councilmember Ruettimann also had concern with approving using monies from this fund without knowing the actual costs for this project. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the administrative and engineering costs would total approximately $30,000 as stated in the estimates. The fund has about $300,000 in it which he felt is more than enough money to start implementing a .policy of paying a portion of assessment costs. Councilmember Peterson inquired if Councilmember Nawrocki would be inclined to pay the administrative and engineering costs for every future assessable project. Councilmember Nawrocki responded he would have no problem with that. Roll call on the amendment: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 93 - 17 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights on the 8th day of February, 1993 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owner, and WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a Council Meeting on the 19th day of Apri'l, '1993, and PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING APRIL 19, 1993 PAGE 3 WHEREAS, the Council determines to proceed with this local improvement, a portion of the cost being defrayed by special assessments under Charter provisions. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: That the location and extent to such improvements is as follows: Sealcoating streets of all bituminous City streets in the Northwest Quadrant of the City (Area I) or that part bounded by but not including University Avenue Service Road on the west, 44th Avenue N.E. on the south, Central Avenue on the east and 53rd Avenue N.E. on the north. The boundary streets between the Cities of Columbia Heights and Hilltop are included in the project. Work would include selective concrete curb and gutter replacement, bituminous surface patching and sealcoat application. 2. That the materials to be used are as follows: Miscellaneous concrete curb repair, bituminous patching, asphalt emulsion and sealcoat aggregate. o That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvements has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed improvements, which be deemed benefitted thereby, were properly notified of said hearings, and o That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained. o That the City Manager shall proceed with taking of bids for the improvements, or portions of the improvements as stated herein. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. #886 - Project 9301. If the cost, after receiving the bids, exceeds 10% of the estimate, the public hearing will be reopened. That the policy would be that administrative and engineering costs will not be part of the assessment but will be paid by the City. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING APRIL 19, 1993 PAGE 4 Passed this lgth day of April, 1993. Offered by: Ruettimann Seconded by: Clerkin Roll call: All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary 4. HAZARDOUS SIDEWALK REPAIR a. Presentation of Information by Staff Mark Winson, Public Works Director, reviewed the criteria for a hazardous sidewalk designation. He also explained the policy for a property owner installing his/her own sidewalk and the permit requirements. The Council received a copy of a city map detailing the proposed replacement of sidewalk. A list was in the agenda packet which included comments/remarks received by property owners who will be affected by this project. Councilmember Nawrocki advised he cannot approve the project the way it is being proposed. He feels that only ten percent of those sidewalks in the project need to be done. b. Discussion on Policy/Proposal by Residents 3942 Second Street: Property owner felt his sidwalk was damaged ~hen the sewer was put in which he reported to the City in 1973. ]011 43rd Avenue: Feels this avenue should be exempted as half of it has sidewalk and half of it does not. She noted that some of the residents want all of the sidewalk removed and rep]aced with sod. The City Manager advised that a petition to this affect should be presented to the Council at a regular council meeting. 947 43rd Avenue: Wants sidewalk removed but wants new curbs. 4024 Fifth Street: Felt the sidewalk was fine until new street was put in. 964 42nd Avenue: He still assessment. has a balance on his last 4428 Madison Street: This person is on a fixed income and received two assessment statements in the same mail.' PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING APRIL 19, 1993 PAGE 5 o Councilmember Ruettimann suggested that perhaps the HRA could be of help to this resident in pursuing grant funds. Councilmember Nawrocki received a call from the property owner at 4345 Fifth Street who is in similar circumstances. 3811 Tyler Street: This property owner wants his sidewalk repaired. 4034 Sixth Street: The sidewalk at this address is not broken but rather heaved because of an elm tree. She would prefer to leave the sidewalk in its present condition until the tree is removed. 3991Resevoir Boulevard: She wants her sidewalk repaired. 4940 Washinq~on Street: Wants his sidewalk left alone. 4219 Jackson Street: He has observed some sidewalk in poor condition which has not been marked for repair. Councilmember Ruettimann inquired if some property owners who want their sidewalk repaired could purchase off the City's concrete contract if this project is denied. The Public Works Director responded this is possible. Motion by Clerkin, second by Nawrocki to deny the hazardous sidewalk project and to direct staff to send a letter to each parcel regarding the denial and if the property owner would like some work done they should notify staff to include their request 'in the miscellaneous concrete proposals. Roll call: Nawrocki, C]erkin, Ruettimann, Peterson - aye Murzyn - nay Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to authorize staff to solicit bids for the 1993 Miscellaneous Concrete Project. Councilmember Ruettimann requested staff not to go out for bids until ample time, about two weeks, has passed after the letters regarding the project denial are sent to affected property owners. Roll call: Ail ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to adjourn the Public Improvement Hearing at 11:15 p.m. Roll call: All ayes Ma~-6'r ~onald-J. ~r~yn,~rSr. o~Anne Student, Council Secretary